Starting a WordPress Blog: Self-hosted vs. WordPress.com

As you're probably aware, WordPress is quite possibly the best blogging software out there. It is easy to use, open source (read: free), and has tons of plugins to extend its functionality. But what you might not know is there are two ways of setting up your blog: self-hosting the WordPress software, and hosting it with Wordpress.com.

Self-Hosted WordPress

Self-hosting a WordPress blog means that you already own a domain name such as www.mysuperterrifficblog.com, and have purchased server space through a hosting provider like GoDaddy or DreamHost. We won't focus on the specifics on how to install and configure your blog (there are tons of tutorials out there), but typically you'll need to FTP the WordPress code to your server and create a database to store your data.

Pros of Self-Hosting

• You maintain complete control over your data - you can import, export, upload, download and do anything you want with the information stored in your blog.
• You can extend your blog in any way you want - add on plugins to do eCommerce, start a community site, or do a photo journal blog. You can do any of these and more using the extensive library of code available. 
• Use custom themes or develop your own - customize the look and feel of your website to almost anything you can dream using prebuilt (and usually free) themes, or build your own.
• Configure and fine-tune the back end for optimal response and performance - when you self-host, you can access PHP settings, caching, load balancing, and other stuff to make your site run faster and do what you want it to do.

Cons of Self-Hosting

• You are responsible for backups - you'll have to periodically get in and back up the WordPress code, your database, and any content you have uploaded. There are plugins that can help with backups and even automate them.
• You are responsible for general maintenance and updates - you'll have to periodically update the core WordPress code, which can be done with a few clicks through an easy web interface.
• You are responsible for spam control - you need to keep a flood of spam comments from being posted on your site, but there are easy-to-use plugins that can help with that.
• There is the possibility of being slashdotted - without a robust hosting package, sudden spikes in traffic have the potential to bring down your site. But realistically, the odds of being slashdotted are pretty low.

Hosting your blog with WordPress.com

WordPress.com is "is brought to you by some of the same folks who work on WordPress." Same software, mostly the same functionality, only the hosting and management of your site is taken care of by WordPress.com. The software and platform is pretty the same as if you hosted the blog yourself, but there are some minor differences. WordPress.com has locked down some features such as custom theme (look and feel) development and plugin use. But for the most part the end result is the same, a blog that runs on the great WordPress software platform.

Pros of Hosting with WordPress.com

• Easy to set up and configure - enter your username, email address, and password, and you're up and running with your own blog. No need to mess with MySQL databases or FTP info.
• They offer a free package - get 3 gb of file storage and the great WordPress software for free! Or, pay for premium features on an as-needed basis.
• Backups and software updates are taken care of - no need to worry about running patches or updates, the server admins automatically take care of all that for you.
• Spam control is taken care of - out of the box, Askimet (did you know that 83% of all comments are spam?) is turned on and stops all the nasty spammers from inundating your site.
• Ready-made audience - posts are automatically listed in the WordPress.com blogs of the day and tags, which give your blog greater visibility to the public at large.

Cons of Hosting with WordPress.com

• No customized themes - WordPress.com has over 70 themes in their library, and some of them are pretty cool. But you are locked into those and can't use any of the thousands of free themes found elsewhere on the web.
• No customized PHP code - Even if you are technically inclined, you can't get in and mess with the guts of your blog or customize anything.
• No plugins - You can't upload or use plugins, period. Which means you can't extend your blog beyond being a basic blog. No photo journal, no eCommerce, no Twitter integration, nada. And some could say plugins are the best thing about WordPress.
• A 3rd party has possession of your data - Even though WordPress.com is probably not an evil company out to get you, they still have your data. You are at their mercy to make sure your data is backed up, not corrupted, or otherwise lost.
• It's hard to get your data out - If you did ever want to switch platforms, you can't grab your entire MySQL database (which contains all your content and settings) or connect to your site over FTP to get images, videos, or other assets.

The Bottom Line

What it all comes down to for me is who controls my data? Even though WordPress.com gives you a free blog with many of the features of self-hosted software, they ultimately have possession of your data and content. This comes into play if you every want to upgrade your site or switch to another platform.

All other things being equal, we strongly recommend to clients to go with a self-hosted setup. Most of the technology concerns can be overcome with a little bit of education and configuration, but once a company has control of your information you are locked into a long-term marriage with them whether you like it or not.