Windows Live Writer: Blog Easily From Your Desktop
The Appeal of Desktop Blogging and Windows Live Writer
Many individuals exploring web blogging platforms often encounter interfaces that feel cluttered or lack desired functionalities. This is a common experience, and one that has driven improvements in popular platforms like WordPress and Blogger.
Other platforms, such as Tumblr, have successfully attracted users by offering streamlined and user-friendly interfaces.
The Convenience of Local Blogging
A significant benefit of desktop blogging is the ability to create content directly on your computer and publish it with a simple click. This process offers a level of control and immediacy that some web-based platforms don't provide.
Furthermore, composing posts locally allows for automatic local saving, which is a valuable asset for bloggers seeking reliable backups. Having readily available backups provides peace of mind.
Introducing Windows Live Writer
Windows Live Writer (WLW) provides a solution for those seeking this type of desktop blogging experience. This review will delve into the core features of WLW, outlining its strengths and weaknesses.
We will also address a key concern regarding its future viability. Finally, a conclusive recommendation will be provided to help you determine if WLW is the right blogging tool for your needs.
Key Features and Advantages of Windows Live Writer
WLW offers a rich set of features designed to enhance the blogging process. It supports multiple blogging platforms, allowing users to connect to services like WordPress, Blogger, and LiveJournal.
The interface closely resembles popular word processing applications, making it familiar and easy to navigate. This similarity reduces the learning curve for new users.
Benefits of Using WLW
- Offline Access: Compose and save posts even without an internet connection.
- Local Backups: Automatic saving ensures your work is always protected.
- Rich Editing Tools: Format text, insert images, and embed videos with ease.
- Platform Compatibility: Supports a variety of popular blogging services.
The ability to work offline is particularly advantageous for bloggers who travel or have unreliable internet access. Content creation isn't hindered by connectivity issues.
Disadvantages and Concerns Regarding Windows Live Writer
Despite its benefits, WLW does have some drawbacks. One notable issue is its age; development has ceased, meaning it won't receive new features or security updates.
This lack of ongoing support raises concerns about its long-term compatibility with evolving blogging platforms and web standards. Potential future issues could arise.
A Significant Concern: Future Compatibility
The biggest concern surrounding WLW is its potential to become obsolete. As blogging platforms update their APIs, WLW may eventually lose its ability to connect and publish posts. This is a risk users should consider.
While it currently functions well, the absence of active development casts a shadow over its future. Continued functionality isn't guaranteed.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Windows Live Writer?
Windows Live Writer remains a viable option for bloggers who prioritize offline access, local backups, and a familiar word processing-style interface. It's a powerful tool for drafting and formatting content.
However, the lack of ongoing development and the potential for future compatibility issues are significant drawbacks. Users should be aware of these limitations before committing to WLW.
If you need a long-term blogging solution with guaranteed support and updates, exploring alternative platforms like WordPress desktop applications might be a more prudent choice.
Introducing Windows Live Writer: A Desktop Blogging Solution
Windows Live Writer is fundamentally a blogging application designed for composing and publishing posts directly from a desktop environment. Developed by Microsoft, it forms a component of the Windows Live Essentials suite. The user interface is characterized by its simplicity, organized around three primary tabs: Home, Insert, and Blog Account.
Exploring the Home Tab
The Home tab, as illustrated, provides essential functionalities. These include clipboard access, blog selection for posting, and control over post status – choosing between a draft save or immediate publication. Standard editing tools are also present, such as font styling, paragraph formatting, HTML heading options, hyperlink insertion, image and video embedding, and basic text manipulation.
The Insert Tab: Expanding Creative Options
While the Insert tab shares features with the Home tab – picture, hyperlink, and video insertion – it extends the possibilities further. Users can incorporate photo albums and maps sourced from the internet. Additional elements like horizontal lines, clear breaks, post splitting, tables, post tags, and emoticons are also available. Furthermore, this tab facilitates plug-in management and the addition of new plug-ins.
Managing Blog Accounts
The Blog Account tab provides access to settings related to the blog currently selected in the Home tab. A direct link to view the live site is included. Depending on the blog platform utilized, additional links may be present. For instance, WordPress integration offers links for comment management and access to the administrative Dashboard.
Blog Theme Integration
Two further buttons within the Blog Account tab allow users to preview the blog’s theme directly within the text editing area and to update the local preview if changes have been made to the theme itself. This ensures visual consistency between the writing environment and the published post.
Utilizing the Main Menu
The Main Menu offers quick access to recent drafts and published posts. From here, new posts or pages can be initiated, local drafts deleted, posts published, print functionality accessed, and additional options explored. A convenient save function, though Ctrl+S remains a preferred shortcut for many, is also available.
Drafting and Online Editing
A particularly useful feature accessible through the “Save” menu is the ability to publish a draft and then seamlessly edit it online with a single click. This provides flexibility and allows for refinement of the post within the live blogging environment.
Preview and Source Views
The bottom bar of Windows Live Writer incorporates three tabs: Edit, Preview, and Source. The Preview tab allows for a real-time view of the post rendered in the blog’s theme directly within the application. The Source tab provides access to the underlying HTML code for direct editing.
