A What???

weblog, n. [WEB n. + LOG n.] later BLOG n.
Computing.

1. A frequently updated web site consisting of personal observations, excerpts from other sources, etc., typically run by a single person, and usually with hyperlinks to other sites; an online journal or diary.

"Blog," "weblog" and "blogging" have permeated our global vocabulary so quickly and completely that many of us use these terms without really knowing what they mean! While "blogging" seems like a brand new concept, the Oxford English Dictionary (quoted above) created an entry for "weblog" back in March, 2003. You may have noticed blogs popping up on Web sites for your favorite daily newspaper, celebrities and politicians, movies and television shows.

So now it's your turn, Des Plaines - here comes a blog just for you, created by the Des Plaines Public Library. This blog is called PlainTalk: named, of course, for the city of Des Plaines, but also for the Midwestern ideal of speaking plainly, speaking at a level in which everyone can participate, speaking openly and honestly.

Why a blog? The Des Plaines Public Library strives to serve as catalyst, advocate and place for the Des Plaines community. One of the library's strategic goals is "to assist the residents of Des Plaines in developing the skills they need to engage in respectful, productive conversation on topics of interest in order to create and build community."

That's what PlainTalk is all about. Being a library, we'll talk about books, movies and music - and we'll ask for your opinions and recommendations on what to read, listen to, watch. But like a great backyard barbeque or front porch gathering, we'll also chat about whatever catches our collective imagination. We'll want to hear from you about Des Plaines - its festivals, restaurants, parks, houses of worship and social organizations; the riverfront, the downtown area, the traffic and the weather; its best-kept secrets, if you're willing to share!

The PlainTalk blog will make its debut on July 2, 2007 - watch for posts three times a week, or more frequently, but we'll need your "voice" to keep the conversation going! You don't need to sign up or log in - just read each day's post and add your thoughts by clicking on the "Comments" link. Easy, fun, and, we hope, soon to be part of your Web surfing routine.

You can link to PlainTalk directly from the library's home page, or bookmark the blog at http://dpplplaintalk.blogspot.com. Advanced Net surfers can add our RSS feed to your aggregator and check in with us whenever, wherever. A few ground rules and disclaimers:

• All submissions will be reviewed prior to publication. Remember: the goal is friendly and open community conversation - please keep comments appropriate to the topic at hand, keep your language and the subject matter "family friendly."
  

• The Des Plaines Public Library reserves the right to withhold publication of any submission.
  

• All submissions automatically become the property of the Des Plaines Public Library (Owners).
  
  
• All submissions and names of contributors may be published or distributed by the Owners in print, electronically or in other forms.
  
  
• We ask that children under the age of 13 have a parent or guardian's permission before submitting entries to PlainTalk. By submitting an entry, you agree to these terms and conditions.
  
  
• Opinions published in PlainTalk are those of the Web Services Librarian, other library staff members and community members - not those of the Des Plaines Public Library.