Using TypePad to create templates for Movable Type without having to learn CSS?
As I’ve been short on time these days, I’ve been sticking with the system that’s been the easiest for me to work with with barely any learning curve – which makes TypePad the ultimate blogging tool for me at the moment. But ultimately, some of the customization that I expect I’ll want to do will leave me wanting to work with a hosted solution with a wealth of available plug-ins such as WordPress or MovableType.
But both WordPress and MovableType require you to know CSS (cascading style sheets) in order to customize the look and feel of your blog and your templates. While I’m quite certain I could learn it, Elise Bauer has written a great article about using TypePad styles with MT (MovableType) that indicates I may be able to use the simplicity and grace of TypePad’s interface to customize my templates and use those templates in MT. Since I’m already paying for a webhosting company for some of my other websites, like Hotel Reservation Network.com, it would be cheaper for me to use a hosted solution rather than paying another monthly fee for TypePad — after all, I’ve already prepaid for the bandwitdth with my webhost.
As soon as I have a chance to test out this trick, I’ll post a link to the demo and my impressions of its ease of use (as well as exactly what I did and how).
Filed under: blogging • MovableType • Templates • TypePad • Weblogs
Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!
The software applications you talk about are very good. I used WP myself and still “help out” where I can but if you want to do more than just blog I think you will find them restrictive. Go have a look at Textpattern then see what I’m doing. I’m no designer so ignore the styling but you will see that my blog is actually quite a small part of my site and, apart from the added applications (Guestblock, Gallery, PunBB), the whole thing is controlled by TXP. It is the finest, cleanest, lightest, most versatile CMS on the planet. Really. And we can be very helpful too if you have problems.
Hi Stuart – I’ll definately give Textpattern a look-see (and post my findings on this blog) as soon as I get a chance. Thanks for the suggestion!
I’d be interested to find out what you think about Expression Engine. I’m considering switching from MT.
Aurorealis -
Yes, several people have asked that. Expression Engine is on my evergrowing list of things to check out. Unfortunately, they only have a 14 day free trial, so I cannot take a look at it until have a good chunk of free time to evaluate it.