Online+Journals

=What is an Online Journal?=

toc Online journals are often confused with weblogs. It must be noted that online journals and weblogs are two separate concepts, despite their similarity in structure. To begin on a chronological level, online journals and diaries have been around since approximately the beginning of the World Wide Web in 1994, whereas weblogs did not come up until approximately 1998 (Ozawa, 2001). This difference in time is a starting point to demonstrate the differential origins of online journals and weblogs.

=Distinguishing Factors of Online Journals=

The most distinguishing factor of an online journal is the presence of an editorial staff that manages what is written (Wikipedia, 2006). There is quite a bit more time and money invested into the production of online journals (Wikipedia, 2006). Instead of being an informal website to post almost anything and everything under the sun, the online journal caters to an audience of readers who want to read interesting and meaningful articles.

The content of journals is not as casual and relaxed as weblogs. Furthermore, online journals do not follow the chronological sequencing that weblogs do. For example, Johnny may write about his life in a day-by-day basis on his blog. This would not be the case in an online journal. The online journal carries a structured format and is similar to magazine articles. This creates a more professional feel to the writing, as if there is more authority given to each sentence. Compared to the weblog, the journal is much less of a random collection of writings.

The weblog is definitely an improved evolution based on the online journal, enabling almost anyone to create one and update it on a regular basis (Ozawa, 2001). New technology definitely helps the constant evolution of the weblog. Updating, adding pictures, and automoation become so easy and fast (Ozawa, 2001). There is no need to worry about writing good quality articles with proper sentence structure, tone of voice, and other limitations that online journals may have posed.

=Works Cited=

Ozawa, R. "Journal vs. Weblog." Diarist.net. Accessed 13 Feb. 2006. Online at: http://www.diarist.net/guide/blogjournal.shtml

"Online Journal." Wikipedia. Accessed 10 Feb. 2006. Online at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Online_journal