Now that you’ve done some exploring around this website and understand how this program will work, it’s time to setup your very own personal blog to begin recording your thoughts, discoveries and exercises in.

For this program, I recommend that you use Blogger*, a popular free online blog hosting service that is extremely easy to use.Creating a blog using Blogger takes just three steps:

1. Go to http://www.blogger.com/

2. If you already have a Gmail accout, you can click on "New Blogger using your Google Account." If you don't have a Gmail account, skip to number 4. Your sign in name is your Gmail address (yourname@gmail.com) and your password is your gmail account password.

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4. If you already logged in with your Gmail account, cllick on "Create blog now" and continue with step number 5. If you do not have a Gmail account, you will still click on "Create blog now." You will then be prompted to create a Google account. Note: When you are filling in the "Email address (must already exist)" you should enter either your City of Allen email address (or a personal one that you can access from the web).

After you create your Google account, continue with number 5.

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5. Select a display name.

6. Name your blog and choose an address.


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a) Your name is the title that displays at the top. For example, Bobbi's Thoughts or Bobbi's Babbling
b) Your address is the URL people will type into go to go your blog, they do not have to match. For example your address could be bobbi123.blogspot.com
It may be hard to find an address that's available, you may have to try several and use the "check availability" button.
c) Be sure to also write down your blog address.

7. Select your template.

8. You're ready to start blogging! Create your first post, even if it's just a test post.

9. Email me with the address.

Once you’ve created your blog here are a couple important things to know:
1. To add posts: Log into your account at http://www.blogger.com/

2. Click on the "New Blogger" sign in.

3. Use your gmail address or google account that you just created and password to sign in.

4. To view your blog: type in your URL from step 6.

Other Resources: If you need more information or would just like to look at some other information, please check out these resources.

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

As always, if you have any questions, you can e-mail, call, or talk to me in person. If I'm not available, you can always ask one of your brilliant co-workers.

OK -- Now, it’s your turn...

Discovery Exercise:
Setup a blog for yourself through Blogger.
Add a test post or two. 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.
Have fun!!!!

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.

* Use of Blogger is only a recommendation. If there is another blog hosting site that you are more comfortable with, please feel free to use it. WordPress is another great blogging tool!