This post is in response to an alert first published at Mashable. You can read the original story by clicking on the Wordpress logo, or follow me to learn why and how I came to rely on Typepad and their customer service.
Typepad recently introduced a blogging widget to make sharing information from the Web faster and easier. In some respects, I envision using this bookmarking tool the same way I would use ShareThis to push information from my blog to Facebook or Twitter. The particular piece of information I am sharing not only gives me the opportunity to test the widget, but also to highlight important reasons why my blog is hosted with Typepad, and maybe why yours should be too.
I recommend Typepad to my clients because I have the confidence they care just as much about the future success of my blog as I do. How do I know this? Well, I've shared comments and made inquiries in the social media communities. This is how I met Ginevra, a community manager at Typepad. It was very cool to learn that Typepad was out there monitoring its brand and connecting with customers - which even included regular guys like me. What a surprise!
There is no question Wordpress is an excellent hosting platform. It may be even better than Typepad in some areas, such as innovation. For some, this is one reason why the use of Wordpress is practically a religion. If you don't know what I mean - think Apple and Mac. However, innovation has its risks, too. Just ask anyone who has purchased the hot new automobile or cell phone just as it hits the market. If you have, then you know what I'm talking about. Nevertheless, in recent months I have seen that innovation gap dramatically narrow, with this particular 'blog bookmarklet' being a prime example.
Here's the deal: I'm running a business - a speaking and consulting business that is focused on the use of social media by entrepreneurs, and this blog is the cornerstone of my content. I need to be sure there is is a team of experts looking out for me - testing technology before throwing it out there to the community, and most importantly, keeping me protected against issues like this one that is wreaking havoc for some Wordpress users.
Yes, I have done my homework and thoroughly investigated both platforms. In response to the legions of loyal Wordpress fans, I'll just paraphrase Robert Frost and say --- I chose the path that may be slightly less traveled, and that has made all the difference for me. My only question is this: Have you done your homework or are you blindly following the Wordpress herd?
To my Wordpress friends, please heed the advice of the good people at Mashable and make sure you are protected. Here's the story link again: Mashable. And here's the follow-up with Wordpress responding in kind. But who reported the news first? Ya see what I'm talking about? :)
