I have been considering starting one myself but a friend of mine is going to help me set up my own web site. He says that is the way to go but I am not sure.
With blogging morphing into social networking, and social networking morphing into who knows what, it is getting easier than ever for people to find others with similar interests online.
Look how this Open Forum has evolved over the years. Once something simple, it now has social groups, enhanced private message features, and icons for Furl, del.icio.us, Technorati, and Digg. Blogging for some has given way to Twitter.
It's hard to say what a blog is any more, compared to a forum or a group, or a virtual world, or whatever else. In time, these things will evolve into things more standardized, recognized and useful. But with internet access devices (phones, readers, laptops, etc.) continuing to morph, it will be a while before things settle in.
It does not really matter if you blog on your own web site or on one like BlogSpot or WordPress provides. Just make it easy to be found by the people you are writing for.
I blog on my own web site because I like having total control of the site. I also enjoy plinking away at a snail's pace to grow my Dreamweaver skills (web site development software). With my own site, I don't have to worry about site sponsors changing the rules or networking my stuff with advertising schemes of theirs. Static pages are working just fine, at least for now.
It you are after high numbers of readers, or are seeking to network with large numbers of unseen online "friends" online, one of the more modern social-networking/blog sites will be the ticket. They offer the latest and greatest in social networking technology that will boost traffic to your blog.
I've seen quite a few hits on my blog, DOUGSTER'S TRAVELS from EO members, and thanks for looking! I was wondering do any other EO members have blogs? If you don't here's why I think you should think about it. #1 It is fun after you get into it (my daughter talked me into it and I was very skepical at first) #2 It gives your friends and family a chance to see what you are up to when you are out here and gives them an idea of the places you see and things you do. #3 It kills time- maybe this should have been number 1!! #4 you could potentially make a few bucks- ok don't count on it, I have a couple of google ads on mine that goes to my daughters college account but I don't think she has gotten anything to speak of yet. #5 It gives you alot of room to store your digital pictures, this can be a great thing. I found out the hard way recently when my laptop died, If not for my blog I would have lost all my Pictures. Yeah I know I should have backed them up in a web album, at least most of them were saved. Im sure there are other reason's to do a blog in this line of work but here's a few from the top of my head.
