Thing+2

Thing 2: Set up your blog Now that you have a better idea of what 23 Things is all about, it’s time to set up your very own blog to begin recording your progress and thoughts on the 23 Things. There are several free online blog hosting services including [|Wordpress] & [|Typepad], but we recommend [|Blogger] , a Google product. This is a very important Thing. You will record your progress in your blog & others will be reading your blog. Read through all of the instructions! Setup your blog by following these steps:
 * Blog-o-rama!**

Creating a blog using [|Blogger] takes just three steps: Once you’ve created your blog here are two important things to know: If you run into problems or would like more information about blogs and using Blogger here are some discovery resources you can use: OK -- Now, it’s your turn...
 * 1) Create an account (view [|screenshot] )
 * 2) Name your blog (view [|screenshot] )
 * 3) Select your template. (view [|screenshot] )
 * To add posts : The maintenance interface that you will use to add posts, edit or change the step-up your blog is accessed online at [|http://www.blogger.com] Be sure to write down your login and password.
 * To view your blog: Your blog address is [|http://(xxxx).blogspot.com], (xxxx)=the unique identifier you entered in Step 2 (there is no www). Be sure to also write down your blog address.
 * [|Freevlog’s Quicktime Tutorial: Setup a Free Blogger Blog] Note: Ignore the opening comments about downloading Firefox if your PC doesn’t have it. This will work in Explorer just fine.
 * [|Blogger’s Quick Tutorial]

**Discovery Exercise:**
> Note: Use one of your test posts to create an entry about the habits among the [|7 and 1/2 lifelong learning habits] that is easiest and hardest for you & why. IMPORTANT NOTE: How you choose to identify yourself on your blog is your choice. You can blog under a screen name, anonymously, or as yourself. However, in order to qualify for the staff incentives and staff day prize drawings, you will need to register on PLCMC Central using your employee number. Blogger Settings Be sure that you have enabled comments. We want to comment on your posts, as do others. 1. Under the Settings Tab, click the Comments link. We recommend the second choice under Who Can Comment? Registered Users. 2. If you want to moderate comments (review all comments before they are published) scroll down and turn moderation on. 3. If you want others (up to 10 people) to know when you receive a comment, you can enter their email addresses in the box near the bottom of that page. Click Save Settings once you are done. Select your template. Hints .
 * 1) Setup a blog for yourself through [|Blogger].
 * 2) Add a test post or two.
 * 1) Have fun!!!!
 * The fun part--Blogger has several templates so choose one that fits you. The first Choose Template screen has only a few; choose one. If you want to experiment with other Templates after your blog is set-up, go to Layout and choose Pick New Template. You will see many more choices. Try some; it is easy to see how your blog will look in the different choices.
 * If you run into problems, check out Blogger's Help file and Tutorial or here’s a [|MINITEX] [| Blog Tutorial] . Another tutorial is [|here].
 * Be sure to enable comments under Settings on Blogger.
 * Be sure your blog title appears on the masthead of your blog. Go to settings and enter it in the Title box if it does not appear.
 * Spend some time exploring the features of Blogger—spell check, how to upload photos or video, font choices, text size and color, and more.