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This week, we're reviewing some of the different types of blog posts. Earlier this week, we discussed the essay, which targets academics and is good for submission for op-ed syndication (cross-posting). Yesterday, we talked about four types of posts that are specifically designed to attract traffic from the search engines: review, list, link posts, and polls.
A few weeks ago, we gave examples of the code to use for embedding media, and some cautions for the proper ways to give credit, and avoid plagiarism. Now, let's talk about what types of media can be used in blog posting.
Videos
Videos can be uploaded to any number of video hosting sites, and many of these sites provide an "embed code," for bloggers and webmasters, to share the video. Videos can be funny, serious, touching, or educational. They can contain music, lectures, presentations, slideshows, sermons, or discussions. Many can be interactive, such as those on ustream.tv, or youtube.com, on which viewers can actually participate in chats and/or comment sections. Including videos in your blogging repertoir can also be a good way to include "readers," who actually don't like to "read," but are more interested in being entertained.
Photos
Original and/or well-labeled photos (images) are a great way of drawing in traffic from the search engines. If your photo is not original, be sure to attempt to credit the original source of the photo, and link to that source if it is online. The use of photos is usually covered under "fair use" laws on blogs, but it's always a good practice to give credit, where credit is due (if possible). Photos can be used to enhance another type of blog post, or as a stand-alone post. Some bloggers allow their photos to be used by their readers as wall-paper for desktops or social networking backgrounds. This can be a good way to build reader loyalty.
Cartoons/Art
If you are a talented cartoonist or artist, you may want to showcase your art on your blog. If you're not, there are places online that allow you to use artwork for free, or for a fee.
Podcasts
Podcasts are basically online radio shows, and some podcasting sites, like Blog Talk Radio provide embed codes for the archives of their shows. Instead of "writing" a blog post, you may want to record it for your visitors to listen to while they work (or to download and listen to it on their mp3 players while driving). Some bloggers provide a podcast recording of all of their blog posts for their readers who may be sight-impaired. You may also want to embed and share the podcasts of others, which you feel your readers will enjoy.
Have you found a creative way to include media in your blogging? We'd love to hear your stories!
 Jennifer Pointer (e-mail) is a trainer and tech writer in Tulsa, OK. She promotes a simple, a low-tech approach to effective online profile management, search engine optimization and social networking. Her weakness is the mocha frappuccino.
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