Dept.: Geek Guide
Tech: DIY Blogging
Cost: Free—$12/month
Time: Five minutes and up
Dabbler | | | | | MasterThe easiest way to get started is with one of the free all-in-one services such as LiveJournal (livejournal.com) or Blogger (blogger.com) where you can register, select a ready-made design template, and be publishing within minutes. ModBlog (modblog.com) goes one step further and lets you quickly set up a full-featured site, complete with a photo gallery, chat rooms, forums and a host of other cool features.
These free, packaged solutions are a perfect way to dip your toe into the cyberwaters with the minimum of hassle. They also provide excellent community spirit as you learn the ropes, with help forums that really help. The downside is that you are forced to work within certain constraints. For example, if you want to set up private mailing lists to communicate with your readers, heavily customize the design, or allow file downloading or uploading, look elsewhere. The deal is simple: You fit into their box, or you go off and build your own.
Stay up to date on the latest news of the future of science and technology from your iPhone with full articles, images and offline viewing
Featuring every article from the magazine and website, plus links from around the Web. Also see our PopSci DIY feed
Share links with friends, comment on stories and more
In our December issue, Popular Science names the 100 best innovations of the year: bombproof wallpaper, self-parking cars, the fastest helicopter, and 97 more. Plus inventor profiles and videos.
Check out the best of what's new here.
