Google's Blogger finally gets an update (but it's still in beta)

Jordan Golson — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:58:43 -0700

Google's much-ignored blogging platform, Blogger, has gotten a number of updates. This comes after years of user complaints about missing features (see commentary by The Standard's own Ian Lamont).

The updates have been rolled out in the "Blogger in Draft" service, the beta version of Blogger, with features that will theoretically end up in the standard Blogger release.

Some of the new options are obscure -- such as the integration with Google Gadgets -- but the "by popular demand" additions will be moderately more exciting to Blogger's userbase. Also added -- authentication for Google Account logins and OpenID in comments, a new post editor, and star ratings for individual entries so readers can flag the best (or worst) posts on your blog.

I don't think any of these features are going to drive old users back to Blogger, but it could make current users a little happier (I used to be one of the Blogger faithful until I migrated to Movable Type).

Since Google's revenue depends heavily upon advertising, it seems Blogger just isn't that high up on their product priority list for feature improvements. Blogging solutions like Movable Type and WordPress long ago pulled ahead of Blogger in functionality. It will take a more determined effort than a few beta additions to bring Blogger back into the game, but there's a slim possibility that this feature rollout could be an indication that Google will be looking to improve other aspects of the service as well.

More news, commentary, and predictions from The Industry Standard:

Analysis: The real problem with Google's Blogger service: Neglect
Prediction: Google makes bid for Digg
Special Feature: Where are they now? The Industry Standard tracks down 10 dot-coms from the Web bubble of the late 1990s

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Google's Blogger finally gets an update (but it's still in beta)