Early in January, after Alex asked us on the Facebook page about blogging, a Beginner’s Blogging workshop was conceived.
Short of a hall and data projector, a large lounge room with an Apple TV (and AIRCONDITIONING!!! January in Perth!!) seemed the next best thing. The lovely Gina volunteered her home and her techie husband and we were ready!
We ran through why we like and dislike certain blocks, what we like as readers, and how that might influence how we choose to blog. Laura then ran us through the pros and cons of WordPress vs Blogger, which Janine has summarised below. Finally, we worked through a variety of technical issues including the difference between HTML/code view and WYSIWIG (what you see is what you get). You can see the powerpoint summary here. PMQGBloggingBasics
[slideshare id=16066534&w=476&h=400&sc=no]
Janine’s summary
WordPress and Blogger
Blogger is simpler, more intuitive, clean interface, associated google tools. Easy to follow.
WordPress more complex but ultimately with better results if you want a website rather than just a blog.
We looked at what it was that made us like and want to read a blog, and also what it was that made us unsubscribe from a blog. Everyone was asked to name a blog they liked. Some were:
It was also mentioned that tutorials play a big part in the attractiveness of a blog and that the Oh Fransson blog tutorial for free hand quilting is very good.
*incase you hadn’t noticed I learnt how to use hyperlinks in my text and on my blog. Woo hoo, thanks Laura!
Overall, we had a very productive afternoon, with lots of chat and bubbles and a whole lot of fun.
Cheers
Janine