Which Blogging Software? MT, WP or blogger?

I am soliciting opinions on which type of blogging software is best: Movable Type, WordPress or Blogger ... or does anyone know of any others worthy of note?

I did find this side by side listing of blogging software but it hasn't really helped. There is also this list of blog software but again, it isn't particularly helpful in making a choice since choosing is about narrowing down a list of preferred candidates until the best option is found and lists only confuse that process.

I already use Blogger for a blog or two and I've fiddled about with the CSS to get something that's mostly easy on the eye but I must be honest and say that I am taken with the look of Movable Type - clean and crisp.

I did think about GreyMatter but don't particularly like the 'feel' of it as much as I do Movable Type.

Being disinclined to really faff about with code and backends, I have even considered TypePad as it has the crisp, clean, feel I like so much but I would really prefer to host it myself, which drags me back to coding and backends and tinkering about for hours ... I'm sure you get the picture.

Any comments? Opinions? Experiences? Recommendations?

 

If your desire is to host the blog yourself, I would lean towards WordPress. The only "feature" you mention requiring is a "clean and crisp feel" so any response (like this one) will be highly subjective. I like the feature set of WordPress, the associated plug-in system fills niche features, and the template system will allow you to create that clean and crisp feel if you dislike the default template.

 

The following page has data that will be helpful, there are also ASP programs like www.squarespace.com where you need no software and they provide all hosting and content syndication automatically.

http://www.webcenter.squarespace.com/blog-software-blogging-asp

 

I use cutenews. It's really hard to use, though. The reason I use cutenews is because it is completely hackable and customizable. I would recommend WP personally, unless you want to be different for the sake of being different...

 

I'm very happy with WP. My 2 recent blogs with WP (some customizations also):
http://www.smallbusinessarena.com/
http://www.daily-seo.com/

good luck

 

I blog for business and require a password protected blog. The only hosted blog service I found was TypePad.

- Eder

 

I've tried them all. I find wordpress the best one as it's the easiest to manipulate the templates for me, now just have to find the time to do it.

 

There seems to be a concensus growing for WordPress. Is this because it is open source and free, I wonder?

 

I think it is just really easy to use and really customizeable, that's all. It's too bad that a lot of sites produced by WordPress retains their generic looks because the bloggers don't bother to learn how to further customize the look to suite the blog's personality or put in any effort for a more creative design, thus many blogs just screams "made with WordPress!" I guess as long as they are happy with it it should be fine.

 

Can you give us a link? To cutenews ...

or better yet, share it on my blog forum

 

Without any doubts Wordpress rocks! Google & MSN's efforts are pants IMO!

 

Sure, here is the link: http://cutephp.com/

 

Thanks ...

 

I used to use cutephp, aj-fork. If you like cutephp, I'd highly recommend checking aj-fork also.

 

actually I think I will try wordpress next

 

I still like Blogger. Easy to customize and takes care of all hassles.

The major feature I miss in Blogger is the categories - very much neeed.

To host Wordpress, You need PHP & SQL knowledge. And you need a host too!

 

I completely agree about Blogger needing categories. That's partly the reason I wish to begin using blogging software.

I have the hosting, php and mysql. I just don't want to go to the trouble of setting up a blog using one platform only to find I don't like it and have to migrate to another.

 

I got that but what are the benefits of using WP vs blogger?

 

I run blogs in b2evolution, Wordpress, and MovableType - and WordPress is definitely my favourite.

One particular notable feature of WordPress is its ability to allow you to designate your URL format.

Also, it's easy to use - the MovableType interface is *very* clumsy when it comes to handling categories, and MT also requires more templates to be edited. MT is also bloody awful on spam control - leave trackbacks on and you'll be spammed to pieces by porn, gambling, and pharma bots.

b2 is fine, but sometimes there are daft little errors with language options. It's also not so SEO friendly as WP.

TO see a few of the different versions as content management solutions:

WP: http://www.financemarkets.co.uk/
MT: http://www.platinax.co.uk/news/
b2e: http://investmentmarkets.co.uk/

 

Thanks Brian. You've helped me make up my mind. WordPress it is.

Although I do like the MT look and feel over WP.

I'll just have to see what I can rustle up with WP.