blogging

[stuck]

At some point in the medium-term future we (stuck and family) are going to have a trip-of-a-lifetime to New Zealand.

I've never considered having a blog before but I wonder if such a beastie might be a useful way of documenting this adventure. That then poses the question, what's the best option...

1) Use something that's probably fairly painless like Google's Blogger so that while travelling all I need think about is finding any old web/email connection to update it.

2) Put a bit more effort in and set up something like WordPress, which I would have more control over but consequently is likely to need more 'management' and which might mean having my own netbook with me.

Don't be shy, I'm sure you all have lots of opinions

Ken

[HansV]

I'd go for the Blogger option - very easy to handle, just login whenever you have an internet connection.

[Leif]

I'm with Hans on this. If you don't have a Google Mail (Gmail) address, you'll need one, but Blogger is easy-peasy once you are set up.

[stuck]

Any privacy issues with Blogger?

Ken

[HansV]

You can specify whether the blog will be visible to the general public, or to invited people only. See How do I control who can view my blog?

[Leif]

It may depend on your definition of privacy...

You can define who can view your Blog, as well as set up multiple 'Authors' - i.e. who can post, edit, administrate the blog:

x.jpg

You can allow levels of comments:

y.jpg

You can decide if it can found by search engines, and/or if it is listed in Googles blog listing.
You can make new posts by email / mobile 'phone.
You can set up feeds and subscriptions which will send out any new posts you have made to anyone who subscribes.

And it's all free!

[ChrisGreaves]

1) Use something that's probably fairly painless like Google's Blogger

I am desperately trying to come up with a better solution, but I'm stuck.

[HansV]

I am desperately trying to come up with a better solution, but I'm stuck.

No, you're Chris!

[ChrisGreaves]

No, you're Chris!

Good Morning, Hans!

[Jezza]

Ken

Go for Blogger, I am an avid blogger these days and it is really easy to use with very good security features. I have been on long runs and have been able to email my split times to a designated email address that publishes the info. immediately.

http://tinyurl.com/magicforest

There are even a few pics of me on it

[Sundog]

If you don't have a Google Mail (Gmail) address, you'll need one, but Blogger is easy-peasy once you are set up.

Do viewers/blogees need a Gmail address to view/add to your blog?

[Leif]

Do viewers/blogees need a Gmail address to view/add to your blog?

Viewers:
Yes if they are by invitation only ("Only people I choose").
No if open to everybody.

Bloggees:
Yes. Google/Blogger uses your Google login to authenticate you (same with if you are an invited viewer).

[Sundog]

Google/Blogger uses your Google login to authenticate you.

Thanks for the response. That's why I won't use Google Blogger; many of my likely blog audience members won't have (and probably won't get even if prompted) a Gmail login.

[Leif]

Thanks for the response. That's why I won't use Google Blogger; many of my likely blog audience members won't have (and probably won't get even if prompted) a Gmail login.

Well, if you want to restrict your audience, something has to authenticate them. If you don't add any restriction, anyone and everyone can view the blogs.

If you want to keep it semi-private, just don't let Google and other search engines index it, and pass on the web address to those you want to be able to view it.

[Sundog]

Yes, but my point is that my blogees won't have access without a Gmail login.

[ChrisGreaves]

... many of my likely blog audience members won't have ... a gMail login.

I am a tad confused.
I don't think viewers need a gMail account to VIEW a public blog.
Only if you want someone (Google) to police membership do you need a common system (gMail) applied to all members.

If this is a public blog, then no-one NEEDS gMail (OK, except you if you are using Google's blogger).
I note you said "trip-of-a-lifetime to New Zealand", so chances are strong that you might not want every sneak-thief to know that you are out of the house for 6 weeks.
OTOH really, who cares?
I assume that neighbors are watching your house, etc.
And how many sneak-thieves nowadays are scanning New Blogs On Google to determine (using Google Maps no doubt) how to schedule their break-ins?

Go Public!

[Leif]

Yes, but my point is that my blogees won't have access without a Gmail login.

Ah, if you mean authors, then this is true. In your earlier post you referred to your audience, who don't. You want anyone who can view your blog to be able to make posts? - not something I would want! Comments, maybe, but not full posts!

Edited to add:
Can you clarify please: By 'blogees', do you mean people who can view your blog, or people who can make postings to it?
I may be misinterpreting what you want!

[stuck]

I knew you'd all have opinions on this

Looks like I'll be experimenting with Blogger at some point.

Ken

[ChrisGreaves]

I knew you'd all have opinions on this

After several years of reading and writing blogs, I am of the humble opinion that all blogs are expressions of opinion.

[Sundog]

By 'blogees', do you mean people who can view your blog, or people who can make postings to it?

This will be a blog for an event held over three days, for a small audience.

I would like anyone who learns of this blog via our advertising/marketing efforts (or via any other way) to be able to View and Post.