For Shakespeare: Making a Blog

Shakespeare asked: How do I start up my blog here, and what do I do with the old one once I've started this one?

This was pretty simple and straightforward.

First, up on the banner at the top of my blog, there should be a part that says, "Create Blog". Click it.

It will prompt you to either set up a profile with Google or, if you already have one, you can click the sign in link and there you go. If you don't, fill out the information and get one. It's easy. I had one because it makes commenting on many blogs so much easier.

Then, put in the name you want for the blog and a proposed name of the blog. Click the "check availability" until it tells you that blog is available. Then fill out the rest.

Click continue. Then pick a template. Most of these have different colors and styles, but I suspect most are customizable. I used "Minima Dark" for Rocket Science and this one. If you don't like the color, you can change it later. Some templates might prompt you for more information.

They have a starting guide.

Getting started on Blogger

If I remember correctly, you get a "congrats" page and your settings page. You can go right to posting or you customize. Places I'd start:

Settings. This is where you describe your blog and make choices, including descptions, settings, word verification, how you want to do comments (there are several options), but it's all pretty self-explanatory.

Layout helps you figure out what you want. I love this one. You can upload a new header (if your template has a customizable header) by clicking "edit" on the header. Ditto with the "About Me", "Blog Archive" or "Followers" widgets (which are standard at least on mine). To add a widget, click either of the "add a widget" and it takes you to google's huge list. Some of the best are on the front page. The Bloglist is fantastic, in my opinion, and you just have to provide URLs. It finds the names, etc. itself.

Then, when you have the elements you want, go to fonts and colors (still in layout) and update to suit yourself.

I suggest playing with it.

As to what to do with the old one? I'd leave a "follow me" blog and tell your friends where to find you.

I'm going to devote another blog to your second question. And I'm hoping others will chime in with their suggestions. That's one of the many cool things about this blog.

I'll also talk to some others about other template ideas in case you want to do something different than the options provided. I hope that helps.