About Weblogs

Some of the most common questions asked by individuals contemplating on starting a weblog are: How do you choose the right platform? Where is the best place to blog?

Unfortunately, there are no straightforward answers. However, understanding the different types of blogging platforms may help in the decision-making process. Blogging platforms are best categorized as follows:

• Hosted weblog providers;
• Stand-alone weblog software; and
• Remote weblog systems.

Hosted weblog providers. This is a type of blogging platform where the user simply needs to sign up and set up a weblog account in order to start blogging. There's no need to install any programs, get a separate web hosting account, and/or obtain a domain name. Examples of such a blogging platform include: MindSay, TypePad, LiveJournal, Xanga and ModBlog.

Starting a blog using hosted weblog providers is the simplest way to begin blogging. It suits most people who wish to start a weblog.

Basic Blogging

This set up is perfect for bloggers who do not wish to study any complicated technical matters like HTML, CSS, and/or FTP, among others.

Stand-alone weblog software. This is a type of blogging platform where the user needs to download and install weblog software in a free or paid web host in order to start blogging. Examples are: WordPress, Movable Type, and Greymatter.

The typical set up guideline for users of this platform type is as follows: visit the weblog software's site, check the requirements to run the program, download the software, install the software on your web host, and follow set up procedures. You can later customize the templates and incorporate add-ons and plugins to improve your weblog. If you don't have a web host yet, About's Guide to Personal Web Pages Linda Roeder has some recommendations.

This type of weblog platform is good for bloggers who wish to have more freedom in tweaking their blogs, either by customizing templates or adding functionality. Users of stand-alone weblog software are comfortable with handling technical matters. Or, at least, they can rely on someone who can help them with such things.

Remote weblog systems. This type of blogging platform is somewhere in-between using a hosted weblog provider and stand-alone weblog software. Users can have the option to host the weblog system in the built-in weblog host (like BlogSpot for Blogger.com users) or use their own web host and domain. Other than Blogger.com, another example of this type of platform is WebCrimson.

In this type of platform, the typical set up guideline follows that of the weblog host provider set up, if the user chooses to have his or her blog hosted. However, if the user opts to run the weblog system in his/her own web host and use his/her own domain name, the user needs to provide the FTP details to the remote weblog system of choice. The web host company should provide the FTP details, which usually comprise of the FTP address (e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com), FTP account user name and password.

Bloggers who will benefit the most from this type of platform are those who wish to have some control over their weblogs but do not wish to go through the trouble of installing weblog software.

©Sheila Ann Manuel Coggins. Do not reprint or publish elsewhere without permission.