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I've used Wordpress since September of 2006 and have been very happy with the software. Before settling on Wordpress, I researched the other options. In addition, I look at the advantages of stand-alone versus third-party hosting. I give Wordpress two thumbs up. Here are a few tips to consider, if you are planning on using this blog software.

1. Get a host

I tried using Wordpress as a stand alone software. My computer skills are broad, but not deep. I know a little html, but learned that I don't know enough to make use Wordpress on my own. My solution was to use it through a third-party host. After researching my options for a day, I settled on www.bluehost.com. I'm satisfied with their service, price, and options. Bluehost works with Wordpress to make the experience seemless for the user. In addition, Bluehost, and likely other hosts, provide additional services such as web statistics that make managing your blog that much easier.

2. Avoid Adsense

Plugins are little bits of software or code you can add to your blog to enhance the experience for your visitors. Plugins like weather reports, search windows, or revenue generators (e.g. advertisements) are some of the more common plugins. There are several plugins I found useful. Of course, all of the plugins you can imagine are available. I found the Google, Firefox, and eBay items the most useful and the Adsense plugin the most useless. Google plugins include key word ads and search window.

3. Avoid spam

Spammers will attack your blog with irrelevant and, sometimes, downright offensive advertisements. Wordpress has a function both to block likely spam and to hold comments until you've had a chance to review them. I'd make sure both functions are active on your site.

Since starting my blog (which is www.myfavoritegear.com) and becoming familiar with Wordpress, I've notice that a lot of other very popular blog sites use the software. I've found the Wordpress interface to be both intuitive and easy to learn. I've found the help sections to be, well, helpful, rather than even more confusing than the question I had in the first place.

Learn more about this author, Joseph Hazelbaker.
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