kind of a little off topic, but not really..........

[Flyerman]

anyone here know much about how or where to go to start a blog about cigars and smoking them? i want to do a really good one with a cigar or tobacco theme to it, if at all possible. been getting a LOT of ideas on what to write on, and already have a crapload of pictures i could upload. 2 reasons to do this: my interest in cigars has grown into a full raging passion; i want to see if anyone would actually read it. i even have a few kick a$$ names for it, but i'd rather wait till i have a finished product. anyone?.............

[Zomboid]

The fact that you have a "full raging passion" suggests that the website will be good.

If you know how to write and can organize the website in aesthetically pleasing way, then you are off to a good start.

But I'm not sure if anyone knows for sure whether we would actually read it or not.
Websites that depict one's hobby, leisure and review builds upon their content, and improvement is seen with time and the work they put in it.

Having said that, you should post more reviews on this website as a preview to us of how you do this, and see where it goes from there.

[MaytagMan]

Wordpress is a very popular blogging platform that is easy to use and you can add custom elements as well.

There are a variery of premade themes, and many you can change this and that to modify them. If you want to do it for free, go to wordpress.com

If you want to have your own domain name, go with your own wordpress installation - a lot of web providers have and automatic wordpress installation available via the Control Panel.

For example, my site is Wordpress with the Thesis theme installed.... http://www.cigarsnapshot.com

I have a web hosting and a thesis theme affiliate links on the right side of my page - (if you do use them I get a few bucks)

You really don't NEED the Thesis theme that I use - it is just super easy to customize and change and worked well for me doing a podcast.

HTH.

[Flyerman]

hey Zomboid, thanks for the suggestion. i'll see if i have time today to post my first review onn here later on today. just a few questions for everyone first: is there a set format for the review, like what some of the main reviewers have, or can i just go wild with what and how i want to review? i tend to smoke the larger ring gauges - 58 and larger - and i know that's becoming more and more the norm for some cigar smokers. maybe i could mix in some of the smaller ring gauges, but i think there's a calling for some reviews of the big boys! also, i can't really offer any reviews of any accompanying libations to go with the given cigar except for water, as i am in Afghanistan right now, and will be till october. other than that, look for my first review today or tomorrow, depending on the workload here. thanks for the advice, and please be as crtical of my reviews as possible. i want to get really good at doing them.

[B-Dub Cigar Ambassador]

If you do decide to start a blog, you might consider:

1. Using Capital Letters, and...
2. Seperating Your Thoughts Into Shorter Paragraphs.

Compare Zomboid's post to yours.
Isn't that infinitely more readable?
If you do a blog, you want it to be readable.

Right?

Not trying to be rude. Seriously.
But just a positive criticism, if you will.
You want your content to be easily digested.

[JonnySmokes]

looking forward to see what you come up with....keep us posted

[Flyerman]

Thank you, B-Dub, sir.

That's what I want. Anything and everything to make it better and more readable. Yes,sir!

I'm having a little more trouble than I anticipated. Mostly because I have to actually do work around here. I am working on it when I can, though

I'm also working on my first cigar review on this site. I'm doing it to get my descriptive writing skills in good working order.

Thank you again, B-Dub. Please feel free to offer any criticism of what I write from now on. That goes for everyone and anyone who reads what I write.

[B-Dub Cigar Ambassador]

Well, I think we all enjoy reading reviews around here.
The more you do it, the better you will get at it.
The better you get at it, the more you will enjoy it.
But the first rule of writing is: to get started. Edit later.

You might find that writing as quickly as you can think, then going back to edit might be helpful. Think: "Stream of Consciousness". So your first draft might be more like what you're used to writing like. Just get it out of you, and onto the paper (or screen). Then go back and edit, reformulate what you want to say, eliminate redundancy, and form paragraphs. So, you're not as far away as you think. Also, when I want to write a really good review, I'll take notes on paper while actually smoking the cigar. Then I'll go back and write the review on StogieChat, while expanding (read: Bull-$hitting) on the overall experience. Remember, adjectives are your friend!

It's great to see a new Member get excited about blogging/writing about great cigars. This is really the reason for StogieChat, along with just B.S.-ing and blowing off steam and talking nonsense about everything else. But it's also cool to read a BOTL's sincere thoughts about our shared passion. Thanks for signing up, and for taking it seriously (but not too seriously). Everything in moderation; even in moderation.

Maybe we can herf together live sometime. Then you will gain a Smurfier understanding of what goes through my head while smoking fine cigars with good friends. Until then, I look forward to reading your future reviews!

[Jimmie the Mum]

I learned a lot while smoking with Brent..