Blogging software compared

Let’s start by defining exactly what a blog is.

Blogs are short for weblogs. In their essence blogs are the expression of thoughts and opinions by a person or a group of individuals. The main blog features are:

• regular updates and more information added constantly;
• certain format of expressing thoughts and opinions;
• links to friendly blogs and sites.

We can go on forever about what blogs are and what they are not, defining them esthetically and practically. But let us have a look at the essential difference of blogs from other web resources – and here we mean blogging scripts. As soon as the first signs of competition have appeared in this field, people began comparing the efficiency of all kinds of blogging scripts. We will try to analyze them by comparison here. For a fuller understanding let us enumerate the most important functions which enable a blog to exist. Whether these functions are present or not may be crucial when choosing a blog script that fits you best.

So, the things to be considered in the first place are:

1. Hosting requirements.
First thing you have to do before choosing a script is learning about the features of the hosting service where you are about to host your blog. It is important to know whether certain modules related to scripting are installed, such as MySQL, Perl etc.

2. Language support.
This is important for webmasters who speak in languages other than English, or for those who will blog in any language different from English. Here you can check out three factors:

1. Localized documentation.
2. Localized backend.
3. Correct processing of Cyrillic or other codepages.

3. Advanced message editing.
This feature may be important for bloggers who are particular about the usability and functionality of message editing. Pay attention to the features of the built-in editor as well as to an opportunity to install extensions or use external editors.

4. RSS support.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an international format of online information exchange used to publish news on web sites, blogs and portals. Software tools meant for reading rss messages are known as aggregators. They allow you to harvest news from the sites you need and track publishing of new articles and news items in a convenient format. Some of these tools also enable you to leave comments to entries.
Currently RSS format support is one of the peculiar features of blogs. You can learn about this format at: http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2002/12/18/dive-into-xml.html.

5. Trackback.
Trackback allows you to connect entries from different blogs. This mechanism is similar to a system of remote commenting. With this function you can easily notify other blogs about your new entries.

6. Pingback.
This is similar to Trackback with the difference in automation. The script tracks links in publications, visits them and sends xml/rpc queries which result in links to the article in comments of other blogs.

7. Template editor and visual HTML editing.
This is especially important for webmasters not skilled in programming and/or HTML coding. With this you can easily change the way your blog looks.

8. Importing files from other blogs.
This is surely a very valuable function for those who plan to move files from their other blogs.

9. Thumbnail support.
Thumbnails are smaller copies of images. This feature is crucial for adult bloggers.

10. Creating entries by email.
If you are unable to post a message through the blog backend or it is unavailable at the moment for any reason, an opportunity to post entries by sending them via email would be extremely convenient.

11. Linkroll.
Linkroll is a highly usable link catalog and manager.

12. License conditions and pricing.
This point speaks for itself – there could be free, shareware or paid versions. Make sure you read the conditions of usage and distributions.

13. Latest version.
You should realize when the latest version release was and whether the developers support the script at the moment. Updates and bug fixes are also important.

14. Adding mode modules.
The web evolves constantly. New ideas, solutions and technologies appear every day.

• Textpattern

  http://www.textpattern.com
  This is one of the best blogging engines. It is meant not only for blogging. Instead, it is a fullfeatured CMS.
  A huge catalog of textpattern-based sites is available here: http://www.txpmag.com/all_sites/
  English language support and documentation is here: http://textpattern.net/wiki/index.php?title=En/Main_Page
  Later versions are more stable. There are over 400 plugins now. There are minor drawbacks, such as difficult code changes, no email newsletter, and multiblog.

• Wordpress

  http://www.wordpress.org
  Wordpress is one of the most widespread blogging software.
  Features:
  • Instant publication;
  • Built-in comment spam protection;
  • Integrated system of friendly blogs;
  • Managing pages, password protection for pages and entries;
  • Additional fields;
  • Easy installation and update, simplified customization;
  • Manageable by multiple authors;
  • Certain categories can be selected;
  • Registration for commenting;
  • Publishing an entry on a set date;
  • Full web standard compliance;
  • PHP- and MySQL-based;
  • Free to use.
  Installation has a few steps and is easy to complete even by beginners. English language is supported and extensive English-language documentation is available.
  You may find these sites useful while using Wordpress:
  • http://wiki.wordpress.org/?pagename=Plugin - lots of plugins;
  • http://wordpress.org/download/ - the installer download page;
  • http://wordpress.org/support/ - support message board;

• Nucleus

  http://www.nucleuscms.org
  Nucleus functions using PHP and MySQL. This script combines easy usage, functionality, simplicity and huge upgrading possibilities. The main peculiarity is speedy work and no heavy server load.
  You can easily enhance Nucleus with plugins and customize it to solve almost any of your tasks.
  These are the most popular plugins:
  

  • WYSIWYG editor;
  • statistics;
  • exporting comments to RSS;
  • calendar, chat, polls;
  • email entry creation;
  • weather forecast, who’s online now;
  • moderation and comment preview;
  • reply notification;
  • highlighting keywords while searching.
    

  Extensive English language manual available.

• MovableType

  http://www.movabletype.org
  MovableType is a serious Worpdress competitor. It is in no way inferior to it in terms of functionality and ease of use. MovableType is written in perl and uses Berkeley DB/MySQL/SQLLite/PostgreSQL databases. Additional functions may require extra Perl modules.
  Free and paid versions are available, the latter for running lots of blogs. English language manual available here: http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/docs/

• Expression Engine

  http://www.pmachine.com/
  A new paid script from the creators of pMachine. This CMS is very nice to use, its backend and module structure are highly usable. Expression Engine is also good for its simple installation and customization. Almost all the needed modules are there, including user registration, news, uploads etc.
  Check out the backend demo here: http://www.pmachine.com/expressionengine/cp_demo/index.php
  Download the demo version here: http://www.pmachine.com/ee/trials/
  Below there is a full list of blog scripts which are widely used today. Many of these deserve to be addressed in more detail, though we can’t consider all of them within a single article. This is why I just gave brief comments on each of these.

• Serendipity

  http://www.s9y.org
  A powerful built-in media database, multiple authors, customizable access restrictions and user groups.
  Latest release v1.0 - 15.06.2006

• bBlog

  http://www.webforce.co.nz
  Easy to install and update, thread-based comments, cross-blog communication.
  Latest release v.0.7.6.1

• b2Evolution

  http://b2evolution.net
  CSS-based backend, easy to install, simple switching between design templates, multi-language localization, blogging in multiple languages.
  Latest release - v.1.8 -2006-07-09

• Pivot

  http://www.pivotlog.net
  Does not need additional libraries and databases. Installs smoothly on practically any server configuration.
  Latest release - v.1.3.1 31 Jul ’06

• Small Axe

  http://smallaxesolutions.com
  It’s the engine called Flip being developed.
  Latest release - 0.3.1 2006-02-21

• GeekLog

  http://www.geeklog.net
  Geeklog uses PHP and MySQL. Enables you to launch a fully functional dynamic website in minutes, with everything needed for a start.
  Latest release - 1.4.0sr5-1 July 23 2006

• GreyMatter

  http://noahgrey.com/greysoft/
  Perl 5 needed.
  Latest release - Greymatter 1.3.

• MicroBlog

  http://microblog.bakmil.com
  Easy to install and use, needs no MySQL; data stored in files. Highly customizable due to plugins.
  Latest release - v1.1.5 4.11.2005

• MediaWiki

  http://www.mediawiki.org
  MediaWiki is a freeware tool originally meant for Wikipedia but currently used for other projects.
  Latest release - 2006-07-08 v.1.7.1

• SnipSnap

  http://snipsnap.org
  Java 1.4 or higher required. SnipSnap is a fully autonomous wiki and weblog server. You won’t need any web server or database software.
  Latest release - SnipSnap 1.0b3

• b2

  http://www.cafelog.com
  Good functionality but a lot has to be finished.
  Latest release - 0.6.1

• BLOG:CMS

  http://blogcms.com
  Full standard compliance, one or more weblogs supported, built-in message board, built-in Photo Gallery; Wiki module.
  Latest release - Release 4.0.0k

• Blosxom

  http://www.blosxom.com
  Multiple blogs within a single installation, small amount of code, minimal system requirements, powerful plugin system.
  Latest release - Blosxom, version 2.0 (26.08.03)

Apart from installing blog scripts on your sites, there is a possibility to use blogging services.

These give you some free space for your blog, a preinstalled script and a 3rd level domain. It is typical for such services to add banners and ad blocks to your pages as a form of payment.

Here’s a list of most popular blogging services:

• Livejournal - http://www.LiveJournal.com
• Blogger - http://www.blogger.com
• Blogspot - http://www.blogspot.com
• Typepad - http://www.typepad.com
• MSN Spaces - http://www.spaces.msn.com
• Thumblogger - http://www.thumblogger.com (adult blog hosting)
• Blogbugs – http://www.blogbugs.org (adult blog hosting)

So, what is the conclusion? If we look back on the blog scripts development, we won’t see any huge qualitative advances. However, creating plugins for the scripts is blossoming.

• WordPress for mass lemming;
• MovableType for professionals who are ready to customize the engine and have necessary skills of developing and adjusting CGI apps;
• Portal systems similar to blogger. com for those who don’t want to spend time installing and customizing;
• Using services with pre-installed scripts and open setup.

Choose, install, write, and enjoy the process! Though keep in mind that the most important blog success factor is its content. But this is a topic for another article.

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