How the heck do you start a simple blog w WordPress these days?
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I recently recommended WordPress to a friend who was exited about an idea, wow! Bad idea.
Sadly, the process for getting things said takes longer on a WordPress blog than it did at the time Gutenberg paved the way for us.
– Use WordPress!, I said to my friend, start a blog!
– Yes!, he said, and dived into hell, with WordPress.com
- I feel so bad for him now:
“Where are my posts, why don’t they show on my page? Where is my start, my home, how do I do this?”
A blog, dear friends, is what WordPress used to be about.
“I’m eager to write a post about my new discovery”.
– How do I do that in WordPress now, without:- Navigate a thing called “Reading – Pages”. And now, you need to learn the difference between static and blog.
- Hope you already understand what the F a template is, although you never asked for it to dictate what your site looks like.
- Oh, I see, you already forgot that important thing you wanted to tell everyone about? Ouch.
- Give up.
WordPress is indeed a powerful tool and I applaud everyone contributing to it.
– I have used WordPress for several sites in the past.
– I’m at present sort of stuck with Wp, but I will never again use wordpress .com and the Business-deal with WordPress .com is history for me. I am moving all my blogs and sites to external hostsPlease wake up to your users, WordPress!
With love (albeit a bit hesitating at present),
Louise, with multiple sites (some of them business) and blogs on WordPress.
(I did make a website using Dreamweaver at some point in my past, please don’t make me go back to that). /Regards from Sweden.The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)
- I feel so bad for him now:
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To clarify, I do not help with my site disaforlag at present, this was the only way I found to express my thoughts. (Moving my site to an external host right now, still in wp. For now). ;-)
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Hi Louise @disaforlag,
Thank you for sharing your feedback — I completely understand how frustrating it can be when trying to help someone get started and things don’t go as smoothly as expected. We truly appreciate your long-time use of WordPress and the passion you’ve brought to the platform over the years.
The transition from the Classic Editor and legacy themes to the Block Editor and newer themes is part of our ongoing effort to make WordPress more flexible, customizable, and future-ready. While the shift can feel like a big change, especially for long-time users, our goal is to empower all users — beginners and experienced alike — to create and manage content more visually and intuitively.
We’ve put together a free Create Your Blog course that walks new users through the process of starting a blog step by step, which may be a helpful resource for your friend.
There are also many themes designed specifically for blogging that provide a familiar, writer-friendly experience — it’s worth exploring a few to find one that feels like home (without having to make a lot of changes on templates).
If your friend ever feels stuck, they’re more than welcome to reach out to us directly. Since you’re on the Business plan, you also have access to live support — we’d be happy to take a closer look and help guide them through the process.
We’re here to help however we can, and we truly value your voice in this community.
With appreciation,
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Thank you for this informative reply.
I will forward your helpful links to my friend, if he hasn’t given up by now.
I completely understand the transition to blocks, I even like it, it fits my kind of thinking, as we say in Swedish. ;-)
- But: Where did “I must write about this!” WordPress go?
You guys and gals out there writing code, please take this to your hearts. :-)
Yes, I know there are themes out there. I recommended some of the WordPress themes “Twenty-this and that”, but some of them weren’t for free. Disappointing.
What happened to WordPress just saying “This is the best themes for blogging!” or “Make a website happen – and add a blog to it” (Yes these suggestions are for free). ;-)
Thanks for your reply
;-) Louise -
Hi @disaforlag,
Thank you for such a heartfelt and insightful message — it really shines through how much you care about the WordPress experience, both for yourself and your friend. It’s always a pleasure to hear from folks who’ve journeyed with us over the years.
You’re absolutely right — the move to the block editor and newer themes has changed how things look and feel. And while many of us have come to appreciate the flexibility it brings (especially those of us who “think in blocks”!), it’s totally fair to miss the simplicity and spark of “I must write about this!” moments.
We want that spark to stay alive too — and we believe it still can. Getting accustomed to the newer themes and tools might take a little time, but once your blog is set up, the goal is that you can focus purely on writing, just like before — without needing to think about complex editing every time inspiration strikes.
To help with that, here’s a guide your friend might find helpful for getting started with writing posts:
How to write posts on WordPress.comAnd if they’re looking for blog themes that are both beautiful and free, here’s a filtered list curated specifically for blogging:
Free blog themes on WordPress.comWe also totally hear your feedback on theme messaging. That clarity — “These are the best for blogging!” — can make a world of difference for someone just starting out. I’ll be sure to pass this along to the team. It’s the kind of thoughtful input that helps us evolve while still honoring our roots.
Thanks again, Louise — your voice matters here.
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Hi, many thanks for your reply! :-)
I will forward the helpful links to my friend, who is still struggling with the Reader settings right now. Hopefully, WordPress will grow into its own shoes, and all will be clearer to both old and new users.
Thank you :-) Louise
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You are very welcome @tassenupp,
I’m really glad the links were helpful, and I hope they give your friend a good head start!If they’re currently having trouble with the Reader settings, this guide might be useful: https://wordpress.com/support/reader/. It covers how to follow sites, manage interests, and customize what shows up in the Reader.
Here are other guides that you might find helpful:
Create lists in Reader
Reader: How We Recommend Content
Follow Tags in Reader
We’re always working to make the platform more intuitive, and I completely agree — it’s a journey of growing into its own shoes.
If there’s anything else your friend or you need help with, feel free to ask!
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