How I decided what blogging software to use
This was a long and laborious search. The first decision I had to make was whether or not to use a free blog web site, like Blogger.com or WordPress.com. They provide very simple and easy tools to start a blog. A lot of people use these tools.
I needed to be able to control the templates, design, and also place advertising on the blog (e.g. the ability to blog for funds). ;-) I also wanted as much control as I could over adding widgets so that I could test them out, and then write my results for your benefit.
I finally decided that I would host my own. Now, I have been writing in PHP since it was PHP-Fi (back in 1997) and usng MySQL since it was first born (also in 1997 - at least when I started using it), so I had a head start on trusting my ability to make changes that you may not be able to if you’re not a programmer. That being said, I am also lazy, and sometimes have opted not to use the actual code install because it would be too much time - remember, I am lazy, so I want to work the least, but make the most (you can help by clicking on my ads). 
Having made the decision to host the blog software myself, I searched for what seemed to be well-supported and current. I found two that met my needs: Serendipity and WordPress (from WordPress.org as opposed to WordPress.com - I think these are the same except the .com site is their own implementation of the software that is easiest to use if not hosting).
Serendipity was a fairly easy install, although you must be able to know a bit more about MySQL and setting up a database than the average Joe (or it seemed to me). I used that first, but was not impressed with the ability to add features, control the templates, or change the look-and-feel.
WordPress, after having installed it (truly a five-minute install) had more features, widgets, template designs, etc. and I could manipulate the code more easily. (Because I’m lazy, I think I was sold on the quick install).
So, you will no doubt go through the same search, but my recommendation (and, no, this is not a paid post) is to use WordPress (for now). If I change my mind and go with another, I’ll let you know why in a future post. Okay, I think that’s all for now. Please post your comments, and I will try to respond with an answer. And, remember, I am trying to generate funds for this blog… please help!