Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of services we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Blog Services.

Ratings

Blog Design Tools

The best blog sites offer a variety of templates and tools to customize blog entries, including the capability to add images and sidebar links. Services should offer tools for experienced coders as well as non–coders, such as the ability to compose posts by HTML, XTML or CSS or through a simple–to–use text editor.

Promotion/ Tracking Tools

Some sites host their own blog site with a directory, other blogging sites help you build a blog and submit your blog to several directories. Many also offer tools to help you track your visitors and comments.

Ease of Use

Since many blogs are composed and posted by those that do not code, it is necessary that the service be easy enough for even the most inexperienced user to post a blog.

Technical Help/Support

As most blogging sites are free, technical support is primarily limited to online documentation such as FAQs and a searchable knowledgebase. However, the best sites also offer tutorials and a blog that covers help topics.

Blog Design Tools

Template(s)

Templates are pre–coded configurations of blog pages. These can be used by inexperienced users to start their blog; many services offer a variety of colors and formats.

Open Source Templates

These templates have the HTML code available for manipulation by experienced coders so they can build unique blog pages by making simple or complex alterations.

Plug-ins/ Widgets

These are extras that can be added to a blog page such as calendars, counters, flickr or meebo links and more. Widgets are usually free and often open source.

Text Options

Text Editor

The text box where posts are entered; they are easy to use and similar to the interface used to send an email.

HTML Editor

Most blog sites let you choose between a text or HTML editor, the HTML editor enables you to submit posts in HTML code. Some limit which code commands can be used.

Spell Check

It is helpful if the text editor includes a handy spell checker to help you create a quality blog and save time.

Preview

Many blog sites include a quick preview so you can see what your post will look like before it is posted.

Insert Options

Insert options include the ability to insert links, images, symbols or extras, like emoticons (smileys) or mood icons into your posts.

File Types Accepted

Most services support uploads of images as well as video and audio files. Some also support text or data file uploads.

Remote Posting Options

Post from IM

Entries can be posted from an IM service like Windows Live, Yahoo Messenger or Google Talk.

Post from Cellphone/ Phone

Phones that support email can send posts to the service.

Post from Outside the Service

Service supports posts from other applications.

Sidebar/Navigation Options

Blogroll/Links

Favorite links can be posted, usually in a sidebar.

Search Box

A search box is available on the blog page so visitors can search by topic or for a specific post.

Archive

Posts are arranged into months and archived; the archived posts are usually available through a sidebar.

Profile/Bio

Blog has an area for an author profile or biography. Often a link is provided to this page on a sidebar.

Search Comments

Author can search comments for a certain topic or for a specific comment.

Publishing/Tracking

Google

Blogs are submitted to the Google blog directory.

Technorati

Service submits blogs to the Technorati blog service.

Other

Some blog services host their own directory or submit to other blog services such as blo.gs, FeedBurner or weblogs.com.

RSS Feeds

RSS (or Really Simple Syndication) Feeds are supported, which means you can subscribe to a blog or your blog is available for subscription.

Atom Feeds

Atom, Atom Syndication Format, used in the same manner as an RSS feed (XML based as feeds and HTTP based as an updating protocol).

Feedback/Traffic

Traffic/Referrer Stats

Site will track views, comments and more so authors can keep abreast of their sites traffic.

Feed Stats

Keeps track of how many have requested an RSS or Atom feed to keep updated on your blog’s new posts.

Comments

Service allows visitors to comment on your posts. Some advanced services also offer spam protection, so spam cannot be submitted to you through a blog comment.

Views

Blog service keeps track of how many visitors have viewed your site within a specific amount of time.

Permalink

Readers can access a permalink, this link gives them a permanent link to a specific page or post.

Trackbacks

This is Six Apart origination that allows blog comments to refer to other blog entries with a "Trackback URL" included as reference.

Privacy Settings

Public

Blog can be made available to everyone.

Private

Blog can be restricted to only personal, password protected use.

Protected

Author can create a list of users who can access their blog, some support unique passwords as well.

Word/IP Banning

Specific words or IP addresses can be banned from adding comments to a blog.

Other Features

Photo Album/Gallery

Blog includes a photo album for saving images or a gallery that is available for view through a sidebar.

Pays for Google Ads/Affiliates

Site supports Google ads and payment to blog authors for clicks.

Supports Affiliations with Amazon

Service supports Amazon affiliations, so favorite books or music can potentially generate income for the blogger.

Spam Blockers

Blog service protects bloggers from spam abuse, including blog spam (such as empty or useless comments) and/or marketing spam.

Polls

Service lets users build polls and post them on their site.

Technical Help/Support

Weblog

Service posts a blog that covers many help topics.

Help Tickets/Email Form

Although rare, some sites allow users to apply for a help ticket or submit technical questions through email.

Searchable Knowledgebase

Blog site posts a searchable knowledgebase that covers a variety of help topics.

FAQs

Most blog sites have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section that answers commonly asked questions.

Tutorials

Similar to How-To's, tutorials guide bloggers step-by-step on how to use a specific feature or fix common errors.

User Forums

Some bloggers host a user contributed forum that covers help topics as well as tips and tricks.

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