Netiquette A combination of "internet" and "etiquette," this refers to the conduct, social behavior, and proprieties that are commonly considered to be appropriate and a demonstration of good manners. The Golden Rule is the general guideline used to determine netiquette with e-mails, postngs, chatting, and blogging.
Newbie
A term that is derogatorily applied to people who are new to a blog or discussion after they demonstrate an unfamilarity with the standards of communication used within the forum. Nicknames for this term are "noot" and "noobie."
Open Thread
A discussion forum that is open to users who define the topic by their own posts. This differs from a blog or discussion board in which the topic is defined by the posts of the owner or author.
Pharming
A fradulent activity in which malicious code is installed onto a computer or server, causing users to be misdirects to fradulent websites which then request or require the submission of personal identity information to be used for illegal purposes.
Phishing
Activities and schemes that are used to obtain personal and financial information from individuals for fradulent activities. Often the perpetrator will send legitimate-looking e-mails seemingling from well-known and trusted companies which direct the recipient to a fake website with forms requesting personal identity information.
Plog
A combination of "project" and "log," this is a blog used by profssional colleagues to track, organize, and communicate about a specific project. Another common definition of the term refers to the combination of "Palm Pilot" and "blog," in which a blog entry is posted from a handheld device that runs the Palm operating system.
Podcasting
A combination of "iPod" and "broadcasting, the term is used to describe online digital audio files which are downloaded by listeners to use at their convenience. Podcasting is also the word that refers to the distribution method for multimedia files over the internet involving the use of RSS feeds. Although originally coined for iPod-related downlodading and listening, the term has adopted a much broader context which rarely involves an iPod device.
Post
Text that is published on a blog either as content or as a comment in response to a post. A blog is comprised of a collection of posts or postings.
Permalink
A blending of the words "permanent" and "link," this is a URL on a website that points to a specific blog entry where it is permanently archived. Permalinks are desirable because they help strengthen a blog's ranking in search engines, and enhance its advertising and appraisal value.
Pingback
A technological method that notifies the owner of a blog or website when an incoming link from another blog or website is established.
Reciprocal Link
The exchange that occurs when two website owners each post a comment or recommendation which hyperlinks users to the others' website or blog.
Repost
The act of publishing a comment or piece of content more than once. It is considered bad netiquette when the same post is repeated within a blog or when identical posts are placed on several diferent blogs or websites. When content is reposted to an outside website or blog without the author's knowledge or permission, it is considered plagarism.
RSS
An acronym of "really simple syndication," this is a distribution method which allows content to be easily shared and syndicated among internet users. Commonly used with blogs because it allows frequent updates to be sent immediately to subscribers.
Spam blog
A blog which contains no content, little content, or content of little value to readers. This term is also used to describe blogs which are loaded with keywords, but which don't communicate any substantive thoughts or ideas.
Tag
A keyword or term associated with a piece of content which provides a description and allows users to find it when using a search tool or search engine.Tag cloud
A visual representation of the keyword terms that have been associated to a piece of content, a page, or the overall topic or theme of a website or blog. A tag cloud usually contains single words, with the most relevant and popular keywords displayed with larger type, bolder text, or prominent colors.
Thread
The term used to describe the succession or series of posts that all relate to and address a specific topic.
Thread drift
A series of comments which turn the discussion away from the established topic of a post and towards exchanges and chats about unrelated information.TrackBack
A technological method similar to a pingback that notifies the owner of a blog or website when an incoming link from another blog or website is established.
