Blogs, Tags and Memes 101
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 Many of my friends and family don't know what blogs are and have questions about the blog community and culture. I was tagged by Connie, a woman I met via blogging [yes, you can meet real people who aren't criminals or stalkers while blogging], with a photo meme a week or so ago. Before I post my photo, allow me to define a few terms. Em. Don't click away, this is for you.
Blogs
According to Wickipedia:
A blog (a contraction of the term "Web log") is a Web-site,
usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary,
descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video.
Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog"
can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
There are many kinds of blogs. Some people use them as a family scrapbook, not intended for public consumption. Some blogs are very poetic and creative - a writer's blog - and others showcase photography. Some are gritty and raw - very fun to read, and many are completely anonymous, which is helpful if you want to stretch your gritty and raw muscles. Anything a person could have an interest in or desire to do with a blog - exists. I like them all (well, many of them), and there's a place for each voice.
What is my blog? I don't know. I'll let you know when I figure it out in a few years, when I also figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
In summary, Em, a blog is anything the owner of the blog wants it to be. You should start one. It's fun.
Tagged
When one blogger tags another, they've simply identified them within their post and are requesting or urging that person to participate in the meme or writing/photo exercise. Sometimes you don't know you've been tagged unless you read the actual blog, sometimes you get an email notification or the blogger leaves a comment on your blog.
Meme
In the simplest of terms for a non-blogger, a meme is like a chain letter. Someone starts something and tags other bloggers, who ideally continue the process. I pronounce it with a long "e" like "dream", although I've heard people say it like "mem" in "memory".
Wickipedia says this:
A meme (pronounced /miːm/)[1]
consists of any idea or behavior that can pass from one person to
another by learning or imitation. Examples include thoughts, ideas,
theories, gestures, practices, fashions, habits, songs, and dances.
Memes propagate themselves and can move through the cultural
sociosphere in a manner similar to the contagious behavior of a virus.
- ^ "meme" at The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition, 2000
Moving On
Connie tagged me with a meme where you post the sixth photo found within your sixth photo album. I'm organized in many areas of my life, but not the photo area. I looked through many photos currently on our computer and landed on one to share.
We were trying to take a photo of all three boys for our 2005 Christmas letter and Toddler Child - who was three months old - would not smile. I did whatever I could to over-stimulate him and make him smile.
This was the closest we got to a decent photo, then the camera broke.
We finally got a shot with a standby 35mm camera, and a different pose. I would post it if the new scanner we recently purchased wasn't still in the garage in it's box. Chris.
Anyone who wants to participate in the "Sixth of the Sixth" meme - please do!
Reader Comments (16)
Mrs. D. - Oldest Boy got glasses when he was 6-ish, can't remember in THIS moment. I'm enjoying wine. Those frames are Ralph Lauren, and he finally switched to a Ray Ban frame in May. He still looks handsome though. He's 11 now - just FYI. I also know what you mean.
Kate - Thank you. If I lived closer, I'd help you wrangle those kiddos in for a pic - even if they're crying - sometimes those are the cutest, most honest photos.
Vodkamom - I LOVE YOU!!! Cheers!
Cute pic and idea.
http://unmitigated.typepad.com/unmitigated/2008/10/a-rare-gem.html
I'm off to eat my cereal. Oh, and I get 1/8 of a banana too! Yay!
DaGoddess - Just keep posting photos. They're all wonderful.
Deidre - He has much more hair now. It's always a mess.
Corbie - I tried to find a REALLY great photo of myself too. I like your strategy. Couldn't find what I was looking for though.
Claire! - Thank you! Promise you'll help me? I'll email you later. XO
PRD - The neck attack...gets em even when they're like ....41 ;)
Tristan - I'm so proud of you. Tristan is actually responsible for my recent illness, because she made me go to a yoga class and use a PUBLIC mat. A PUBLIC mat with PUBLIC germs. Anyway...keep up the good work with getting fit and exercising. When you feel weak, just call me. Just say "no" to the burrito!
And your post is perfect for the non-bloggers who come around!