Blogjects, a word that comes from combining the words "blog" and "objects," are objects that blog. A blog is a website where people can log their comments, usually on a particular topic. Blogjects refers to the same concept except with blogjects, objects do the blogging instead of people.
The word blogjects was created by researcher Julian Bleecker who wrote an essay entitled "Manifesto for Networked Objects" which describes blogjects and their impact on the world. Blogjects are different than other "things" that are connected to the internet, because these things assertively participate in the internet. In fact, Bleecker writes that blogjects can act in the same way that human bloggers can, creating posts and links much the way that we do now. Essentially, they can share their experiences and observations like a camera recording information, but in a different way.
There are three key characteristics that differentiate blogjects from other internet objects. Blogjects can track and trace where they are; carry with them the knowledge of previous stories, recordings, or experiences; and interact with a group. In this way, blogjects can log what they're doing, "remember" what they've done, and share their information with others, namely the internet's bloggers and blog readers.
"Pigeon that Blogs," a project by Beatriz da Costa, is one example of a blogject. This blogject consists of a flock of pigeons that are equipped with sensors to record the environmental conditions in which they fly. They also have a wireless internet connection as well as a GPS (Global Positioning System) which allows for easy tracking. As they fly around, the toxins and other pollutants in the air are recorded and can be traced to where they've been, allowing for an organic study of air quality.
There are many uses for blogjects that have not come to light yet, but it is likely that things will increasingly be the bloggers of the future.
