So as I got started with this blog, it got me thinking… what is the history of blogging? I did some research and I was surprised to learn that blogging only really started with the advent of the computer. For some reason I thought blogging would go back much further (which I guess is silly, because according to Apple Dictionary, the definition is: ‘a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style’). But for some reason I was imagining that back in Shakespearean times they were writing personal blogs about their lives with a quill and parchment, and then pinning it up in the town square or publishing it in a newspaper. Turns out, that’s not the case!
As it happens, the term ‘blogging’ was coined in the late 1990s. But its origins lie in the early days of the internet, in the early 1980s, with digital communities experimenting with ways to share and connect. From Usenet forums to modern platforms like Medium, blogging has undergone quite the revolution.
The Precursors to Blogging: 1983–1993
Before ‘blogging’ became a household term, digital communication existed in various forms. Communities connected through early systems like Usenet, where moderated newsgroups curated discussions. These platforms laid the groundwork for serial publishing, with some individuals even creating threads to summarise and highlight key topics.
In 1992, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web (the ‘www’ often seen in URLs, though less so these days), introduced an early form of blogging to share updates about the internet’s development. His web log of progress is often regarded as the first ‘blog,’ even though the term had not yet been invented.

The Rise of Personal Blogs: 1994–2001
The modern concept of blogging emerged from online diaries in the mid-1990s. These were personal spaces where writers—often called diarists or journalers—shared their daily lives and thoughts. Some early pioneers of personal blogging included:
- Justin Hall, who began blogging in 1994 while studying at Swarthmore College, is often regarded as one of the first bloggers.
- Jerry Pournelle, who blended technical insights with personal storytelling.
- The Wearable Wireless Webcam (1994), which combined live video, text, and images to document personal experiences in real time.
In 1997, Jorn Barger coined the term ‘weblog’ to describe online logs of interesting links and commentary. Two years later, Peter Merholz humorously shortened it to ‘blog,’ a term that quickly caught on. Around this time, platforms like LiveJournal and Blogger.com made it easier for non-technical users to share their thoughts online.
Blogs Become Mainstream: 1999–2004
By the early 2000s, blogs were evolving from personal diaries into powerful tools for journalism, activism, and community building. Blogging platforms like Blogger, LiveJournal, and Slashdot democratised online publishing, allowing anyone with an internet connection to reach a global audience.

Notable milestones during this period included:
- Blogs gained credibility by breaking major stories, such as the Trent Lott scandal in 2002, where bloggers exposed controversial remarks made by the U.S. Senator.
- Merriam-Webster named ‘blog’ its Word of the Year in 2004.
- The launch of platforms like Tumblr (2007) and Medium (2012) allowed users to blend short-form content with social networking, further expanding the blogging landscape.
The Evolution of Blogging in the Age of Social Media (2014 onwards)
With the rise of social media giants like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, traditional blogging faced significant competition. The ability to share thoughts instantly and concisely on these platforms reshaped how people engage with online content, leading to a natural overlap between blogging and microblogging.
Rather than disappearing, blogging adapted to the changing digital landscape. Many blogs shifted their focus to providing detailed, long-form content and catering to specialised audiences. Platforms like Medium emerged, offering spaces for both professional and personal writing, while independent blogs continued to thrive, carving out niches for unique perspectives. By 2019, over 500 million blogs existed globally, illustrating the enduring relevance of this medium.
Blogging: A Legacy of Adaptability
What began as simple online diaries and forums has evolved into a multifaceted tool for communication, education, and self-expression. Blogging has weathered the rise of social media by offering something distinct—a platform for deeper engagement, creative freedom, and community building.
While social media dominates quick interactions, blogs remain a cornerstone for thought-provoking commentary, storytelling, and niche discussions. Far from being overshadowed, blogging continues to thrive as an adaptable and influential medium in the digital world. I’m very excited to be finally starting one of my own!
Artie
Minister of History
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_blogging
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog