History of the Blog (and Blopp)

Where does the word "blog" come from?

You're reading a blog right now—but have you ever wondered what that word even means or where it originated?

A blog—short for "web log"—is essentially a frequently updated online journal or knowledge feed, typically arranged with the latest posts at the top. These entries might include personal reflections, insights, links, videos, or photos shared by the author.

Blogs first appeared on the scene in the mid-1990s. In 1994, Justin Hall, a student at Swarthmore College, created what's widely considered the first personal blog: Justin's Links from the Underground. It showed that anyone who knew basic HTML could publish their ideas to the web.

The word "weblog" was coined by Jorn Barger in 1997. Two years later, Peter Merholz jokingly shortened it to "blog"—and the name stuck. The launch of platforms like Blogger in 1999 made blogging even easier, allowing people without coding skills to share their thoughts with the world. Soon after, in 2004, "blog" became Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year, signaling its integration into mainstream culture.

Fast forward to today: blogging has evolved dramatically. About 7.5 million blog posts are published every single day, proving it's still one of the web's most dynamic mediums.

Introducing Blopp: Blogging Meets Apps

Just as blogging evolved from simple online diaries to powerful platforms for knowledge sharing, we're entering another exciting evolution: Blopping.

Blopp ("blog" + "app") merges the personalized, expressive power of blogging with the interactive flexibility of apps. It's designed for today's world, where "wipe coding"—tools that make creating apps simple—is changing how we create and consume digital content.

Instead of passively reading a static blog post, Blopp lets you engage with content dynamically. You choose how to experience each post—whether visually, interactively, or through simulations that enhance your understanding and enjoyment.

Blopping is the next generation of blogging, putting you in control of how you consume content, helping you learn and explore in ways that best suit your interests and needs.