The Blogger Bar

     At the top of any blogger blog, you will usually see the blogger bar. It's at the top of this page right now.
     The blogger bar has a few handy functions.

• You can use it to search blogger - this is like using google, but you only get blogger blogs.
• You can access Google+ stuff.
• You can view similar blogs by clicking 'Next Blog' - sometimes with hilariously odd results.
• More importantly, you will see your user name at the right showing you are logged in. If you are not logged in, there's a link there so you CAN log in.
• You will also see 'New Post' - you can start a new post from anywhere in the blogosphere by clicking here. Obviously, the post goes on your own blog.
• The 'Design' link takes you to the blog's Design page where you can change the template, layout etc.
• You can also sign out if you want to.

Blogging: The Movie

     For those of you who prefer to watch a video instead of reading, here's Blogging: The Movie.
It covers the basics of setting up your own blog, but doesn't cover everything, so you will need to read the posts as well.
     It is also over 15 minutes long. I recommend that you follow along by pausing and going to your own blog to follow the instructions.

     Note that I got sick of the blog theme after wards, and changed it to what it looks like now.

How Blogs Work

If you are new to blogs, there are a few things you need to know.

• First, Blog is short for Web Log - it's basically an online journal or diary. 
• Second, blogs always have the latest content at the top of the page, followed by the next most recent and so on.
• Third, they are a public web space - anyone can see them, including your parents and teachers, so keep it appropriate!
• Fourth, they are very easy to make.

Commenting.

You can leave comments on other people's blogs. This can be useful to give them feedback, ask them questions, or answer questions they have asked.

• You will need to be on someone else's blog. You can practice by leaving comments on this post.
• There are two ways to view a blog - either you can be viewing the full blog, or you can be viewing a single post. To leave comments, you need to be viewing a single post.
• Simply click on the post title, this will open up just this post instead of showing the whole blog.
• Scroll down to the end of the post, and you will find the comments panel.
• Type your comment into the comment box.
• Click on the Publish button.
• You will need to prove you are human by entering a ReCapcha code.
• Your comment will now appear on the other person's blog!

Because your blog is a public web space and any one can see it (including your parents!) make sure you keep your comments appropriate.