Blogging Tip: Get Your Key Code for Askimet Plugin

OK, this is more of a “how to” than an actual blogging tip … but very important nonetheless.

One of the first plugins you should activate after you install WordPress (for anything) is the industrial strength SPAM fighter Askimet.

It comes installed by default in WordPress 2.1 … but you still need to “activate” it.

BUT … as you’ll see, in order to activate this plugin, you need a “WordPress API key.” This is a fancy term for saying you need a special password to start using the plugin.

By the way, once you’ve activated your Askimet plugin on your blog, it’ll post a box highlighting your need to put in your API key. This is under Plugins > Akismet Configuration.

To get your free key, you’ll need to sign up for a free account at WordPress.com (notice that’s .com, not .org). Go get an account, then copy the API key they give you into the appropriate box in your WordPress blog.

NOTE: They will send you your API code in the welcome email from WordPress.com, so be sure and check that! Scroll down, it’s near the bottom.