« Shameless XMas Plug | Main | The Amazonian »
December 12, 2004
Blogging 101 - Get Blogging
By QBlog in Blogging 101
I've adapted the Make Your Own Blog: TUTORIAL for the Blogging 101 series. If you don't yet have a blog, this article provides some reasons to publish a blog and how to get started.
Do you have something to say about Quixtar, Network Marketing, Democrats, Republicans, last night's meal or your trip to China? The topic doesn't really matter, if you have something to say to the world or a group of friends then blogging is for you.
What's a BLOG?
Not quite sure about blogs? Don't sweat it. They're really quite
simple. Think of them as a type of hybrid Online Journal where
you can easily publish whatever's on your mind. Short for Web
log, blogs are frequently updated posts arranged chronologically.
They often reflect the personality of the author but many show
an astonishing amount of diversity (see
a sampling of that variety). Rebecca Blood has written a brief
history of blogs and Dave Winer developed a sort of definition
at Harvard Law.
Why BLOG?
Great question. Every day more and more people begin blogging.
They realize that blogging allows a type of publication and conversation
that simply didn't exist a few years ago. Those with little or
no technical experience have discovered the power of instantly
reaching a global audience and how that power can impact individuals
and even entire communities.
Blogging takes advantage of the Web's strengths (links, frequent updates, low cost, global audience, no censorship, etc.) and minimizes some of the weaknesses (required technical knowledge).
There are a few reasons why blogging might appeal to you.
- Simple. Blogs are quite simple to set up and require little or no technical skills. If you can fill out an online form, you can start a blog.
- Free. Many blogs are free. If you don't want to spend money to be heard, just start a free blog.
- Control. You decide what to discuss. The content is yours. There are no rules except those you make.
- Community. It's amazing how many people you can connect with by simply publishing your thoughts, opinions and feelings on a particular topic or life in general. A good blog can be a way to connect with people, make new friends and plug-in to a vast (and ever expanding) community.
- Voice. Blogs provide a format for you to be heard on a global scale. If you want your voice to be heard, there isn't an easier or simpler way to make that happen than by blogging.
How to get started?
First you should decide on a blog tool. There are several to choose
from but I recommend Blogger
for those who want something simple and free. If you don't like
Blogger try one of the tools listed at The
Weblog Compendium.
To set up your blog on Blogger just follow the simple instructions. You'll probably want to host your blog for free on Blogger's Blog*Spot service so be sure to select that option when you sign up. Also, be sure that you choose an appropriate name for your blog. I recommend keeping it relatively short.
I've set up my BLOG, now what?
Now you just start typing. Write about whatever you want. Try
to keep it brief but there really are no rules. Just keep in mind
that whatever you say on your blog may be read by anyone and it
may stay on the Web forever, even if you delete the blog. Once
something is published on the Web, it's in the public domain and
almost impossible to remove.
Don't libel. You should also keep in mind that libel laws apply to blogs and you are accountable for what you say. Even if you publish a blog anonymously, there are ways to track you down should there be some legal reason to do so.
Aren't Quixtar IBOs forbidden from having a BLOG?
I'm not a lawyer but from what I've determined, Quixtar IBOs can
publish a blog as long as they don't violate any of the rules
governing personal Web sites. If you're a Quixtar IBO and want
to start a blog about your business, please check with the appropriate
people to be sure that you're not violating any Quixtar rules.
I do have a little experience with this and I'll relate my personal
understanding of the rules. I could be wrong so please don't take
my word for it.
Quixtar allows personal sites as long as you don't post your IBO number, try to directly recruit people or promote the products. You cannot try to sell products and you can't make any sort of definitive claims about earnings potential. If this is wrong, please send me the documents that prove I'm wrong.
Read a PDF copy of the laws governing personal IBO Web sites. Quixtar sent me this copy in early 2003 (the rules may have changed).
I want comments on my blog, how do I do that?
Blogger now has a commenting feature as part of the service. However,
you can still used third-party comment systems if you would like.
Some commenting tools:
Now you're blogging!
That's all there is to it. Blog on folks.