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March 16, 2006 5:18 AM

I'm trying to create a website and am using typepad as a quick and low-cost alternative to full custom design. I'm not overly thrilled with the range of color/font/layout options, however. Does anyone know if any other blog services offer greater variety?
posted by dearleader to computers & internet (6 comments total)

Wordpress is always a good choice (there's a freely-hosted version too, but this has fewer options, and you're looking for more).

Logahead is pretty neat.

Blosxom is one I haven't, checked on lately, but has always showed promise.
posted by Bryan Behrenshausen at 5:55 AM on March 16, 2006

Try squarespace.com I'm on there and love their service. They let you pick templates and do a certain amount of customisation (font styles, colours, borders, layout etc.) on the cheapest plan, and let you actually alter the raw HTML on the most expensive plan ($17 a month). However, if you get to that level, you've probably got the technical know-how to rent your own webspace and install Movable Type (the blogging software that Typepad uses) or Wordpress. This is much cheaper.
posted by pollystark at 5:56 AM on March 16, 2006

Try blogsome.com* - free hosted WordPress with totally customizable themes, ability to add sidebar content and a great support forum. It's like having your own WordPress installed without worrying about hosting. I've set up blogs for half a dozen new bloggers there and they're all happily impressed with how much they can do from day one.

You might also think about using your own domain name - so if you own the domain name dearleader.com you can set up dearleader.blogsome.com and redirect to that and visitors will only have to remember dearleader.com. Great if 6 months down the line you switch to a different platform or your own hosting.

* Not to be confused with wordpress.com which is non customizable.
posted by ceri richard at 6:07 AM on March 16, 2006

Have you checked out TypePad's "Advanced Templates"? They give you lots of design flexibility and might be an easier option than converting to a new publishing system.
posted by donovan at 7:31 AM on March 16, 2006

The advanced templates are surely only available at the higher priced Pro package? I'm assuming that dearleader is on the basic or plus subscription, neither of which allow css/html editing.
posted by ceri richard at 8:49 AM on March 16, 2006

Another vote for Squarespace. Lots of features, just enough customization, professional appearance, and attentive customer service.
posted by superfem at 12:46 PM on March 16, 2006