Time for an upgrade?
As I looked at the side bar the other day, I realised I’ve had this blog now for two and a half years!! That’s a fairly decent amount of time to keep something going. Sure there’ve been times when I’ve hardly written a thing for months, but I’ve also written 192 posts in total. I did the math, that’s 192 posts in approximately 913 days, about one post every 4.75 days, not bad for someone who probably wouldn’t label themselves a ‘blogger’ (I have a blog, but don’t consider myself a blogger. Yeah I know that makes no sense).
I was also looking at the side bar and remembered my About Me page never showed up, even though I wrote it. I figured I can blogroll it, but then I end up last on my own blogroll, and I can’t seem to reorder said blogroll. I’ve also had the same design for 2.5 years and I’m sick of it, but don’t like any of the other blogsome options. I also *love* the snow that people have on their blog at the moment, and the themes other blogs have, whether their ‘regular’ theme or a holiday theme. So I’m thinking… maybe it’s time to step it up a notch? The trouble is, I have no idea how! There’s something about wordpress, and something about selfhosting… but then I’m lost. So if anyone knows of any good blogs or articles on how to set up a blog in say 5 or so easy steps I’d be keen to read it. I’ll also do my own searching in the mean time. That’s task number one for you all, so time to speak up!
I also need to delve into the financial side of things. I know (or think I know) it’s not a huge cost, but there is a cost nonetheless. Task number two: I’d be grateful if you wouldn’t mind sharing how much your blog costs, or even some ideas on how to keep costs down or links to any good, cost effective options if you don’t to talk specifics.
At the moment I’m really enjoying the writing, and I’ve really turned things around this year and toned the general ranting and bitching down and tried to think and write in more positive ways. I’m a less-than-tolerant person, things will alway bug me more than the average person and this is a great way to vent, so I can’t ditch that attitude completely, but right I’m happy in general and happy with my writing here. Appreciate any assistance you can give!
Thanks 
Yay for blog upgrades! Personally I use Wordpress hosted by Yahoo. It’s about $12/mo. That includes the hosting, domain, email addys, etc.
Wordpress comes in two forms: Wordpress.com (they host) and Wordpress.org (self hosted). You have a lot of freedom with either, but of course the self hosted gives you endless possibilities. You have limitless themes, plugins, etc.
I use Yahoo because that’s who I used way back in 2000 before they even had a blog plan. I like it because it’s very user friendly. I even attempted to go with a cheaper service at one time, but that lasted about a week before I cancelled and returned to Yahoo with my tail between my legs.
Also I always get a response when I email costumer service with 24 hours. Other than that I don’t know all the bells and whistles, but I think for what you are looking for you would be more than pleased.
If you are worried about having to mess around in the directory rest easy. There is a plugin I use that automatically upgrades Wordpress each time a new version comes out and same with all of my plugins. The most I do messing around in the directory is when uploading new plugins and themes which is a cinch with FTP. If I can do it anybody can do it!
Thank you!! I checked out Yahoo’s page and they’re doing a deal atm, waiving the $25 start up fee and the first 3 months are about $9. Of course that’s US and the dollar is atrocious at the moment for me, but it shouldn’t be too bad in the long run. Now I just need to think of a domain name…. I’m hopeless at names, but I’ll have a think and try come up with something good. Watch this space, I feel changes are coming!
Comment by Kari — December 11, 2008 @ 8:55 am