Blog or not to Blog

What are your thoughts on reading blogs from authors? Is anyone reading mine?

Does blogging somehow diminish the impact of the author's prior written work?

The word "blog" has its origins in the fusion of the words "web" and "log." Did internet enthusiasts tire of the first syllable? The "we?" Is that part of the word too inclusive for someone who prefers the solitude of his or her computer station, be it laptop, desktop or portable computing device?

-w