Datasheet

Part I: Getting Started with Blogs

Different blog software offer different feature sets. Like with all software, the

tricky part is finding the right one to use for your situation and needs, but I can

assure you, blogging software comes in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. In

Chapter 3, I talk extensively about choosing the right software solution for

your blog. Chapter 4 shows you how to start a blog in about ten minutes by

using Blogger, and Chapter 5 walks you through the details of using WordPress.

Choosing What to Blog About

You can find blog topics all over the map. If you haven’t already read a blog,

follow these simple steps to find one and read it, which is the best possible

way to become familiar with the medium:

1. Open your Web browser and go to www.technorati.com.

2. Type any search term that you’re interested in reading about into the

search box at the top of the page.

For example, you might enjoy reading a blog written by someone with

whom you share a hobby, such as knitting or parasailing. Or try a search

term that describes what you do for a living; if you’re an accountant, for

example, you might search for tax regulations. You can also search for

something that can help you accomplish a task, such as buying a house

or finding out how to paint.

3. Click Search (the magnifying glass button to the right of the search box).

Technorati returns a list of recent blog posts that used your search

term. When I searched for knitting, for example, Technorati showed

me a blog post by someone who just bought some new yarn for making

socks, one about a recipe for a knitting-themed birthday cake, and

another post by someone who was frustrated with a pattern.

4. Find a blog post that looks interesting and click the URL to visit the

blog and read more.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4, as needed, until you find a blog that

you enjoy!

You can find blogs on so many topics that you can’t keep from finding some-

thing interesting, whether it engages you professionally or personally. I read

blogs on all kinds of topics that interest me, from (surprise) knitting to the

arts to real estate.

The blog format is exceptionally well-suited to letting you explore an idea,

a hobby, or a project — but don’t let that stop you from using it for other

things. People have created blogs to pass along marketing expertise, sell

shoes, cover the latest celebrity gossip, raise funds for bike rides, and even

write books. The topic or topics that you write about should excite you and

hold your interest, and they can be about absolutely anything.

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