Jorn Barger, Creator Of Term ‘Weblog’, Goes Back To Basics On 10th Anniversary

The evolutionary gem known as the blog has come a long way since its official origin back in the mid ‘90s. Jorn Barger, dubbed the designer of the term “weblog” (and it’s definition), claims to have started the trend – now a phenomenon of global proportions – by assembling a daily catalogue of links amassed from “travels across the Web.” How interesting, then, it is to find that, some 10 years since its basic introduction, the core of the concept as it was first put into practice is still the essence of much of what occurs in the weblog realm to this day.

In celebration of the term’s founding, Wired.com gave Mr Barger the option to chart out the basics of what a blog should be. He of course made the most of the opportunity, and presented ten tips (or would “commandments” be a more fitting label?) for all to consider when putting together that next post.

We won’t bother to reiterate them all. You can hit the source if need be. Instead, we’ll just touch upon a few selections we found of especial interest.

#1. A true weblog is a log of all URLs you want to save or share.

Barger means that in a very simple and straightforward way. Think Del.icio.us, he says, as opposed to Blogger. (And WordPress and Typepad, etc.) Which, we have to say, we totally get. It’s pretty much about structuring a weblog to suit a particular, personal aim. If you regularly chart places of interest on the Web, readers more easily see how you view things. Which is important. Preferences tell quite a lot about a person or group of people.

#7. Credit the source that led you to (a page; an idea), so your readers have the option of “moving upstream.”

Yes, it’s crucial to the development of the virtual ecosystem to give credit where credit is due. You consult a news source (as we’ve done here with Wired; others do the same for us, too) for information, that news source documents its own sources. And so the wheel keeps turning.

#10. Re-post your favorite links from time to time.

This is just sensible. Publications should never assume all readers have been readers since Day/Week/Month 1. Chances are a good portion come about for the first time after a decent amount of history has been chronicled. People like trustworthiness and consistency and all that great stuff. So they naturally tend to enjoy more things that have some measure of longevity to them. Occasional repetition is good. It helps keep everyone in the loop. If anything, it offers the impression of foundation.

All in all, Barger provides some items one would do well to keep in mind. Sure, they’re all more or less obvious in their message. But hey, obvious is better than obscure. Clarity is never to be underappreciated.

Here’s to last ten years, Jorn. Cheers. May the next ten be ever more magnificent.