Posted: Saturday, September 2nd, 2006 at 9:20 pm. Filed in WordPress.com.
Tags: Question
What’s your favorite feature?
We’re working on a new set of pages to actually tell people what features we have here on WordPress.com. Right now there is almost no information before you sign up to give you a peek at what you’re going to get.
It’s a little tricky figuring out to prioritize the page though. What features are going to be most appealing to people who have never heard of WordPress before?
I realized that you guys might have a pretty good idea of that. 
So I pose a question: What’s your favorite feature of WordPress.com? What is the one thing that really hooked you after you started playing with it?
(If you want to list a few things, that’s fine. But try to think back to when you first started.)
This exercise will also be good because knowing what you guys like let’s us know where to focus development in the future.
September 2nd, 2006 at 9:30 pm
I used to have a blog with Blogger. There are too many new features with WordPress I like to just pick one. I just wrote a blog on this last week and coverted some people from the dark side.
1. My comments
2. Akismet spam catcher
3. Blog stats
4. Post passwords
5. Categories
6. Calendar
September 2nd, 2006 at 9:32 pm
The primary reason I moved over from Blogger was because of the categories, which I think are awesome.
But really, the comment spam catcher is a lifesaver (nearly 1000 spams stopped already), and I really love the blog stats.
September 2nd, 2006 at 9:36 pm
That would be “wrote a post.” Sorry, my brain is on vacation today.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:03 pm
I have to go with categories, too. I love organization, and WordPress is perfect with this. It manages the archives so smoothly, I don’t have to do it myself. Very convenient, I must say.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:11 pm
All the tools it offers, the way you post, the customization, the themes…everything!
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:13 pm
Akismet spam.
Pages definitely. Atractive templates.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:17 pm
categories
)
the compulsory stats
akismet (love the new announcement on dashboard)
posts to the future (sometimes they publish even further away than I had planned
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:19 pm
I had no prior experience with blogging before wordPress except Microsoft My Spaces, which I no longer consider blogging. What I consider the most fruitful feature, to be totaly honest, is Lorelle’s blog with all the wordpress tips and tutorials.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:35 pm
Akismet!!
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:37 pm
i had no blog experience when i signed up. but now i like that we can customize some headers, akismet spam, stats and some creative templates.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:40 pm
This may be general, but I really like how clean and clear WordPress.com is compared to others. It’s not clutered so that it’ll drive you insane.. y’know, you want to LIKE to come back to the dashboard. Also, the support is awesome.
But if I have to list one thing, it’s probably the Incoming Links/Stats so I know where readers come from and from there I meet new and interesting bloggers.
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:56 pm
I really like categories this allows blogging with different topics. Allows for a more diverse blog.
Pages too, are a good tool.
Themes here are pretty good aswell.
V
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:56 pm
Akismet
The clean, uncluttered templates
The choice of templates
The comprehensive dashboard
The summary of most viewed posts
September 2nd, 2006 at 10:56 pm
I like wordpress, because it’s easy!
I like:
- easy template option
- customize header
- stats
- widgets
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:02 pm
The simplicity of tracking comments, that is, the comments I’ve made within the wordpress.com community and the comments left by others on my own blog.
And checking out my stats and where people have come from. And the ability to store files too.
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:05 pm
Oh man, my favorite feature is definitely the TinyMCE integration. TinyMCE rocks.
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:10 pm
My favorite feauture from WP is it’s free… =), but you guys are not cheap!… that would be a great bonus.. =) cheers!
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:11 pm
I switched over from Blogger because of the Tags option. I’ve stayed because of the sense of community, which has been bolstered not only by your guys’ frequent updates, but also by such newer options as Tag Surfer and My Comments and Avatars–which is beginning to draw together fellow bloggers as a community in a great way. To me, that’s what really sets WordPress.com apart from other free blogging sites. (On top of all the other great and easy to use features, of course).
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:11 pm
Obviously, no one can pick just one. I’d say the widgets, first off, because they make a certain amount of customization so easy. Pages! I know only one other free site that offers them. Nice templates. Reliability! Hardly ever any downtime or wonkiness.
