Professional blog designer Lisa Sabin-Wilson shows you how to use all the latest upgrades to WordPress 2.5 and helps you decide whether to use the WordPress.com hosted service or self-host your blog with WordPress.org. Whether you’re just venturing into the blogosphere or you want to shift an existing blog to WordPress, WordPress For Dummies, 2nd Edition will help.

* Explore theme development and learn where to find free WordPress themes
* Extend WordPress through plug-ins, CSS, custom fields, and more
* Find out about archiving, interacting with readers through comments, tracking back, and handling spam
* Get the scoop on domain registration, Web hosting providers, basic tools like FTP, and more
* Create a unique blog theme and presentation by using template tags with CSS
* Sign up for WordPress.com, log in, set options, and create a profile
* Install WordPress.org, set up a MySQL database, explore RSS feeds, and organize a blogroll
* Discover the secrets of creating a blog that draws readers
* Get tips on wonderful widgets, upgrades, and plugins you can add to make your blog extra cool
* Learn how to use the Dashboard, manage comments, and make permalinks work with your Web server

With WordPress For Dummies, 2nd Edition on hand, it’s easy to make the most of the free software and build a blog that stands out in a crowd.

About the Author

Tessa Blakeley Silver’s background is in print design and traditional illustration. She evolved over the years into web and multi-media development, where she focuses on usability and interface design. Prior to starting her consulting and development company hyper3media (pronounced hyper-cube media) http://hyper3media.com, Tessa was the VP of Interactive Technologies at eHigherEducation, an online learning and technology company developing compelling multimedia simulations, interactions, and games that met online educational requirements like 508, AICC, and SCORM. She has also worked as a consultant and freelancer for J. Walter Thompson and The Diamond Trading Company (formerly known as DeBeers) and was a Design Specialist and Senior Associate for PricewaterhouseCoopers’ East Region Marketing department. Tessa authors several design and web technology blogs. Joomla! Template Design is her first book.