Squarespace: Hosted Weblog/CMS Tool

Introducing, Squarespace.

It seems to be just like TypePad, but isn't as weblog-centric. All XTHML, good information architecture, thoughtful navigation — I'm going to have to give this a try.

And the coolest part? The entire thing was designed by a college student.

Update: This little tidbit was brought to you by Daniel X. O'Neil: teacher, project manager, writer (buy his books), and all-around super cool guy.

Comments

[Nicole]

*wondering why she's never heard of XTHML...*

Always a step behind I guess.

[Matt]

Dont think it will be a massive hit compared to typepad.

But may prove me wrong.

[Mike]

No, I don't really think it will be either. First, because it wasn't made by the Trott super-duo. And second, because it wasn't made by the Trott super-duo.

I don't think it'll catch on either.

[Matt]

The only thing that will attract people to it will be that they offer a free package. As typepad do not offer a free, they could loose a few customers there.

[Mike]

Exactly, that's what I'm thinking.

Hopefully I'll have some time in the upcoming weeks to fiddle with it. And I'm going to upgrade my TypePad account (it started at Pro, but I downgraded a few months ago) back up to Pro, and redesign the entire thing. Man what a pain :)

[Anthony]

Actually, Squarespace does offer a free service, depending on if you want to use certain advanced features.

I'm confused--you think it won't catch on becasue it wasn't designed by one of your favorite current designers? That completely undermines everything that has gone on at Squarespace simply beacause there is already someone in the field. Regardless of what other smart people have done, to simply state that innovation has been "all used up" is kind of odd.

The claims above the the 'only thing' that will attract someone to Squarespace rests upon a free plan is clearly from users who have never tried Squarespace. The services are NOT the same. You can make a blog just as powerful using Squarespace as you could with TypePad, yet, it goes far beyond that. With TypePad, you have one page to present your life. You also are restricted to 2 types of content (blog entries and pictures) related to your life. Squarespace manages pages, files, multiple blogs, etc in such a way that it allows you to break out of the current thought train that everyone seems to have just run away with regarding the blogging thing. Blog sites are a good thing--what isn't a good thing is the mindless copying that's associated with the format (why again do I need to see dated archives on every page of your website?) Having 20 link to your articles dated 5 months ago on every page seems foolish. Blogger is more responsible than TypePad here, but the point remains.

TypePad and Squarespace are both good services. Depending on what you want from your website--Squarespace will do certain things TypePad can't. That's about all.

[Mike]

I think I misphrased my comment above yours, but I do think that an advantage you have over TypePad is that you do offer a free package. That was one of the 'plus signs' I think Squarespace definitely has in its favor. Confining users to pick either 'blog posts' or 'pictures' to define their lives is a good point -- a more abstract representation is definitely a good selling point for Squarespace.

With so many people using MovableType and TypePad, a new personal-publishing system might be difficult for the masses to adapt, or even give a chance, which is extremely unfortunate.

Regardless of anything else, huge props go to you for a number of a reasons, but here are two: 1) it is all done with XHTML and CSS, and 2) you're my age. Hopefully I'll get the chance to mess with my templates over at my Squarespace blog soon :)

Keep up the unbelievable work.

[Anthony]

Mike,

Thanks for the kind words! I was kind of worried after my initial post, because I realized I sounded extremely argumentative in it (I had just finished a real-life argument, and my tone just completely transferred over to the web). I _definately_ didn't intend to sound so mean :)

I'll be coming back here I think. Running across your blog was very random--I found it through the buzz on the everything basecamp site (37 signals is a daily read for me). I was ecstatic to see a post about Squarespace on a random blog while just walking across the net. Speaking of which, there'll be further templates released soon (I have a few good ones I'm working out compatibility kinks in).

Nice blog, btw. I'm off to read your basecamp review now ;)

[Maura]

I just got a free Squarespace account on Friday, and on Saturday, I upgraded to the paid Pro version. That's how much I like it!

I can't wait for new templates, though I just spent the evening making up my own. Any chance some html/java-idiot like me can get more artsy-fartsy banner options on Squarespace?

Anyway - Anthony - you rock. I love Squarespace. It makes blogs look fancy-schmancy. Hope those bugs go 'way real soon.

:o)

[FTS]

Indeed, Squarespace rocks. I found them quite by accident roughly two months ago. I signed up for the 30 day free trial, which ives you access to the pro package features for the first month. At that point you can continue on the free service, but I decided to buy the pro plan (especially since it is on sale for $11.96 vs. the $14.95) and retain the features it includes.

I am experienced in HTML hard-coding, but since I have found Squarespace I have let my own domain expire and use this site exclusively now. Their innovative modular design allows me to spend more time writing content and less time writing source code.

I absolutely love Squarespace, and I give it an 11 on a scale of 1-10 for the convenience and tools they provide to me. Service requests are answered promptly, with interactive tickets I can see within my backoffice functions. The recent upgrade (two weeks ago) has added even more versatility.

For my .02, long live Squarespace.

[Mike]

Well, it's now January 2005 and Squarespace has gone from strength to strength. It's a brilliant service and has been continuously upgraded with more improvements to come.
Its strength is its ability to incorporate a full website with a blog (or blogs) and all with a simple to use interface. You can also publish seperate html pages with completely different page designs. It's far more than a blogging tool and I'm sure it will be here for a long time.

[Buy Propecia]

good luck with your idea man...

[grondvermogen hypotheek]

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[computer verzekering]

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