I want to start a new blog, mainly for the purpose of getting my site that I create indexed quickly by linking to it, but I also wouldn't mind making a few bucks from the blog too. Do you think I should get my own domain or use a well established blogging site? What are the benefits/drawbacks of the two? Thanks, I hope this hasn't been posted to death already, couldn't find anything quite exact in search.
Own domain good because if you choose to move your blog somewhere else you'll still have a whole stack of backlinks, whereas you wont if you move from a free host. Also gives you greater flexibility and looks more professional. BUT... if you're brand new to blogging you can always cut your teeth with Blogger for a few months - nice and easy.
Own domain names is best way to go. You can get better back links and submit site to more places. You will not loose site if free blog goes down or cancels your account. If you work that hard to make site and get it ranked you need own domain name.
Much better if you have your own domain. domain names can give much traffic than the others because users may easily type your site's url. You also need to have your own hosting server to edit and configure your own site.
I'd echo what others are saying. There becomes a big issue down the road if you get popular about moving your content from a fixed location like blogspot, wordpress, etc. GoDaddy's lowest hosting solution is a couple bucks and it has handled days with 30k+ uniques with no problem. Build enough content to sell a link or two on the side and you'll pay for your hosting and then some
Another vote for the control. And having your own script allows you to install the plugin and mods you want. May not seem very useful for now but if you ever get bigger you'll find all sorts of little things you wish you had.