The beginning of Chapter 12 focuses on what a blog is, why it has become popular, and how they are supposed to be organized. I found this portion of the chapter very interesting, I originally assumed that blogs were like other social media sites like Facebook and Twitter (not calling it X) but more time-consuming and difficult to navigate. The chapter made them seem more doable and creative, but still, I don't understand all the requirements that go into making them (on a personal level). The requirements for word counts, image captions, and hooks. They seem more like an English class assignment. Though I can understand some of the requirements, you have to make your site look appealing to a wider audience, be correct with your statements and show you're genuine. When it comes to marketing, I can see why some of the requirements are paramount for the future of a company's success.
The next section focuses on vlogs, which I really found very fascinating. Previously, I only had a minor understanding of a vlog. I thought it was like a video on Instagram or TikTok that was just someone saying how their day was or someone just nagging that a store gave them a cake that said "Happy Retirement Frank" instead of "Happy Birthday Sarah". I was amazed that they could be more, and how they can have a great impact on people's lives. It gives personality to a story and a one-on-one experience, further solidifying the belief that these are not AI-generated stories, but true and meaningful life lessons. I found the structure of vlogs somewhat interesting, like with the blogs. Podcasts, on the other hand, seemed to stand out from the rest. They actually provide live commentary between speakers. Allowing for debate on certain topics, sharing conflicting or similar experiences, and allowing the audience to hear real people instead of reading a page-long story. When it comes to webinars, I have never heard of them until reading this chapter. Still, I can see how they greatly benefit marketing, providing live feedback and storytelling. Almost like story time in kindergarten, but with money and reputation on the line.
The chapter, in my opinion, greatly explains how these tools can help a company expand its marketing practices, becoming one with the people almost, sharing experiences, replying to the comments of customers, and expanding its brand. Whether they be good or bad, these tools (blogs, vlogs, webinars, and podcasts) are great instruments that can benefit markets and connect people with new and amazing products. I can see them evolving over time and becoming widely known and used by the public and companies in the future.
I like the part of your blog where you point out the differences between vlogs and things like TikTok and reels. I noticed that in the book as well. I never really considered what the differences were or how they could be utilized in different ways.
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