If you are watching #Blog30 by Dr Jeanette Cates, you are likely either a blogger or a want to be blogger. Jeanette recommended that all the bloggers use self-hosted WordPress. If you want a blog or even a website, this is the way to go. WordPress is an impressive application for personal use.
NO PROGRAMMING!
When the Internet first became popular, websites requires extensive use of HTML and other programming knowledge. Many beginners would take a look at the long lengths of code and quickly turn away deciding this was not for them. Things have changed a lot.
Many people now use WordPress because programming knowledge is not required. There are people who have no programming education yet they use this program daily. The most “programming” is in the installation. You can easily add, subtract pages. You can change text and more.
Is it just for bloggers?
To say WordPress is versatile is an understatement. People have used it as a blog format for years. Yet people are starting to move their websites to this easy to use program. Others are finding that for Content Management Systems, this is the new way to go.
Sites that have forums have already found it is now a good format to use. With recent developments of powerful new membership plugins, even Membership sites are starting to switch. Both forums and membership sites have found the easy of use is great for both the owners and the visitors.
What are Plugins?
Speaking of Plugins, these handy micro programs can be uploaded and added to your WordPress site to create even more diversity and adapt it even further. There are plugins that help your website do even more, or bring in more visitors. Add plugins into your sidebar and your visitors can see an event calendar, archive list, connect with your other readers and follow recent comments.
Is it easy to use?
Perhaps this should have been the first thing mentioned, but you already realized that by all the above advantages. WordPress has taken away the fear and hesitancy felt by many, and turned it into joy. This simple blog format has changed the way websites around the world are run with its low learning curve. If you are still hesitating about getting WordPress ask other Blog Challenge Members. And I offer a book, a course and an installation service should you need it.
~ MJ Schrader
Just a note – I don't believe you can use plugins if you are using WordPress.com – i.e. the free version. You need to be hosting your blog on a host site to have access to plugins. Your are right about how easy WordPress is to use. Thanks for the post.
Actually they have plugins on WordPress.com. The problem is you are limited to the ones they have. Just as you are with themes on there. The problem is that they do not have many and self-hosted is very much the way to go. You can not advertise. No advertisements, no selling on WordPress.com. And they can take it away from you … if they feel you are not following their standards. But yes it's pretty awesome!