Saturday, August 3, 2013

Blogger or Wordpress ... A Conundrum

About two or three times every year, I start to contemplate making some changes to the blog. My internal conversation goes something like this. Every. Time.

Should I update my blog design? Maybe. It could be time for a change.

But I LOVE what I have now. It's so cute.

Sure, but there are a ton of other cute designs out there. Could be fun to switch it up.

But I JUST figured out how to do _____ (threaded comments, get the sidebar the exact dimension I want it, bring in a new font, etc.).

Well, I bet I can figure out how to do it again.

There are some cute designs out there. I think I'm going to do it.

[Starts perusing favorite free blog design websites.]

Oh, so many of these are so cute! How am I ever going to decide?!

Ooh ... look ... free Wordpress themes. Those are so cute.

Maybe I should consider switching to Wordpress.

Yeah ... but I've already got this Blogger thing figured out.

But these Wordpress designs are so cute ... and I finally decided I like writing for the Wordpress blog at work. So maybe making the switch wouldn't be so hard.

And I'd get a custom domain name. :) Better look into it.

[Starts perusing free or inexpensive pre-made Wordpress themes.]

Ugh. It's like a whole new language. Themes? What's wrong with calling them designs or templates? Everybody's gotta be different.

I LOVE these designs ... er ... templates ... er ... themes!

But NOT the price. $400?!?! Keep looking, sister.

Here are some great themes ...  not too expensive either.

What's this Genesis thing?

What's this about hosting? Who hosts? Where do I get that set up?

Wordpress.com or Wordpress.org?

I think I want the .ORG one ... right?

Er ... maybe I'll just stick with what I have. It's free ... and I know what I'm doing.

Yeah ... but ...

I'll just think about it in a few months ... Maybe I'll figure it out by then.



Yes, I have that very conversation multiple times per year. At the beginning of 2013, I even drafted a list of Blogging Goals. Number two on the list stated:

Possibly switch to Wordpress? MAKE A DECISION!!!!!!!

Last night I started the internal dialog again. And this morning, I've been perusing Blogger templates and Wordpress themes trying to decide what to do.

So I thought I'd bring it to the blogging community at large. What say you, friends?

Blogger vs. Wordpress? What do you use? Pros? Cons? Have you switched from one to the other?  Any regrets? What do you wish you would have known before you made the switch? 

As for designs ... any suggestions for Blogger or Wordpress designers? Or pre-made designs/themes? After 3.5 years here, I would at least like a little personalization ... maybe a custom header, button, or something. But I can't do anything too expensive.

Lay it on me. I need help!


Photo Credit

4 comments:

  1. I've used Blogger since I started my blog. Everyone tells me I should switch to WordPress. My answer has always been, "Why, when Blogger works fine for me." I hope that people follow my blog because of what I have to say, not the way it looks. If looks are the answer, I'm cooked anyway. : )
    Good luck in your decision-making.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree with what you're saying. It's definitely the content that is most important. But surely you can understand a girl's need for "blog fashion." :) Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

      Delete
  2. Hey Brooke :) I used to go through the same thing! But then that confused feeling of whether or not I should switch blogging platforms went away once I got my custom design. I think you should definitely check out Imagination Designs... Lori has some really nice premades for only $30!

    I hope you're able to figure out what you're gonna end up doing. Whatever you decide, I'll always be a faithful follower of your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Crystal! It was actually YOUR BLOG that made me wish for a new, updated look. Ha! I've actually been looking at Imagination Designs, and it looks like she's back from maternity leave. I may see if she can help freshen things up a bit. I actually like most things about Blogger, so it does make it hard to leave something I'm comfortable with.

      Thanks for following all these years!

      Delete

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