How To ... Create a Blog Entry

This entry covers the very, very basics of blogging. If you're looking for more intermediate to advanced techniques, check the list of "How-Tos" to the left here.

For those just blogging for the first time: Welcome.

You'll need a few things, which you probably already got from me:

• A URL to go to

• A username and login

• Something to blog about

You'll have to acquire the third item on your own, but I probably e-mailed the first two to you already. If not, contact me. (And never, EVER share your URL and login info with anybody. Only bad things can happen if that occurs.)

Step by step:

1.) Input the URL into your Web browser. You will eventually see something like this:



2.) Input the requested information. It might take a little while, but you should eventually see this (click to enlarge):


(Click to enlarge)

The important parts are these (click to enlarge):



First thing to do is check the name of the blog. Make sure you're on the right page. If you're not, use the pull-down menu (top circle) to navigate to the correct blog.

Then, click "New Entry" (left circle) and we'll move on ...

3.) The screen should look like this (my own markings added in red and, as always, click to enlarge):


(Click to enlarge)

The three areas you'll have to worry about are the Title (headline), Entry Body and Save Button. For our purposes, ignore "Extended Entry" and "Excerpt."

Type a headline in the Title box ... place your entry in the "Entry Body" box and then click "Save."

(Best Practice Tip: It's a good idea to compose your entry in another application. MS Word's a good choice — but first follow these steps to eliminate the automatic "curly" quote and apostrophe function.)

IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure NOT to change the "Post Status" box from "Unpublished" to "Published." We'll do that.

4.) Send us an e-mail and let us know the entry is ready. You can also IM us. Ask me for a list of our logins. (UPDATE: Since this was posted, we've changed the workflow chart. You should contact the editor tasked with editing your blog after you're done. Check with your editor to see if that's them or someone else.)

And that's it! You're a blogger. If you're feeling adventurous now, try some of the more fancy stuff (photos, hotlinks, etc.) via the tutorials on the upper-left.

If you feel like I left anything out, let me know that, too. I can always update this thing.

Tips to fellow bloggers are welcome in the comments section, as well.

Thanks!