The latest (and best) new free blogging service is hosted by the gang at WordPress. This is a step-by-step illustrated primer on how to sign up and log in.
First, just click over to www.wordpress.com and you will see the following page. Click on Get a WordPress Blog now >> (subtly circled in red)
You will see the following page. Just fill out the easy-to-complete form, realizing that your blog will end up having the address http://yournewblog.wordpress.com.
For this example, I filled out appliedblogging as my blog address but it also serves as my username. (This is different than Blogger, so don’t make the mistake of believing that there will be a separate username and address name.) Once you choose the name, its final. Choose wisely. The blog title can be changed later so you don’t have to make it perfect. Pop an active a real email in there because WP will be sending you an activation email. Choose your language and check the privacy box (if you want to join the worldwide conversation known as the blogosphere). Then click Sign Up >>
You will be rewarded with the below screen.
Make sure you copy the following information into a notebook.
You can’t move forward until you check your email and then click on the URL address I gently point to with a big red arrow below (that will look something like this http://appliedblogging.wordpress.com/newblog/ff5791/)
If you don’t get an email in your INBOX, check your SPAM folder for it. Could happen.
Also, make sure you copy and save the username and the password information. (You will have the opportunity to change the password later if you choose.)
Your address is your username.wordpress.com. Go there and you should see the following screen (minus the red arrow).
Click on Login (http://username.wordpress.com/wp-login.php). Then just pop your username and the password you were provided in the email you received and optionally check the Remember Me box if you are on your own private computer and will be the only person using it. Then click Login>>
You are then in the WordPress Dashboard.
Now its your turn. Go ahead and play around. Make mistakes. Post entries.
When you write your first post, you will be happy to know that WordPress has a Rich Text Editor (also known as a WYSIWYG editor). Writing your blog posting is going to be as easy as writing a webmail message or writing your dull work memos. Easier in fact, because this is your blog.
When you’re ready, click on Publish and you will then see the following screen, which initially looks like a blank Write a Post page. Don’t worry. You didn’t lost your work. Look above the Write a Post words and you will see (!) Post Saved. View Site>>. That means it has been saved and you have posted! Congrats!
If you want to see your work, then click on View Site, also circled above, and you will see your first post. Here’s my first post…
Well, that’s enough for now. You need to spend some time making all sorts of mistakes first and post a bunch of blog entries. I will show you around some of the options that you have as a WordPress blogger later.
Since the WordPress.com blog offers mostly the same options and management features as its WordPress.org brother, I will write a single post later on about how to administer, manage, and get the most out of your Wordpress blog.
