Bea,

If you want my opinion...

A Website, Blog, Web business in Every possible format is all the same Animal.

It's Creating something ever so Special that will keep Visitors interested and coming back for More...

Find, Study the Many Success models and "Twist" your own Great story!

A couple other opinions...
http://www.buildabetterblog.com/2006...s_website.html
http://www.sowpub.com/forum/showthread.php?p= 13209

As far as finding out what Software etc. Web businesses are using...

Surprisingly, if you contact web sites politely, you'll get all kinds Free information and Help!

And Compliments have worked very well for me.

Phil