In today's world, wikis and blogs are platforms of new media where people can send a message or simply express themselves through writing and posting all sorts of content. Writing still to this day has a very effective power rather than just visual content with pictures or videos. Both platforms offer the same; posting different content and sharing it with the audience. Reason why both are very popular is that they can both be used for many purposes including educational, professional or entertainment. These platforms are overall online journals where people share their experience and knowledge.
Even though both platforms carry a similar purpose, wikis are more built for collaborative projects where not only one person can contribute. According to Margaret Locher's article "How to Build Your Own Wikipedia", it's stated that "Wikis used for training, knowledge management, or to set business processes in place help companies organize and document their process while promoting collaboration among employees." Overall, wikis certainly can be used in project developments while at the same integrating the work of many and promoting cooperation amongst all participants.
While wikis involve more collaboration, blogs, on the other hand, are more informal. Blogs tend to be more personal and centered on one's shared knowledge and experience. The Vertical Response article "The Impact of Blogging and Online influencers", it states “Influencers have realized that to have their voice heard on a social web, they need to have a blog. The power of the reach and velocity of online publishing supercharged by social media cannot be underestimated.” Because a blog is a perfect platform where a person might raise questions about for instance social, economic or political issues provided with a well constructed presentation, the effect can be very impactful. I, personally, read blogs often. It's less formal than an actual news article however the information and insight they're capable of providing is just as good.
Locher, M. (2008, Feb 27). How to Build Your Own Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://www.cio.com/article/2437053/how-to-build-your-own-wikipedia.html
Contributing author. (2013, Mar 21). The Impact of Blogging and Online influencers. Retrieved from https://www.verticalresponse.com/blog/the-impact-of-blogging-and-online-influencers/
I think you hit in on the nail that blogs are more informal and personal. That's what makes it stand out. Compared to wikis, where your job is to present information as unbiased as possible, blogs allow you to delve into deeper opinions about topics, and put your own spin on the matter. On top of this, you're allowed to manipulate the whole reading experience from the font down to the background used. Blogs truly are unique and provide a riveting perspective about the subject matter. Of course, I don't mean to discredit Wikis as I absolutely adore wikis such as Wikipedia, but the objectives of the two might be same but are night and day in execution.
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