How can I add functionality to a Tumblr tumblelog?

March 29, 2007 9:21 AM

Can I set up archives, tagging and a search function on a tumblelog using Tumblr?

I gave in to the curiosity and set up a tumblelog (self link), via Tumblr.

It's a simple, uncomplicated and visual way of sharing stuff, but is there a way of setting up archives or tagging the content to make it easier to find? Or even adding a search function?

I can play about with the CSS easily enough, but my knowledge is limited (doesn't stop me trying though). Any thoughts or suggestions?

posted by Nugget to computers & internet (5 comments total)

I tried poking around their FAQ to find information to help you, but there's not a lot there.

So I'll tag a stab with the search function one, if you're able to edit your tumblr template, couldn't you add in a google search box with a search site thing-a-ma-bob.
posted by drezdn at 10:21 AM on March 29, 2007

Isn't the whole point of Tumblr that it's just the post, with none of the extra cruft?
posted by mkultra at 10:25 AM on March 29, 2007

Good idea drezdn, I'll give it a try.

Isn't the whole point of Tumblr that it's just the post, with none of the extra cruft?

It is, but if you've posted something a couple of weeks ago and want to find it then you need to keep clicking back through pages of material. If you've been posting for a couple of months then that could be a lot of clicking!

For me, a simple archive or tagging/category function doesn't detract from the simplicity of it and could improve the user experience. It's when you start on comments and blogrolls etc. that you move into full blown blog territory.
posted by Nugget at 4:17 PM on March 29, 2007

It might just be easier to use a blogging tool that already has all those features, and then just output a tumblelog with it, no? I work with the Movable Type team, so I've seen people using MT to create tumblogs like this one, which supports categories and tags, in addition to search and archiving.
posted by anildash at 12:47 AM on March 30, 2007

Thanks anildash and I think you're right.

Wordpress is my weapon of choice so I'm going to see what it can do, but it's good to see the idea in action with MT.

A crash course in Ruby on Rails and Ozimodo is also planned!
posted by Nugget at 1:47 AM on March 30, 2007