Textpattern XML-RPC with w.bloggar
It didn’t make it to the Best Textpattern Plugins & Hacks list but I’ve been meaning to try out Chris McLeod’s XML-RPC for Textpattern. While MarsEdit seems to be the app of choice on OS X, my first order of business was to find something that I could use on Windows.
I took Chris’ 2 suggestions and tried out ecto and w.bloggar. I downloaded and installed ecto first. Aside from the fact that I didn’t realize that it isn’t freeware until after I installed it, I didn’t really like it anyway. The continuous and unexplained popups telling me that I had XML errors led to a quick uninstall.
I then installed w.bloggar and I’m using it to write this post. The setup and install was very easy and the interface is pretty intuitive. The only thing I wish I could do is integrate live textile previews into the application. So if you done it, pass it on please… Needless to say, its much nicer to write in a windows application than a small textarea. Built in spell checking is also a bonus although the dictionary doesn’t appear to be extremely robust. And file upload capabilities allow you to FTP files, such as images, to your web server for use in your posts.
This type of interface to Textpattern is not only more convenient for me, but is also a great way to allow clients access to update their site’s content. Familiar sights such as toolbar buttons reminiscient of Word will probably be easier for people to understand and use than the Textpattern admin interface. It will also put me at ease knowing there’s no chance of making unwanted changes to styles, forms, pages, etc.
All in all I can’t say that I miss that little old textarea, but I know that I can always go back to my Textpattern admin interface if need be for more complex posts.
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