Blogs and Wikis are similar in many aspects, but they do have some crucial differences. First of all, is that Wikis are written and maintained as a collaborative effort, whilst blogs are usually made as a solo effort. According to Wikipedia, the definition of a Wiki is "is a website which allows collaborative modification of its content and structure directly from the web browser. In a typical wiki, text is written using a simplified markup language (known as "wiki markup"), and often edited with the help of a rich-text editor." Meanwhile, according to Kathy E. Gill in her article "How Can We Measure the Influence of the Blogosphere?" explains the primary characteristics of a blog, which include but are not limited too:
Reverse chronological journaling (format), Regular, date-stamped entries (timeliness)Links to related news articles, documents, blog entries within each entry (attribution), Archived entries (old content remains accessible), Links to related blogs (blogrolling), RSS or XML feed (ease of syndication), Passion (voice).
While one person updates a blog, many can contribute to a wiki. This gives the blog it's own identity, while a wiki has more of a position or structure that it fills. Wikis are used in many companies and organizations, even a class in Baruch College! Many can contribute from home, from work, even on the train. The information is updated very quickly once submitted, which can speed up projects and even increase efficiency.
On the other hand, Blogs distribute different types of information usually, and have a footprint in everyday life. Blogs have effected politics, increasing the candidates' exposure, even in presidential elections! They brought some information to the public's eye instantly. The blogs used are also relatively inexpensive, which assists many in creating and maintaining their own.
Both Wikis and blogs are excellent and effective resources to post and share information quickly and easily, which is a great benefit for society today!
I agree that blogs can be very beneficial in today's society. You brought up a good example on how politicians can use blogs for exposure. Blogs are a good way to address the public without spending millions of dollars. The candidate is able to speak to his target audience using blogs. The candidate can use the blog to highlight his/her accomplishments as well as address any issues that they wish to discuss. It's a good way to get your point across as well as give the public access to more information about your campaign.
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