Many bloggers do not even use them. They stick with working directly with the publishing tools provided by the blog application itself. There are also a few of us who prefer to work with blog publishing software to utilize tools that, in most instances, are easier to use and provide additional functionality from what’s available directly from the blog application.
I began as a purist. Only writing and publishing directly through my blog application. In my case, this is currently Blogger. (I am planning a move to WordPress this summer.)
Then, I discovered Microsoft’s Live Writer. Live Writer is a free application available for download. It quickly turned me from a purist to a blog publisher junky.
Recently, I upgraded and entered the Mac world. I love absolutely everything about my new Mac, but was disappointed that I could not find a viable alternative for blog publishing software. I tried the free trial versions of Blogo and MarsEdit2. While both of these seemed like great software, neither provided me with what I was expecting of blog publishing software that was “Mac worthy.” And honestly, neither came close to the blogging experience I had with Live Writer.
I then learned of MacJournal, thanks to my brother-in-law.
MacJournal 5.2 (released 3/1/2010)
According to Apple, MacJournal 5.2 is “next generational” journaling.While I have not yet located plug-ins like I had available through my Live Writer install, MacJournal does serve my blog publishing software needs very well.
MacJournal is not a free blog publishing software package. The cost of $39.95 would cause me to pause and really consider whether or not I could just live with the tools available in Blogger. But, it, along with Clips, RipIt, CoverScout, Flow, and some other goodies are included in a bundle package available at MacHeist in a nano bundle for $19.95. It’s a bundle valued at over $260 for $19.95! Now, even I can’t turn a deal like that down! But, it is for a limited time. So I would check it out if interested.
Now, MacJournal developers, please consider making available plug-ins to the goodies I had with Live Writer. Then, you’ll be five stars in my opinion!
Do you have a great blogging tool you’d like to recommend? Leave a comment to share.
