Well, I wrote my own blogging engine (back in 2000 and I'm still using it) and I've gotten my past two jobs because of it (or rather, what I've written for it).

Well, I wrote my own blogging engine (back in 2000 and I'm still using it) and I've gotten my past two jobs because of it (or rather, what I've written for it). So I would say I've gotten my money's worth out of the code. I've also avoided every exploit dujour that seems endemic with popular blogging engines (mainly due to half-thought out features that interact badly). The other aspect about writing your own blogging engine (if you can) is that you control every feature that goes in and are not dependent upon a third party to implement (or not). Besides, it's a learning experience. I'm not saying that everyone should write their own blog engine, but to say that no one should because it's a waste of time is just as bad in the other direction.