Quick connection
“Do you have your own Web site?” This used to be the question computer power users would ask anyone claiming to be Internet savvy. The here and now presents something entirely different. Anyone can start a Web site in a matter of minutes without having to worry about “scary” things like HTML coding or CSS style sheets. It is called the Web log.
Web logs (or blogs for short) represent the pinnacle of the Web as a democracy. You do not have to pay anyone or have any special knowledge to have a Web site and share your ideas with the world. All you need is a computer, an Internet connection, and a little creativity.
Sound interesting? Here’s how to do it:
1. Go to blogger.com. There are many blogging tools around, but some are for-pay only, or must be hosted on your own server. Blogger is the quickest and easiest application to get you started.
2. Click “Create Your Blog Now” if you do not have a Google account yet. If you do, use the “Sign In” box and skip to step 4.
3. This takes you to a signup page. Since Google owns Blogger, you will be forming an account with that company. Make sure to remember the user name and password you choose!
4. Now that you have an account, the next step is to give your blog a title. (This will show up at the top of the blog’s page.) Also, enter the address you want so that other people will be able to find your blog.
5. Pick a template – there are many colors and styles available.
6. Click the “Start Posting” button to begin adding content to your site. Using the simple editor, you can enter text, create hyperlinks, and import pictures from your computer to use in your posts.
7. Click “Publish” when you are ready for the world to hear what you have to say!
Just for fun, I tried this process myself, and it took under 10 minutes. Claiming your own private slice of the Web really is as easy as it gets.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind. After all, anyone can blog, but it takes practice to create a good site that holds a reader’s interest.
Post as often as possible and read comments your readers leave. Many first time bloggers are surprised to learn how much their audience’s suggestions can improve their content.
Finally, have fun. Maintaining a blog should be a fun escape from the boring parts of your life, a time to share your thoughts with the rest of the world.