Blogs are an incredible tool for sharing knowledge in a structured, chronological way. Unlike other forms of social media, which often prioritize quick, bite-sized interactions, blogs allow for deeper dives into complex subjects. They can cover anything from personal stories to highly technical discussions, including tutorials and industry insights. Technical blogs, in particular, help break down intricate topics into digestible content, making them accessible to a wider audience. As Scarlett (2023) points out, "A well-structured technical blog post can make even the most complex topics approachable for a wider audience."
There are plenty of blogging platforms out there, each with its own strengths. One of the earliest I encountered in the early 2000s was LiveJournal. Back then, it was filled with personal journals, fanfiction, and the occasional deep philosophical rambling about life. It was a different internet, but in many ways, it set the stage for modern blogging.
Another powerhouse in the blogging world is Blogger, a free service owned by Google. It’s simple, effective, and still going strong after all these years. In fact, you’re reading this on The Ryan Codex, my very own Blogger-based corner of the internet, where I share my musings on tech, sci-fi, and whatever else I find wicked interesting. Blogger has been home to many writers, including one of my personal heroes, Wil Wheaton (WWdN). If you don’t know Wil Wheaton—first of all, I have questions—but secondly, he’s an incredible writer, actor, and all-around geek icon who has used his blog to share everything from his love of tabletop games to his struggles with mental health. The man is a legend, and his blog is a masterclass in how powerful and personal blogging can be.
Then there’s WordPress, arguably the heavyweight champion of the blogging world. With both free and paid options, WordPress can be used for everything from simple blogs to full-scale business websites. It’s wildly customizable, which is great if you want full control over your blog’s design and functionality. Because it can be installed on almost any web hosting platform, it’s a favorite among casual bloggers and major corporations alike.
The real magic of blogging, though, is its ability to share knowledge, establish expertise, and build communities. Singh (2024) notes that "reading and contributing to technical blogs is one of the best ways to stay up to date with industry trends and best practices." Unlike a tweet that disappears into the void after a few days, a blog post sticks around, offering long-term value. It can be an educational resource, a guide, or just a place for deep dives into niche topics. Plus, for professionals, it’s an excellent way to build a personal brand and showcase expertise.
From a business perspective, blogs can be a game-changer. Internally, they can be used to communicate important updates, reinforce company policies, or provide training materials—honestly, a lot of corporate memos could just be repurposed blog posts. Externally, they help companies engage with their audience in a meaningful way. Personally, I don’t read blog posts about every product I buy, but when Wil Wheaton writes about books, movies, or games, you better believe I’m paying attention.
Howell (2024) highlights that "a technical blog is a great way to document your learning journey and contribute to the knowledge base of your industry." A software company, for instance, could use a blog to publish troubleshooting guides, feature updates, and case studies that both help users and position the company as an industry leader.
At the end of the day, blogs might not be the flashiest form of social media, but they are one of the most valuable. They allow for thoughtful, in-depth discussion in a way that tweets and TikToks simply can’t match. And if you ever doubt the power of a blog, just remember—Wil Wheaton has one, and that’s all the proof you need.
References
Howell, E. (2024, July 21). How to start technical writing & blogging. Medium. https://medium.com/towards-data-science/how-to-start-technical-writing-blogging-3c685c27bc53
Scarlett, R. (2023, June 6). The Ultimate Guide to Writing Technical Blog posts. black girl bytes. https://blackgirlbytes.dev/the-ultimate-guide-to-writing-technical-blog-posts
Singh, S. (2024, April 29). The best technical writing blogs. Draft.dev. https://draft.dev/learn/the-best-technical-writing-blogs
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