OK, could do with some opinions on the best way and best software to build and run a public Weblog so that I can communicate with my sons on a one-way basis (since the Poison Dwarf is preventing them communicating with me). The idea is to run a daily diary of thoughts on a web page for them to read when they can sneak in a quick browse (they are not allowed to use email or browse either, I hear ). At least I can try to keep the lines of communication open one way.

Let me know, any comments or recommendations would be greatly appreciated as it is not a joke to be cut off from your kids....

Sorry to hear about that.

You could use one of the journal/blog sites, such as LiveJournal. It's easy enough to use, and you can change the viewing permissions for each post.

You could also run your own blog/cms/journal type software. There are a lot of different ones to choose from. Some have been mentioned in this thread.

Good luck!

I was about to recommend LiveJournal too. I mean, if the Mars rovers can use it...

Why not a forum software? In case they get a chance, they may send you a reply. If they don't, they'll read it as they would with a blog.

I was thinking that too, but taking it a little further. Get them to sign up to a forum that is related to one of their legitimate interests. Then you sign up too and communicate via PMs. Their mother need never know...

mwest on the board here has one at blogs.com that seems to be pretty good. I've only read it though, not used it for posting.