Uncategorized

Welcome, Old Blogspot Posts

Retirement Reflections

I’ve recently moved my blog over from WP.org (self-hosted) to WP.com (Personal Plan) and couldn’t be happier. The peace-of-mind alone has been well worth the effort spent in making the switch.

I just came across Mike Nelson’s post about his recent blog platform change. Some blogs that I follow currently use Blogspot. I know that many of them have never experienced a single technical problem (something of which I could only dream)! Still, Mike’s post gave me pause. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic (as I know Mike would as well).

Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

52 thoughts on “Welcome, Old Blogspot Posts”

  3. Hi, Mike and R.R. I followed R.R.’s journey from self-hosting to WordPress.com, and felt a little left out, since I have WordPress.org. But then, I remember why I chose .org 4 years ago when I started my blog—I had dreams of eventually monitizing my blog, something which may remain a dream! Hopefully l have the motivation to do it soon. Meanwhile, I’m hearing so much from WordPress about the 5.0 Editor, which will ‘force’ us to use Gutenberg, but hear nothing from bloggers in my community about it. Am I the only worry wart?

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Hi, Diane – I admire you for remaining with WP.org and continuing to hold on to your original goal. I am always impressed by the quality of your posts. They are incredibly well-researched and well-written. I believe that your dream is very achievable!
      The release date for WP Gutenberg has been repeatedly pushed back. My current understanding is that it has been set for November 27 and if that date is not achieved it will be pushed back until January (in order to avoid the holiday season). Let’s watch and see what happens with this. In the meantime, here are a few helpful (but diverse) posts that I have read on the topic.

      https://kinsta.com/blog/wordpress-5-0/

      https://wordpress.org/gutenberg/

      https://www.codeinwp.com/blog/wordpress-gutenberg-guide/

      https://blogaid.net/tips-tuesday-gutenberg-dates-social-sharing-plugins-g-shutting-down/

      https://www.ait-themes.club/whats-upcoming-in-wordpress-5-0-gutenberg-official-release-blog/

      Like

      Reply

      1. Thanks, Diane – I have heard mixed reviews from those who have already trialed Guttenberg. Since you are self-hosted, you can easily use a plug-in to stay with the current system. The article from MaAnna at BlogAid shows how to do that.

        Like

  4. Hi Donna – I’ve read posts like this from people who are on WP saying how wonderful it is on a regular basis – it’s like they’re trying to sell it (or get commission for promoting their hosting company!) I’ve used Blogger for 4 years and it’s come a long way since the days when this guy used it – so it is still evolving (despite his comment otherwise). The benefits for me are 1) it’s completely and utterly FREE! 2) I do own my content – Google doesn’t own it – the same as WP doesn’t own yours 3) my site looks great (if I do say so myself) 4) I have NEVER had even one time when my blog has gone down or glitched or had a problem 5) It’s very user friendly and has kept up with all the privacy changes – with simple updates – no freaking out like I’ve seen others do.
    So I’ll stay loyal until Google tells me to migrate to WP – by then I may not even be blogging anymore. It actually makes me a little bit cross when WP users try to make Blogger users look like the poor relation – sometimes I wonder why they need to keep telling us about who hosts them – for me it’s completely irrelevant – it’s about what we write – not the platform we write on.
    I’m glad yours is costing you less money now and giving you less pain x

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi, Leanne – I greatly appreciate you commenting. I was hoping that you would. You make very valid points. Most importantly, your site does look great (and I’ve never experienced any difficulties reading or commenting there). As I mentioned to Liesbet below, I am grateful that there are a variety of different blogging platforms and packages to suit differing tastes, needs and budgets. WP.org was not right for me, but it is right for millions of users. I believe that this is equally true of Blogspot and other platforms.

      Like

      Reply

      1. One thing I do notice with a lot of Blogger blogs is that the people who own them often don’t make any effort to make them visually appealing – the daggy old Blogspot “look” can so easily be updated to a WP type look – why they don’t bother is beyond me. I think what you said about individual preferences is the key and I’m not sure why some bloggers feel the need to up-sell WP – to each their own! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi Lianne, I’m the guy who wrote that original blog post.
      Thanks for your well-thought-out reply and insights. Part of why I blog is to get a “reality check” on my ideas (and record them for future reference and posterity).
      You have many good points.
      I think you’re right: some people on WordPress actually are trying to sell it. Well, not WordPress itself, as the software itself can be downloaded for free. It’s hosting that costs money, and that pays big referral fees. So if you read a post about “Why I love WordPress- and by the way, buy hosting from BlueHost”, they probably get a referral fee.
      In my case, I’m not getting a referral fee. Having said that, I write software for WordPress for a living, so I’m clearly biased.
      1. Besides buying a custom domain (dirt cheap really), yes, despite Googling around, I couldn’t find a way to pay for anything from Blogger. So yes, Blogger’s free. My only hesitation is: Google owns the service that’s running your website, not you. They can change their policy- they recently did for Google Maps (see https://cloud.google.com/blog/products/maps-platform/introducing-google-maps-platform). It’s only through self-hosted (using WordPress or any other website software you can actually install on a server yourself) is the only way around this.
      2. I’m accustomed to most SAAS products like Blogger being a lot more controlling- eg Meetup.com’s privacy policy says they’re going to keep your data forever, regardless of what you want. I assumed Google’s was similar, but yes, they actually give you very good access to your data that’s stored on their servers.
      3. To be honest, I have never seen a Blogger blog that looked as good as yours. So well done. I learned something there!
      4. This is a sore spot for WordPress- with all the “new features”, often there’s new bugs. But yes, Blogger has kept itself very stable and bug-free.
      5. I originally used Blogger because it was so much more user-friendly, so I agree there.

