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I am unsure why anyone would use this, since web space is cheap (there are less 20$ a year domain and hosting plans) and its pretty trivial to get a Flatfile bl

I am unsure why anyone would use this, since web space is cheap (there are less 20$ a year domain and hosting plans) and its pretty trivial to get a Flatfile blog running on PHP. I personally prefer Yellow from datenstrom to run my blog. And it doesn't need a third party site to pull my blog either.

iliaznk 11y ago
I guess just putting files into dropbox is still easier for some people than messing with servers and hosts.
manduino 11y ago
Agree, a flat file CMS bring back simplicity AND control. I personally use Grav (http://getgrav.org http://getgrav.org). Being PHP based means zero configuration issues as it can run on any shared hosting. For simple sites, blogs etc it's perfect. After years of using db-driven CMSes, I got a sense of relief in being "just files".
dmerfield 11y ago
There are a few features which I couldn't find in existing static platforms, including live drafts and instant publishing. Check out the video on the homepage for a demo. Blot is also flexible about the type of files it can publish - I'm unaware of a static platform which turns an image file directly into a blog post, without some sort of form or metadata requirement in between. Also – since Blot runs off a Dropbox folder, you can blog directly from one of the many writing apps on phones and tablets which support Dropbox, or make use of neat integrations like this: http://mrfris.by/16/twitter-instagram-integrations-for-blot http://mrfris.by/16/twitter-instagram-integrations-for-blot But you're right – a lot of people pay for the convenience. Perhaps it goes without saying but there are benefits as well costs to a hosted service!
Killswitch 11y ago
Of course, technically advantaged people find it easy to get started on with their own WordPress or PHP platform, but the beauty behind blot is that it's a no brainer for anyone who knows how to use Dropbox (which is more than know how to setup a hosting account)
Orbixx 11y ago
Saw one of your comments from about a year ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8257148 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8257148 Just want you to know that a project called Rainloop might be your answer.
- drvortex 11y ago
  Thanks, I have found it since then and use it on my server for all my email.

iliaznk 11y ago

I guess just putting files into dropbox is still easier for some people than messing with servers and hosts.

manduino 11y ago

Agree, a flat file CMS bring back simplicity AND control. I personally use Grav (http://getgrav.org http://getgrav.org). Being PHP based means zero configuration issues as it can run on any shared hosting. For simple sites, blogs etc it's perfect. After years of using db-driven CMSes, I got a sense of relief in being "just files".

dmerfield 11y ago

There are a few features which I couldn't find in existing static platforms, including live drafts and instant publishing. Check out the video on the homepage for a demo. Blot is also flexible about the type of files it can publish - I'm unaware of a static platform which turns an image file directly into a blog post, without some sort of form or metadata requirement in between. Also – since Blot runs off a Dropbox folder, you can blog directly from one of the many writing apps on phones and tablets which support Dropbox, or make use of neat integrations like this: http://mrfris.by/16/twitter-instagram-integrations-for-blot http://mrfris.by/16/twitter-instagram-integrations-for-blot But you're right – a lot of people pay for the convenience. Perhaps it goes without saying but there are benefits as well costs to a hosted service!

Killswitch 11y ago

Of course, technically advantaged people find it easy to get started on with their own WordPress or PHP platform, but the beauty behind blot is that it's a no brainer for anyone who knows how to use Dropbox (which is more than know how to setup a hosting account)

Orbixx 11y ago

Saw one of your comments from about a year ago: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8257148 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8257148 Just want you to know that a project called Rainloop might be your answer.

drvortex 11y ago
Thanks, I have found it since then and use it on my server for all my email.