"Blooks" refers to a unique intersection of traditional books and modern weblogs (blogs), combining elements from both formats. Essentially, a blook is a book that either originates from or is published through a weblog. The term itself is a portmanteau of "blog" and "book."
There are two primary interpretations of what a blook can be:
1. Blook as an Online Serial Publication
One definition of a blook describes it as a book published on a weblog in a series of installments. In this sense, the blog serves as the publishing platform, with chapters or sections of the book released sequentially over time, much like a serialized novel in an older magazine.
- How it works: An author writes a book and posts it piece by piece on their blog. Each post might be a chapter, a scene, or a thematic section.
- Benefits:
- Direct Reader Interaction: Readers can comment on each installment, providing immediate feedback and engaging directly with the author.
- Incremental Release: Authors can publish as they write, maintaining reader engagement and potentially building an audience before the entire work is complete.
- Accessibility: Content is easily accessible online to a wide audience.
2. Blook as a Printed Book Derived from a Weblog
The second common definition defines a blook as a printed book derived from a weblog. This involves taking content originally published on a blog—such as popular posts, essays, or a series of articles—and compiling, editing, and publishing it in a traditional physical or e-book format.
- How it works: A blogger gathers their most successful or cohesive blog posts, revises them for print, adds new material if necessary, and then publishes them as a standalone book.
- Examples: Many authors and journalists have successfully turned their blogs into published books, leveraging their existing online audience. This is particularly common for non-fiction works like memoirs, collections of essays, or guides.
- Process:
- Content Selection: Identifying high-performing or thematically linked blog posts.
- Editing and Structuring: Adapting the informal blog style for a more formal book format, ensuring coherence and flow.
- Publishing: Releasing the compiled content as a physical book or e-book through traditional or self-publishing channels.
Distinguishing the Two Types of Blooks
To better understand the nuances, consider the following comparison:
| Aspect | Blook as Online Serial | Blook as Printed Adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| Origin of Content | Written specifically to be serialized on a blog | Content extracted and refined from an existing blog |
| Primary Format | Digital, posted in installments on a weblog | Traditional physical or e-book |
| Publication Flow | Chapter-by-chapter release over time | Single, complete publication at once |
| Reader Engagement | Continuous, real-time comments and feedback | Post-publication reviews and discussions |
| Purpose | To deliver a book incrementally online | To repurpose successful blog content into a formal book |
The Significance of Blooks
Blooks represent an evolving landscape in publishing, offering new avenues for authors to reach audiences and for content to transcend traditional boundaries. They highlight the fluidity between digital and print media, demonstrating how online platforms can serve as fertile ground for developing and launching published works.
