How I Blog
For those of you who are thinking about how you get into the blogging mode I’ve decided to write a couple posts on this subject. This is part one of a 2 parter. Expect part 2 sometime in the next week. I’m going to start by describing the tools, things like software and hardware that I use. They I’m going to go over my technique and how I approach a post.
So let’s take a look at the tools:
Blogging Software: It’s WordPress and that’s all you need to know if you want to be serious about blogging. If you have any other questions about this call me. With their new Widgets and all the plug-ins, this software does it all.
Computer: I use a Dell Lattitude D410 with 1 gig of memory and pretty much maxed out on all features. It’s small, light and has great batter life and a good wireless internet card built in. Since most of the software I use is all open at the same time you need lots of memory.
Browser: I’m using Internet Explorer (IE) and feel compelled to since almost 90 percent of my visitors still see AgWired in IE. I want to make sure the website looks right in IE although Firefox has some features I like. I’ll open IE at least 3 or 4 times. The reason is that one will be open to my AgWired admin panel, one will be open to the website homepage and one will be open to Google so I can search for stuff. When I post something I immediately check it on the homepage to see what I did wrong and need to tweak. I need to upgrade to Internet Explorer 7 but since it’s still Beta I’ve been waiting on the final version.
File Search: I always have Windows Explorer open so I can easily search for and find files on my hard drive, although the FTP program I use also does this.
Images: I open Photoshop Elements since I’ve decided to use an image in almost every post. I have to adjust almost every image you see for size/resolution/cropping/whatever.
FTP: I open Ipswitch WS_FTP Pro. Every image/audio/video file I use has to be uploaded to my server. I think this is the best program to do that with.
Audio: I only open Adobe Audition when I’m editing audio like interviews I’ve conducted. When I’m at an event like the upcoming CMA Music Festival I just leave it open since I’m doing this constantly. I record most of my audio with a Marantz PMD 660, using an Electro-Voice 635A mic.
Video: Since I’m mainly shooting short video clips with my camera I only open Windows Movie Maker when I need to. I add a simple title and convert it to a WMV file prior to uploading and linking to in my posts.
Cameras: I use a Nikon E5700 for most of the still photos I take and a Canon Powershot SD110 for stills and video clips. The Nikon takes better stills and the Canon takes better video. These are consumer level cameras but I would put my photos up against most pros. For web work you don’t need high res although I’m starting to have requests for high res copies of my work and will need to upgrade in the near future. On a final note, the Canon fits in your pocket and is the best all around choice for the serious blogger who only wants one camera. I have opened some eyes though by shooting video with my left hand while shooting stills with my right at the same time.
Batteries: Everything uses batteries so I have rechargeables and extras of everything.
There you have it for now. I’m hoping to upgrade my cameras at some point and add a video only camera as the need for video keeps growing but it’s got to be driven by demand since it’s an extra gadget to add to the mix. Besides all that I’ve mentioned I do carry an assortment of audio adapter cables and plugs, a multi-outlet power strip, 4 port ethernet hub, ethernet cables and all of it goes into two bags. One is on rollers with a handle and one is an over the shoulder standard photographer’s bag.
I think that covers the tools. Part two of this post will appear sometime soon.
