There are many different types of blogs out in the world, each created for a specific audience.In my opinion, there are two blog categories worth mentioning and discussing: factual and specious. This distinction may reveal something you did not previously consider. Factual blogs tend to be more professional in nature, while specious blogs often cater to niche audiences and focus on sensational, falsified or opinion based content. Two prime examples of these contrasting categories are Small business Trends and TMZ.
Small Businesses Trends is a professional business blog. I prefer this blog because it provides factual information, including news, tips, and advice for small business owners. It covers topics such as marketing, technology and how to start a business. According to Muck Rack the site offers purposeful simplicity, intuitive navigation, and guides users to specific, clear action rather than overwhelming them with excessive information. The blog helps readers gain knowledge and a perspective on starting their own business and understand what information is essential. Other websites that I enjoy and find equally informative include Business Insider and Entrepreneur.
According to CMOE Small Business Trends is an award winning online publication. It ranked ninth among the top fourteen best blogs for small business owners and has earned eight additional awards listed on its official website. Small Business Trends posts content daily, ensuring readersnot to miss important updates. It is also highly organized, featuring multiple sections based on different interests, each with its own subsections covering specific topics. Additionally, the website includes a search tool that allows users to easily look up information.
“Image source: Small business Trends, homepage.”
The author's purpose, Anita Campbell, was to publish articles for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and individuals who interact with them. Since 2003, the core focus of Small Business Trends has been to provide practical, specific, and authentic answers to common small business questions and challenges. This purpose influenced the author to assist small businesses on their path to success. Through this support Campbell herself became even more successful, as the blog establishes credibility and trust within the business community.
In contrast, TMZ represents a specious blog focused primarily on entertainment news. Although often labeled as a professional blog, its content largely consists of exaggerated gossip rather than factual reporting. According to LAist, TMZ is often criticized and negative due to its aggressive paparazzi tactics, Invasion of privacy, unethical reporting methods with handling celebrity deaths and personal crises. One example of these aggressive paparazzi tactics occurred when paparazzi reportedly blocked Tobey Maguire's view of the road and oncoming traffic while he was attempting to drive back in the early 2000s. In a 2002 interview with George Magazine, Maguire stated his hatred for Paparazzis. Additional details can be found in an artical published by Fandom Wire.
“Image source: Twitter; Photo taken from his interview page in George Magazine”
The website TMZ is poorly organized and formatted. It’s difficult to navigate, featuring an overwhelming amount of random and irrelevant content across its columns and search bar. During research, multiple pop-up advertisements appeared, which further distracted from the user experience. Additionally, TMZ allows users to submit tips about celebrities and brands regardless of whether any evidence is provided, raising concerns about credibility and ethics. According to Oreate Al The purpose of the author Hervey Levin, TMZ was created to move beyond traditional tabloid stories, offering a faster tech forward aggressive approach to celebrity news. However, on the TMZ “about” page does not clearly express their purpose. Instead, it focuses on the platform's popularity, expansion, and leadership, rather than addressing its responsibilities. This lack of transparency reflects on the author's purpose of greed, attracting attention rather than providing meaningful or ethical content, and using his legal background to navigate loopholes within the media industry, allowing the blog to operate in questionable ways. If you ask me this blog is more personal than professional because man this guy has some real issues.
In conclusion, blogs can differ significantly based on their format, content, and the methods they use to attract audience attention. The two blogs clearly demonstrate both strengths and weaknesses within blogging platforms. Factual and professional blogs, in my opinion, the better choice.
Good job on this practice post. You have a clear understanding of the necessary parts of a post: setup, point, and sign off. You've also done a great job with your links, images, and sources.
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