Nov 9, 2007

Choose a blog host

Starting a blog takes just minutes, thanks to a plethora of host sites like Blogger and Wordpress. These provide a web address, page templates and tools for posting. Most beginners prefer services like:

  • Blogger - a free blogging platform by Google. Ad-free.

  • LiveJournal - blogging tool by SixApart, which offers free basic packages, as well as premium paid ones (from $3/month). Popular for social networking tools.

  • Typepad - paid blogging tool by SixApart. After the free trial, prices start at $4.95/month.

  • Wordpress - A free hoster, quite simple to use, except for an irritating photo-upload.

  • Xanga - popular among teens and young adults for easy networking (especially the guestbook). Free and paid premium services.

DO: Start bookmarking blogs you enjoy. Pay attention to the hosts, templates and features.

DON'T: Succumb to Myspace and Friendster. These are more social networking sites than proper blog tools. Best avoided by those old enough to drink legally.

EXTRA CREDIT: Radio Userland - schmancy and expensive pro tool that incorporates security controls, an integrated news aggregator, multiple-author capabilities etc. Slick, but not a great starting point for the tech-inhibited.

SKOOKUM: Server-side and self-hosted blogs. Audioblogs. Podcasting. Videoblogs (vlogs).

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