The web is once again changing the way we conduct business today. If you own a static website like everyone else, it’s time to include a blog to move with the times. Blogs are web2.0 application that is increasingly gaining acceptance among the business community. That’s the cover story on BusinessWeek. The story may not be new but if you are running a business without a blog today. Then this is worth a read.

Why does this matter? Think of the implications for businesses of getting an up-to-the-minute read on what the world is thinking. Already, studios are using blogs to see which movies are generating buzz. Advertisers are tracking responses to their campaigns. “I’m amazed people don’t get it yet,” says Jeff Weiner, Yahoo’s senior vice-president who heads up search. “Never in the history of market research has there been a tool like this.”

Business blogging is going mainstream. Better be late than sorry.

Before 2004, there were about 5 million bloggers worldwide - largely made up of teens and geeks blogging about their personal experiences and technology. Then came the US 2004 presidential election with political blogs gaining media attention. This follow by business thought leaders such as management guru Tom Peters, start-up expert Guy Kawasaki, and marketing genius Seth Godin who saw the power of blogs in business and marketing. Today there are more than 57 million blogs tracked by Technorati with 100,000 new blogs added to the blogosphere daily. Companies such as IBM, Boeing, Google, Microsoft, GM, and many others are using blogs to connect with their customers, employees, and shareholders. Find out which of the fortune 500 companies are blogging today here.

The term “Blog” is derived from “Web log.” “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

A blog is a user generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order.

Blogs often provide commentary or news on a particular subject, such as food, politics, or local news; some function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of many blogs. Most blogs are primarily textual although some focus on photographs (photoblog), videos (vlog), or audio (podcasting), and are part of a wider network of social media.

Blog was chosen as the word of the year in 2004 by Merriam-Webster. As of October 2006, there are more than 57 million blogs tracked by Technorati and an estimated 100,000 new blogs added daily to the blogosphere. If you are a business owner and you are new to blogging, you have come to the right place. At StartaBlogToday, we will help you to discover how blogs can benefit you and your business so stick around and welcome to the blogging revolution!