Actually first documented in 1997, Web logs initially used abbreviated version: wee-blog, with a Web log editor referred to as a blogger. Since then, all types of Web logs (blogs) and blogging software have emerged, giving rise to this lucrative and dynamic market.

Now, everything from advertising blogs to zoology blogs exist, with every topic in between apparent online. Political blogs are rampant, and groups of bloggers across globe post regularly on every topic imaginable.

What does a blog supply that an e-zine, newsletter, or forum might not? What has skyrocketed popularity of blog over past several years?

The answers are really quite simple:

1. Blogs are more highly interactive. Posters get to see results of a post immediately, as post appears simultaneously after posting. Posters also don't have usual moderation that appears in forums, where posts may be deleted without warning. Usually, in blogs, more freedom is given, and posts are usually accepted no matter what content, or topic.

E-zines and newsletters, with their one sided presentation of views, have decreased in popularity with increase of popularity of blogs.

2. Blogs are easy to maintain and easy to start. The sheer volume of choices is staggering! Everything from "blogging software" to "blogging services" are available, and even a novice blogger will find blogging quick and easy to do.

3. Blogs are "Search Engine Friendly Food". Search Engines love blogs, because of constantly changing content that appears daily. Search Engines are constantly "searching" for new content, and blogs meet this requirement splendidly!

4. Blogs are actually a lot of fun! The entertainment aspects of a blog cannot be dismissed. A great deal of "voyeurism" exists on blogs, where other bloggers continually monitor discussions, both pro and con concerning an issue. Discussions on blogs can be "heated" and interesting, with much repartee occurring daily! Blogs are a rousing form of media, indeed, with many bloggers returning repeatedly throughout a day to view new posts.

For a view into popular blogs of many categories, just visit: http://www.blogit.com

There are four general categories of ways to spend money in internet marketing arena. Before you spend another penny, think about which category you fall in and which category investment falls in. Make sure they match.

*** Four Categories of Investment ***

1)Education - learn how to do something

2)Tools - generally software you need such as hosting, autoresponders, testing software, etc.

3)Marketing - money you invest to drive traffic to your site

4)Opportunity - a "business in a box" that is ready for you to promote. May include a product with resale rights and a web site template.

*** Three Categories of Internet Marketers ***

1) Newbie - just learning. Frequent victim of Information Overload.

2) Intermediate - has a site that makes some money.

3) Advanced - Making a good full time income from internet.

If you are a newbie, you should be investing in education. You need to learn how this business works before you spend your hard-earned money on anything else.

Look at it this way: How would you know which tools you need, which opportunity is legit or what kind of marketing to do if you haven't learned how things work?

If you don't understand business you will fall prey to great copy writers. You will be convinced to buy things you probably don't need.