Starting a blog (1 Viewer)

[Treecol]

Despite our growing excitement about our month long 1st trip in the MoHo, we're still managing to be very practical and make sure we pack everything we might need. DH has raised the odd eyebrow and my version of things I might need compared to his
But after talking to our various friends to make sure we've said goodbye etc, they've all asked for updates, photos and details of where we are and what we're doing. So I thought about starting a blog and have read a little online about them. But it does seem there are costs involved with them, which considering we're only off for a month this time, is a bit expensive. Emails may be the only way but the files will be big due to pictures.
Now I've learnt very quickly on this wonderful forum that there really isn't anything you lot don't know. So would you give us your tips or suggestions about this, please?

 

[Fenman]

Personal opinion as a reader of trips taken by members here.
Just start a thread here and add to it day by day.
Blogs I find get forgotten whereas a thread here keeps appearing in What's New.
Blogs always seem to start at the beginning when I remember to go to them which is in the end for me a good reason to give up on them.
Threads followed here go to the point you last read it which I much prefer.
Whatever you do make sure there's lots of pics.
Enjoy your trip whichever way you go.

 

[Treecol]

Thank you for replying. The only problem with starting a thread here is none of our friends who'd like updates are forum members. I'll happily post photos on a thread here if it doesn't bore you all!!
Just wonder if there's a way to blog without costing a fortune.

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[138go]

I read the title of this thread as ‘sharing a bog’

 

[Offagain]

Create a Facebook group and invite all the friends you want to follow you to join.

 

[Jenka]

It's great to keep friends and family updated on your trip for lots of reasons and there's plenty of platforms to do this so good luck and enjoy. My only gripe with blogs(not yours) is the growing trend for those traveling in free vans as ambassadors! and then plead for us to donate a coffee or buy a T shirt and then lecture us on what it's like to travel Europe in lockdown. All the advice I need is on this site and a lot more informative and factual .

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[Treecol]

Thank you again... I'm difficult I think as none of us are on Facebook nor would we want to be. That's the reason it's tricky to find the right platform. But thanks anyway, it may have to be by email I think.

 

[Fenman]

I am a techie numbnut but if it's possible how about doing the whole thing on here as a thread following your journey. Then every time you write a bit about that journey then copy your words and pics and paste into an email to your friends. Seems to cover both readers in a couple of clicks.

 

[Lee337]

I have a blog (not MH related) on google which doesn't cost anything. The interface is fairly simple & it doesn't look too bad. You do need to register for a google account but again, this is free. Try blogspot.com.

Have a look here https://mytriumphandme.blogspot.com/

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[Neilfg]

There are apps like Polarsteps and Find Penguins, which allow you to document your trips really easily and other people to follow them. We tried a few and they work well, Polarsteps was very easy and effective but we wanted something like an online diary as well and they didn't work as well for that. So use Wordpress now, which can do virtually anything as long as you put alot of effort and expertise in.

 

[suavecarve]

I seem to remember something about Wordpress that was relatively well used and free for blogs.

Thing might have changed and it might be outdated now but i thought it was the "go to" blog.

 

[Lee337]

I looked at Wordpress & I think there's a cost to it now, although I could be wrong.

Wix is another one that provides free blogging but the server space is limited if you want to update photos, it's a little more complex to create and you have to put up wit constant emails asking you to upgrade to their premium service. It's also more geared up for business websites than personal blogs.

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[Treecol]

I looked at Wordpress last night and you have to pay £36 for the year to get a year free so that's a little confusing. But the above advice is all good so I will investigate your suggestions. Thank you again.
Has anyone ever asked a question here that no one has been able to answer?

 

[DBK]

Thank you for replying. The only problem with starting a thread here is none of our friends who'd like updates are forum members. I'll happily post photos on a thread here if it doesn't bore you all!!
Just wonder if there's a way to blog without costing a fortune.

Your friends don't need to be members to access and read MHF. However, unless it's changed they will only see small images. To see your photos full size they need to register, which is free.

But I'm not sure what Jim thinks of inviting loads of muggles to register.

 

[Riverbankannie]

As a family we use 23snaps. Free app, it’s not really a blogging platform but it is a way to keep family photos and comments together. You would start a group and invite your friends and family. They would not have to have the app but could just get email notifications of new posts

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[Skez]

Try Polarsteps. A free app, tracks your journey and all your friends can easily follow you. Add photos and a narrative, then easily have a book made of your journey when it's allover.

It is basic, but fun

 

[GerTee]

We have a Wordpress blog which is relatively inexpensive. Family and friends enjoy looking at the pics etc and it’s a great memory jogger for when you get home. You can view ours at dearsoupdragon.co.uk. Have a great trip

 

[Ironside]

We started an Instagram page for the van as so many friends had it, now even both our parents in their 80’s have Instagram accounts.

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[Langtoftlad]

Have a look at the Polarsteps app... might do what you're looking with keeping friends updated.
I used it successfully keeping family on track with a trip to Iceland.

 

[Treecol]

Again, many thanks. So many ideas...now I have to try and research them and pick the right one in mega fast time before we go

 

[Northernraider]

I've had 2 longtime travel threads running on here and know that a few friends who aren't members managed to follow them.

I also joined Facebook so that people I knew could follow it ....but that's something I wish I hadn't done as never used it before and its more trouble than its worth at times.

And finally I have an Instagram account for photos also


I recently downloaded the polar steps app in preparation for my next trip but haven't used it yet

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[Boris7]

Sound like a job for WhatsApp to me.

 

[deleted-member02]

Another vote for Polarsteps. It’s so easy to use and share with others.
The route tracking alone makes it perfect for recording trips.

 

[Gilbs]

We use Wordpress (the free version) to keep family and friends updated, takes a bit of effort to get it started but then very easy to add pages and update. Wordpress constantly suggest I upgrade but never felt the need. There is also an offline editor which we find useful.

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[Geistguy]

+1 for WhatsApp, set up a "group" and photos go to everyone chosen.

It's a free App and works very well for me on my Android phone. During a 9 country trip last year it was easy, needs wifi or mobile data but no costs to send messages with photos.

 

[Clarky]

I’ve been using Wordpress years and it’s always been free, although I also get continuous reminders to upgrade. Never found the need so it’s still free.
The trouble is, due to laziness, I’ve not updated it for ages.
Must try harder!

Richard