Blog – Web Log:
Explanation - This is in it’s simplest explanation, is an online diary…
On Minti there are 3 main play areas for you to blog in.  Access levels to these areas are private, semi private or public.  For an explanation

about what level of privacy applies to each area, please see below.

 
Private Groups:
Private – access is to invited members of the group only…
Playing in a secure, protected area - private groups can be set up for sensitive issues, and there are many of them in the groups list.  It is like meeting some of your team at the gym to work on specific areas that you want to strengthen – or meeting early to do sprints before general training.  Sometimes they are set up by a close group of friends on the site with like-minded interests. Many have been created for people to discuss very sensitive life issues, and get specialised support and advice. It is a great place to speak your mind freely among a select few people.  Because of the select membership in private groups, you often feel comfortable to speak freely about topic that you don’t feel comfortable discussing publicly. 

Your Homepage Lounge:
Semi private – access to members on your friends list only…
It is like playing in your own fenced backyard - you invite people over, and they can only get in to play if you let them, or if you have given them their own key. You write what you lik on it, and add photos and graphics, only people on your friend’s list can access it. Those who do access it, are more than welcome to leave you graphics, photos, comments and opinions. It is pretty safe to presume they will all be positively received, since the people with access are well known to us. There is a lot of fun in that, however you aren't going to meet new people, or get a surprising opinion from left field by playing in your own private back yard.

 
Homepage or Public Group Blogs:
Public – access to ANYONE on the internet, not just Minti members…
This is like going to the park, you are in a specified play area, however anyone could go there. We can play non-contact sports when we go to the park, or we can get out there toughen up, and hit the ball up. It means you have an opportunity to meet some wonderful people, and learn amazing new things from them. It also means that more people get to know you, and they can decide if they like you or not. You might be a little more reserved, and provide less information about your private life.  If you decide to put it out there, be open to learning from everyone else, and accept that other people’s opinions may differ.  Any member of Minti can leave a comment on the blogs within. If someone from the general public wanted to, it would only be a matter of minutes to sign up and do so also. By writing a public blog, you are putting yourself out there - you may get many, varied responses. You may get none - that is the fun of it, it is always a surprise!

 
General Blog Conduct:
Private; Semi Private; Public – use your manners, and conduct yourself with dignity…
Even contact sports have strict rules, these rules are designed for player safety, and to keep the game flowing, thus making it far more entertaining.  If someone has written a blog that has truly offended or upset you, perhaps it would be best for you to back off, and think about what you want to write, before you attack them.  Is your anger justified?  Is the author referring to you, or have you chosen to take it personally?  Would it be a good option to email the author and explain how you feel?  Sometimes it is prudent to just grin and bear it, and take a hit for the team; team Minti that is, and we are all members of it. 

Examples of Blogs:
My Minti Favourites and My Team's Blog - a variety of different styles to suit every skill level...
There is a sport for everyone, no matter how able bodied they are, or what their experience is.  Blogs are the same, they can be anything you want them to be.  Many are diaries of events in your life; observations; hopes and dreams; pet likes; pet hates; informative; imaginative; poems; emails; pictures; happy; sad; gloomy; mad; loving... The list is endless, for it is your chance to express yourself, so that we can view the world through your eyes.  Here are some examples of blogs that you may find interesting - I hope they motivate you to get blogging too.
jenlemen - Jen has a refreshing positive, yet practical outlook on life.  These blogs are a relaxing treat, put your feet up, grab a cuppa or vino, and relax.
Frontier - David, a work from home Dad, this is a great blog if you have an interest in technology - get ready to learn a few things.
Rugby Rat Tales - My teams blog - an example of a blog that isn't on Minti - with a sporting flavour.
Technorati - A list of the world's top 100 blogs (according to them).

Remember that when you comment on any blog, you put yourself on the line, just as much as the original author did.  If you are unsure about how to deal with any situation in regard to blogging or commenting, then read Minti’s Editorial Guidelines and the links before taking action.