And I would know this how? My first task (after setting up a blog) is to write 5 tips for new bloggers. Umm.. that's me! So, 5 things I found helpful in taking the plunge to set up a blog.
- Have a goal. Think about why you are blogging, what your purpose is. This may have an impact on what tools you will need available to you when you blog
- Be nosy. Have a look around and see what others have done using different tools and hosts, find one that suits you.
- Explore your settings. Know who can see your blog or post to it, be familiar with how to change settings and add extras to your posts.
- Be realistic. Start simple, you can change it and add things as you get more familiar with blogging. This isn't going to make it boring, but it certainly will make it more manageable at the start until you work out how much time you have available for blogging and how much time you need to maintain what you have started.
- Watch your content. Remember that people you don't know can see your blog, don't say anything you don't want a total stranger to know. Protect your details and those of others you may mention in your blog. If you use material from elsewhere, acknowledge it. Be sure of any information you include, also be sure your thoughts are represented as just that.. thoughts. Consider the rights of others as well as yourself in anything you say, both ethically and legally. "If in doubt, leave it out"
