Do You Need Your Own URL?

[t. olmsted]

I wanted to take a survey on everyone's opinions regarding this.  I use wordpress.com for my blog BookSexy - because it's free.  I just can't see what hosting my own URL would provide that I need - other than perhaps better stats tracking and java capability.  I have no intention of ever monetizing my blog.  When people ask my why I have a book review blog I tell them it's for the POWER (cue evil laughter) - and also because so much of the traditional book review outlets are disappearing.  I feel it's important to fill that void with smart, thoughtful reviews.  I know, POWER sounds so much better...

Anyway, does anyone have an opinion on whether or not it's necessary to host your own URL in order to be taken seriously?  Have you already done it and was it worth it?  Have you found any hard evidence as to whether it has helped your traffic, networking, image, working with publishers, etc.?  Have you had any negative encounters because you have a "free" blog on wordpress.com or blogger?  

[June Goodwin]

I'm not an expert in this, but I would think that if you are doing this as a hobby and not trying to achieve widespread notiriety, a free blog is fine. I have a free blog and I am pursuing a writing career. If I'm blessed at some point to become published, I'd want my future readership to be able to find me and get the word out about my literary projects. It would make more sense at that time to get my own URL or at least link it to the blog I already have. So much depends on your goals and why you do what you do.

June
http://writingisablessing.blogspot.com

[t. olmsted]

I actually like the idea of widespread notoriety. :-) It would be nice to be the Ebert of the literary world, don't you think? As a writer, do you feel that having your own URL will help publishers to take you more seriously, or do you see it more as something to do after you've been established?

[June Goodwin]

I guess it could work in my favor even now. When I started my blog, I had no idea what I was doing so I made it kind of anonymous. I'm getting a better sense of things, so I don't have to wait to get published, but I've been told, the quality of the writing is what they're interested in foremost, so I'm working on writing craft. The blog does take up a fair amount of time. I do enjoy it though. :- )

[porcelaine]

It would depend on the purpose behind the site. If you're attempting to build a company or establish a brand, a hosted site would appear more professional. They're quite a few reputable vendors with affordable rates for hosting. I've had both, though admittedly I didn't stay with the free one very long. I prefer the control and extra options hosting provides. However, it is much more work, but I enjoy expending the effort. If you're considering Wordpress.org, be prepared for a sharp learning curve, depending on your level of proficiency.

[Leslie]

You can own your own domain name and still use the free wordpress site to host your blog. Just have wordpress redirect visitors to the url. That way it looks like you host your own blog but it's really still at wordpress and you have none of the hassles of self-hosting. I use this service and it works great.

Search "domain-mapping" in wordpress support for a better explanation than I can provide.

The advantage is if you ever decide you do want to host it yourself, you do not have to change the url name, and your visitors will still be able to find you.

[porcelaine]

The redirect service by Wordpress is not a free feature. She would have to pay for it every year. If you elect to host the software can usually be managed by your provider. Fantastico is what many utilize to simplify the process.