The document is a presentation about blogging and how it can provide benefits similar to therapy. Some of the main points covered include: - Blogging can be a free and unlimited way for people to vent and work through issues without the constraints of traditional therapy. - Setting up a blog is relatively simple using common platforms like WordPress. Blogs can cover a wide variety of topics. - Blogging gives creative freedom and instant feedback from readers, which can be therapeutic. However, it also has some risks like upsetting people or potential legal issues. - To build an audience, the presenter recommends engaging with other blogs in your topic area and using social media to share your blog. Comment

1. Cheaper Than Therapy
Better Living Through Blogging
A 2012 WordCamp Presentation

2. Brenda Baskin
Freelance Writer, Blogger, Professional Worrier
e-mail: brenbaskin@yahoo.com
moonbeammcqueen.com
brenbaskin.wordpress.com
amillionotherpeople.wordpress.com
Twitter: @brenbaskin
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3. • Underwired Magazine
• The Current
• Barnett’s Magazine
• The Dayton City Paper
• Kalen, Inc.
• Oatmeal Studios
• Ephemera, Incorporated
• And of course, WordPress*
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4. • First blog: links.net
Started by Justin Hall in 1994
• Blog - derived from the term “weblog”
Coined by Jorn Barger in 1997
• “We Blog” – Peter Merholz, 1999
• First entered into a dictionary in 2004
Miriam-Webster’s “Word of the Year”
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5. Platforms (not the shoes)
Open Diary – 1998
LiveJournal – 1999
Blogger – 1999
Moveable Type – 2001
WordPress - 2003
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6. Political News SPORTS
Corporate
Hobbies Education ART
Microblogging Fashion Religion
PARENTING instructional
Weddings Cooking Photoblogging
and of course…
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7. 7

8. It sure changed mine.
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9. THERAPISTS BLOGS
• charge an average of $110 • Free!
per hour
• Make you wait at least a • Can vent any time you want
week between visits
• Sessions limited to an hour • Take all the time you need
• Medications can be tricky • No pharmaceuticals needed
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10. The Wonders of Blogging
• It’s as though someone’s given you a new
pony!
• Endless supply of blank canvases
• Incredible creative medium
• Leads to good things
• Sacred Dumping ground
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11. • Choose Your Title.
• Pick a template.
• Search for a meaningful banner image.
• Let your tagline be your mission statement.
• About Page
• Manifesto / Artist’s statement
• Your blog is a personal extension of yourself.
• You can always start another.
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12. • Creative freedom
• No visual image of you
• Fearless writing
• Instantaneous, non-biased feedback
• Ticks people off
• Can become tricky
• Lawsuits
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13. It’s a personal decision.
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14. If You Build It, They Will Come
• Visit and comment on other blogs.
– Make sure your name is linked to your blog.
• Visit websites that have written about the same
subject.
– Post intelligent comments- leave a link.
• Answer comments on your blog thoughtfully.
• Use social media.
• Bee literrit.
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15. …are invisible.
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16. • Comment moderation
• Don’t tolerate abuse.
• You can’t save the world.
• Invite others to weigh in.
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17. Ethics
• Tell the truth.
• Be a master of disguise.
• Use your Superpowers
for good, not evil.
• If you screw up, admit
it. If necessary fix it.
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18. • Take responsibility not just for your own words, but for
the comments you allow on your blog.
• Label your tolerance level for abusive comments.
• Consider eliminating anonymous comments.
• Ignore the trolls.
• Take the conversation offline, and talk directly, or find an
intermediary who can do so.
• If you know someone who is behaving badly, tell them
so.
• Don't say anything online that you wouldn't say in
person.
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19. • Keep your heart in the right place.
• Help others shine.
• Don’t worry- be happy.
• Avoid apologizing.
• Accept offers to guest post.
• Rules? We don’t need no stinkin’ rules.
• Love what you’re doing.
• Remember: A blog post is forever.
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20. • You can’t run ads on WordPress, but you can
add a PayPal donation button
• Watch out for scammers.
• Visuals: a gift to your readers
• Best blog information comes from the
fabulous people at WP, and from fellow
bloggers.
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21. • WP Beginner (wpbeginner.com)
• Lorelle on Wordpress (lorelle.wordpress.com)
• WordPress Support & Forums
(wordpress.com)
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