There’s been one or two PR bloggers talking about the new free WordPress blogs over at WordPress.com. Steve Rubel mentioned he’s even considering the switch from TypePad. But Lorelle VanFossen gives a pretty detailed description of what you can and can’t do on the free WordPress blogs.
Let’s start with what you can:
* Upload images.
Well this is good, but I can do that on any blog platform, and the downside is, you’re only allowed 15mb. A TypePad Plus account (although paid for) will allow you 500mb. Or even the TypePad basic at ££2.59 per month allows you 100mb.
* You can set up categories.
Again good, but all other platforms apart from Blogger can do this.
* You can view and move images in your post when you’ve inserted them.
This is good. I’m currently using the 1.5 version of WordPress and I can’t do that.
What you can’t:
* You can’t edit your template or banner.
This is definitely a minus. I find WordPress templates sometimes a little plain, so if you have the know how, you can change it to your preference. That’s one of the key features of WordPress. Just look at The Digerati Peninsula for a good looking WordPress blog.
* There are limited themes you can use.
Another no no! Although some people put a lot of effort into designing themes, everyone has different taste. A blog with flowers scattered all over isn’t going to appeal to 50 year old lawyer.
One thing Lorelle doesn’t mention is, if you can domain map your blog. Changing it from www.example.wordpress.com to www.example.com. I think a lot more people are preferring a much regular domain name these days. I know I do.
I think the best option, when using a WordPress blog is to host it yourself. You then have full rights to do what you want with it and no annoying restrictions keeping you from making the best blog in the world….ever! You can edit it, have a lot more disk space, upload as many photos as you want and also have your own domain.
It’s definitely not a knock at WordPress, infact I’ve got my name down for a free blog and I’m just waiting for the invite; BTW once you get your free WordPress blog, you also get a spare invite to send to whoever you want.
Do check out Lorelle’s blog which is hosted on the new free platform.
Can’t wait for your free WordPress blog? Go out and bid for one!
Stephen is a communications consultant based out of the UK. You can connect with him on Twitter or check out his LinkedIn profile. | Email Stephen
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