This weekend, we shall move helenjane.com over from our old host Dreamhost.
We’re also moving from Movable Type to WordPress.
(A picture of my dog for your patience through this administrative post.)
Dreamhost has been remarkably inconsistent in service — plus, the fact that they accidentally billed us well over a grand — well, its deal was sealed. I’ve moved all our client sites and helenjane.com is the last to go.
In installing different blog software for various clients, I’ve worked with many of the biggies. Blogger, Movable Type, Expression Engine, Typepad, Vox, even b2Evolution.
And I have to admit, I’m kind of sad to say that WordPress is the winner.
Why am I sad?
I’ve spent so many hours learning Movable Type, (so, so, SO many hours) and I hate to think that all that time was fairly unnecessary. WordPress has been easier to install, easier to manage and quicker to run. Templates seem a little more rigid, but I’m sure with a little more time, I can figure that out.
And hey! I’m not here to get in an argument with you about which service is better and why. This is my experience, it might not be yours.
So in the middle of these changes, I realized that I want to better update and integrate my recipes. And that Photos section up there? Well, most of those are on Flickr. And that resume? All that info is on LinkedIn. And that Links section? Better managed by a blogroll service.
Any other recommendations?
Part of me is reluctant to move all of this info outside of my immediate control, but those services do it much better than I can. They’re easier to update, import and have better search engine visibility than my meager site.
Why am I telling you this?
Because the site will be down for the next few days.
Yeah, I know, I don’t have to do this live, but I’m an impatient lady.
And I hope to reward you for your patience with a shiny, awesome new site very, very soon.
5 DAYS?????
I felt sad about moving away from MT to EE way back when too. But I also felt burned and I was getting EE for free so, you know, the sadness didn’t stick around for too long.
I let bloglines.com manage my blogrolls. So much easier that way.
Shiny awesomeness is fun! Can’t wait.
If you use a Mac, I highly recommend MacGourmet for recipe management. It is simply awesome for grabbing recipes quickly off web sites, organizing and categorizing them, and cooking with them. And it can publish them to a blog. Google it if you’re interested; you can download a free trial.
Good luck with the migration!
We’d be happy to help you move to MT4 if you want — it’s been years since the version you’re on, and all the stuff you want to do is a lot easier with the newer versions. And MT4′s open source, now, too, so it’s free to do stuff like the activity stream to connect to all your other services. Lemme know if we can give you a hand — we’d love to keep you on MT.
Hey Lady!
It’s me – Heidi. From a long time ago. Hi.
I think you’ll enjoy the move to WP. Ok, well you won’t enjoy the move. In fact, it will probably make you cry, but I think you’ll enjoy your new home once you’re there.
Also, all your big news (job! baby! etc!) is really exciting. Congrats all around.
Just wanted to leave you a note to say “hi”… I hope you’re well!
Cheers,
Heidi
Recommendations? Just keep posting as much as you can, please.
And, there is Pinot. Oddly, I was just wondering about her before I clicked open this URL. I couldn’t remember seeing her on here for quite a while and thought (argh) maybe Something had Happened.
Are you preparing her for the big event by walking around with a swaddled baby doll in your arms?
I cannot believe you went over to the darkside (aka: WordPress). I am very, very, very sad.