As with everything else, downloading apps is the standard practice these days, which is about the same as installing software instead it’s function may be associated with a particular program. Puttering around wordpress.com and checking out recommended apps, windows live writer was on the list. At first look it appeared to be a fancy HTML editor/composer but what the heck I could always uninstall it if I found it to be unnecessary. One of the points of the live windows live writer (why does the word “live” seems to be a favorite buzzword now for titles ) is that you can write up and post directly to your blog, simple if it’s on the list, otherwise If you post to an off beat blog you have to supply a URL address so it seems. Down loading BTW prompts you to download other windows (live) items which I unchecked.
I’ve always at one time or another used a HTML composer editor that being, I could whip up a quick page using the email composer of Netscape 7.1 or it’s html composer and cut and paste into a blog or website.windows live writer has most of the bells and whistles you need without being too heavy. Some of it’s strong points are the ability to save drafts locally, off line composing, and the direct line connection with your blog that imports certain elements of your blog editing capabilities and feel. When I switch from wordpress to live journal in windows live writer, it even uses some elements of the theme, background colors etc. Another point is that you have a dedicated window for all the composing/editing chores that I find sometimes is difficult to do in your blogs cloud because of the limited size of the editing window, all the ancillary menus and dashboard controls take up screen space. Also editing and/or correcting or reposting within your blog, say a large post with graphics, is cumbersome because of the large amount of info you have to navigate through within a limited size editing window. If you have a slow connection, at times the text/graphics may stutter or drag while your typing away, the effect of going back and forth between the cloud of your blog. If you want to update or edit a previous blog posting in windows live writer, pull up the published blog, edit, and simply re publish and the blog is updated, something that is not readily noted. (if the draft is used it may publish a duplicate posting though).
Getting back to installation, it was flawless and gives you the standard desktop icon to launch windows live writer as needed. One thing is that you are prompted to supply your blogs user name and log in info so it can integrate with the blog. Once live writer downloads the editing elements of your blog is done, you only need to log in to your blog through live writer when you hit the publishing button.
I haven’t used windows live writer long enough to test all of it’s features, if indeed i need them, but overall it’s a plus for me by being able to compose off line in a large scalable window , have all the necessary editing elements (including easy graphics editing property features) and the ability to save and/or auto save drafts offline (local) and save\auto save drafts to your blog site, for “when i get around to it” finishing of your postings.
Surprised, no buttons for facebook/twitter posting though I have that feature through my blogs.
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