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Pretty (useless) Text with Texty
Today I will rant about a new online HTML editor named Texty. Yesterday I read a review about Texty on Techcrunch titled, "Dead Simple Content Creation and Editing". The TechCrunch review missed a few key points so here is my take on Texty.
What do we need Texty for?
Texty rides the WYSIWYG-wave (What You See Is What You Get) which started back in 1997/98 when WYSIWYG was what HTML editors were all about. I still remember the more well-known titles including Frontpage, Dreamweaver, and Hotmetal Pro (!!!). In short, a WYSIWYG HTML editor allows you to create HTML pages without the hassle of learning what the tags are for and this concept is still very prominent today.
Here is the idea behind Texty. Texty suggests that it provides you with a method to create formated text for a website (for free) so you will never have to learn HTML and never have to touch FTP ever (again).
To start off, let's give them credit – creating text is very easy. The system will also create an account on Texty for you (semi-automatic) where all your documents are saved and are easily retrieved. This part couldn't be any easier.
What's the catch?
If you don't run a blog/cms software, or don't use a hosted something-interface, how are you going to get this on your server? Even services like MySpace do not allow any JavaScript to be used, and neither does Facebook. So unless you run your own show and have all the access, you probably won't be able to use Texty.
Then again, if you have your own blog software, using Texty becomes pointless.
My second question for Texty is – what made you think that entering JavaScript code somewhere else is easier than a couple HTML tags?
Last but not least, a question raised in multiple places – what happens when Texty is gone tomorrow? Or maybe not gone, but down for updates and so on. All your pages will cease to exist, be it temporarily or forever.
Too many questions – no answers. Apparently the folks at Texty did not have time (yet) to finish their "contact us" page – but still had plenty of time to get down with Techcrunch for a review.
More facts about Texty:
- Almost any blogging software provides you with the same features (for free)
- Texty uses the open source editor Tiny MCE (also part of Wordpress, for example) – anyone can do it
This article was provided by Till Klampäckel who has been online for over ten years. He contributes to open source software, is addicted to geo-tagging and enjoys blogging and coffee (always and at any time of the day).
When will web developers realize that by making content creation easier for folks, that we are actually making it harder for ourselves? It’s hard enough to fight against “my nephew has a computer and can make my website” mentality, without making it easier for people. There’s a reason not everyone can be web developer.
Troy,
content creation is more than bold text. You cannot really compare formatted text and web development either. That’s just like saying, pears are better than coffee. They are two totally different things, though we all know that coffee is better. :)
You could try to compare Template Monster and webdesign. Of course everyone can buy a layout for little money and have a decent, not-so-unique website. Or you can hire a professional so you integrate online into your general CI/CD and so on.
In any way – don’t fear your nephew! And if there is one thing I do believe in it is, that competition makes me better.
Thanks for your comment,
Till
I have to agree with you 100% on this. I’m puzzled by who this product is supposed to help.
The truly web clueless won’t use it. They aren’t going to set up web sites or will hire others to create content. I’ve met knitting store owners who don’t want a web site because they are afraid the web will somehow invade their pc and delete their accounts! (Not making this up.)
The moderately savvy manage to master blogger, typepad or wordpress — sometimes with help from friends.
And mind you, as a middle age knitter, I know loads of people who aren’t exactly IT types!
I’ll send you a note later today.
Hi Till,
JS-Kit was mentioned in the Texty article in TechCrunch as
having quite useful tools for sites and bloggers (Ratings for
posts, Top Rated which aggregats Ratings data, Polls, etc.)
I realize that I may be risking here, but, I invite you to
look at our “kit” and am open to listening to your thoughts.
We have over 6,000 sites using the code and are hopeful that
we can (at least!) raise your eyebrows.
Feel free to contact me directly if you wish.
Best,
Khris Loux
CEO JS-Kit
khris at js-kit.com
We at Texty love all your feedback! Texty is the first step in a new method of dynamic and simple CMS solutions. Although this seems like a small offering initially – it handles many needs of the small web publisher, the personal site owner and the web developer business. Regardless there is more to come – please stay tuned!
We are actively working with Google on a new method of indexing to assure that Texty content is well indexed – and I can assure you that the company is built to survive – and that there should not be any issue of the company disappearing and content no longer loading!
Have you looked at the content they send you in that tag? Prototype, Scriptaculous, rss and comment feeds, urchin scripts.