Blog Editors

Since starting my Klong Rider Project blog, I have been in search of an easier and more efficient way of blogging. Offline, tablet and web browser add on, are various platforms I would like use for different locations, travelling and desktop.

From my early days of blogging, I have tried the standard applications provided by the blog provider. Initially, with my first blog, I used the WordPress online editor and then when I swapped platforms to Blogger, I used it’s own online editor.

My first use of Blogger started with Darryl’s Ramblings. I believed one, general subject blog would be sufficient for me, and it included all my thoughts, travels and observations. As I was going to use this blog to post many of my travelling adventures, I made a decision to have an iPad app that would be an improvement on the mobile one supplied by Blogger, and purchased Blogsy.

Blogsy for iPad

I have reviewed this app reviewed this app previously and will not go into details here.

Moving on…..

After a few Google searches, I found that there are several application that could assist me in this area. As usual with IT and computers, things didn’t always go smoothly. Below I will list what I found.

Qumana

I downloaded this stand alone application from it’s own website. No problems installing, but when I tried to add my blog account for Blogger, it kept failing. The error message and details didn’t give me any idea as to the problem. I uninstalled and reinstalled the application several times, but still same error. Numerous trolling on the internet failed to bring up any information. Hours, yes hours, wasted.

At this time, I gave up and uninstalled / deleted all files thinking there was something wrong with the bloody thing. I then moved on the my next trial.

But wait, there’s more……

After trying several other offline and online editors and getting same problem as above, I thought it must be something wrong with my setup. So true. While checking my emails, I noticed several from Gmail advising me of several failed attempts to access my account. First glace, I dismissed it, but then reading the email more carefully, I was informed that Google Account Security has an extra level. This could prevent 3rd party applications gaining access. HA! The email even gave a link to downgrade your security to the normal level. I followed the link, reverted my security to normal, then I could add my Blogger Accounts to all external applications.

Therefore, I will now have to reinstall this application and check it out. I’ll edit this post after I do.

Zoundry Raven

As above. Unable to add Blogger Accounts. After Google Security adjusted, I was able to add these accounts, but I haven’t played enough with the application to review.

I’ll edit this post after I do.

BlogJet

This application had some very good reviews, but I didn’t try this application as it’s not free.

You get a limited trial, then purchase required. Also 30 day money back guarantee.

ScribeFire

Firefox extension / add on. Website says that extensions are available for Chrome, Opera and Safari browsers also, but I didn’t try these.

The web site says that after you install and activate the add-in, a small yellow “notebook” icon will be displayed on Firefox Status bar. Incorrect. You must Customize the dropdown Menu by adding this.

Clicking on this icon will open the editor within the browser.

I was unable to get anything to work. It seemed all the buttons were missing. Only the text boxes where display. I tried to uninstall and reinstall, followed the restart Firefox procedure, still nothing.

I rebooted my computer and all same. So I thought I would try the Chrome Extension. Install this and when I selected the icon, yes in the correct place as advertised, a dialog box opened with instructions how to add accounts. After adding my Blogger Account, all seemed OK until I tried to edit a draft post. No images or text displayed.

Shit, all too hard. Need things to be easier. Give up!

Windows Live Writer

Official Microsoft Link. Older 2011 version

Better link to get 2012 version.

This is the application I am using to write this post. After upgrading from an earlier version, I have found this application pretty good.

The Add Account wizard only add the blog you select. Not all of my Blogger blogs as some other editors do. Each blog has to be entered separately.

It works as a WYSIWYG editor. Basic word processing features, HTML Styles, picture and video insertion, plus more, that allow most normal editing to be carried out with a minimum of fuss. Opening of any published or draft post is easy, but there is no way to edit the actual blog itself. One of the biggest plus sides is working with tables. The Blogger interface has nothing comparable. All must be done in HTML.

It can save to the local drive and allows you to publish straight to your blog or post the draft to your Blogger home.

It has the ability to add plug-ins, though I haven’t tried any of these yet. One that did jump out at me was the Map plug-in, but only for Bing Maps.

So far, this is the best editor I have tried.

Conclusion

As you can see, many problems and short falls. Some may be from my own computer setup, or problems with the applications. Who knows?

So the winner, in my humble opinion, is Microsoft’s Windows Live Writer. I’ll keep testing and review new or updated applications and post my findings.