One of the best things about the Internet is how it gives all kinds of people a voice. Whether they use that voice for good or ill is up to them. The Internet is full of voices to choose from. Would you like to add your own to them? Its not hard and you can do it for free.

First thing you need is a website. The best, in my opinion, are Tripod or Geocities. Register for free space which gives you an email address also. The hard part is finding a user name. These sites have so many people using the service almost all the easy names are taken. Get creative, see what you can come up with. If you get impatient just add some number to your user name of choice. When you choose a name and a password write them down in a place they won't be lost. You can email them to your family or friends if you don't mind them having that information. I think the best thing is to write them in your diary, if you have one.

Now you have the space to display your voice, what will your voice be? Brainstorm, write a list with your interests, hobbies, the sort of person you are, whatever comes to mind. Then take a look at what you have written. Choose which are the most important to you or which you would most like to write about and have read by other people. Try to narrow it down to five or less. This gives you a focus which is important if you want to find an audience for your voice. People want to have some idea of what you will be writing about. If they like it they will be back for more.

Maybe you will only write for a small audience, just family and friends. That's a good way to start. A newsletter with interviews, news, a feature topic and links can be sent out once a month or weekly if you really have the time and ambition. Once you have settled on your content its time to think of your layout, how you will present the content. One of the most important things for any website is navigation. Think of how people will go from one part of your site to the next. Remember to link each page back to your main page or whatever index you have for the publication you are creating. When you pick out colours and graphics they should be easy on the eye and easy on the web browser. How long do you usually like to wait for a webpage to load? Likely its not more than a few seconds. Another thing to remember is that not everyone has a really good Internet connection. One other thing about layout, make sure its easy to read. Colours for background and text need to be contrasting and not colours that make your eyes water. Try a white background and a dark text to start with. Later you can try different combinations and get reader feedback about them.

Now its time to write. How will you start? Here is where you really use your voice. What do you have to say?

Next week I will write about writing for your personal website or ezine. Take this time between to plan out the contents and layout for your site. Use the message boards to ask questions or share information with others. Good luck.