WordPress is a “content management system” that organizes text and times. You may think that you never used a Content Management System (CMS) but that’s what Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook basically are. You will need to create a WordPress site for your BlogWork posts.
Regardless of whether you are familiar or not, I recommend you use Lynda.com’s tutorials (use your RWU login) to understand how a WordPress blog works. Youtube and WordPress also have many great videos on this. Your personal WordPress blog allows for each student in the class to see what other students are creating and is also a resource in the future. You’ll be able to show off your work to potential employers, and also serve as a reference for your own inspiration. It is something you get to keep after this class is over, and yours to develop more fully if you wish.
Things to keep in mind:
- A Blog Post is not a Page. Pages are for information (like Contact Me, About Me) that doesn’t change much. Blog Posts are different and show up on your Blog home page in reverse chronological order — the most recent at the top.
- Categories and Tags help the viewer (me) find your posts. If your blog is being used with other classes, create and use “COMM165” category for your posts in this class.
- You can find out what your Word Count by clicking on the “i” symbol above the edit box at top left. But… it’s always better to go 10-20 words above what is required for the assignment — because the word count includes the headers.
- When you look at your post from the Public side, make sure that the date reflects meeting the deadline and the images fit nicely into the screen of your theme.
Being able to create and use content management systems like WordPress is a life skill — something that you will find yourself doing even after you graduate and begin your professional life.