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Movable Type vs WordPress

There are several platforms available today that can help you to build the website of your dreams. Two popular options are Movable Type and WordPress. Both platforms are a CMS-style option that offer HTML and CSS customization at some level, but through a user-friendly system of implementation.

With both platforms, you can have a great website up and running in just a few minutes.

Since both platforms offer a similar service, how does one solve the Movable Type vs WordPress debate? Here are some of the key points of comparison.

1. Pricing

Movable Type is free to use if you launch it for AWS (nginx) on a micro instance. The software charge is $0.07 per hour, which comes out to $499 per year. If you are using the platform for an educational site or a commercial site, then a license must be purchased. New user Pro Unlimited software licenses are $999, while upgrade licenses are $499.

Movable Type requires users to purchase technical support services as well. One month of these services is $199, while 3 months of support is $299. This provides you with access to an online ticket support system with email, phone, or IM supports. Responses may take up to 3 business days.

WordPress is free. It does not offer any formal customer service, but there are third-party forums that can provide some technical support. You’ll need to find a hosting agency that will accept WordPress, however, and that isn’t always easy to do.

2. Installation

Movable Type offers a straight-forward installation process that works with any hosting solution. It’s extremely fast when you choose their hosting solution. It installs like virtually any other program onto a web host. Just follow the prompts that are given and you’ll be finished in no time at all.

WordPress markets a 5-minute installation process, but that requires you to setup your database and other essentials before starting the installation. Look for web hosts that offer a WordPress installation in one click for the best results if you’re just getting started with your website.

3. Learning Curve

Movable Type makes their upload, editing, and customization process about as easy as it can be. Once you’ve learned the system, which takes a couple of days to get to know everything, you can navigate through the platform to create a great website that is consistently updated.

WordPress offers endless customization options. You receive an editor that is user-friendly and easier to understand than the interface offered by Movable Type. It does not provide the immediate customization options, however, so finding the right plugins can sometimes be a challenge.

4. Customization Potential

Movable Type offers a plugin and theme directory so that you can extend your system in many different ways. You can also create your own plugins or themes and share them through the platforms official directory.

Plugin and theme projects must be published on GitHub and be appropriately formatted for their work to be considered for the Movable Type Gallery. Just find the one that you want, click on the description link, and then find the download button. That’s all there is to it.

With WordPress, you can do almost anything with your website. The chances are good that someone has already designed what you need, which means you just need to find it and then install it. Not every plugin is free, however, and some may cost several hundred dollars. If you can’t find what you want, WordPress allows you the option of designing it and then installing it yourself.

5. Blogging

Movable Type and WordPress both provide effective blogging solutions.

If you use Movable Type for anything but personal blogging, there is a good chance that you’ll find yourself being asked to agree to a licensing agreement that could cost you more than $1,000 before your site ever goes live.

With WordPress, you can start your blog for free. Then you can decide if you want to upgrade your site or stick with a free one. You never need to pay anything unless there is a specific item or service you wish to include for your site from a third-party offer.

Movable Type may cost more, but some believe it is a platform that offers better support and a polished experience. WordPress may be free, but it is also open-source, which means you can struggle to find help when you run into trouble. Take a look for yourself and you’ll be able to find the right solution for your needs in the Movable Type vs WordPress debate.

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