Glad you’re doing this because it really burned me to have to sign up without knowing anything about the site. Most worthwhile obstacle jump I’ve ever made.
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:34 pm
Categories is a big one!!
and here’s more why i’m in love with wordpress:
1. password protected posts + private posts
2. user-friendly – side bar widgets + custom headers
3. in-built blog stats so that we don’t need a 3rd party
4. imports from other blogs – should mention this!!
5. clean and user friendly interface
6. execellent support with forums + feedback + faq
7. Pages!!!
8. and i’m always excited to know of new ideas being implemented
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:38 pm
calendar,
customizable banner
themes
comment system
side bar
and ofcourse, being able to make pages!
blogger is ok,. but pages are so lame
wordpress filizes the pages, just like a site htm!
its so cool
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:44 pm
Categories. Trackbacks.
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:52 pm
- Clear layout everywhere
- Great Performance
- Dashboard / Easy administration
- Nice templates
- Security over Features
- Akismet
September 2nd, 2006 at 11:58 pm
Favorite? Having a questioned answered by a real person within hours of asking, sometimes moments, plus everything else. How’s that? Did she need help? Or was that really all that important? The staffers, gaffers, and others here make a person feel at home in their own non technical skin.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:03 am
I first used the server-installable version, before moving to wordpress.com. What I liked was that it was relatively simple to understand conceptually. I find the combination of Posts & Pages do everything I want in a CMS, except a photo gallery, and that’s better done by specialists like Flickr, PBase or Picasa.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:13 am
1 Blog Stats
2 Akismet Spam
3 Categories
4 Upload feature (It’s easy, and saves files so if you want to add the same picture to another post, you don’t have to browse all over your computer).
That’s definitely all my favourites.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:20 am
Akismet. wouldnt remotely consider leaving home without it.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:42 am
Categories, Security.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:44 am
1. Categories
2. How easy it was to import my posts from my old Blogger blog.
3. Password protected pages and posts
4. The STATS page. Love that!
I’d say the templates, but I’d like to see a lot more variety in templates, and the ability to choose fonts, pictures and colors to customize/personalize the templates. Some of the WordPress templates are very nicely laid out, but I wouldn’t use them because the color is wrong or the font and font size aren’t my visual things. Blogger had more freedom in terms of their templates, allowing you to upload your own, and I think that’s probably the one thing that keeps Blogger bloggers from switching over to the free blogs at WordPress. Something to think about more, WordPress (and yes, I know there is the option to buy custom CSS)
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:51 am
- Akismet
- Stats
- Calendar
- Sidebar widgets
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:53 am
Blog stats. Addictive!
Categories and tags. Useful.
Akismet and comment control. Lifesaving.
Changing the header. Fun!
Control of posting times and posting status is also good stuff, as are pages.
September 3rd, 2006 at 1:00 am
Askimet and categories are the two main things that brought me here!
September 3rd, 2006 at 1:10 am
1. I like having the news at my fingertips right at my dashboard
2. Askimet has saved me from close to 1000 spam comments – thank you!
3. I love looking at my stats and feeds!
4. The support you guys have is wonderful – forums and feedback.
5. Love to check out the fastest growing blogs and top blogs and posts from around WordPress!
6. Oh and I love having the tool bar at the top so I can navigate between my blogs!
In a nutshell – I love everything!
September 3rd, 2006 at 1:15 am
Not having to “republish” your blog when you change the template is my number one reason for leaving Blogger for WordPress. I couldn’t stand the waiting. Blogger also “ate” posts, so number two benefit is the draft auto-save.
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:09 am
I think the first thing that hooked me was Pages, then the different Themes, and after I finally figured out the sidebar widgets, I was here to stay.
I also find the response to feedback amazing — far better than many of the experiences one has as a paying customer anywhere else in life. The constant improvements in utility and ease of use and addition of new and interesting options is also exceptional.
Please keep up the great work!
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:13 am
Definately for me, the wide range of template themes, the blog stats and categorisation which is just amazing.
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:41 am
1. Themes. Perhaps later I will play with CSS but I like my theme as is. I can change things just enough to make it look different. This includes widgets and custom headers.
