What is a blog?
A blog (or weblog) is an online journal written by a person or a group with frequent, chronological publication of personal thoughts and links to media, such as pictures, music or video clips, as well as other websites. It looks like a website, with the difference that readers can write (post) messages and others may view and respond to them. Blogs are dynamic, less formal, and more inquisitive than a typical corporate communications website. Blogs allow interact with readers and build a community with interests in common.

To get a better idea of the potential of a blog, see the following examples of individual blogs in "Related Links" below http://blog.acumenfund.org/; http://eapblog.worldbank.org/; http://www.socialedge.org/blogs.

How should I write for a blog?
A blog is a communication tool allowing its author/s to quickly share their opinions, ideas and links to resources available online (links) or offline (references). We expect you to write about your experience in the implementation of projects and lesson learned as well as to share your insight on specific topics. Articles (or posts) are usually short pieces (350–500 words), personal, subjective and most of all, not-comprehensive.
 

Some ideas for your posts:
* Comment on something you learned or experienced on a recent mission or project
* Talk about a challenges during the implementation and how you managed to overcome them
* Refer to content/tool/resource that you saw on a website and link it explaining why you find it relevant
* Reflect on a piece of news that you read. Do you agree? Why? Does it remind you of something that you have already heard? Can it be linked?
* Share the results of a research, data or opportunities for other development practitioners
* Talk about projects, ideas or policies that in your opinion are really making a difference
* React to other posts
* Ask for opinions and ideas on something you are working on
* Discuss with readers and other bloggers commenting to your post
 

Be short. If you want to write a longer story, break your text up into several posts. Be to the point. Say what you have to say and move on! Be conversational. Invite your readers in by asking for their thoughts. You will learn from them. Be respectful. Use the blog only to share information and engage in constructive conversations with different people: do not use it to attack, insult or complain. Link. Internet is about the network, be part of it!

What should I write on?
Suggested topics are: Implementation challenges or success, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate Change, Biodiversity, Health and Nutrition, Environment, Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship, Communication, Business Models, Monitoring and Evaluation, Scaling up, Private Sector Development, Early Stage Development Projects

Who will read the DM Blog?
The DM Blog will be read mainly by project implementers from over the world. They will be development practitioners from NGOs and international organizations, social entrepreneurs, small enterprises, Bank staff and potential funders among others. When you write, think about how your post is going to help them in their work; what are you giving to your readers; and why are you adding value.
 

For a richer experience, try to engage with your readers by replying to their comments on a periodical basis. Our blogging platform can be set up to send you an email for every comment received.

How much time would it take?
Unfortunately we cannot answer this because it depends on you. However, posts should be brief and on themes or information that you already have: we are not expecting new theories, data or research. We just want you to share your existing knowledge and ideas with our readers and promote discussion among the participants. We believe this interaction will help them implementing their projects. A guest blogger should write at least twice a month, ideally every week.
 

Do not look for the perfect content or the most comprehensive post. Most of the time a simple, concrete and well communicated idea can be more powerful than a detailed article.

Will I have to deal with the technological part?

Absolutely not! You will send us your posts in word or by email and we will upload it for you with your name, pictures and links to other websites you may want to refer to in your posts. The Blog will allow external readers to make comments to your posts. Comments will be received by the Blog Administrator who will publish them on the same day and send you an email to invite you to reply. Only offensive, disrespectful and unrelated comments will not be published.
 

Blogs is not so much about technology as it is about contents. As with literature or journalism, the best bloggers are usually the best readers.

Why should I Blog?
* It is a great way to share what you think with peers, interact with people with different background, draw attention to issues relevant to you and increase visibility for your programs and initiatives related to the DM
* It is fun and enriching because you interact with people with different backgrounds
* It can be a useful tool to help your work

We are here to help you! For further questions or concerns, please contact: Kirsten Spainhower at kspainhower@worldbank.org 202-458-2325