So you want to start a blog?

This blog is actually a substitute for a traditional handout for a class I will be teaching on using Blogger to create blogs for sharing family history information.

There are over 3,000 blogs having to do with genealogy / family history.
(See http://www.geneabloggers.com/genealogy-blogs/)

While my purpose for building this is to help those who will be taking my class, the steps for building a blog are the same whether your topic is genealogy, gardening, building bird houses, cooking, calligraphy or arguing politics.

How to Use This Blog

Most blogs are written so that every NEW post appears on top, with the older material being pushed down below.  I have chosen to order this one a bit differently, keeping this intro post at the TOP as an easy introduction for people who are new to blogging.

I have created "hot links" on the side bar where it shows the titles under category headings.  You can pick and choose what order you read things in by clicking on those titles to bring up that specific post.

That way you can easily go back and review any particular step you are trying to master as you set up your own new blog.

I am not a pro or an expert by any means.   But I've made a few blogs over the past ten years and have learned a thing or two in the process.  Rather than going through all the trial and error I did, this guide is intended to help anyone who wants to experiment with a non-commercial personal blog.

Here are some examples of Family History blogs that I have created in the past:

Spirit of Elijah – A primer on various aspects of genealogy and family history with some basic  lessons and lots of linked resources
http://myfamilyhistoryadventures.blogspot.co.nz/

Pile o’ Pendleys
Records of my father’s family
http://family-of-frank-and-jane.blogspot.co.nz/

Remembering Fred
My Husband’s Father’s Life Stories
http://fredashbybennett.blogspot.co.nz/

Krebs/Kurtz Connections
My Mother's family lines
http://krebs-kurtz.blogspot.com/