2. Categories. Creating my own specialized ones not only organizes my site but assists in helping people to find me.
3. Akismet. No longer have to scrape spam off my blog every day like I did somewhere else (not mentioning names). I can actually focus on content.
I could go on and on but these are my top three.
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:53 am
The GREATS:!
1. speed of wordpress server =)
2. anti-spam
3. password protect
4. catorgies
5. excellant tech support n improvements ==> i.e u listen to our complains and improve =)
6. user friendly
The BOOs:
1. no tagbox function
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:17 am
1. Categories
1. Password-protected posts
1. Spam catchers
1. Blog Stats!
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:26 am
Tag Surfer
Akismet
Admin Control and Dashboard
Easy To Use
Secure Platform
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:08 am
No doubt WordPress is a sweet service. Here’s what has kept them on top:
1. Categories – Keeps everything nice and organized like one of those damn HGTV shows.
2. Akismet – Allows bloggers to blog without having to deal with deleting countless porn ads.
3. Themes – A million times better than other blogging sites AND every now and then new ones show up.
4. Ability to customize. Widgets, CSS, and custom headers allow you to make your blog stand out from crowd or blend right in – whichever you choose.
5. Most importantly, I love always knowing that the WordPress team is working on new features. Hangin’ with WordPress is like being a hungry, fat kid in a candy store.
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:15 am
Auto save. When you’ve a temperamental computer it’s a massive help. And the spellchecker’s pretty decent too.
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:18 am
#1 reason is that it’s an awesome service for FREE! Also,I like categories, Flickr Widget, awesome themes, stats/feed counter thingy. I also love how easy it is to write a post (like if you can use yahoo e-mail, then you can blog on wordpress).
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:46 am
In no particular order:
- akismet
- tags (as opposed to categories or blogger having neither)
- trackbacks
- sidebar widgets
- localization
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:47 am
My favorite feature is just the fact that there aren’t any ads anywhere. It’s so clean and beautiful without cluttering my zen-ness.
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:56 am
-3 column styles
-Categories
-user friendly posting boxes
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:57 am
- Akismet
- Stats
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:53 am
I like the simplicity.
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:04 am
What’s not to like?
Trackbacks so I know if/when others are linking to my blog. Security/Akismet because it catches spam long before I’m even aware it’s around.
The big *seller* for me was that people (okay, my otherwise blog-free family) could comment without having to sign up for a blog they’d never use ie an email address entitles you to comment on a wordpress blog (and now you can have a wordpress account sans blog, so that’s another blog-free option for friends or family who aren’t sure they want a blog of their own). Also categories/tags so posts can be *filed* for searching by interested parties. Love the calendars … used the Regulus option for months until I realised the calendar was also an option on newer templates!!
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:19 am
The main reason I swapped was being able to have categories and static pages. That makes it much more like a CMS than just a blog. I run a whole “website” now instead of a couple of posts. People can move about my site and find info that they are after.
Since joining WP these are the things that I now couldn’t do without:
Akismet!
Blog stats – useful (and addictive)
Not having to republish your blog everytime you post
Being able to import your old posts from Blogger
Clean, clutter free look – no ads
Easy to use dashboard
But one thing I would like is a bit more variety in themes. Some of the themes you can download for running WP on your own server are really nice.
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:28 am
Mine would be the…
Categories
WordPress makes it PERFECT. (o_O)
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:33 am
Easy to use
Reliably, I have only found my site/WordPress down once in most of a year. Blogger went down a dozen times in three months.
And Some of the best customer service I have found out there.
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:37 am
The Categories was my deciding factor. And then the sub categories is just a huge bonus. I also like the blog stats.
I would love the cut and copy feature in the rich editor… if there was one. HINT HINT.
Akismet is awesome, too. As my blog is becoming more visited, I see the spam is growing. Its nice to be able to look in one place and see it all.
Barry. He’s a good gadget too. And a prompt little replier!
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:47 am
Categories (and the ability to use more than one with a post)
Akismet
Blog Stats
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:09 am
- categories
- sidebar widgets
- built-in search
- automatically notifying Google/Technorati on updates
- Akismet
- blog stats are too addictive
I would love the cut and copy feature in the rich editor… if there was one. HINT HINT.
