I've whined about how badly I want to makeover my blog forEVA and I never seem to get it done! I am seriously going to just have to sit down and get to work coming up with header concepts etc. I think part of the reason I'm procrastinating it is because there has been talk about doing the "switch" to WordPress because apparently all the "big girl" bloggers agree that it is the way to go because you have more "control" over your site. I gather this is the layout and customization. This however, will take time because I've got 2 and a half YEARS worth of regular posts! Come to think of it, how devasted would you be if you lost your blog? Do you back up your blog? Imagine if one day, BOOM, gone! And then that annoying person asks you for your backup to fix it and you're all, "huh, back up?" Something to think about!
One of the things I was warned about in the transition to Wordpress is that while it is a relatively smooth (albiet time consuming) transition transferring over the old posts, there has been issues with comment casualties. i.e. not all of your comments will carry over. I hate the thought of that! I live for all of your comments, suggestions, insight and support and I would hate to leave any of that behind!
The bottom line though is that I really really want to update the look of this blog and I remember what a stress it was when hubby converted me to a Mac and I was NOT happy with the Mac blogging tools AT ALL so I ended up using the Windows Parallels program to continue to use Windows Live Writer. I'm pretty attached to my WLW! I'm pretty sure that you can use it with Wordpress, yes?
What are your thoughts on the whole Blogger v. Wordpress preference? Has blogger been able to compete with the customization control "pro" that apparently Wordpress has?
10 comments:
From what I can tell the big girls get hosting (I'm sure hubby can hook you up with that! LOL) and install the wordpress software... they don't actually use wordpress.com.
FYI: I still don't mind helping you out with changing your layout, new headers etc. Just need to find a time when we're free together.
I think a ton of people are switching. I know Healthy Tipping Point just did. On my post today, I mentioned that Health Blogger Help site, he has TONS of info on switching to and using wordpress. I am planning a switch in Jan or Feb when my life calms down. :)
Keep in mind there are two seperate things here:
1) a self-hosted wordpress.ORG blog - think of Wordpress as the contribution interface between your files and you
2) a wordpress.COM hosted blog - just like blogger, everything lives on Wordpress. You don't host your own files externally on a server.
I love Wordpress (option 2) because it gives me flexibility to modify style sheets and layout without the headache and cost of the self-hosted option. I also don't want or require advertising revenue (you can't put ads on a wordpress-hosted blog)...
Having been on Wordpress AND Blogger, I think wp has a way smarter and cleaner functionality. That said, I also blog right into the contribution interface because I like to be able to see/control the HTML - don't use a live-writing program.
Self-hosting, IMHO, is more trouble than it's worth for most bloggers... but there are lots of questions to think about. :D
I'm on wordpress.org, self-hosting.
So far, WAY better than blogger. I used to have major problems with blogger screwing up the fonts and spacing in my posts but that NEVER happens on wordpress. I also think wordpress blogs look nicer and are WAY BETTER for commenters.
I actually just imported all my old blogspot posts over yesterday and as far as I can tell there were no problems. Every single comment transferred fine.
How do you back up your blog, though?? I really should back mine up - I just don't know how!
I was going to direct you over to Oh my stinking heck's website for some wonderful information about moving to wordpress, but she is remodeling.
If you get the chance you should attend a wordcamp conference, it is a great resource to learn tons of stuff about wordpress and meet more bloggers.
Yes, WLW works great with wordpress.
I'm wondering the same thing, but since I have a sponsor, I'd need to self host, and I'm not sure if i'm there yet! I'd love to hear how the process goes for you and I'd also love to learn how to back up my blog! I'd hate to lose it all!
Wordpress!!! I'm a little biased though. I do have hosting through hostmonster. I had a blog through blogspot that I didn't use much before I really got going, and all the comments did come with it. And the pictures.
There is tons of information out there, but you have to do what's right for you. I have found it really easy to use, and it is super customizable.
Lynn: thanks buddy, I know you're really busy and I don't want to add that on top of everything.
Maria: yeah I'm trying to figure out if I just want to switch to WP or switch AND self-host. I can't decide!
Amber: that's great! I'm becoming convinced little by little!
I'm not sure about WP, but blogger has a "how to" on how to back up your blog. I bet if you google it, WP has it out there somewhere.
Jaye: I would absolutely LOVE to attend a conference like that! unfortunately, they are always so far away and not easy to go to :-(
I have a blog for my family to read on blogger, and my new weight loss blog on wordpress, only because i want to keep this one a little more anonymous. i like the features of wordpress so far, but haven't done a lot of work at customizing the layout.
I can't figure it out Ang... Am I the only one that has zero problems with blogger?
I mean I get it, but what are the real advantages?
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