I am considering using wordpress.com for blogging..I do not plan to buy a domain name until I have more income. I have not used wordpress but only once and do not feel like I understand wordpress even though I have been looking at it today. If I use it to blog without setting up my own domain, are my options and features limited? Can I still try to promote affiliate products and gain exposure through article writing on wordpress.com I own a mac and have safari internet, and sometimes it seems like trying to download applications or website/blogging features is difficult or confusing. I am basically trying to use wordpress.com blog to make money.
You will get the hang of it. It's really easy when you spend a little time using it. You won't have the same control as using self hosted wordpress. You are limited to what ever themes and plug ins that they have installed. Nope. You cannot place affiliate links, ads, banners, pay per post, PPC, CPA, CPM or any other type of monetization on a Wordpress.com blog. Then find another free platform like Blogger. No monetization.
^^^ Could not said it better. Take note Wordpress.com is much preferred but you can not monetized it so people who doesn't have their own host and domain go to Blogger which you can use adsense.