Blogger vs Columnist: What’s the difference?
- Gary-Alan Hopkins
- Feb 11, 2021
- 3 min read
The Beginning of Blogging
The emergence of technology has significantly changed the way we consume media. Print media has been king for centuries. Corporate media companies still have a place in our culture's media rich landscape, but these companies had to adjust to this influx of innovative technology that took hold in the United States in the 1990s. The advent of personal computers coupled with the development of the World Wide Web soon lead to the creation of personal webpages. These personal webpages were some of the earliest blogs created using simplistic format and features such as links and images. This was before widgets, WordPress, YouTube, social media platforms and other rich features we see in modern blogs today. The term “weblog” was coined in 1997 by a well-known blogger, then weblog was shortened to “blog” in 1999 by a computer programmer. Blogging has gone mainstream and has infiltrated much of our society’s media landscape. (1)
Differences Between a Columnist & Blogger
So, let’s discuss the difference between writing a column versus writing a blog post? A columnist needs to be sensitive about the subject matter of their writing because an editor will select articles for a particular outlet, edited said article for length and clarity then send to print and/or post on the media outlet’s website. Therefore, there is more “Red Tape” to go through to have your article published. Bloggers already have their own website, domain, and even business. They have the means to independently publish their own opinions or discuss topics that interest their readers. They can publish their articles at any time without the article being subject to editing for length or subject matter. A blogger has more creative and financial freedom. They can monetize their blog with ads, affiliate links, products, and subscription services. A blogger can also design their blog with preferred color schemes, images, social media links, videos, and other design elements while a columnist does not get these benefits because they are authoring an article for a media outlet that is setup to benefit the media company more than the columnist. This is not to say that columnists don’t get paid for their articles because the local newspaper columnist makes about $30 an hour on average or get compensated per article they write. (2) A columnist and blogger are essentially the same just different titles. Both are independent writers. So, what are some similarities of these two types of writers?
Similarities Between a Columnist & Blogger
Columnists and bloggers are similar in many aspects too. The blogger and columnist offer opinions and observations on a particular topic. Columnists, like bloggers are not confined to breaking news or a pre-planned story idea the way reporters are because they are not paid staff within a company. They are not employed by the media outlet to report on news. Columnists, much like ethical professional bloggers are expected to gather correct facts and information about a subject. A columnist and blogger need to consider their audience and have proficient writing format, style, and grammar skills. No matter what the topic of discussion is a writer, either a blogger or columnist, needs to be extremely knowledgeable of the subject matter. Finally, writers need an audience, they need people to read, recommend and share their work to gain popularity.
Final Thoughts
While columnists and bloggers have similarities and differences, they both have the same opportunities. A columnist can have their own blog too and a blogger can submit their work to news outlets as well. In fact, I would be surprised if there is not a lot of overlap between bloggers and columnists when it comes to avenues to publish their work. Are you a writer? Do you have a favorite columnist and/or blogger? Share in the comments below.
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References
(1) Web Design Depot. (2011, March 14). A brief history of blogging. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://www.webdesignerdepot.com/2011/03/a-brief-history-of-blogging/
(2) Severson, D. (n.d.). Wages for Columnists [Editorial]. Houston Chronicle. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from https://work.chron.com/wages-columnists-22493.html
Gary-alan - thank you for your post. The headings are an effective way to organize text, though I would say some additional paragraphing could also help this post. As a reader who stares at screens all day, the center-justified alignment was kind of hard to read. That could be just me. I am not a sports blog follower, so unfortunately I cannot answer that either. I would argue a more interesting question given your premise would be if I thought I would become a blogger or a columnist. Best, Kyle
I really enjoyed how in depth you got with the similarities and differences in blogging and columns. No, I do not have a favorite blogger. Honestly I have only read a handful of blogs. I keep telling myself I should find a blogger and and start following them.
Your blog post was very easy to read, I liked how you separated different pieces of information into different sections. Additional links in the end were also nice addition to your blog. I would even suggest to go one step further and incorporate these links in your blog post text, linking them there. I personally don't read blogs regularly, so I don't have any favorite ones.
I enjoy how you go into detail about what each one does that make them different, but I was a bit more confused on what is similar. Your layout was super easy to read with the headings separating ideas and you have a lot of good information in the blog. I do not do a lot of reading of blogs or columnist outside of class so I currently do not have a favorite.