I'll start over...

Ok. I'm going to talk about a great way to share information that uses a little tool that, even though you may not realize it yet, you already know how to use.  I'm talking about a little thing called a "blog".

"Whoa, there! Go easy on the techno-mumbo jumbo there, Joshua!" you say.
(Yes, I really can hear you.)

A blog is like a journal, newspaper column or newsletter that is web-based.  It's as simple as that.  The Jail Inspectors Network has its own private journal/news column.  Doesn't sound so crazy when I say it like that, does it?

"We already have a forum, why do we have a blog? What's the difference?", you ask.

Let's assume for a minute that some of you know some things--things that other people in the group might not know.  Maybe you know of a great resource, publication, or have had a valuable learning experience with a project.  Maybe you've got the inside track on some new legislation or standard coming down the pike.

Well, it's great that YOU have some good information but, what good is that to anyone else in the group unless you share?  Are you just going to hoard that information?  Save it for the annual network meeting? Write it in a little notebook and keep it in your desk?

No! No! No! Because you care about your colleagues, you care about help next generation of inspectors, and you want to leave a lasting legacy in your profession, You're gonna blog your information! 

"Ok, ok.  I'll share but, why wouldn't I just share (blog) my information in the forum?", you ask skeptically.

We tend to use forums more for asking questions and having discussions.  A blog is more like a lecture and a blogger is like the instructor.  A blogger (you) will present some information and this information in the form of a "post".  A post is just like a journal entry or single article.  Your post will be archived, categorized and saved into a database automatically.  Over time, as everyone contributes, we begin to build an encyclopedia of sorts, that your group and future members of your group will be able to search and use the information.

"You said I already know how to blog but, I'm not so sure...it sounds complicated", you ponder as your palms begin to sweat.

You do.  It's not. Trust me.  We'll get to that later. Moving on...

Quick recap...You know a blog is really just something simple like a journal or a news column.  You know a post is just an entry or article with some information in it.  You know what will happen to these posts over time. You know that you have the technical ability to create your own posts (or, so I keep telling you).

"What kind of information would I want to blog about?" you ask with anticipation.

Let's start simple.  Pick one of the topics below as the subject of your first blog post. 

• The other day I found this great new publication....
• We recently found out that....
• I have a great technique for...
• NIC's Jail Inspectors network has really helped me by...
• At the last meeting I really enjoyed...

"Enough talk, I want to blog!" you shout enthusiastically.

While your mouse hovers over the link at the bottom of the page in anticipation (or fear), let me tell you what will happen next.  First, you will see a blank form. There are only three things you need to look for.  You'll pick up the rest later:

1. Subject: Think of this as the headline for your post.
2. Message: This is your post (aka, entry, article).  Just do a paragraph or two for now.  Keep it simple and short.  We are all new in here so take your time and play around if you feel comfortable.
3. Publish: Click on this button when you are done with your post.  Don't worry, you can still edit your post if you need to.

Ready?  Deep breath...in.....hold it....out...slowly...repeat.  It's go time!

• Click here to write a blog post.

In the "Comments" section below, Go tell someone that you are a "blogging machine" and, let us know what they say. Or, post some other question or comment about this post.  Did you know that page is a blog post in the Jail Inspectors blog?