using the WP platform is not lame at all - using the hosted solution would be

a wordpress.com site...

so its ideal to host it ourselves?

still slightly confused.

you look more professional by using wordpress software on a hosted site rather than the freebie offered from wordpress's site.

which means you would need a web hosting plan that would allow you to run the wordpress software on your plan.

geez. Sorry. I know that's probably not making sense.

thanks debsterbug! that does help.