Thanks so much for your reply. You’ve given selflessly and I appreciate your candor.

I think that is why so many us (strangers in many cases) trust you.

What’s clear now is that their intent to “step up their game” is solid. This encompasses both customer service and features (like templates, ecommerce and more). Will they execute? I don’t think they have a choice and no, I don’t think the promises are hollow.

You make it clear, Scott, that you don’t want to twiddle bits (i.e., php, mysql, CSS, et al) and thus a hosted solution is absolutely what you want. In that case, Typepad or WordPress.com (WP’s hosted version) would be my two, clear choices, especially with the embeds that are easier to do with Typepad (IMHO).

Typepad costs money and WP.com is free and — if I’m betting my business on someone — I usually choose the one to whom I’m giving money (more leverage usually). There is also slightly more control with Typepad but in many ways these two are neck-in-neck so the promise of what might come with Typepad is worth noting.

Good luck…

I hear what you say about Six Apart’s openness and culture. Could you explain elaborate a bit on why to avoid the platform though?

I’ve read your “Why I’m a WordPress Fanboy” post and this comment easily could have gone there. This post reminded me of my questions, and since I’m setting up several blogs/sites right now, it’s timely too.

I’m well aware of all the gorgeous WP themes. TypePad isn’t even close. They should be embarrassed. But I just want something that works.

I don’t want to mess with GoDaddy .htaccess issues. I don’t want to mess with security holes exploited at Christmas on so many WP sites. I can’t call IT consultants and try to weed out spammy scripts.

I too am more of a suit and I don’t want to mess with php, mysql, and CSS.

I logged into my WP site yesterday and I see the upgrade message. I shouldn’t have to mess with this. I don’t know how–I’m a suit! I can’t reinstall it without wiping out my databases at GD can I? Ideally the hosting company would make this transparent but I see Yahoo hasn’t upgraded their MovableType install a couple of years.

I just want something that works without all the IT headaches. I want upgrades to happen behind the scenes. I want a simple e-commerce option (E-Junkie & PayPal widgets). I want to drop some html code into a widget and have it display. I want to embed a YouTube or Flash file in a post (I can’t do that at WordPress.com). And while I’d like a nice horizontal nav bar, I’ll skip it for simple TypePad list navigation.

Am I making a mistake by going with TypePad on these new projects? Do you think Chris Alden’s promise of innovation this year is hollow? I don’t want to regret my decision but I’d rather focus on content than code.

Any of your insight is most appreciated.