Blogging Platforms

I would like to create something like a gadget blog, sort of like Gizmodo or Lifehacker and maybe use it to drive traffic to my business. I am a software developer but I don't know the first thing about blogging. Would it be better to use a server that already exists? Or would it be better to create my own server?

The advantage of using a pre-existing server is that I don't have to worry about programming, but the advantage of using my own server is that I can design it however I like.

Either way, if it's my own server, or someone else's, does anyone have any recommendations?

Edit: I just noticed there is a software developers group so I may crosspost there as well.