addweblog

What is a web log? (definition taken from Whatis.com):

"On a Web site, a blog, a short form of Web log or weblog, is a personal journal that is frequently updated and intended for general public consumption..."

for a definition from Whatis.com, click here.
for comprehensive info about web logs from About.com, click here

Why would I use a web log with my Homestead web site?

The Homestead Sitebuilder is a great way to make site changes, however if you and/or a team would like to make frequent text updates from various locations and quickly without using the SiteBuilder, using a web blog service with your Homestead web site may be a possible solution.

For this tutorial we will be using Blogger.com, however the html code will allow you to use other web log services. You will need to sign up for a free account at Blogger.com

for other web log services, click here

After you have created a free Blogger.com account, you will want to create a blog (click here to learn how).

In Step #2, choose the "FTP to your own server".

In Step #3, you will need to add some FTP information

Here are the FTP configurations:

Blog URL:
- http://www.homestead.com/your website name/files/your web log name.html
FTP Server:
- ftp.homestead.com
FTP Path:
- your website name/files/ (e.g. myfamilyalbum/files/)
Blog Filename:
- your web log name.html (e.g. myfamilyalbumweblog.html)

Choose a template (you can change it later if you wish).

Now the blog account will be created and you will be then taken to the Blogger editor.

You will need to enter your Homestead login into the Blogger FTP settings for it to work correctly. To do so, click on the "settings" button in the upper left.

and enter the following:

FTP Username:

your Homestead username

FTP Password:

your Homestead password

Scroll down and click the "save changes" button.

Note: The other options can be left at default or configured by you. If you are not sure what each does, click on the "?" next to each item.

What this does is allow you to use a fast online text editor to easily post information and update a html file on your Homestead web site.

When you type information in the area indicated below:

and then click the "Post and Publish" button

it will immediately update the file and it is viewable at the web site.

Blogger.com allows you to give "team access" to others (click here for info) so they can also post information to this file wherever there is internet access.

How to incorporate a web log with a Homestead web page

Note: This code only works for Internet Explorer (IE) browsers, Netscape users will have to click a link to be taken to the file.

To have the information in the web log information file appear in a page built by the SiteBuilder, you will need to add the following code to a Insert HTML element in your Homestead web site:

<IFRAME SRC='http://your_web_site.homestead.com/files/your_web_log.html' marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 scrolling=yes name='bloggerFrame' width='640' height='480' frameborder='0'>[Sorry, your browser does not support IFRAMES. However, you can still <A href="http://your_web_site.homestead.com/files/your_web_log.html">see the latest news, please click here]</IFRAME>

(items in blue can be configured by you)

Now you can have the latest news or updates appear on your Homestead "index.html" page, and you can use the Blogger.com text editor to post the information quickly.

Note:

Please remember to follow any guidelines or member agreement regarding the web log service.
for Blogger.com How To info, please click here

Additional Notes:

Many services and products offer a free option with restictions or conditions (e.g. trial period, ad-supported) and premium options with less restrictions and conditions for a subscription or flat fee. Please be aware of restrictions and conditions regarding free and pay options (e.g. privacy policy, terms of service).

None of the above are official partners of Homestead, nor has Homestead done any extensive testing of what they have to offer. Use of their tools and services must be undertaken at your own risk.