What does WordpressDirect do that other SEO Wordpress Templates don't do?

[sparkymarky]

I can understand that using WordpressDirect.com is great for people who have never installed a blog before, or people who are new to Blogging, but what about those of us who can already install wordpress?

The WordpressDirect installs wordpress, and some plugins, and sets up some categories, but is that all it does?

Does it do anything special? I have heard that GuruBob has instructed WordPressDirect exactly how it should set the blog up, but what difference is there from a standard install myself with some suitable plugins?

I would like to know as I am unsure what other benefits it brings, as 30DCers are not meant to be using the main feature, which seems to be the automated posting.

[bobster234]

If it is just for the 30DC and you are already knowledgeable in this area I don't see you gain much.

I have started to play with setting up multiple blogs using the automatic posting. The content is not always great and it is for a different purpose than the 30DC work. It works great.

I do like the install process it is so much simpler than doing it yourself for multiple blogs.

However for my money blogs I will be leaving WPD behind to have more control over the code, content,etc.

[Kursal]

Of course you could always install with WPD and then update as and when you want. That way you get a quick install and you can start your campaign and then go back and tidy up any bits that you're not happy with.

Personally, I like WPD and what it can do. It means I can test several things at the same time without having to expend as much time as I would setting up a proper website.

[BT2007]

I think the automatic posting is what sets it apart from normal wordpress....

[webvivre]

How value is there in the "automated posting"?

Isn't it duplicate content?

[Mykl]

I can set up a Wordpress blog with the exact same plug-ins...

... but how long does it take me? I have to set up my database and remember my login credentials, because Wordpress will want them. Let's just say I've already downloaded all the components I want - but that changes, so this time around I might have that to do. And once it's up I want to give it a little spin because I don't trust myself.

So on a good day (and maybe I'm slow, or maybe I'm realistic - (there are some developers that can do ANYTHING in "about 20 minutes" - I scoff at their inaccuracy)), it would take me about 1 hour 37 minutes to complete. (So which is worse, gross exaggeration, or false precision - you decide )

No matter how fast you are, I doubt you can have it up and running as fast as WPD does.

Dude, I know a little PHP. I know a ton of C#. If I wanted to I could write my own blogging software. But why? In the software development community this is commonly referred to as the "build vs. buy decision." And for entrepreneurs they have this "build it myself" problem.

You've got to ditch that mindset if you want to succeed in business. You need to surround yourself with people who are smarter than you and who can do it better than you. And then trust them that they can do it. Then they start calling you a leader

So can you do everything WPD can do? Yes, but how much is it costing you in time? And remember Time = Money is not true.

Time > Money


<stepping off the soapbox>

[Kursal]

Dude, I know a little PHP. I know a ton of C#. If I wanted to I could write my own blogging software. But why?

Totally agree. I had to build my own CMS a few years ago because a client wanted everything bespoke. It was a REAL waste of time (I said as much at the time) because there are FREE tools out there that have already solved the problems for you. WPD is like that. It's already solved a lot of the problems for you.

[ivatel]

I do agree with the original poster to be honest. There are an intermediate bunch of us who are capable and don't need to pay for this.

I don't need to pay what is it $37 a month $444 a year when I can do all this myself. I'm quite happy to spend a bit of time setting up a new install it really doesn't take long, good to go in maybe an hour with the plugins done and activated.

I get TOTAL control of it. I see no benefit in the automated posting I wouldn't trust it on my quality site!

I am a control freak though where my own sites (assets) are involved.

Far from being complicated wordpress is just fine and I am no expert.

I took the plunge doing my own installs sometime ago now and it isn't difficult at all. Wordpress have extensive help files.

thanks
Lynne

[Arthur Sherin]

I know what WPD does more then any other it gives you more HTTP 500. I have never said anything bad about any of the tools that we have been given to use but when you have a site that is down more then its up then all this is a waste of time. Its not only bad for your blog but all your sites that you added your rss feed to are messed up. I know that wpd is new and they had a lot of server problems but all the over loads should have been expected.
I am quiting the 30 dc as of today and taking my blog down.
Believe me I have learned a lot in the past 19 days.

[arkrose]

I think it's the matter of perspective. Are you ready to control everything? Yeah, you can control your own blog through any ordinary WB service. I do it on one blog...and it's not fun! WBD makes it LOT more easy if you have lot of blogs. Fine, if you have one, the control is much more simple and don't take lot of effort. Think about it...every installation over and over again with more than one blog is Hell on Earth. Try out...you figure it out.

Well, I have four blogs and sooo happy about the service what WBD is giving. Still, it's in beta (far as I know) and I'm already thrilled from the service they provide.

This is my opinion and you can disagree if you like, but I'm really happy with this.