10 DIY Blogware Packages
leighb...@gmail.com
As the race between MovableType and WordPress for leadership of the DIY
blogware market continues, there is any number other alternatives in
the marketplace that offer similar services in a range of programming
languages. Looking for something different, or always wanted to know
what else was available, well heres a list of ten DIY Blog platforms
you may not have not have visited, or even heard of, and in the coming
weeks, time permitting, we'll even review them one by one so you know
what to expect.
b2Evolution
developed from the same original code that spawned WordPress,
b2Evolution is written in PHP and provides a variety of features.
Licenced under the GPL, so is always free to use.
Text Pattern
Described as a flexible, elegant, easy-to-use content management system
for all kinds of websites, even blogs!. Textpattern has had a few high
profile users over the years and is the creation of Dean Allen.
Licensed under a BSD license and is free to use.
Serendipity
Silly URL but strong blogging platform, these guys have been making a
fair bit of noise lately and each release seems to bring about even
better improvements. BSD license and free.
Blosxom
described as "a lightweight yet feature-packed weblog application
designed from the ground up with simplicity, usability, and
interoperability in mind", Blosxom doesn't rely on PHP or SQL
databases as many other blogging tools do, but uses Perl and flat
files. If blogware were a model school, Blodxom would be the resident
anorexic, with the smallest sized core files in the pack. Free to use.
Nucleus
Been around for quite a while and currently upto version 3.2, Nucleus
is free to use under the GPL and has a reasonable sized user base.
BlogCMS
A Nucleus off-shot described as the "most complete, feature-packed,
personal publishing system on the market", BlogcMS comes with lots of
little extras and seems to be moving ahead of Nucleus with a bigger
user and support base. Free under GPL.
Blojsom
The blogware behind Apple's OSX Tiger server, Blojsom is fairly
unique in being powered by Java and was inspired originally by Blosxom.
Free under BSD.
Expression Engine
>From the makers of pMachine, Expression Engine in many ways could be
described as a Roll Royce surrounded by Toyota's, if only mainly due
to its cost. None the less this powerful blogging tool provides a paid
alternative to MovableType that may be better suited to users who
don't mind paying for their support.
Pivot
European based development and an ugly layout on its main page
shouldn't disuade you from keeping Pivot on your list. PHP and free,
Pivot maintains a loyal user base and an impressive range of features.
bBlog
another blog tool that grew from the same code as WordPress, bBlog
utilises the smarty template system and is free to use.
Sean FitzGerald
Sean
-- Sean FitzGerald Tel: +61 2 9360 3291 Mob: 0416 080 561 Skype: seamusy The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. -- Albert Einstein
Leigh Blackall
tried any blog installs. Had a hard time with Moodle, Gallery,
OpenCommerce... was it straight forward for you and wordpress?
Sean FitzGerald
>that's good to know. I also have Fantastico on my server, but have not
>tried any blog installs. Had a hard time with Moodle, Gallery,
>OpenCommerce... was it straight forward for you and wordpress?
>
>
lost the install data which meant the ability to automatically update
WordPress through Fantastico when new versions came out was gone. So you
might want to use Fantastico to set up a practice run of WordPress and
see if you like it and then install it yourself (wasn't too hard).
Either way you can always keep the database.
You'll probably want to use one of the great themes -
http://www.alexking.org/software/wordpress/themes/blog/ - or take one
and tweak it to your own needs.
Sean
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you
will help them become what they are capable of becoming.
-- Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe