What is a blog

Blog - a shortened form of weblog (web log). It is a ‘log’ of someone’s thoughts and opinions. They have in the past mostly been text based but increasingly they display pictures, video and sound.

Entries – Also called ‘blog posts’ or ‘posts’, they are written in a more conversational tone than normal articles. Entries are sometimes time stamped at odd hours because bloggers often post when they are out and about, travelling, or even at night - in short, when they have something relevant to say, they make an entry.

Blogs are dynamic and change regularly. They may have new entries posted many times a day or only once a week. They also encourage readers to link to them, share their links with friends and comment on entries.

Can I post comments?

Yes. When you click on a blog entry, you will find comments below the entry. You must sign in or create a BBC iD to be able to post your own comments.

We may occasionally remove comments if they break the BBC’s House Rules

What should I put in my comments?

Your comment may be an insight, opinion, idea or feedback that is relevant to the entry. Keeping your comments short will increase the chances that other users will read them.

Why has my comment disappeared?

It is likely that your comment has broken one of our House Rules. Please write another post that is acceptable. If you would like to query this decision please follow the appeals process.

If you see a comment that you think is inappropriate or breaks the House Rules, please alert us by using the "complain about this post" link so the moderation team can make a decision about it.

Why are some blog entries closed to comments?

All blog entries are automatically closed after a period of time to help reduce spamming and off topic discussion. The default duration that entries are open to comments varies from blog to blog.

Some entries may also be closed early for example if the debate has changed, run its natural course, or is no longer topical.

In very rare cases an entry may never be opened to comments. For example if a story is so sensitive that commenting would put users or the BBC at risk.

The length of time entries are open to comments can likewise be extended, for example if the debate remains topical for an unusually long time.

What are Editors' picks?

On some pages you will notice a tab for Editors' picks. Editors' picks are a selection of comments submitted which are well-expressed and add new perspective or insight but generally reflect the balance of opinion we receive. The selection might be updated as more comments are received. To read all comments on the page click the All Comments tab.

What are RSS feeds?

Feeds let you subscribe to the blogs that you like so you know when they are updated. There is some discussion as to what RSS stands for, but the majority plump for 'Really Simple Syndication'. Have a look at Feed Factory for an introduction to the RSS feeds that are available from bbc.co.uk and how to use them.

Want to ask something?

Comments: The BBC welcomes feedback, both positive and negative, about our programmes and services. You can comment on any blog entry.

Moderation: If you are unhappy with the way a comment has been moderated, use this feedback form.

Enquiries: For queries specific to an individual blog you may contact the individual blog at the individual blog contact address.

Comments on BBC online: If you have a comment about anything the BBC does online, the BBC internet blog has an “open post” on which you can leave a comment.

Complaints: To complain about a comment by another user, use the ‘complain about this post’ button.

To complain about content on BBC blogs, please visit the BBC Complaints website. The BBC takes complaints about anything that breaks our Editorial Guidelines very seriously, this includes issues such as...

• Impartiality
• Harm and Offence

What does the BBC do with my email address and other information?

To find out more about this, please read our privacy policy.