How do I set up my own blog?

How do I set up my own blog?

Setting up a blog is very simple.  You must register if you haven't done so and then log in.

When you are logged in, select the account link in the top right corner of the page.  This will show you your account page.  From there, click the Edit tab above the content and then click My blog.  This will take you to a page where you can personalize your blog.

Enter a title for your blog.  Many prefer to use their names as the blog title (e.g. John Smith's Blog).  Others like to be clever (e.g. Hollie's Horse Hiccups).  If you leave this blank, your user ID will be used as your blog title.

Don't forget to click Save.

We also suggest that you completely fill-out the About me form. Click on the About me tab. Enter bio and occupation information that will also be used in the header of your blog page. Keep in mind that the potential readers of your blog often desire background information about the blogger.

Don't worry about perfection.  You can always come back and fine tune this information at any time.  When done, don't forget to click Save.

I'm ready to post - but how?

Log on, click the account link, and on your account page scroll down and you will see Create new blog post. Note that a simple text editor is available for you to input your blog.  This editor allows you to enter links, images, place headers, use bulleted or numbered lists, etc.

After writing you post, scroll to the bottom of the page and click Save.

What makes a good blog?

A good blog has the same characteristics of a good novel, television show, movie or magazine article.  It grabs the readers attention and it gives the reader something that they value.

Often, the object of value is an opinion or expression that either validates or contradicts those of the reader.  The blog then makes the case for the opinion or expression.

Successful bloggers are aware that the reader's time is of the highest value.  Short posts that are well organized, easy to read and that make a single point are most often preferred.

Rambling prose, lack of focus, inappropriate content, poor grammar - these are the blog's kiss of death.  Nobody has the time for poorly written blogs.

Also, cutesy and contrived content, or content that is expressly intended to cause conflict is considered inappropriate and may be removed if flagged by the user community.

How does someone find my blog?

Community blogs are listed on the blog home page just below the featured bloggers. This list is sorted by most recent blog first so the more often you blog, the more often you will get front page billing!

Search is another means that helps users find your blog.  All blog posts are indexed by the EquiMed search engine.  Any user can search all blogs for a set of words.  If there is a match, your blog will show up on the list that can be accessed by the user.

Your active participation in the community provides others with quick access to your blog pages.  If your blog holds interest, many will bookmark the page for future access.

Do I need special software to blog?

All you need is your computer and access to the internet.  Following the steps above will get you going.  We encourage you to read the professional blogs and popular blogs found on the blogs page to get an idea of what is considered good blogging.