Wikipedia defines a blog as "a website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order". It also goes on to say that "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 term 'blog' is a portmanteau of 'Web log'. 'Blog' can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog."
Before, the question for me was, why would anyone want to publish their personal thoughts and opinions on the internet for all to see? What an odd way to express yourself. But now I've come to understand. Blogs are, more often than not, anonymous. They're so much more empowering than the nearly obsolete diary in the way that your heart is spilled and while you pray that no one reads it, you somehow hope that someone will. You hope that someone out there will read these secret thoughts of yours, agree with them and maybe appreciate them -- apreciate your thoughts and you.