I think most people would be better off having 1 great blog that THEY are the registered domain name owner, & have their own hosting.
Why build blogs at "group" sites? You are not building your rank. If you ever decide to move, most of those places will not give you your back up. I would only use a "group" blog as a secondary. That means giving a link to the complete story at your main blog.
You can get low cost web hosting that does not mean you have to be a member of a group. Requiring membership is a ploy to use you. If you choose to leave for any reason - you are out in the cold without your site! A HOSTAGE situation. If you have paid for your hosting then you have a chance.
Also any web hosting that requires you to register a domain through them can put you in another HOSTAGE situation. It is far to easy (and just as cheap) to register a domain name - in your name. Then you are the owner. Places that require you to register in their name are just making money off of you & control you!
I tell people to avoid buy a domain name unless it is registered in your own name. GoDaddy has been one that has screwed so many people out of their domain. If they decide that they want your name then there is not much you can do.
I use
Namecheap.com
If I want to change hosting then I can go into my account & redirect. If a host owns your domain then you have to ask them to change it - HA!! Like they will want to do that if you are leaving them or if they have crappy customer service it may never get done.
My host (link is at the bottom of my blog) will NOT register a domain name for you - he insist that you have control. He knows how important that is.
Just my thoughts - I know I will not be popular with some "groups". Oh well, it's not the 1st time. LOL!
Sheryl Loch ~ allmylovecrafts
You may also want to check out my post about FriendFeed helping promote yourself & your blog HERE
I have been learning about new ways to market at a free class - Info about the annual 30 Day Challenge
HERE Only once a year & it is NOT a business.