Personal computer, you've come a long way. You've transformed into the ultimate expression of who we are and who we aspire to be. You're also the ultimate tool for a bit of personal glory and perhaps even five minutes of fame.
We're talking about a global audience here. Let's talk about the highly charged subject of Web logs or "blogs" for short. The blog is a way of going out in front of the world and speaking on any subject that tickles your fancy. From politics to classic muscle cars to your grandmother's most delectable chocolate chip cookie recipe-you can share anything and everything you feel like sharing-just like you would in a journal.
Publishing your own personal sounding board. Now that you've decided to leap into the blogosphere with both virtual feet, you need to choose a free public space to inspire. It's as easy as signing up, choosing a template, and writing, writing, writing. So what's out there?
Choose from a zillion free sites. Open your favorite search engine and type "free blogging sites" and you'll get more hits than you could expect or want for that matter. We've included resources in this article, but you might want to have a look around to see what works best for you. The free site you choose should allow, at a minimum, the following:
- Create a personal profile. Write about the real you or your fantastical alter ego!
- Type and submit blog entries. You should be able to type and click a publish button. That's it.
- Receive feedback from readers. You'll want to hear from your fans about how marvelous your latest post is. You'll also want the ability to easily delete feedback at your discretion!
- Post your photos. Show the world what you look like, or what your alter ego looks like.
Let's blog! For this article, we've chosen Blogger.com. Why? It's free. And the first page of their site has this compelling message, "Create a blog in three easy steps!" We like free. We like easy!
Step 1. Sign up. This process really is as easy as 1-2-3! Before you start, you should consider three or four names for your blog site. Will it be your name? Your favorite hobby? You'll want a few options in case your first or second choices are already taken.
Tip! Be sure not to include personal information you wouldn't tell to a stranger on the street, as it is the World Wide Web and over a billion people have access to your post. But don't let that intimidate you.
Let's get started!
- Go to www.blogger.com. Click Create your blog now.
- Provide your e-mail address, a password (that you can remember!), and your name as you want it to appear in your profile–think of cool aliases that describe what your blog is about–and then check the acceptance of terms box.
- Next you'll need to name your blog! Get your list! Name away! Your name will become part of the URL people use to visit your site. For instance: http://yournamehere.blogger.com.
- Choose your template, including color, font, layout and more. The great thing about it is that you can change it at any time to fit your mood.
- That's it! You're official! Your blog has been created!
Step 2. Start blogging! Surfing various blogs is a great way to get inspired. When you do, you'll understand what we mean when we say that people talk about anything and everything. The key to blogging success is to update it regularly with your rants so as to inspire a loyal following of avid readers.
Stumped about what to write about? Consider these ideas:
- Write about your day. It might seem odd, but you'd be surprised how many people can relate to, "I was stuck in traffic for two hours and missed my son's first baseball game," or "much to my horror my soufflé fell as flat as a pancake right when company walked through the door." They may even be inspired to offer up some empathetic feedback.
- Write about your favorite hobby. You love vintage clocks. You collect Pez* dispensers. You're a comic book junkie. Whatever the hobby, there are enthusiasts just like you who are genuinely interested in chatting about their passion!
- Write about your personal experiences or tragedies. Call it blogging therapy. Tell the world your story to inspire others who are going through something similar. Share your story, your wisdom, and your encouragement through your words and through your blog.
- Showcase your talents. As a blogger you can showcase not just your words but also your art! Photography, paintings, sculpture, music! Whatever you create, broaden your audience and show the world who you are and what you can do!
- Share the places you've been. Traveled from coast to coast, around the world, or just around some of the coolest places on the Web? Share your photos, your experiences, and your favorite Web links.
The Web is a community, and blogging is a great tool to connect like-minded people. Whatever you decide to write about, just start writing! The world is waiting and wants to hear from you.
Here are some free blogging sites:
Related Resources:
