If you are a simple blogger who does not care about advanced plugins, self-customized themes or making money, why not use WordPress.com?

Wordpress.com is similar to Blogger/Blogspot, but both have their ups and downs. Here is a comparison as far as my observation goes.

Blogger/Blogspot

Blogger is the most popular blogging platform for the begginers. Setting up, posting, and editing is pretty easy. For the better-knowing blogger, the edit template feature allows you to hack your comments system, edit CSS in any way you want, and control everything that appears on your sidebar. The downside is that it will require a troublesome bit of HTML knowledge (even adding simple links), and it does not allow for static pages (posts that are not arranged by time). Most of all, you cannot categorize your posts.

Wordpress.com

Note that this is different than the freeware downloaded from Wordpress.org, which requires a server with MySQL but gives you a whole lot more freedom. With Wordpress.com, you do not have to worry about server or MySQL issues, for they are hosted for you. Unlike Blogger, Wordpress enables static pages, post categorization (which is really really handy), and easy configuration of links at the sidebar. The cons: you cannot edit any CSS as you are confined to the set of default themes (which are not few, anyway) and you cannot use Adsense as it does not allow Javascript. Again, it is for the beginners. The way I see it, Wordpress.com is the best way to transition into using the fuller downloadable version. Plus, it has the Import capability so your Blogspot posts can be displayed at Wordpress.com, a feat that Blogspot has yet to duplicate.

I think that some veterans out there will know a little better about this so feel free to add more observations or correct my statements. Questions also welcomed.

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