Control over design?

[dmos]

Hello,

I'm thinking of doing a blog. I tried Wordpress, but it just doesn't cut it. Reason is - I'm looking for a host that would allow me to work with the blog's design at a higher level and at the same time be free. Apparently, Wordpress does support CSS editing, but it costs; not to mention that I'd also love a bit more control than just CSS. And the way I see it, the only way to get Wordpress and high level of control at the same time is to host your own server, and I'd love an option that doesn't force me to mess with the servery stuff.

So what I wanted to ask is whether there are such options available? Are there blog hosting services that would allow for a deeper level of design editing and at the same time be free?

If not, maybe you could recommend something that's good for its price? Basically, I'm looking for design capabilities. Other things don't really matter.


Thanks so much,

Dom

[sub001]

Your post suggests you mean wordpress.com (hosted WP). Have you considered running your own installation (download from wordpress.org)? No "servery" stuff needed apart from doing the 5-minute installation. After that you have complete control of everything.

If that's too advanced for you, have a look at blogger.com. They give you access to the code, which you can modify at will. It's not the same as XHTML/CSS, but might serve your purpose.

[dmos]

Hm. running it on my installation isn't really an option, but I'm starting to see that getting a 'full web host' is the only option.

Do you think you could suggest a host? Wordpress.org promotes a few of them here - wordpress.org/hosting/. Have you had any experience with them?

Thanks

[chasesagum]

It sounds to me that you are confident enough with CSS and HTML to get the look and feel you want. If that's the case, I would go with a self-hosted Wordpress blog like dmos has mentioned. Then you have more control of plugins as well as themes.

Almost every major shared hosting provider has a one-click 5 minute Wordpress install that makes it super easy to get up and running. Honestly from experience it's just as easy setting up a self-hosted blog this way as it is setting up a wordpress.com or a blogger.com.

[Chimpie]

I have used used both HostGator and Site5 for WordPress blogs. Both are easy to set up and run as you wish.

[ludoandthelion]

I started with Blogger because...hey...it was free. It only took a few months before I realized had too little control. I am now with WP. I host with GoDaddy and all is pretty well. I can control a lot more on my site now. Tis grand.

[sub001]

dmos, running your own installation means (in simplest terms) getting a $7/mo. shared hosting account with a free domain name added to it, logging into your account, clicking the Simple Scripts or Fantastico icon, selecting Wordpress, filling out a form with few details and clicking install. Nothing can be easier. Hostgator or Bluehost are both good shared webhosts.

[Florencia]

Almost every major shared hosting provider has a one-click 5 minute Wordpress install that makes it super easy to get up and running. Honestly from experience it's just as easy setting up a self-hosted blog this way as it is setting up a wordpress.com or a blogger.com