Thing 1: Blogging

On Blogger:
I've discovered that (for me, at least) the hardest part of setting up a blog is naming it. So many options, so many characteristics that I could use to identify myself. Simple is better, or easiest: La Rubia = the Blonde. It's also what everyone called me when I was abroad in Spain because there were two of us with the same first name.

Other than the name, setting up a blog was pretty simple for me. Just fill in the blanks and click "create blog." My only problems with Blogger have been personal issues with remembering passwords for Blogger Book Club, but that's my fault, not the internet's.

On library blogs:
I hadn't really looked at library blogs before, so they were interesting and amusing to read. Michael Stephens' Tame the Web blog is one I had heard of, but never checked out before. It was a bit more technical than I was looking for, especially after the really funny "A Librarian's Guide to Etiquette." That one was quite amusing to read and gave me better an idea of what crazy things people experience in public libraries. The others were somewhat interesting, but these two stuck out in my mind the most.

On our library:
For our library, blogging might be a good way to keep in touch with other staff and stay informed about what's happening. I don't see blogging as an effective way to reach out to the community beyond building the Social Network in its current form. Perhaps within the social network, blogs could be created on different topics/genres/book discussions, but the message board currently functions in that role. Staff blogs kept up for professional (and personal) use might be nice to promote staff unity/effectiveness/relationships.

On blogs (and talking to myself):
And blogs are a great thing, if that's what you're interested in. I, personally, have never successfully kept a diary or journal because I never really have much to say to myself (which is how it sometimes feels to me). If I had something interesting to say, then maybe I would keep/use a blog. The good thing about Playtime is that you'll tell me what to write about!