      “it’s about what we write – not the platform we write on” I totally agree, so long as the platform continues to exist. That’s really the crux of my post and why I decided to take my data off Blogger: I don’t have great confidence it will be around too much longer. But that’s just my opinion because Google has a reputation for pulling the plug on services that aren’t big money-makers.

      .Anyways, all the best with your great working, bug-free, free, blog!

      Like

      Reply

  5. My previous blog, It’s Irie, is on Blogger as well. I don’t remember having many issues with it, but commenting wasn’t big back in 2007 – 2015. That aside, I don’t like the look and the admin pages on Blogger. I prefer WordPress and am happy I started Roaming About on that platform.

    Also, I read blogs from people on Blogger – most writers I follow seem to use that platform – and I don’t find them as appealing to read and comment to as the WordPress blogs I follow. But, that might be a personal preference, and its; definitely just aesthetic.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Liesbet – Thank you so much for commenting. It is interesting to read about your experiences since you have used both platforms. I believe you’ve hit the nail on the head regarding personal preference. I’m glad that there are a variety of blogging platforms to suit a wide range of tastes, diverse needs, and differing budgets. I hope that you and Mark are enjoying sunny weather. Richard and I are now back in the rain! 😦

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  7. My first (work-related) venture into blogging was with Blogger, which at the time looked easier to me. It’s still there, but the content (apart from one or two personal posts which I might repost on Gallivanter one day) isn’t relevant any more so I won’t bother trying to rescue it when Google pulls the plug. I’ve set up several blogs since using WordPress, which I much prefer despite it’s occasional glitches. I think it is a bit more complex than Blogger (or how Blogger was in 2007) but I find it more versatile. I’m glad you are happy with your switch too.

    Like

    Reply

  8. I started on blogspot and liked it at first. That’s until my entire blog was stolen by some people in Korea who published it as their own. I could do nothing to stop them so I left blogspot behind. I still snarl when I think about what happened to me there. WP is so much better…

    Like

    Reply

    1. That is such a horrible experience, Ally. It scares the heck out of me that things like that can happen. I did wonder about site security when switching to a hosted site. I do get significantly more spam comments here but have my fingers crossed for everything else.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Hi Donna – I’m glad your switch to WP.com has been working well. I’m staying with Blogger for now as it’s free and super low maintenance which suit my lifestyle. I did play with WP a little bit and liked several of their template designs. Half of the blogs I follow are on WP so maybe one day I’ll switch, or simply start a new blog on WP. I still think of my blog as a casual hobby and therefore don’t stress about the platform or all the bells and whistles. In my opinion, having choices is good for the consumers so let there be Blogger, and WP, and others 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  10. Hi, Natalie – Thank you so much for commenting. I was interested in hearing your point of view. You can’t beat free, low-maintenance and no stress — especially when all three are combined! And you’re absolutely right — I would hate for there to be just one blogging platform. That would have many negative spinoffs.

    Like

    Reply

  11. Glad it’s all working out for you Donna and you’re less frustrated. I started out on Blogger but wanted more options.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Dee – I had not realized that so many bloggers that I follow started out on Blogger. I love that there are a variety of options, and the ability to switch, so that we can each end up on a platform that is right for us.

      Like

      Reply

  12. Hi Donna,
    I’m reading the string of comments here with interest. As a blogging newbie, I am constantly soaking in info about the entire blog universe. It seems that everyone has their preferred platform. My blog is set up self-hosted as I cannot predict where it will go in the future and want to be as flexible as possible at this point. I read, and read, and read about all the different options and it seems to come down to a matter of personal preference for everyone whose opinion I read. At least it seemed that way to me.
    Nancy

    Like

    Reply

  13. Hi, Nancy – I started out on WP.org but after 2.5 years finally switched to WP.com. Although most people who switch do it the other way around (.com to .org). my move was right for me. If you are looking to keep all of your options open, I agree that WP.org is a good choice.

    Like

    Reply

  14. Hi Donna,

    I started with Blogger then moved to WP. I enjoyed Blogger, for the most part…and I enjoy WP, for the most part. Blogging software continues to evolve, and not always the way we like. It’s good there are options out there for us, and the platforms make it relatively easy to move content from an old blog to a new one (but don’t get me started about moving photos….grrrr).
    Thank you for sharing – I think it’s helpful when we share what goes on behind the scenes with our blogs too.

