TypePad vs WordPress

My two favorite blogging platforms are:

TypePad (used here):

Inexpensive (free trial via this link), no software to download, install, update etc. I believe this is the best choice for most people.

WordPress.org

Free, sort of. You need to buy Web hosting (I use Bluehost), a Domain Name (I use Dotster), download, install, and keep software updated. WordPress.org is awesome, but not for most folks who aren't either somewhat comfortable.

WordPress people will complain about this, as they have near religious fervor when it comes to WordPress -- come on folks, it's great but not that good.

I don't particularly like WordPress.com or Blogger.com for business blogs.

Here is the Blog Squad's take on it. We pretty much agree.

Comments

[Becky McCray]

Thanks for a timely nudge. I've been pondering a move off of Blogger, but just didn't love WordPress. (Sorry, WP fans.) TypePad is worth looking in to.

And, am I the only one to notice that my blog on the Blogger platform draws almost zero spam comments, while every WordPress blog in the universe attracts reams of spam comments daily? Ted, do you know a reason for that?

[Reg of Elemental Truths]

You are spot on.
I use WordPress (Bluehost too, coincidentally) but it is a struggle because I'm not skilled with software. Which means, there are many features available I would like to add and some in place I'd like to adjust but just don't have the skill set to do it.

[T Demop, Blogging for Business]

Hi Becky and Reg,

Thanks for the feedback! I was expecting rabid WordPress fans to complain:)

Now I LIKE WordPress.org, but think for most people TypePad.com is a better choice.

hey, I'm all for open source like WordPress, but still think most people are better off running Microsoft Windows than Linux! My parents for exmaple . . .

[Jan]

Having tried both Wordpress and Typepad for a year now, I would most definitely go with Typepad, especially for a professional blog like mine. So much more customization possible than with Wordpress. And as far as spam goes, Typepad's AntiSpam feature takes care of that.

[T Demop, Blogging for Business]

Thanks Jan,

You can customize WordPress 100%, but that doesn't mean it's easy for most people.

TypePad is a solid solution, and yes, the anti-spam works pretty well!

[Becky]

WordPress is better, FREE, and if you have a web designer, the way to go. But if you were a web designer, you would know that.

[T Demop, Blogging for Business]

Now Becky, you silly little girl, if you have a Web Designer, that's probably not free, ehhh :)
Both platforms are excellent.

[Becky]

Now Ted, you silly little *****. The code is free you ****** ****** (commented edited).

[T Demop, Blogging for Business]

Nothing is truly free Becky. It takes time to install, maintain, etc. You need a hosting account, domain name, etc.

I am not a true believer in the WordPress religion, although I like it.

[mstonewell]

I've got multiple blogs set up on hosting accounts with wordpress installed. I have to admit, the plugins, templates and flexibility are endless. BUT... You do need to be relatively savvy with some forms of code, ftp and be able to deal with issues like lacking support.

We do have the free option of wordpress which really isn't too powerful for a business blogger. You can't install the cool plugins they have with the free version. So, you're basically forced to go with a separate host and install everything.

I've done this several times and have been met with php errors after crafting a well intended post and no fix for the problem! What a pisser!!

I blog to share what I believe and to make a living at sharing my passions. Not messing around with plugins and researching yet another plugin that is only half supported.

Long story short. I'm seriously looking in to typepad because I'd rather get down to creating content NOT screwing around with plugins, seo optimization and errors.

Typepad is looking very appealing right now.