Which blogging template to use?

Me

[DeuceTraveler]

I want to start a new local political blog and allow readers to comment. I am hoping for one with decent security to help avoid spammers and a host that respects my privacy as I will post under a pseudonym. Any suggestions. I hear facebook is pro Obama

[devane617]

BlogSpot is about as easy as it gets, and it’s free. If your blog grows then consider an alternative, but BlogSpot is great.

[Tamar1973]

I use blogger/blogspot. It’s great for starting out and if you know a little html, you can customize it pretty easily.

Wordpress is also really good, too!

[devane617]

Send me a link when you get it setup...

[liberty75]

I would recommend Wordpress over Blogspot/Blogger. Your content can be reported to Google as "offensive/controversial/etc" and they put a lame disclaimer on it before a reader can enter it.

Although that could be appealing to a new visitor in some ways.

[PugetSoundSoldier]

For $70 a year, you can get an unlimited storage/transfer website with your own domain at HostMonster. Install Joomla (a two click operation), and then publish to your heart's content. Blogs, pictures, files, whatever you want, and you are the sole controller of what's "allowed".

Having an unlimited on-line storage is also nice; makes a great place to stick backups of important data.

[lonewacko_dot_com]

If you ever intend to do something with your “blog”:
1. Get a good domain name.
2. Get “defensive” domain names: the .org, the .net, misspellings, etc.
3. Get a good $5-$10/month host.
4. Use Drupal instead of Wordpress.

OTOH, if you don’t intend to do anything with it, just use wordpress.com or blogspot.com and you won’t have to worry about too many administration or learning things.

I wouldn’t suggest Wordpress at all, especially on your own unless you’re willing to keep it updated and the like.

[Jabrown]

Blogspot is an easy format and no limitations on ads to monetize. I have had over 1 mil hits on PDOP in past year and few problems. You can remove the easily remove the navbar that allows obamites to flag your blog and report it as offensive and if you start to get spammed, just turn on comment moderation, they give up after a couple of weeks and you can turn it back off. Same thing, send a link after you get it started.