I've developed this theory that there are ten different categories of blog. First I'm going to list those ten categories, then I'm going to click on this random blog link twenty times to see if I can find one of each. Let's see how I do...
1) Blogs that go on and on (and on and on) about Bush, Blair and impending war: Look, I know that this Iraq crisis is important, and I know that it could have huge implications, and I know that there are major impenetrable international disagreements at the highest level, and I know that many of you have extremely strong beliefs you don't think any politicians are listening to, and I know that children'll probably be studying this in history books in a hundred years time, but look, it's all supposition at the moment, nothing's actually happened, and reading you lot droning on and on about who thinks what and what might maybe possibly be happening to whom makes for mind-numbingly tedious blogging. Freedom of speech is a great thing, don't get me wrong, but just don't expect me to read any of it.
Example found in twenty random clicks: Pollitics as usual
2) Tech blogs: Given that weblogs originally evolved from online lists of personal web links, it comes as no surprise that the internet is chock-full of wired-up computer bloggers writing about firewalls, rss feeds, Linux, warchalking and buffer overflow. Oddly none of them seem to have any opinions on impending war, while none of the war-obsessed bloggers seem to know their OS from their XP.
Example found in twenty random clicks: Epeus' epigone
3) Blogs about nothing much. "I woke up this morning, I had a cup of coffee, I texted Shaz, it was pizza for lunch, in the afternoon I looked out of the window, did you see Fame Academy I did. Actually I don't know why I have a blog because I doubt it's of any relevance to anybody else, not even to Shaz."
Example found in twenty random clicks: Footsteps
4) Blogs by people who have nothing to do at work: Me, I have work to do at work. Some people seem to have no work to do at work, but use the internet and a blogging as a way to fill the working day. Their blogs make the net a richer place as a result, but I think I'm glad I have work to do at work.
Example found in twenty random clicks: binkley's blog
5) Blogs that haven't been updated in ages: It's easy to start writing a blog. It's easy to write a post or two while the novelty of web publishing is still fresh. Then you run out of inspiration and you're not quite sure what to write any more. Then there are long gaps between posts, until eventually you abandon your site altogether, often hogging a really good URL that other people could do something useful with (and yes geezer, I am thinking of you!).
Example found in twenty random clicks: wisdom of the fly
6) Anorak blogs: Some people have one abiding interest in life. It could be diesel locomotives or parrots or DIY or post-modernist architecture or baseball but, whatever the interest, these people are intent on telling you all about it, in enormous detail. Should you happen to share that interest, this is the page for you. Isn't it wonderful how blogging allows everyone to post their innermost thoughts, hourly.
Example found in twenty random clicks: obliterated
7) Evangelising blogs: These are just like anorak blogs, except that the author is especially keen to convince you to share his (or her (no, to be honest, always his)) particular interest. They're not all religious either.
Example found in twenty random clicks: He lives
8) Blogs that look great: Some blogs are beautifully designed, with all the frames in the right place, the font carefully selected, and icons and images laid out and balanced to perfection. Often the writing's as interesting as the design, although that's not always the case.
Example found in twenty random clicks: portage
9) Blogs that are being written only because nobody else will listen: If you're a person with a crowded mind and lots of things to say, but nobody to say them to, blogging can be a fantastic outlet. The medium really helps because you can remain anonymous, safe in the knowledge that there need never be any comeback. Better out than in, but it's always just a little bit sad that there's no other way of letting it out.
Example found in twenty random clicks: nelsonia
10) Blogs that are actually worth reading: If you're in my sidebar then you're a category 10. Thank goodness there are plenty of other category 10 blogs out there as well too.
Example found in twenty random clicks: OK, maybe there aren't quite as many of these out there as I thought.
