My favorite blogging platform, Serendipity, has just reached another milestone with the release of version 1.2 today.
As usual, my update went without a hitch. If things constantly keep going right like this I might be tempted to skip my normal pre-update backup (not really - but I get the feeling I could).Presented as a feature consolidation release focusing on small usability enhancements, this new version features some outstanding and exciting enhancements - specifically in the design area with the new bulletproof template and smarty templating of the admin section.
I love how MyThermos is looking these days but even a quick glance at the new bulletproof template has proven to be quite a learning experience, so I wouldn't be surprised to see some things added in here over the next couple of days or weeks.
Even though it is slowly gaining in notoriety and receiving excellent reviews, Serendipity is still a relatively unkown platform. That is a shame really as in my evaluation, I found it to be the best of the bunch. The SPARTACUS system for plugin and template management is nearly foolproof, and while the options aren't as extensive as for something like wordpress, there really isn't anything that I have needed that it can't do.
It is probably not a bad idea to occasionally step out of your comfort zone for a minute and see how the landscape has changed since you made your decision. You may have made the right choice at the time - but would it be so again now? Not just for choosing software, but for any major decision. The reevaluation of the "standard" allows you to revisit your options, reframe your priorities, and make sure that you continue to use the best that is available to you.
The next time you get ready to set up a new blog for yourself, a friend, or a client - give Serendipity a look and see if it would better suit your needs - you may be surprised at the answer.
SB