Why not use Ctrl-X, Ctrl-C, Ctrl-V ?
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:12 am
Defnitely Akismet though the following rank close below:
- blog stats
- tags (i just love these!)
- widgets
- the dashboard
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:28 am
This might sound boring but the feature that made me come here is that it had a built in site search.
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:36 am
I definately like the DASHBOARD. It’s user friendly.
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:38 am
Stats.
I came here from Typepad, which only contains one day of history.
I’ll also happily pay to retain all of my stats, forever.
I was paying at Typepad and getting less.
I like the linkage of stats to the posts as well.
September 3rd, 2006 at 9:05 am
Blog stats
September 3rd, 2006 at 9:07 am
- Manage different blogs in the same place
- blog and feed stats
September 3rd, 2006 at 9:38 am
Catagories is the reason why I switched over.
Other cool stuff (most of which already mentioned by everyone else) made me stay.
September 3rd, 2006 at 9:44 am
Heck! All features are abs. gr8..Prioritizing would be difficult so lemme list’em out:
Stats & Links
Categories
Simple Layouts
Drafts
Multiple-blogs-under-one-dashboard
Comment-tracking
Feed-stats
Avatars of corz
September 3rd, 2006 at 9:59 am
Definitely categories. I came to WP from Movable Type and I love being able to select true multiple categories, not just a primary category and some secondary categories.
September 3rd, 2006 at 10:11 am
Stats are great
It helped me understanding my audiences.
If I can see also the (pages’) hit, that’s perfect !
Pages are a good to.. I use them alot !
Catergories will be even better if I can change the order.
I have no idea of what other blogging (.coms),
This is my very 1st blog…
One question….
HOW DO I BACKUP my blog ?
I know that sound stupid. But if there is a easy way of backing-up my blog that will be exceptionally GOOD!
Thanks for your attention.
September 3rd, 2006 at 10:35 am
It’s easy to use more than blogspot.And I think blog stat is the best.
September 3rd, 2006 at 11:48 am
Many many reasons, but definitely:
1. The community ‘feeling’
2. Widgets
3. Ability to create pages – brilliant!
4. Stats
5. Easy customisation
6. Categories
7. Spam catcher
8. Ease of use with the dashboard
9. Ad-free! I hate the way Blogger blogs have that bar across the top!
10. Ability to upload documents/files and make them available to download for others.
September 3rd, 2006 at 11:53 am
A good Akismet Spam,i’m too spam on my blog.
A better system of search tag and categories in dashboard,when i click on the categories or tag i want to have all the posts about that.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:20 pm
1.categories
2.customisation of side bar
The main reason i moved to WordPress from Blogger is the categories.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:24 pm
Well for me, it’s probably the templates. There are some I really like, but are waiting for an update for example the Fauna. I like the widgets too. The calendar is helpful I think because a reader could see when posts were made just by clicking on the dates. I like the recent comments too. Gives an idea of what people are talking about. The referral stats are interesting. I seem to get a lot of strange hits based on keywords like “boys”. It’s weird, but I think at some point I’ll answer the question through the referral. I get blips of questions that somehow was referred to my blog.
September 3rd, 2006 at 12:45 pm
for me the best part is that you guys make wordpress better from day to day … the development since I startet with wordpress is huge !!! rock on!
September 3rd, 2006 at 1:31 pm
Actually, I really liked the dashboard. It was intuitive and easy to find your way around.
September 3rd, 2006 at 1:33 pm
It’s easy and I like the youtube/google video support a lot
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:11 pm
i stick with the ctegories and clean design…
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Categories, track/pingbacks, set of themes, blog stats. My wish – if only they get all of the features of the WordPress software, it will be a great app to use!
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:17 pm
I love the overall ease of use, nothing is too complicated unless you want it to be and any dummy can use it. Also the options and overall dashboard is a very good thing.
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:17 pm
just the general arty jist. most blog are just trashy, and you kinda get sick of it. the categories are greeeat, the themes are classy, you get this fresh attitude that i love.
