Movable Type, with the perspective of a few months…
I’ve been meaning to post something about Movable Type for a while – especially since I realized that people actually read this blog (when I actually post to it regularly), and that my words occasionally have an impact beyond what I’d expect.
Back when everyone went bonkers over Six Apart’s licensing scheme for Movable Type 3.0 (myself included), it looked like people would be fleeing MT in droves. My worries at the time centered mainly on the fact that as a developer, especially one who tends to take on underfunded projects, I was at the mercy of Six Apart if they started aiming for the corporate market and priced people like me out of using their software. “Geez,” said I, “maybe I’d better just switch over to open source stuff, ‘cause then I’ll always be free.”
The lesson of the past five months has essentially been: um nope. Two main reasons for this…
First, I actually tried using WordPress for a freelance blog project, and realized that it was more than worth paying for the polished backend and database schema of MT if I’m designing for less computer-literate users.
Secondly, Six Apart sprang into action like no company I’ve ever seen. I’d mostly just like to echo Brad Choate’s thoughts on the matter:
Say what you will about the whole MT 3.0D licensing debacle, Six Apart is an awesome company.
They’ve really worked hard to resolve the public relations nightmare they found themselves in last month. And they’ve made changes which should appeal to most everyone. Sure, they made some mistakes. What company doesn’t?
What they continue to get right is that they listen and respond. And it perfectly demonstrates the power of the software they produce. Especially when it comes to corporate-to-user communications.
…
I tell you, this is lightning fast response. And unheard-of behavior for a corporation. Typically, a corporation sets pricing for their products and customers just have to deal. The level of outrage from Movable Type users is proof positive that Movable Type is a product that is dear to many. The swift and gracious response on the part of Six Apart shows their commitment to their users and to the MT community.
In the months since, I’ve interacted personally with people on the Six Apart sales team regarding multiple projects, and I’ve been quite impressed with how responsive and willing to work with customers they’ve been. In sum, please consider my “sky is falling” panic retracted, and my faith in Six Apart and their software fully restored.