General Discussions

**threehundred** · 07-24-2006, 09:55 AM

I saw a post in here with someone asking if they need a blog (Cecilia). I've decided that I want one, but I'm not sure exactly what all I'm going to put on it. I'm quite confused with the whole blog concept. I see there's wordpress and blogger, but what's with the people who have their own blog sites (shoemoney, jasonmurphyshow.com, etc). Are these blog templates they've set up, or did they code these themselves? Which way is the best?

Basically, I'm at square one with the blog idea, and I'm ready to be led in the right direction. I have coding experience, so I can do whatever with it, just not sure what's the best approach. Any advice would be appreciated!

**Takayama** · 07-24-2006, 10:07 AM

I think beginners should start with Wordpress - It's ridiciously easy to set up, has tons of features to keep you focused on writing blog entries instead of handling technical stuff and is well-documented. Additionally, Wordpress comes with a ton of free plugins that really decrease your non-writing related workload.

**threehundred** · 07-24-2006, 10:24 AM

If I use something like wordpress, what will be the address to my blog? I'd like to use my own domain name, if i can.

**mbx5nitro** · 07-24-2006, 10:47 AM

you can set it up to where ever you want. Say your domain is dot.com you can mae your blog at "dot.com" or "blog.dot.com" or dot.com/blog" its up to you at where you put it in the main html folder.

**threehundred** · 07-24-2006, 11:00 AM

I went to wordpress and i realize now that its a template you install on your server. I think in the past, everytime i go to these sites, i always see the "free" blog on their server, which isn't what I wanted. I've got the hang of it now. Thanks guys!

**rex_b** · 07-24-2006, 11:10 AM

Wordpress is great and very easy to setup. It does use templates but they are very easy to customize as well .

**briansol** · 07-24-2006, 01:35 PM

wordpress.org is hosted
wordpress.com is a downloadable file pak.

**CeciliaH** · 07-25-2006, 07:49 AM

You're starting one too?

IM me on AIM at CeciliaHanif or MSN ceciliahanif@gmail.com if you need help with anything.

**imported_bobby** · 07-25-2006, 08:57 AM

read problogger.net (I cannot post the link yet, but you type it yourself in browser)

In my opinion, it is the best resource for bloggers all around (personal bloggers or probloggers)

**rex_b** · 07-25-2006, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobby

read problogger.net (I cannot post the link yet, but you type it yourself in browser)

In my opinion, it is the best resource for bloggers all around (personal bloggers or probloggers)

I agree, Darren has lots of great tips and knowledge!

**elvirs** · 07-25-2006, 01:34 PM

wordpress is good for start as well as super for advanced bloggers. Techrunch, a blog making nearly 40 grands per month only from advertising is built on wordpress.
If you are very new, get started with blogger.com, experience what blogging is, or get a free blog at wordpress.com, so that you start to learn more about wordpress which will be your blogging platform in the future.
If you are making a serious move and want to invest in domain for long term blog, buy a hosting(wordpress supported), install wordpress, costomize it and start right away.
wish you luck

**Allen.H** · 07-25-2006, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by briansol

wordpress.org is hosted
wordpress.com is a downloadable file pak.

It's actually the exact opposite.

A.H

**Plugin-Developer** · 07-25-2006, 09:52 PM

If you're serious and committed about blogging, get hooked up with some hosting, install WordPress, and get going. My advice, write as often as you possibly can to build up content. Search engines love WordPress and they love content. You do the math. If you just want to give it a try, I recommend wordpress.com or blogger.com. Just remember, if you ever want to switch to your own domain, it might be a little difficult.

Also, I second the nomination of problogger.net as an indispensable resource. It's a great read for blogger's of all kinds. Another one is copyblogger.com. Always insightful and on-target, Brian Clark delivers the goods.

**threehundred** · 07-25-2006, 10:00 PM

I really appreciate everyone's input. I have downloaded the wordpress software. Installation will be no problem and I have my own VPS. I'm well-versed in most online activity, just haven't ever gotten into blogs.

I'm definately going to problogger.net once i get time to get my blog setup.

Once again, thanks everyone. The helpful spirit of everyone is what makes EF better than all of the other forums i've been to. I've actually not went to DP since I signed up here.

**Tran** · 07-25-2006, 11:41 PM

Just create a custom theme ofr your blog ;x

**RJaverson** · 07-26-2006, 04:32 AM

As far as content, write about what's happening in or life or your business ventures. The main thing is to write about something in which you're passionate. If you're passionate about what you write, it then comes easy. Less writers' block. If you need some tips about monetizing your blog, just contact me through pm. I'd be glad to help you.

**Joseph Williams** · 07-26-2006, 07:22 AM

i agree go straight to wordpress, no blogger