Self build blog

[n74tg]

I'm thinking of starting my own blog to document my house building project.  I've checked out several blogsites, but was wondering which ones you guys are familiar with, have used yourselves, or can otherwise recommend.  

Likewise, some of the sites have mentioned that some of their services are free and others have associated costs.  I couldn't find any info on what types of services they would charge for---any ideas?

Finally, anybody got any advice for things to avoid in setting up and building your blog?

Thanks
Tony Gunn
Hot Springs, AR

[John Raabe]

Tony:

I think the Google Blogger (free) software is the easiest to use and gives a pretty handsome layout.

Here is an example from one of our contributing members.

PS - send us a link when you get it rolling.

[Sassy]

Thanks, John, for posting that!  I've been threatening to start a blog, just hadn't done it yet, having never done one before.  I usually rely on Glenn to help me with new stuff, but he is back in Carmel working.  I would have gone but we have family coming up this weekend & have lots to do here, so... I don't have much done on the blog, but at least it is started.  Here is the link...

http://glennkathystroglodytecabin.blogspot.com/

[Nutter]

I think http://www.blogspot.com is pretty easy to use.. I have mine there as well.. its not a building one but none the less easy to use ..

Nut

[Mommymem]

I like using blogspot.com its easy to use, if you know a little html you can fiddle with their backgrounds too. Its not specifically for any set theme, it is what you make it. You can check ours out at:

http://schluterhomestead.blogspot.com/

[John Raabe]

Nice job Sassy!

You certainly climbed that learning curve in short order.  

The blog looks great and the writing and pics work very well together. Great overview of your projects. Glenn should be proud.  8-)

[glenn kangiser]

Yep -- she got a good start --all on her own.  

Now well see who talks the most around here.

[Sassy]

Thanks, John   .  Your posting got me moving... I've been thinking about doing a blog for a long time.  Was so impressed with Mommymem's, Judy's &  everyone else's - thought I should try.  We have a lot of pictures that we took with a regular camera that we need to scan so that I can post pics that show the property before we built & our progress - how we did things, etc.  We have a lot on CountryPlans, but this will be more of the story from the beginning.  

[Mommymem]

I really like the start on your blog Sassy, I look forward to seeing more.

[Sassy]

Thanks, Mommymem... it was fun to do.  
Didn't see your posting, Glenn   , I must have posted about the same time you did!  

Tony, go for it!  The blog sites really help you through the process - very intuitive, so if I can do it, you can!

http://glennkathystroglodytecabin.blogspot.com/

[n74tg]

Okay, the blog is created and first post has been made.  Find it at

http://n74tg.blogspot.com/

A question for you bloggers; to insert pics do I have to have them hosted first, or does the blog also serve as a host?

[Sassy]

You can save the pictures to Photobucket & then post the URL in the space provided when you click onto the picture link provided by the blog.  You can also post them directly from pictures you've saved on your computer - I have several albums of pics.  There is a little tutorial that will help you.

Great start on your blog!

Sassy

[jwv]

Hey Sassy,

Haven't read you complete blog yet-but great start.  It's interesting to get 2 perspectives on the same building project.
I find that blogging is fun and a great way to have the process documented.  Wish I had done it with the first house.  Rick kept a diary for awhile but then got so caught up in the project he didn't have time. It's still interesting.

Tony,

Great start on your blog also.  Remember, we like LOTS of pictures.
My husband and 16 yr old son are doing probably 80% of the work on our house.  They are in the process of putting the metal on the roof now. (I made sure my son knew the address and how to dial 911 and what to say  )  Luckily the monsoons have moved in and the temps are not as bad as they were 2 weeks ago.  

Keep blogging.

Judy

[n74tg]

Lots of new stuff added to my blog.  And yes, Judy, there are pictures (just for you).

http://n74tg.blogspot.com

[mgabriel]

I realize this is a old topic but thought I would post anyway.  My wife and I started a blog while building but we had a difficult time keeping it updated.  Now that we have moved in, we are  updating it and sharing our experience. 

ourfoursquare.com