The Backside of Blogs

The importance of the user interface of blogging software is dramatically underrated. As wonderful as WordPress is for presenting your blog to the world, navigating the interface and getting things done is kind of a pain. I realize that the idea behind a blog is what you’re presenting to the world, but if you’re not comfortable with your surroundings, you’re not going to get your best work done.

I try my best to sit at a comfortable chair while I work. I use a Mac, but do my clients know that? Well, probably they do, but that is not the point. I use a Mac because it lets me enjoy working! I just sit down and start to work, no fuss and no dealing with one kludge or usability issue after another.

What is the first thing you see when you log in to your blogging software to write a post? In WordPress, the first thing I see is a page full of crap I have already read. In Typo, I see the administrative settings! Huh?!? That is the last thing I want to look at when I am ready to write a post. Most blogging software has this same problem.

What I like best about the TextPattern interface is that the first thing you see when you log in is a big blank text area, just waiting for you to type. Cause guess what? That is the first thing I want to do. It’s stupid simple. And in TextPattern, the interface is grouped and looks simple and accessible. It has some rough edges, and the yellow color scheme is a bit fatiguing, but it sure does beat the heck out of just about every other blogging software out there.

Raymond Brigleb

Creative Director, dreamer, partner, father, musician, photographer. Has been known to ride the rails. Pulls one heck of a shot.