Are you new to reading a blog? Then let’s try to briefly explain the lay of the land.

A blog is an internet-based soapbox. It allows the author to write and publish conveniently on any theme he or she finds presently interesting. The content management system system (CMS) allows the author great facility in organizing the material and presentation, including graphics and a host of other options. So the emphasis can remain on writing. Presentation, however, can have an impact. I have written an ongoing thread about blog content vs blog presentation.

When you enter the blog you are normally presented with the latest article (or post). Posts are normally displayed in chronological order, with the most recent listed first. So to find the beginning of a series of posts you must scroll down to find the first one.

Blog Posts are organized in categories (topics). To read only the Posts pertaining to a specific topic, there is a list of Blog Topics on the menu bar (called the sidebar) of every page. Each Topic is listed, along with the number of Posts it contains. Clicking on a Topic will display only the Posts for that Topic, once again, in chronological order, with most recent at the top.

There is also a list of Pages on the sidebar menu. These are fixed content pages or series of pages. They are not blog Posts and usually contain more fixed-type information (such as this introduction). They are also often on the website main menu.

Last, but not least, blogs have Comments. A blog is designed to be an interactive medium, in which the reader can add content pertaining to a Post. This added content is in the form of a Comment. After a Post there may be a Comment Form. Readers can enter a comment for that Post or read comments that have been posted by other readers. To avoid spam and inappropriate material, the readers usually must register in order to comment. This is easy and free, however, and we encourage readers to participate. If you register, please read our Privacy page.

Another big benefit to registration, assuming you like the blog, is notification of new Posts. As a Subscriber, the system will let you know when a new Post is available, saving you the trouble of checking.

Now, onward to the blog.