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:52 pm
0) import from other blogs
1) spam control
2) tag/categories system
3) static pages
4) password protects posts/pages
5) amazing themes
6) web statistics.
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:03 pm
stats, stats, stats, categories, themes, trackback, and great service/response by the WP staff
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:04 pm
The ability to add pages – where one can be creative.
Widgets are wonderful – more please.
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:05 pm
I love wordpress since i started blog on the first time, so all of the features include on it already fill up my blogging needs
Keep up good work team !
CAYOOO !!
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:09 pm
I had just one reason…
Well, my blog simply WORKED on wordpress when it was a mess on Blogspot…
Everything else on wordpress was simply amazing…
So many thank yous and still not enough said…:)
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:10 pm
1. Blog stats
2. Sidebar Widgets
3. Static pages
4. No adverts
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:12 pm
i’d have to say categories, and the fact that i can make sub-categories.
the trackbacks are also useful.
i also like the “pages” feature.
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Akismet. Not a single spam comment passed by;
Stats. I loved to look at them while on Modblog, thankfully still can do it here;
Categories/Tags. I’d like to exclude subcats from the main cat listing, ‘to.
Widgets. Make my life (and everyone’s, I think) easier.
September 3rd, 2006 at 3:47 pm
The easy posting of pictures & wysiwig text is a big one… into both pages & posts!
Also stats & themes I would also say.
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:00 pm
1. Post passwords
2. Categories
3. Spam catcher
4. Widgets
5. That Mobile WP Widget that allows me to post from my PDA
I have some suggestions, but I’ll save those for another time. Ciao!
September 3rd, 2006 at 4:18 pm
My fav things about WordPress would have to include how user friendly you all have made it as well as how attentive you are to the needs & the wants of the users. I also need to mention the all-inclusiveness of the dashboard, the widgets, and most definately the stats.
Thanks for making WordPress a great place to be!
~TC
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:04 pm
definetly headers, i’v eaven searched for services that allow more customization, but then custom headers appeard on my wish ;p
also tags and categories are usefull
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:16 pm
This was my first attempt at blogging so I have nothing to compare it to. That being said, I really value the spam catcher- it is an absolute lifesaver. I also love the sidebar widgets. I guess the very best part for me is that is is just easy to use.
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:28 pm
1. being able to move between my various blogs with ease (this is HUGE)
2. privacy
3. akismet
4. the dashboard links to other blogs and the blog stats
5. the ability to move back and forward to new blogs
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:29 pm
1.- AntiSpam
2.- Categories
3.- Widgets
4.- Template (maybe in 1 )
5.- Track/pingbacks
6.- Etc…
And the community…, forums, etc…, is the best
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:30 pm
I forgot..this is probably the best part of being here…the community and the feedback from you guys. You keep us up-to-date and give us new toys all of the time. That’s a big plus.
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:35 pm
Ajax features in dashboard. Now if we can just get Ajax enabled commenting, etc.
September 3rd, 2006 at 5:44 pm
* Neat summary of everything at the Dashboard
* Clear, uncluttered feeling of the templates
* Variety and choice of templates
* Fast loading time
* Pages
* Stats–Feed and Site
* Vibrant community and ultra-fast support
* My Comments
* Akismet
* Sidebar widgets
* Future-posting (AWSOME!)
September 3rd, 2006 at 6:17 pm
*akismet
*categories
*widgets
*pages
*no advertising
*excellent support
*spam report button
*speedy elimination of spam sites after using button noted above
*adult site report button
*customizable headers
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:26 pm
1. Calendar My comments
2. Categories Akismet spam catcher
3. Blog stats
4. Post passwords
5. Akismet spam catcher
6. My comments
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Well Matt I asked this Question a few days back in the forum .. hope you noticed it.. :-d http://wordpress.com/forums/topic.php?id=3741&replies=13
hmm that will be great if you can give us more themes to select from. displaying avatars on the post comments and posts
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:51 pm
Categories, akismet and no advertising definitely.
September 3rd, 2006 at 7:57 pm
Dashboard.
And now, customizable CSS. Mmm.