a newbie question about self hosted blogs

I've only been blogging for a couple of months... One blog is as new as last week.  It's a hobby that started when I found myself unemployed, with tons of free time, but the more I get into it, the more I enjoy it and I could see myself doing it for a long time.

I'm currently using a Wordpress hosted blog and I'm not sure I completely understand the benefits of having a self hosted blog.   Is it really just to have more customizability and/or earn $$?  Does having a url that includes wordpress.com deter people from visiting??

As someone brand new to this, I'm assuming that moving to self hosted site (for the reasons I noted above) is not necessary?  Or is there a better argument to do this right off the bat?

Perhaps I'm missing some other basic info?  Please educate me a bit?!

Also, as a newbie.. I'd welcome any feedback on my sites:

http://thehubbydiaries.wordpress.com
http://activeleisure.wordpress.com

activeleisure

Hi activeleisure,

This is a good question and I am glad you asked it. For the vast majority of bloggers having "wordpress" or "blogspot" or "whatever" in their URLs is fine. If you're considering blogging seriously (as opposed to a leisurely activity) then yes your own domain is the route to take.

WordPress.com provides free blog hosting with limitations. It comes with many benefits such as (the aforementioned free hosting) automatic backups, maintenance (think upgrades, security, spam etc) the benefit of a network of hundreds of servers. Of course with free hosting comes some limitations such as the inability to install custom themes or plugins, the inability to modify the HTML, the inability to modify the PHP (core as well as theme & plugin PHP) and the inability to run ads.

WordPress.org is the home of the open-source WordPress software. The software you download for free can be used with the hosting package of your choice. This version of WordPress is restriction-free meaning the sky is the limit with what you can do with it. You can install any theme or plugin you want - heck, you can write your own. You can modify the CSS, HTML and PHP. You can modify the core PHP - the merits of which is debatable, it is probably better to create your own custom filters and hooks rather than modify core which is a whole 'nother story.  You can run ads if that is what floats your boat. Of course you are responsible for your own security and maintenance.

Apophis

Self hosted blogs are good if you just want to put your thoughts out there for the world to see. If you want to gain more traffic you should look at getting a domain as your blog name. Many providers like godaddy and hostgator  provide free wordpress blog set ups. you can then use a lot more plugins that will get you more traffic.

I liked activeleisure. makes me want to be blogging on a beach!

gtodd09

Thank you both for some great info!  I'm still getting the hang of all the details, so I really appreciate your answers!

activeleisure

I really appreciate the discussion and thanks for the information.

andrew201

You have a couple of well put together blogs activeleisure.

If you are looking to add some income to your blogs then you should switch over to Google's Blogger. It's free and you can place some Adsense Ads on the blogspot.

I keep one there about a ruptured brain aneurysm I survived 7 years ago.  They are easy to keep up. This is a link to my Google blog. Surviving A ruptured Brain aneurysm

The best of luck with your blogs.

RMT...

2bealive

Good question. Each option i.e.self hosted versus externally hosted blog has its merits. really depends on what you want to do with your blog and the role each individual blog has in your network of sites
Self hosted versus externally hosted blogs is a detailed article on this

hope it helps

Ami1

In my opinion, a self-hosted blog is a better option because you can also store files at your host. Files such as mp3s, pdfs, or videos can be stored if you want to share these with your readers.

But if you just want to have the freedom to edit themes and install Adsense while enjoying the benefits of good support and maintenance, then the best option is to create a blog at Blogger.com

allpublicists