Friday, September 15, 2006

Hosting Blogs

Blogging Goes to College: Part 6

You'll be happy to know that this is the final installment of the Blogging Goes to College Brainstorming Session. This last topic was a debate on where to host library/college blogs: in-house or out-of-house. Here are the pros for each side.

In-house:

  • Can include branding – university URL, logo, etc
  • Privacy issues
  • Follow federal and state mandates – FERPA
  • Blogger’s “next blog” button won’t be interpreted as being part of your university
  • Customizable
  • Credibility – the university is behind you (could be a problem if negative things are said)
  • Having a standard structure makes support easier
  • Rights management – copyright

Out-of-house:

  • Don’t need approval from IT
  • Quicker to create
  • Choose your own software
  • Inexpensive
  • Hosted elsewhere
  • People are familiar with the format
  • Open content/freedom of speech
  • Can sort of be anonymous
  • Don’t lose it when you graduate

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