One of the many misconceptions about blogging is that you have to be a witty, smart writer in order to be successful. Many students are turned off by this blogging myth because they do not care to write for leisure.  What students do not realize is there are many different ways to blog that do not involve much writing at all. 

Many online users are starting to use other methods of producing content. Video blogging, photography blogging, and podcasting are becoming an alternative to the traditional written blog. At last, people are able to utilize their niche, create content on their terms, and showcase their talents. The best way to find your blogging outlet is to experiment with each possibility. 

Have you ever felt your writing does not reflect your personality? Or maybe that it’s hard for you to put your ideas into words? Video blogging and podcasting are great ways for your ideas to be heard rather than read. Although these two forms of blogging both involve speaking rather than writing, they are very different.

Video blogging is for those who not only want to be heard, but seen. People use video blogging if they are more physically expressive or if they like to use visual aids as tools to deliver messages. Video blogs can be anything from a person simply talking in front of a webcam or footage a person captured that tells a story. Websites such as YouTube or Google Video are great places to host video blogs and provide great video blogging tips.

If you’re camera shy but still want to use the power of voice, Podcasting is a great way to communicate vocally with others on the web.  Podcasting allows you to basically have your own radio talk show about whatever your passion is. Podcasts can be about anything from a personal, vocal journal or a focus on a specific topic. Hosts such as iTunes or PodBean are great places to start experimenting with Podcasting.

Using your voice is not the only way to express yourself while finding an alternative to writing.  Photography blogging is proof that a picture is worth a thousand words. One misconception with photography blogging is that you must take breathtaking photos with a really expensive camera. The truth is, you can have a great photography blog with a cheap camera and zero photography skills. Photography blogs can be completely random or have a theme. You can write small captions or have the photo completely alone. Some great photography blogging sources are Photoblogs.org and Photospots.org where you can upload your photos in a blog format. 

The only way you’re going to find what outlet works the best for you is to try out each one. Sometimes, we may think we know our strengths and weakness but can be completely wrong or, better yet, surprised. Don’t be afraid to try these new tools of expression. Remember, without failure there would be no success.