Posted on September 14, 2006
Blogging Tools: Don't Build Your Own
BY JASON CORMIER
On Sept. 11, PR pro Simon Collister shared his recent experience with a client whose web designers decided to build their own blogging tool. However, a quick conversation revealed that this tool lacked key functionality.
He wrote: "...It turns out the designers [had] just built their own blogging platform which they would happily set up for the client.
"...I asked some basic questions such as, does the platform have RSS feeds and does it support trackback links? At this point the main designer looked blank, turned to his colleague and said: 'Do you know what he's talking about?'
"Luckily he did. But neither of them seemed to understand the importance of [these features]."
With such a broad variety of blogging tools available these days for free or for license, and given the speed at which blogging evolves, it amazes me that any organization would consider building their own blogging tool. Especially when the people building it obviously lack familiarity with crucial features that support public conversations and findability.
If your organization is considering building its own blogging tool: Stop! Trust me, you'll be much better off examining existing popular tools and choosing one to integrate into your site.
Why? Because then you can take advantage of updates that the people who really live and breathe blogging every day build into those tools. You won't be forever playing catch-up. Ultimately, you'll be able to converse more easily online without having to worry about tools getting in your way.
TIP: If your blog is currently supported by a custom tool, it's time to take a look at third-party options and consider migrating. I've worked with several custom-built content management systems, some of which have had blogging tools tacked on as an afterthought, and they're always far more trouble and far less flexible than third-party or open-source solutions such as Movable Type, WordPress, or Drupal.
