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PC World Reviews Blog Platforms gets it all wrong

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PC World did a review of the top 5 blogging platforms. They obviously don’t get it.

Blogging Platforms need to be broken down into hosted platforms vs script based platforms that you host.

They list a mismash of platforms I assume they are only talking hosted platforms but hey what do I know. Here’s my five top ranked hosted platforms and top five non hosted script based blogging software.

5 Best Hosted Platforms
1. WordPress.com
2. Vox.com
3. Typepad.com
4. SquareSpace.com
5. Blogger.com

5 Best Non-Hosted Platforms
1. WordPress
2. MovableType
3. PMachine
4. TextPattern
5. Habari


I wonder if they see the difference now. Probably not.

Originally posted on February 9, 2007 @ 5:14 am

Comments

  3. Habari? interesting choice, is it any good? or did you just need to fill out the list :-) I would have included Nucleus/ Blog CMS + b2evolution on your hosted list.

  4. Nah, I’ve used Habari. I’m very impressed. I considered switching platforms for this site but chose instead to stick to WP 2.1.

    The key thing I like about Habari is its a blogging tool. And that’s it.

    I like b2evolution but hmm. It’s like an old WordPress to me.

  5. I assume they are only talking hosted platforms
    Actually, yes. Though you tell me why the chart doesn’t link back to its parent article, or why the article is dated seven days after the chart.

    If you’re bored, how would this list would turn out if you collated it?
    Let’s assume the user just wants a basic blog; this is by desire, not because they can’t follow installation instructions.
    All but one from your hosted list can publish out to your own domain, which largely removes the hosted/installed divide. (Customization being the biggest benefit of installation, which isn’t much of a factor here.)
    I’d be curious to see, for example, if the convenience of hosted services trumps everything, or if at least some of the installed systems end up above Blogger, because well, it’s just crap.

    Also: Seriously, PMachine? Or do you mean Expression Engine? I think it’s still(or at least was until semi-recently) possible to download PMachine, but thought it was no longer being supported and definitely not being developed. It would seem like a really strange recommendation to me.

  7. I have no idea why you would list WordPress.com as a good hosted platform because of 2 major failings.

    1. Monetization
    2. Migration path if you ever decided to switch

    I would rate Blogger much higher now because there is now a solid migration path with a redirect.

    I thought about writing a post slating all the mistakes in the PC World review because there are quite a few. It was obvious the reviewer didn’t actually use the platforms for very long.
    As examples Blogger has always been available on your own domain, and WordPress.com has always been able to trackback.

    I know not everyone thinks about making money from blogging, but if someone blogs for a year or so and has gained a few incoming links, the ability to stick some links in the sidebar and make $200 per month is much more important than a lot of the WP.com features.

    Controversial lists are great linkbait, which is why I ended up just commenting