Blogging 101

We're trying to get back on track with our daily "on-air" blogs during  "The 5:30 Report", beginning today with some basics for those of you who are new to the "blogosphere".  You've made it this far and you'll soon discover you'll have a growing list of blogs you want to read on a regular basis.  We've added a couple of features to make life (and blogging) easier for all of you.  If you'll put your email address in the box right over ------> there, we've found a nifty system that will email you all of our new posts each day.  Now, look right below that email box. See the little orange button that says "XML"?  That's to let you add this blog to an "aggregator" - either software or a website that organizes all the blogs you want to read and displays any updates - new messages - as soon as they are available.  There are a number of ways you can do this.  You can use a browser that accomodates XML feeds - Avantbrowser is free.  It's basically a "frontend" for Internet Explorer.  You can also use Yahoo. Another freebie. Just go to "My Yahoo" and it will walk you through adding your blog feeds.  Google has just come out with something a bit slicker than Yahoo's display.  If you prefer standalone software, I've long used Feed Demon. It used to be free.  Now, there is a cost, but it synchonizes with a website, so you can read your blogs from any computer with a net connection. There are several freeware products, too - simply do a Google search and you'll find plenty.  Any questions?  Post a comment.  We'll try to help you out!  Also, check back this evening for a more-typical post with plenty of fresh reading material.  If you're anxious to get started, scroll down for the weekend updates.  There's much in there to keep you busy for a while.