I’ve helped quite a few “non-technical” people get set up on the web by simply suggesting these easy actions –

•    Get some cheap and reliable web hosting
•    Download and install Wordpress.org (it’s FREE)
•    Write some great content.

And off they gallop into the Bodacious Blogosphere!

The truth is, Wordpress is extremely easy to use. How easy? If you can use a word processor, you can use Wordpress with no problem at all.

But you should also understand that Wordpress is also a full-featured content management system, which means that it is so much more than what you get straight out of the Box.

Themes, plug-ins, and widgets may sound like terms related to a sci-fi movie, but these are the special “additions” which can make your Wordpress website really unique.

So if you take the time to learn Wordpress, and what it can really do – you will be much better prepared to make it do what you want it to do.

Isn’t that what you grab a tool for?

So here are a few resources you many want to check out for learning more about Wordpress:

Wordpress Codex

Beginning WordPress 3

WordPress For Dummies

WordPress 24-Hour Trainer: Watch, Read, and Learn How to Create and Customize WordPress Sites (Book & DVD)

Believe me, you won’t have to make a career out of studying Wordpress. As I say, it’s very easy to get started with it.

But like any other skill or tool you want to benefit from using – you will need to take some time to learn how to use it.

Take your time, and you’ll be amazed at what Wordpress can do!

Last week, as I was hunched over my laptop trying to rustle up content for a couple of blogs, I felt an odd “pull” in my back.

Pull shmull I thought – I’ve got deadlines to meet. And so I stubbornly pecked away for hours until I had some great Blog content, and some real honest-to-goodness back, shoulder, and neck pain.

I hear you, body.

So I decided that for the next few days I’d  take some time away from my computer, applying heat and assorted salves to my back, neck, shoulders, arms, and wrists.

(Since it’s World Cup Season, this seems to be a most appropriate time for “rest”).

So, today I’m back (briefly) with what I learned about how I got all twisted up, and a brave new plan for working daily with a laptop.

The first thing I learned is this: Save the laptop for travel and emergencies! A laptop is simply not a great ergonomic choice for someone who works with a computer at a desk as much as I do.

If a laptop is all you’ve got though, you can still make some minor adjustments to your laptop set-up to make the best of it:

1. Use a laptop docking station. This will allow you to plug your laptop into a unit which already has a keyboard, monitor, and mouse connected. It’s like having a desktop with a “removable” computer. (Why didn’t I think of that??)

2. If you don’t want to buy a docking station, then at least attach a separate keyboard and mouse to your laptop. Having these items separate from the laptop keyboard and trackpad will allow you the freedom to position them in much more ergonomic positions. USB mice and keyboards are cheap.

3. Take a lot of breaks! This is surprisingly easy to forget. You get into your tasks, your vibe (whatever you call it) and pretty soon hours have gone by. So get up, stretch, play with the pooch…Just get up and move around at least 5 – 10 minutes every hour.

4. When you are not typing on your keyboard (or using a mouse), allow your arms and fingers to relax.

5. If you don’t have one already, get an ergonomic office chair. Mine even has a “massage” feature! (And I’m trying to teach it how to make coffee!)

Why all the fuss about laptop ergonomics?

Laptop (mis) users (like me) are increasingly being diagnosed with back problems, muscle problems, and nerve damage. It’s a posture thing.

We don’t need more problems, do we?

There are many days when I look around me (humans) and wonder: where has our kindness gone?

And then there are other days when I see surprising things and think: our kindness is only hiding most of the time.

Take a look at this video and tell me what you think.

(A simple story of what happens to a bus driver in Copenhagen on his birthday…)