[Professional Blog] Intro to Blogging

The Division of Lifelong Learning at Memorial University is offering a new course in its spring and summer 2008 general interest and personal / professional development classes.

I say this partly out of self-interest, because I will be the teacher. But this little plug is actually topical and relevant, as the course is titled Introduction to Blogging. It's the first time the university has offered such a course, so I'm honoured to be blazing this little trail.

If you've been grazing the blogs for the last year or two, and have been thinking I'd like to try that,' then this is your opportunity. I am going to talk a little about the technical stuff such as setting up and managing your own blog (it's easy) but I'm more interested in talking about the creative side, the writing, and the many different blogging themes that are out there. However, what actually transpires during the four-evening course will be driven by the interests and wishes of the students.

Yeah, yeah, I know the first rule of blogging is to actually post something once in a while. My bad. And I am going to post more often in the weeks ahead. That's a promise.

Here's how the good folks at Lifelong Learning describe the course in their spring and summer calendar:

Blogging is, in essence, maintaining a diary. But this diary is online and has none of the hush-hush characteristics of its paper-and ink cousin. Quite the contrary! It's your voice to the world, your pulpit and soapbox, where you share your thoughts, insights and images, post links, and get feedback from other bloggers. It's easy to participate once you have a few basics, and who better to learn those basics from than popular local blogger, Geoff Meeker. With a little help and guidance from Geoff, you'll soon be on your way to authoring your own blog.

Your facilitator for this course is Geoff Meeker. Geoff is a former journalist and managing editor, and is now an independent communications consultant. He writes the Meeker on Media blog, which has been hosted on The Telegram's website since June 2007.

Wed., May 7 28 (4 classes), 7 9:30 p.m., $159