Probably the easiest way to get started is with a hosted blogging service. The most popular are WordPress.com, Blogger, Typepad and Vox.
The main advantages to these hosted services are that they are generally free or very inexpensive, and that they make it very easy and intuitive for setting up and keeping up your blog. The tradeoff is limited flexibility in the design of the blog and the difficulty of using your own registered domain name. You will want to check out the various sites to determine if they will let you redirect your distinct registered domain name to your blog if it is hosted by their service.
About.com's Personal Web Page guide Linda Roeder has a comprehensive list of the various hosted blogging services. It is a great resource to get the latest information about these services and what they offer.
Another hosting option is to create a standalone blog. In this case, you register your own domain name and pay a web hosting service to host your site. Then you will need to create your own blog, either in a web page editor, a content management system, or a subscription service like WordPress.com or Moveable Type. This option is more expensive and a little more technically complex, but it is generally very customizable. Most professional bloggers use this option.
Finally, the blogging world continues to evolve with other options. Some sites have created a simplified blog known as an online journal or diary. These site are more like diaries and are designed more for a limited audience (like family or friends). The interfaces are very elementary and might be a good place for a beginner with a smaller audience. Check out sites like LiveJournal and Diaryland as examples of these online journaling sites.
Another more recent hosting option is called a Tumblelog, which is more focused on blog posts that involve video, images, and links more than simple text. If your idea of a daddy blog seems more oriented to these media, you might want to take a look at Tumblr.
How To Assemble a Blog
Most blogs consist of three main parts - the header, the postings and the sidebar. The heading is usually a banner graphic that includes the name of the blog and/or an image that relates to the topic. If you are using a hosted blogging service, your options for the header may be limited. The sidebar often contains a brief biography of the blogger, links to other blogs, or a calendar with links to prior posts. And finally, the posts themselves which may include text, images, links and more. Generally, under each post is a link for visitors to your blog to post their own comments about your post.When you sign up for your blog service, you'll generally have the opportunity to select a template for the blog which will include these components. While your customization options may be limited, you can still create an attractive blog.
Creating a Daddy Blog People Will Want to Read
The popularity of your blog depends, for the most part, on the quality of your content. Good writing skills are important, but so is passion. Bringing your own voice to your blog will set you apart from many others out there. And if your blog is focused on your fathering experiences and on your family, it will really be uniquely you.Make sure and inject some humor into your blog. People love to smile, so be sure and share stories, experiences and insights that will give them that chance as they read your blog.
Include photos, links and other items that will bring variety to the page. Part of the blogging experience is helping your site visitors hear your voice, but also to connect with others who have similar interests. Be generous in your posts and crosslink to other bloggers and website information that complement what you write about.
Blogging is a way to share your life experiences with others in the online community. Particularly for fathers, building community through these shared experiences is important. As we watch one another and learn from the best among us, we can be more of a dad to our children, and can help others in their quest for meaningful fatherhood.
