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13.4. Micro CMSs

You may want only one of the features of the bigger CMS packages on your own site. Thankfully you also have available Micro CMS packages. These "mini" CMS packages have one specific purpose, such as a blog or a wiki. They are the perfect solution if you need only one function on your site. The sections that follow take a brief look at these packages.

The two most popular Micro CMS packages are blogs and wikis. It is for this reason that more attention is focused on these areas.

13.4.1. The Magic of Blogs

Studies are showing the increasing popularity of blogs and those who read them. A study by PEW Internet & American Life Project shows that in 2002, only 3% of Internet users owned a blog. In 2003, that number increased to 5%, and in 2004, that number was up to 7%. Multiply this by the estimated 120 million Internet users in America alone, and that equates to some pretty hefty blogging going on.

Not only are people writing blogs, but more and more people are taking the time to read them. An April 2005 survey by Hostway, Inc. shows that roughly 30% of survey respondents had read blogs, and analysts predict that number will grow greatly in the next few years.

13.4.1.1. Why Blog?

There are many reasons for blogging, and they run the gamut from personal to political to corporate agendas. This free, immediate, interactive communication mechanism makes the perfect forum to share opinions and thoughts. Blogs can be about anything, and their informal nature appeals to ...