I have a few static websites, but I am wanting to set up a blog. I have no idea where to start.

I have a domain name and a host. Where can I go to learn what I need to know, beginning with the very basic stuff?

I'd suggest using WordPress. If your host supports sql databases you should be able to install WordPress on your host. Otherwise get a WordPress account and redirect your domain to it.

Start with the basic blog, and add a few posts. It's pretty easy to play around with widgets and add-ons. The first one you'll want to add is a spam blocker. The next, probably a bookmarking link.

Next build your "About Me" page. If you plan to use your blog to make money, be sure to cover yourself legally with a Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimer.

Most importantly, Write Right. Formatting, grammar and spelling are very important in blog posts. People generally prefer articles that are easy to read. If there are a lot of misspellings and other writing errors, your visitors aren't likely to want to push through them.

I understand all of that... what I am looking for is a site with tutorials.

Roy, do you mean something like this ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWYi4_COZMU

or this ? http://website101.com/RSS-Blogs-Blog...ting-tips.html

Setting up a base Wordpress site is almost idiot proof. Especially if your server already has WordPress in its available scripts.

It's when you get into the add-ons and widgets that things can get dicey.
Same goes with themes. They have to be compatible with the version of Wordpress you are using.

For instance, I went to a very detailed site that a user on here has constructed with all sorts of tutorials and helps. Including a top 50 things you should add to your Wordpress Blog. Most of the items were third party, that changed the base database of the blog and some of the things were so buggy they weren't worth using.

Be aware, the latest Wordpress is supposed to have problems. At least that's the talk I have read.

As for tutorials, it's hit and miss. Just keep Googleing, you'll find a piece here and there.

The biggest drag I found was the Wordpress site itself. Searching for addons and Widgets is a royal pain in the butt. Hours and hours slugging through their system to find things I wanted to add. Then half of them didn't work with 2.7

The joys of Open Licensing.

Well I started my first blog with blogger (since it's free), then moved on to WP (this one's free too). It's kinda easy trying to twitch the codes, setting, etc. of your blog, the truth is you can easily learn it all by yourself!

I hope this tutorial videos can help you out, for other blog info this site might help you too

Good luck!

Hi RoyDixon

Most people will tell you to go with Wordpress but take a look at Blogger because it is a very powerful platform with a lot less hassle involved than Wordpress. You can use your own custom domain name with Blogger and there is no need for self hosting as this is taken care of by Blogger. For tips and tricks and the basics check out my Blogger help blogs: Blogspot Blogger Guide | Blog Know How | Best Blogger Tutorials

Also you could check my guide to creating a free account with Blogger and setting up and configuring Blogger

Thanks
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