Can you create and begin editing a wordpress.org blog using a 3rd party template without registering a domain/blog name on WP or other registration site?

Hello, There are two options available to you. 1. You can signup for a hosting account (PHP/MYSQL Linux based) without buying a domain from any creditable hosting company like hostgator without buying a domain name. You will be able to access the website using an IP address which would be provided by the hosting company. Using the IP address, Cpanel and FTP access you can start creating your website using WordPress. 2. The second option is to to setup a web server on your local machine. This can be done by using a software called Wamp if you are using Windows. Google "wamp" and you would find the download. Follow the installation instructions and soon you will have a local server running which can be used to develop the proposed website and once it is complete you can port that to the online hosting account which you buy. The domain name should be booked with the hosting space as well. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Yes, you can start blogging @ any one of a number of (like http://wordpress.com ;). I also manage several such networks -- (e.g. ) sounds like a premium feature to me. That said, if you believe in yourself + your work, maybe you should take the big leap + invest the 5 bucks (?)