    Deb

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Deb – I like your attitude about this! During my platform switch, I also experienced difficulty in moving my photos. Thanks to the Happiness Engineers, they were all later recovered. Bloggers sharing their ‘behind the scene’ experiences has been very helpful to me.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  15. Thanks for reblogging this post, Donna! I believe Leanne is the only one I know who has a decent blog on that platform! I’m glad you are satisfied with moving to wp dot com. I did the whole monkey dance with dot com to self hosting and back again now with the personal plan, and I’m a satisfied customer. I am biting my nails a bit thinking about Gutenberg editor though. Hope they wait till next year. My best wishes for Colin, he made a wise choice.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Terri – I met with my WP Meet-Up Group yesterday and was hoping to find out the official release date for Gutenberg. Unfortunately, no one there knew for sure. I had read that November 27 was the new release date, but on Nov 21, Matias Ventura wrote: “The date for 5.0 release (+Gutenberg) is under consideration, given it’s not plausible for it to be the on 27th. “ If I were a betting woman, I would put my money on sometime in January for the official release date. The good news is that those in my WP who have been voluntarily using Gutenberg quite liked it. Fingers crossed for the rest of us!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  16. Interesting information here and enjoy reading the comments as well. I’ve toyed with moving over to dot org, but think I’ll stay with dot com. I’ve been happy with the platform and personalization options that WP offers. So, I think I’ll stay put knowing I’d probably pull all my hair out if I’d have to worry about all the backend technology 😆

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Ingrid – I’m so glad that you are a comment reader! I am as well and usually find that comments enhance and extend a post’s core content. At my recent WP Meet-Up, I discovered that many of the members (most of whom directly work with technology for a living) use WP.com as opposed to .WP.org for their blogs. Some reasons given were cost, ease, and convenience. I was already happy with my move to .com, but this info made me even happier! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      1. Thanks to you, I’ll be attending a local WP meeting here in Phoenix on Tuesday. I have a list of questions ready and will be interested to see if most are .com or .org users. I’ll let you know!

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Hi Donna – interesting reading … so glad you started the conversation. I’d probably move over to WP – but hang on with Blogger. I started there as I couldn’t work out WP … if it had happened the other way round I’d be on WP rather than blogger – as I got help to start with.

    Just at the moment life goes on … I try and make my content interesting and add more pictures/photos than necessary … but they add to the interest and to my learning.

    I have a WP site and profile – so it’s easy to comment … cheers for this … Hilary

    Like

    Reply

    1. Hi, Hilary – I love your blog and believe that your content and photos are highly engaging and relevant. I also fully understand not wanting to make a switch (I hesitated almost two full years before making my move). Whatever platform you decide to use, I will be there reading!

      Like

      Reply

  19. I can say that your move to “regular” WordPress, as I call it, makes your blog interact more normal with the Reader when I read everyone else’s, Donna. That’s admittedly a mostly lame, “How does this affect me?” viewpoint, but in all honesty what you’ve done makes reading your blog so much easier. So I think you made the right call in switching platforms. An interesting narrative from Colin, too. Thanks for sharing. – Marty

    Like

    Reply

  20. Hi, Marty – That’s not a lame viewpoint at all — but a very helpful one. It was immediately after I received responses to my ‘Quick Question’ post that I confirmed that I would definitely migrate to .com. I am grateful to all who took the time to comment, share and otherwise provide valuable feedback. For me, it made a world of difference!

    Like

    Reply

  21. Interesting, Donna. I don’t tend to enjoy reading blogs on blogspot as much as wordpress and definitely don’t explore as many blogs on that platform. Sounds like it is on its way out. Still not making any move from self hosting at this time. Glad you’re happy with your decision and I’ll keep gathering information before I take the plunge.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi, Molly – Self-hosting works best for many bloggers, especially for those (like you) who also run an online business. I agree that it’s wise to gather all of your info first. Switching sites once is fine…doing it twice could be a real pain! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  22. Very interesting to read about Mike’s perspective and his step by step guide for how he switched over from Blogger to WordPress. As you know, I use Blogger, and have (mostly) been very happy with its stability and ease of use. The one exception is that the Blogger app for Apple mobile devices was never updated or supported, and became unusable a few years ago, which was unfortunate, as it was a great mobile app. On the other hand, I shudder to read about the technical hassles you have described with WordPress.org and the technical proficiencies that seem to be required for any WordPress product. (And also its incompatibilities. Lots of WordPress people complain about not being able to comment easily on nonWP blogs, or being unable to link nonWP blogs on their sidebar, whereas I have never had issues like this using Blogger.)

    That said, I am not a Blogger fan girl. 😉 in fact, I started my second blog for my art studio on Squarespace because it is especially good for visual images, and because it integrates with well with sales and business software. And years ago I developed a WordPress blog for a course I was teaching and liked the platform, especially its aesthics.

    I do not like the technical aspects of blogging nearly as much as the writing and social aspects. Therefore, for the time being, my mantra is, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

    Jude

    Like

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in:

Gravatar
WordPress.com Logo

You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Facebook photo

You are commenting using your Facebook account. ( Log Out /  Change )

Cancel

Connecting to %s