andyMatthews.net

The first question is why? Why consider writing blog software when there's already a plethora out there? Why subject myself to weeks upon weeks of time spent writing code, and researching features when I could take the easy way out and just install WordPress or (shudder) just use Blogger? I suppose the simple answer is that I'm a glutton for punishment. But the deeper response is that I do feel like I have something to offer someone. After all I started off my life in web development as a designer, and I'm as comfortable in Photoshop as I am in Eclipse.

So why? Well in the ColdFusion market there's really only two competitors BlogCFC, and MangoBlog. Ray Camden's software is ubiquitous, used by advanced developer, and novice alike but boy is it rough around the edges. And it's code is, well...let's just say that it's not for the faint of heart. MangoBlog is the upstart, the beautiful princess with the long legs, but it too has issues. It offers too much in the way of features, with it's list of plugins and skins that aren't quite as easy to install as they could be.

So I decided to come up with my own solution...well, that's not precisely true. I've HAD my own solution, for some time now actually. The code which delivered this very post was written by yours truly, and it's been in constant use now for almost 5 years in various forms. It might be more accurate to say that I've decided to take the code that I've been using, completely reevaluate it, put it in a nice slick wrapper, and put it out there for anyone to use. It might be that I'm the only one who's interested...but it might also be of use to someone. Besides...it's time that I gave back to this community that has, over the last 4 or 5 years, helped me grow as a developer.

So, watch this space for more updates as I'll be blogging about the steps I take in updating my code and prepping it for public release.

If this article was interesting, or helpful, or even wrong, please consider leaving a comment, or buying something from my wishlist. It's appreciated!

Hi, Andy... Thanks for sharing your "blogging software journey." I'm sure it's a lot of extra work to blog about it, but as I'm considering writing some of my own (just for personal use, currently), I'm interested in your coding and procedures. So, the more facts you share, the better! I've been hesitant to even start blogging, because I realize it's going to take a *lot* of time, but I know that blogs are becoming the best way to share in-depth about coding issues, etc. I want to start keeping track of what I learn so others can benefit from it, to whatever degree they can.

Rick Faircloth - January 27, 2009 12:59 pm

Hi Andy, any news on your journey? I've done the same as you, created my own blogging software for my own blog and now it has grown to become the Onlinebase CMS ;-) WE already run several sites on it and my original idea turned out to suit the needs of many! Looking forward to hearing how your journey goes! Subscribing to this post!

Sebastiaan - March 24, 2009 02:40 am

Sebastiaan... Nothing new yet. I've been super busy with personal projects, as well as preparing for my speaking engagement at cf.Objective() in May. This is still on my list of projects, but it's just getting pushed down the list. Thanks for your continued interest though.

andy matthews - March 24, 2009 10:09 am

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