There’s an interesting post over at Search Engine Journal about why you shouldn’t use Blogger to blog.    In fact, I think it’s a good argument overall about why you shouldn’t use any blog service’s own blogging space.

Right back when I started blogging for the first time (this must be late 2004 I guess), I went to Blogger like everyone else and I had my blog hosted on Blogspot like everyone else.    Most beginners get their blogs hosted on Blogspot because they don’t know any different and because it’s easy.   It’s like everything else in life - if you’re starting out with something for the first time, you want the learning curve to be quick and easy.

But eventually, I learned through friends that eventually the best way to deal with a blog was to get it off Blogspot and have it moved to a domain where I could control it.     As the Search Engine Journal post points out, if you are using the server space on Blogspot or Wordpress, you are subject to their whims and rules.    They can delete you at any time, lock you out at any time, whatever.   I mean, who actually reads all the small print of their Terms of Service?   So it’s much better to move everything over to your own domain where you alone control it.

Now of course I don’t use Blogger.   Last year, after many false starts, I finally managed to get a Wordpress blog installed and I haven’t looked back.    Wordpress is the King of blogging platforms.    But for beginners, a Blogspot platform is good to get a feel for things and to get a basic grounding in blogging.    Once you get going and you know what you are doing though, moving to a self-hosted Wordpress blog is a wise choice.   I’ve never regretted it and I am blessed to have friends who have pointed me in the right direction.

That’s not to say though that Blogger blogs have no value.   They do.   I like Blogger for the simple fact that they empower people to set up a blog.   Anyone, regardless of their technical knowledge, can set up a blog.    Even my mother can set one up.   You can’t help but admire that.  Blogger single-handedly defined blogging on the web and despite everyone trashing Blogger now, you still have to thank them for what they have done for blogging.

Thank you Blogger!

Related posts:

1. The Blogger Wordpress transition
2. MyBlogLog introduces “Just For You” Wordpress Widget
3. 20 Types of Pages that Every Blogger Should Consider
4. Craigslist finally enters the 21st century
5. New York Times does hatchet job on bloggers