One of the most successful ‘new media’ applications in recent years is the blog (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blog). It has moved from a personal diary or weblog into the mainstream of scientific and scholarly publishing. See for example Nature Blogs (http://blogs.nature.com) and ScienceBlogs (http://scienceblogs.com).

Blogging is an increasingly popular activity in ILRI. Especially by projects looking for straightforward and easy-to-update websites with ‘newsletter’ characteristics. Take a look at some of these:

• ILRI News (http://www.ilri.org/ilrinews) and ILRI Clippings (http://ilriclippings.wordpress.com) – ILRI corporate news services on blogging platforms.
• Fodder Adoption (http://fodderadoption.wordpress.com), PENAPH (http://penaph.net), IBLI (http://livestockinsurance.wordpress.com), ReSAKSS (http://resakss.wordpress.com) – project websites and newsletters on a blog
• SLP (http://www.vslp.org), Collective Action (http://regionalplan.wordpress.com) – CGIAR programmes on a blog
• Theme blogs from Markets (http://marketopportunities.blogspot.com) and PLE (http://peoplelivestockenvironment.wordpress.com).

One of the best aspects of a blog is that it produces something called an ‘RSS feed’ – or ‘really simple syndication.’ Each of the blogs above has an option to ‘subscribe to a newsfeed’ or, even better, to ‘sign up for an email alert’.

Are you subscribing to your colleagues’ knowledge ? Sign up today by visiting any of these blogs or the ILRI newsfeeds page: http://www.ilri.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=116

Do you have blogging aspirations? Join the blogging mini-workshop at the APM Marketplace or send an email to Peter Ballantyne (p.ballantyne@cgiar.org)