Status and Word Count
Displayed on the right side of the bottom bar is the current status of the post (e.g., draft), the date and time of the last save, and a running word count. This information aids in tracking progress and managing post length.
Customization Options
Extensive customization options are available through the “Options” menu within the Main Menu. These settings allow users to tailor Windows Live Writer to their specific preferences. A thorough exploration of these options is recommended, as valuable features may be discovered that enhance the blogging workflow.
Benefits: Where Windows Live Writer Shines
- Drafts and posts are automatically saved to your computer.
- Blogging is possible even offline, with publishing occurring when a connection is re-established.
- A unified interface is provided for managing multiple blog platforms.
- Numerous features cater specifically to the needs of bloggers.
- Keyboard shortcuts enhance efficiency.
As you compose a blog entry, it is consistently and automatically saved. However, establishing a routine of manual saving (using Ctrl+S) is still advisable as a precautionary measure.
Encountering a compelling idea for a post, with available time to write, only to lack an internet connection can be frustrating. Fortunately, Windows Live Writer allows full access to blogging tools, enabling post creation and saving for convenient publication when connectivity is restored. This functionality isn't available with web-based platforms due to the absence of an internet connection.
WLW demonstrates compatibility with a wide range of blogging platforms; compatibility issues are rare. Consequently, users with blogs hosted on diverse platforms, such as WordPress or Blogger, can benefit from a consistent blogging experience. It also eliminates the repetitive need to log in to each platform individually, though helpful applications exist to streamline this process.
The software provides excellent options for incorporating diverse content types, including maps, images, and tables. Furthermore, it allows for customization of header styles and offers unique features designed to support various “blogging styles.” Despite these strengths, certain limitations do exist, which will be discussed shortly.
Finally, keyboard shortcuts are supported within Windows Live Writer, a crucial feature for productivity. While not an expert user myself, the program includes some customized shortcuts for specific actions. Given that your hands are already positioned on the keyboard for writing, utilizing a shortcut command instead of the mouse is a logical choice. For specific shortcut information, a Google search is a valuable resource, as with many technological inquiries.
Areas for Improvement: Addressing Weaknesses in Windows Live Writer
- Absence of interface updates or significant alterations between the 2011 and 2012 versions.
- The notable omission of a "Find and Replace" functionality.
While the list of drawbacks may appear concise, these two points represent substantial limitations. The most striking issue is the apparent stagnation of Windows Live Writer, with no discernible evolution from its 2011 iteration to the 2012 release.
This lack of progress is particularly puzzling given the extensive updates occurring across other Microsoft products, such as the Office Preview, the redesigned Outlook.com, and Windows 8. It raises the question of why no efforts were directed towards modernizing the user interface (UI) within Windows Live Writer.
Furthermore, the continued absence of a “Find and Replace” feature is a significant oversight. This functionality, a standard component of Microsoft Office for many years, would seem a relatively straightforward addition to a dedicated blogging application.
This deficiency was observed during use, and it’s likely that other users have encountered similar limitations. The lack of this basic tool hinders efficient content editing and revision.
The Future of Windows Live Writer: A Growing Concern
The longevity of Windows Live Writer (WLW) is becoming a significant point of discussion, particularly when considering Microsoft’s evolving strategies. This concern builds upon existing disadvantages, but centers on the company’s overall direction for its software suite.
The transition of Windows Live Mail to Outlook.com signaled a potential shift in Microsoft’s plans for the 'Windows Live' brand. This raises the question: will other applications within this package also be discontinued, or will they undergo rebranding and interface modifications?
Potential Replacement by Microsoft Office
An updated interface for WLW would be welcome, but there are anxieties about its future. A review of Office Preview reveals functionalities that suggest its potential use as a blogging platform.
Indeed, Microsoft Office has historically offered blogging capabilities. Is Microsoft intending to position Office as a direct substitute for Windows Live Writer? It’s important to note that utilizing Office for this purpose would require a paid subscription.
Industry Concerns and Alternative Solutions
While hoping for a positive outcome, this apprehension isn’t isolated. Others within the tech community share this concern.
For example, MakeUseOf has also addressed the possibility of WLW’s discontinuation, with Chris Hoffman exploring alternative blogging tools in anticipation of potential development ceasing on the platform.
Evaluating Windows Live Writer: A Suitable Choice?
From my perspective, Windows Live Writer remains unparalleled as a desktop blogging application. While WordPress offers a strong alternative, its web-based nature places it in a different class altogether.
However, determining if WLW is the right fit is a personal decision. I find it exceptionally useful – in fact, this very article is being composed within it. But if you consistently find yourself reluctant to utilize the software, or simply don't derive pleasure from writing within the program, that's a clear indication it isn't ideal for your workflow.
Despite its imperfections, I maintain that WLW is the premier option available. It is my hope that Microsoft recognizes the quality of this product and its unique capabilities. We have previously observed instances where Microsoft initially overlooked services like Hotmail and SkyDrive, only to later invest heavily in their improvement.
Therefore, continued development and updates are crucial if Microsoft intends to preserve, or even widen, the advantage Windows Live Writer holds over its rivals. The lack of updates between recent versions is a concern in this regard.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you consider WLW to be the most straightforward method for blogging? Are you a current user, or are you willing to test it out despite the uncertainty surrounding its future?
