[Hidden-tech] Squarespace/Weebly vs. WordPress

[Shel Horowitz]

Hi, folks.

I have a client who is really set on using a web designer who works on
these proprietary platforms and doesn't do WordPress. I expressed concern
about these sites' lack of portability and got back this response:

None of the platforms I work on can be independently hosted; they must be
> hosted on their proprietary platforms. WordPress sites can be hosted
> independently, but I chose not to work on WordPress because I find it hard
> to design on and hard for those who want to maintain their sites
> themselves. Most of my clients are ok with adding minor updates like new
> text on these platforms, but usually come back to me for adding new pages.
> With that said though, I chose Squarespace and Weebly (and Square Online,
> which runs on Weebly) because I deemed these were the easiest website
> builders for non-tech people to use after testing a number of products.


To which I replied (relevant excerpt)...

> I know [Client] really wants to work with you, but I have deep concerns
> about building on a platform that the client can't control. If
> WordPress disappears, sites built in (but not hosted by) WordPress are
> fine, though they became more difficult to update.


I don't know if one can display the code from a Weebly or Squarespace site,
> copy it, and bring it to another host. If that is possible, if there's a
> way to strip out the parts of the code that are platform-specific and leave
> a functioning HTML page, I would be a lot more comfortable.
> Having seen Facebook first encourage and then sabotage FBML, and having
> seen properties like Plaxo and some of the early free webhosts go defunct
> and leave their users utterly stranded, I am not keen on building a site
> that can only be hosted by one specific host.

-- 
She is, of course, right about WordPress. When it first came out, it was
very easy to use, but now it often drives me nuts. I have one WP site
that's built in building blocks that I can't seem to locate, and have had
to go back to the designer (who is now unavailable) for very simple
changes. But I think nobody has to use those features unless they want to,
and it should be possible to design a site in less-fancy WordPress. And the
big thing for me is how nervous I am about not having more than one hosting
option.

What would you do in my shoes?
Shel Horowitz - "The Transformpreneur"
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