Need help with WordPress basics

Although it obviously depends exactly what you have in mind, a combination of choosing a template and using the Custom CSS option should give you plenty of flexibility as far as a "text and images" blog is concerned. I've used that upgrade and it's very straightforward. As le morte says, hosting it yourself would give you more templating options, but there should be enough in the 60 that are installed on wp.com You should be able to set up email at the domain, but it's unlikely you'll be able to use Google Apps to do it. And you'll need to work out that side of things with the domain registrar -- just email their support and ask them before you commit to anything.

If you do decide to go with self-hosted Wordpress.org, the 5-minute install actually is easy, if you think of it like you're performing a magic spell :) I was so worried I'd be doing it wrong, but I just followed the steps to the letter without trying to understand what they meant, or why they were necessary. It really did just take 5 minutes, and has worked wonderfully for me ever since. Having used it for a while, it makes more sense now, and I've gained a lot of confidence. But that first time, it really was easy as long as I just did what I was told :)

Ahahah. It's not so much "tell me what to do" as it is "tell me how it's done so I can tell if that's what I want to do". But good one, DarlingBri, the breakdown is helpful. So, I'm gonna get a domain, map it myself, and get Google Apps for e-mail. Then, I'll see how it goes. Maybe I'll get the CSS upgrade, maybe I'll do exactly what you say. Thanks everyone!

DarlingBri's advice is pretty good. A host with a one-click WP install is a nice simple approach if you're not committed to staying with wp.com.

It really sounds like you just want someone to Tell Me What To Do. I totally understand that. If that is what you want, do the following. If it isn't, ignore it. To have the most control over your blog, its style, settings and themes, get off wordpress.com and wordpress.net. Move to your own WordPress install on your own host. 1) Sign up at a host that offers one click install of WordPress. People say Dreamhost here, but I think it's expensive. Pato's suggestion of http://www.hostmysite.com/hosting-solutions/personal/ has a WordPress package looks like a nice deal. 2) Choose a domain name. For ease of setup, I would suggest you register your domain name at the same outfit as your host. 3) Follow http://www.hostmysite.com/support/blog/create/ to install your WordPress blog from your host's control panel. It won't ask for anything more exotic than your domain name and an email address. 4) If you don't have a lot of posts, you can transfer them over manually. If you do have a lot of posts, you can use your current wordpress.org or .com control panel to export your entries, and your new yourdomainame.com wordpress install to import them. I don't have a link for this. 5) For the absolute easiest interface, CALL your new host and ask "I would like to set up email for my new domain via GoogleAps. How do I do that?" 6) If you want to install a new theme your host does not already have available, you'll need an FTP client. Here are http://www.themelab.com/2008/03/02/how-to-install-a-wordpress-theme/ for installing WP themes. Ignore the comments; these are from people who do not understand you can't install themes at WordPress.com. Basically, to install a theme, you: a) Download it b) Unzip it c) Upload it to your server in the /wp-content/themes/ directory d) Turn it on in your WordPress control panel.

Ah, sorry. I think what they're saying is that you can get your domain registered through Google and then use Google Apps for email alongside your WP-hosted blog. If your domain is purchased through WP, then it's probably quite restricted in terms of allowing you to do things like set up your email elsewhere. I wouldn't recommend registering the domain through WP for the general reason that it's easier to have it somewhere where you can easily change settings and point the domain to hosting elsewhere later on if you need to.

You see, le mort, why it is I get confused? The specifically mention in other places you cannot get e-mail if you get your domain registered via wp.com: Q: I purchased a domain through WordPress.com - can I setup email through it or change my mx records? A: Sorry but that cannot be done at this time. But above they do say: UPDATE: You can now use Google Apps for your email and have domain mapping + email So... Hm.

robcorr, WordPress http://en.blog.wordpress.com/2007/05/23/domain-mapping-and-email/ allow you to use the Google Apps email service from WordPress.

If you want a one-stop shop that answers the phone with live human beings, you might like http://www.hostmysite.com/ for your domain. They include WordPress and email in the package, and you can also register domain names with them, so you don't have to forward a domain registered somewhere else. For example, you'll end up with a WP blog at blog.neblinamatinal.com and the option for a "regular" site at www.neblinamatinal.com. This will be the full WordPress install with the option for lots of themes, etc. or for hiring geeks to make the blog do exactly what you want.