Blogspot or Wordpress?
I'm getting ready to start my own food and garden blog, and I'm curious about which you prefer. Blogspot seems easier to use and to add ads to, but I'm wondering if there's a problem with Google owning the content. Does this make it difficult/impossible to import your blog content to a web site if you set one up later?
I notice someone who found a way to create categories on her blogspot, but at the least I assume it's not as easy as with wordpress. There seem to be a lot more blogger sites than wordpress contributing to photograzing. How tech savvy do you have to be to capture ads for either one, and manage the site? Don't really want to pay someone to do it.
I'd really like to know why you made the choice you did, and if you're satisfied.
Add a comment:
Previewing your comment:
HTML Hints
Some HTML is OK: <a href="URL">link</a>, <strong>strong</strong>, <em>em</em>
Comment Guidelines
Post whatever you want, just keep it seriously about eats, seriously. We reserve the right to delete off-topic or inflammatory comments. Learn more at our Comment Policy page.
If you see something not so nice, please, report an inappropriate comment.
Start Talking!
Need a question answered? Have advice to share? Start a Talk topic now!
Sign up to get your questions answered and share advice.
14 Comments:
I use blogspot (http://worstvegetarianever.blogspot.com/) and have found it very user friendly. My only complaint - You have to fool around with the formatting sometimes to get it to look right. I haven't put ads on mine but I think it's easy. I don't know much about wordpress, but would recommend blogspot.
wilma at 10:41AM on 08/18/09
I use wordpress (KitCat is not running, but i have another blog). I've had an account on blogspot in order to contribute to one before, but barely used it. Personally, I like the layout of wordpress more. It's pretty user-friendly. I feel like there are more customizable options. But if you don't customize, the default settings are still good.
The categories thing is really useful. Particularly when its a food-based blog. It makes it easier for people to use you as a reference.
Wordpress also has a lot of templates to choose from, so if you cant write code, you don't have to.
As for ads, I have no idea how they work with either site. It wasnt a factor that I considered when I created my blog.
With wordpress, a lot of the "help" comes from the forums. They answer the basic questions in the FAQ, but you'll need to search the forums for some answers on the fancier functions.
engmcmuffin at 10:51AM on 08/18/09
I use Blogger. I like it. It's got an interface that lets you post content, including video and pictures easily, without knowing HTML. For those that do know HTML, you can still use that knowledge when creating content. I know of at least one blog I used to follow that later imported her Blogger content to a website, so I guess it can be done.
BF owns his own web domain and he uses Wordpress. He's had the occasional hiccup with it, but overall he likes it. Having looked at the software, it seems more powerful than Blogger, but I don't know that I could point to specifics. I know he's had more challenges using straight HTML in Wordpress (don't know why) than I have had in Blogger.
Neither of us use ads on our sites, but we've both found either application lets you manage your site easily.
Amandarama at 10:55AM on 08/18/09
I use wordpress and I am very pleased with it... they have many templates to chose from, it's easy to change the typeface and colors if you so choose, using their widgets is simple, it has a bunch of stats for you to understand where your traffic is coming from...
my only complaint, I wish I could install otehr widgets I have seen out there, but they only allow theur own widgets...
MadelynRodriguez at 10:57AM on 08/18/09
I like wordpress' customization/personal hosting options, but blogger is the most straight-forward and easy if you have minimal development background.
My opinon as someone who utilizes/builds with both :)
hungrychristel at 11:34AM on 08/18/09
PS @ lemonfair: be sure to share the link!
hungrychristel at 11:37AM on 08/18/09
I use Blogspot (http://cassaendra.blogspot.com/). It's very easy to use. You're pretty much up and blogging the minute you sign up.
There are websites that have Blogspot templates for free, outside of the ones that Blogspot offers on their site. All I had to do to use them was to copy and paste the code. Through Blogspot's formatting menus, I tweaked the color combinations, typeface, and selected pictures that I wanted for my title bar (a picture isn't necessary).
I was seriously considering switching to Wordpress. Once I found other templates, I decided against switching because I am happy with their service.
Cassaendra at 12:16PM on 08/18/09
Thanks, hungrychristel!
@Cassaendra - yours was the site I noticed that created categories on blogspot. I'd love any links to other templates, because it sure looks to me like blogspot is easier, but you've got wonderful blog with great graphics. If I decide on blogspot I'll email you.
lemonfair at 12:30PM on 08/18/09
I opened accounts in both, and ended up sticking with Wordpress (http://bruleeblog.wordpress.com) because I liked the features in there more. Everything on my site is done using one of the free templates. I just subbed in my own photo for the header, and changed the colour of the font titles. I believe you can export the content if you want to make your own domain later on. And many domain hosts offer Wordpress servers.
My advice? Test pages in both and see which one fits you better.
anonymoose at 4:45PM on 08/18/09
We use Wordpress for our blog (http://www.goodfoodstories.com) and love the easily customizable templates. It's so simple to make your blog look professional and host a wordpress template through your own URL/host.
GoodFoodStories at 6:12PM on 08/19/09
I use wordpress for a work blog and blogger for my personal blog. I think blogger is easier for simple posts. But I think after a few months you'll find you want to expand...then I think wordpress might be better, especially when it comes to adding pictures.Though it does cost to stream audio and video in wordpress, I found it easier than in blogger. In short, wordpress might require more time in the beginning, but it's probably a worthwhile investment.
fiftycenthotdog at 2:49AM on 08/28/09
Since this came up again today via Adam's post, and since hungrychristel asked, and since I've now started two blogs (!) I'll post the link to just one. the other is on my profile too. http://verfoodie.blogspot.com/
lemonfair at 5:42PM on 10/07/09
I have a blog with each... one is the blog for my restaurant (bloggert) and the other is my personal blog (wordpress). I like wordpress better overall. It is easier to post to and format, and I love the way the dashboard is laid out. It shows me recent comments on my blog (and has a page for blogs that I have commented on) and some stats right on the dashboard. I also really love the detailed stats page. It tells me exactly where my visitors are coming from, what links they have clicked, what pages they have visited, what search items brought them to my blog, and also what other blogs or web pages have a link to my blog. I do not like that they only blogs I can 'follow' are other wordpress blogs. I also don't like that the free version does not allow you to carry ads. I don't want to do that now, but I might want to eventually.
As for blogger, it is still easy to post to, but the formatting is a little pickier. I had to go out and find a widget for blog hits, but that is the only stat I can get... my weekly & monthly hits. There is also not just one spot to see my comments. That being said, I love that I can follow any blog or website I want (not just blogger!) and each new post shows right up on my dashboard. I also like that you can feature ads, but seeing as this blog is for my restaurant, I don't feel it is appropriate.
Hope this helps!
madfishgrill at 9:36PM on 10/07/09
I've checked out both, and if you are remotely serious about building a site, not just throwing up quickie posts and updates for friends, then wordpress seems like the way to go. It's more powerful and versatile.
tatianak at 5:46PM on 10/08/09