Blogging II: Choosing Blog Software
By Staff Writer
You've weighed all the options and made the decision to start blogging. With the question of "Should I?" answered, now it's on to "How?" Whether you're interested in using your blog for customer relations, advertising or company communication, the route to getting it going is simple. In fact, the hardest part about blogging isn't getting set up, it's keeping your blog updated.
Blogging Options
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The three main types of blogs are remotely installed applications, hosted services and locally installed applications. |
The three main types of blogs are remotely installed applications, hosted services and locally installed applications. Between them, you'll find varying levels of flexibility, features and installation ease.
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Remotely installed applications are installed on your server and are then accessed by your workstations. |
Remotely installed applications are installed on your server and are then accessed by your workstations. Moveable Type, the most popular blogging tool, is in this category. It requires slightly more technical knowledge-you'll have to configure the server-but offers considerably more flexibility and personalization. Moveable Type, in particular, works with your Web browser, lets readers submit comments, and gives you searching and indexing capabilities. In addition to giving you blogging abilities, some applications also serve as content management systems for your Web site.
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Hosted services run on remote servers and require the least amount of technical knowledge. |
Hosted services, like Blogger, Live Journal and zBlogger, run on remote servers and require the least amount of technical knowledge. Because the services run and maintain the software and take care of all the details for you, you simply access your blog through the service’s site. The basics are typically free, with options to upgrade to additional packages for about $35 a year. To start your blog, just go to the hosted service Web site (blogger.com, livejournal.com), register a username and password, pick an illustrative theme, and get started. Type your first blog post and click “submit.” And thus, your blog begins.
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Locally installed applications are housed on your computer. |
Locally installed applications, on the other hand, are housed on your computer. Easier to manage than their remotely housed counterparts, these limit your flexibility and limit the number of possible posters to just one. Annual costs are around $40, depending on the package you choose. Popular program packages include Radio UserLand and b2.
How do you choose? Much like choosing any other service or program for your business, you need to weigh your options and compare them with your needs and goals. How technically skilled are you? How much customization are you looking for? How much involvement do you want to have? Once you answer these questions, you can make a more informed decision about the software that will work best for your needs.
