Here are a few points. Each relates somewhat to all the questions so I will not list them according to the questions themselves.

1. If the only reason for incorporation is the variety of sites then you have no reason. Incorporation is a financial decision that concerns issues like liability and taxes.

2. You likely need only one business, as Lisa is one business called Lisa, even though she has sites on different topics. One reason I chose my domain (Dreamhost) is because it offers unlimited domains in their hosting plan. I have six domains registered now on a variety of topics and may have more, but I doubt seriously I will ever incorporate either unless someone can prove to me how it would improve my bottom line. (Ask yourself, when was the last time you asked a business operator whether he/she was incorporated before buying from them?

3. About checks. If you have checks made out to a business name (or carry out any serious business activities using a business name) you do need to apply for a "fictitious name" from your state. You do not need to incorporate.

4. One of the best things I can recommend to help you cover a lot of the important business issues is to suggest that you contact your state business development people. They will provide you with all the basic information. The Department of Employment and Economic Development in my state (Minnesota) publishes "A Guide to Starting a Business in Minnesota" that is available free of charge. It deals with all the issues you raise specifically oriented to our state.

5. IMPORTANT. If you are going with SBI, above all else make sure you do it going to them through Lisa's web page link. She is one hard working woman doing a great job helping us all become more successful. Be sure she gets some tangible feedback (our kind words may be worth something but everyone appreciates a little cash, too).