The document discusses different types of blogging platforms and options for creating a blog. It covers blogging websites like TypePad and Blogger, doing it yourself with content management software like WordPress, and factors to consider like privacy, security, style, and reasons for blogging such as personal, professional, community building, or commercial purposes. The document provides information to help someone choose how and why to start their own blog.

2. What’s a blog? What’s a blog? Weblog - log or diary on the web BUT today more than this Realclear - political blog Postsecret - original xkcd - comic strip Psychokitty - cats or... Blog, blogging and blogosphere

3. The Platform Blogging websites Themed blogging websites Your employer/organization Do it yourself (DIY) Very important choice!

4. Blogging Websites TypePad Blogger Wordpress – web based Themed: Blogactiv

5. DIY Content Management Software (CMS): Wordpress Hosting server Domain Some technical knowledge

6. Content Management Software Wordpress Relatively easy installation Many plugins Big community/support – very popular More sophisticated technology add-ons e.g. Wiki, Flickr, YouTube, Dopplr, live blogging ( CoverItLive ( demo )) Blog of Change & [email_address]

8. Style People: One or many ( Global Voices ) Goal Audience Content: theme Participation: Comments

9. Privacy & Security Privacy How much of your private life do you want to disclose? About you & posts Technorati - blogging directory The privacy of others Security Administration rights Comments Spam Akisnet & others anti-spam plugins

11. Why blogging? Personal /Professional Intellectual / Emotional Reach an audience Create a community Sell a product (e.g. toothbrush, a political candidate, an idea...) Sell yourself Just fun???