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Which blog system to use
Sometimes people/companies ask me which blog-system to use.
Blogger and sponsored platforms are not very useful in those cases.
Scripting your own platform isn't an option either: it is like re-invention hot water with a bowl and a fire, while these days there are already thermostatic tabs... (Or you have a very wealthy client..)
All existing systems were during the years optimized for google and other search-engines. They learned the good things and the bad, they changed and got better.
There are 2 main competitors I advice: Wordpress and SixApart. ExpressionEngine is the third which is certainly for the more needy client, allowing adaptation of all sorts. (Extremely useful tool , but too advanced for most users).
Technorati Tags: blogging, howto, movabletype, wordpress
Wordpress is a free PHP platform with dozens of nice plugins. It is easy to install (one click install) but the modification of the template is rather complicated due to the mix of php and the divs.
One can see very often when a WP platform is used: very often they have existing templates which are changed just a tiny little bit.
But it rocks when it comes to plugins and other gadgetry bloggers tend to love.
Sixapart has 2 blogging systems: the hosted TypePad (this blog is running TypePad) and their Movable Type Platform.
All running on Perl.
TypePad is, in my humble eyes, the easiest to work with: you login, choose a pre-made design, make categories and post.
I tend to like the wysiwyg method for beginners: nobody likes the < b > en < / b > coding inside of the post. (except for coders that is)
TypePad has all the options for advanced design: you can convert your templates into advanced ones, allowing you to have an individual look and feel.
MovableType is pretty similar, but lacking some of the extra features TypePad does have. (Like TypeLists etc)
They both work with 'tags' allowing to have a clear view on your templates.
The advantage of the one or the other? TypePad is hosted, which means: you don't have to bother about hosting, upgrades, spam, etc. It is all being taken care of. (This is the main reason I took it. I am changing my mind though, requesting some extra features TypePad is lacking.)
But Movable Type is more powerful regarding adaptations. You can change the code yourself, you can implement plugins to have that extra functionality you look for.
If you are looking for 'something that runs by itself' I'd recommend TypePad. It is easy, perfect to do some simple modifications, add your own header, change the colors in wysiwyg method, and click to have it running. You never have to yell your blogging neighbour for help when suddenly flooded with spam: just mail the helpdesk and they'll solve it.
If you want to have more options, one should look what he wants in a blog.
WP has a set of great plugins and a large user community building more. When it comes to podcasting I advice WP for its cool plugin.
I like MovableType better when it comes to usability of the admin.
Don't ask me why, but it seems so much more clear than WP.
Due to the clear templating system it is very easy to implement it into existing site you have.
(Note: all systems are perfect in doing huge adaptations, but one is doing better than another: WP is better for scripting changes, while MT is easier in design)
And then there is the premium: ExpressionEngine: this is for the advanced user: it is fully adaptable, actually it is a perfect CMS system for smaller sites.
You should check its possibilities to get what it is about.
Perfect when you want to add a forum, an e-commerce, or a portfolio to your site, these extra things are included into the system.
What do I advice?
I will be switching from TypePad to another system soon.
I started using MovableType way back when, and I'll stick to it: meanwhile I am very comfortable with the tags and I can easily change a blog.
I'll be missing some features WordPress has (like the blogging plugin. Maarten, maybe you can do something similar for MT?)
And some other gadgetry.
But I like the admin too much to get me seduced by WP.
As for you: make a list of what you want your blog to do.
Check which platform has those plugins and then make a choice.
Be sure: it will be a hard choice...
If you are working with designers/programmers: ask them what they like best. Because in the end, they have to make the blog work. You rather chose something they understand well and do quick.
(I guess that's why programmers very often chose for WP, while designers opt for the tag based MT or ExpressionEngine)
Posted on September 15, 2006
in Linking context, Technical stuff
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Comments (3)
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What about Drupal ? I have been told that this is also a very powerfull platform.
Posted by Bruno (BVLG) | September 15, 2006 9:05 PMI've both tried Wordpress and MovableType and like Wordpress more. Keep in mind that MovableType is written in Perl, hard to adapt if you want to do really special things.
Posted by Bart | September 16, 2006 10:31 AMWordpress.com and Wordpress.org are separate.
Wordpress.com is a free, hosted solution.
Wordpress.org lets you download the software that powers Wordpress.com.
Posted by Kris Khaira | September 17, 2006 11:15 AM