Lexicon of Blog Types

Although blogging has only been around about a decade, the formula has exploded across the Worldwide Web. According to BlogPulse, there were 152 million blogs on the Internet as of 2010. And although most bloggers do it as a hobby -- about 60 perscent -- the ranks of full-time and part-time professional bloggers increased to 18 percent of the blogosphere, according to Technorati.

Just as any veteran newspaper reporter knows the difference between a news profile and a personality profile, bloggers have developed their own recognizable conventions of form and content. Below are the most common types of blogs to model:

• The Diary Blog — Just like the paper version, collects a persons private thoughts, feelings and doings; intended for the writer or small circle of family and friends.

• The Filter Blog — Filters the Web for good or interesting or unusual items, summarizes the item and links to it. The most common type of blog.

• The News Blog, Themed — Brings originally written reports or filters the Web for news on a particular topic, such as professional football or rap music.

• The News Blog, Unthemed — Same as above, but covers the waterfront.

• The Project Blog — Follows the writer as she or he embarks on a project, like building a house, with frequent updates on the steps along the way.

• The How-To Blog — Walks the reader through the steps of a certain project or task, like how to knit a blanket, with detailed instructions and expert advice.

• The Review Blog, Culture — Cultural criticism of arts, entertainment and cultural fields, from movies and fashion to architecture and food. Also often serves a preview function.

• The Review Blog, Consumer — Like the above, but focusing on products and services, such as the latest iPhone app.

Remember that in addition to being types of blogs, you can think of these as types of blog posts as well. Add variety to your blog by alternating post types if you like.

Happy blogging!