About Weblogs

Blogger.com

A short how-to for individuals who wish to set-up a blog using Blogger.com.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 to 10 minutes

Here's How: 

1. Go to the Blogger site at http://www.blogger.com/
2. Click on the 'sign-up now' link or 'start now' button. You will be directed to the registration page.
3. When you get to the 'Create a Blogger Account' page, you will be asked for a Username*, your first and last name, your email address (' This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it '), and a password. You have to type your password twice for security and confirmation purposes. Once you've read the Terms and Conditions of Blogger, you can check the box that indicates your acceptance. As soon as you've completed this process, click on the 'Sign Up' button.
4. As soon as you are registered with a user name and password, you will be taken to the 'Create a New Blog' page.
5. Provide a title and description for your new blog. Don't sweat it too much if you come up with something less than perfect description at this time. You'll have time to edit and re-write later. You will also have to decide whether you want your blog to be private (only you can give away the URL address of your blog) or public (Blogger can list you in their 'recently updated' list and other promotions).
6. You are then given a choice whether to host your blog at BlogSpot, Blogger.com's free, ad-supported hosting service or to use your own server via via FTP (File Transfer Protocol). If you are not sure what to do and/or if you do not have your own web host/server, it is suggested that you choose the first option. If you choose to host it at BlogSpot, you can also upgrade to an ad-free hosting by paying a small subscription fee.
7. If you host at BlogSpot: You can choose to use your blog title (e.g., http://joesblog.blogspot.com/) or your name (e.g., http://joemoe.blogspot.com/) as your blog's web address. This is the address that you will be using when visiting (and asking other people to visit) your blog. Once you've read the Terms and Conditions of BlogSpot, you can check the box that indicates your acceptance. Then, click the 'Next' button to proceed to the last step.
8. If you have your own web host: you must provide your FTP information. If you're not sure what they are, email your web hosting company.
9. Once the configuration of your blog is complete, you can then choose a template for your blog. At the time of writing this tutorial, there are seven templates available on Blogger to choose from. Just experiment for now, if you wish. You can always choose another template later or even design your own.
10. Once your blog is created, you will be taken to the administration page of your blog where you can finally create your very first post.
11. Congratulations! Now you can begin your life as a blogger.

Tips:

1. On User Names: Consider making a list of at least 3-5 usernames that you like, in case your first choice is not available.
2. If the user name you've chosen is not available or already taken, you will be taken back to the same registration page and you will get the message "Sorry, this username is not available" under the Username box. You will have to think of another name that you like. Once you've chosen another name, you will need to type and re-type your password before clicking on the 'Sign Up' button again.
3. Make sure that your email address is correct and that you typed in an active email account.
4. Your title can be as simple as 'Joe's Blog' or as wacky as 'Bloggermania Pundits'. Your description can be a short introduction to yourself, what your blog is all about, or a witty saying about you and/or your blog.
5. Familiarize yourself with the administrative functions of Blogger as soon as you can.

What You Need:

• FTP information (if you have your own web host)