I don't think one should say which is better for another person. I dislike the free version of Wordpress as well. I don't find it user friendly. Blogger also allows you to use a custom domain, fyi.
The free versions of WP on wordpress.com will let you use a custom domain as well, but you are still locked down pretty much to the same degree that blogger does in terms of control.
Thanks for all the replies - for Wordpress users, is it worth the investment to buy a theme?
I don't know why but I'm really struggling with the free version. Like others have said, it's just not user friendly. I found a great free theme too called "
Press Customizr". Can I find it searching themes on Wordpress, or a way to upload the template? Nope!
So, when you build a site through wordpress.com (regardless of whether it's a free version or you add additional features and services) still does not give you full control over an isntallation of Wordpress. The best way to go about this (imho) is to do the following:
1. Buy a domain name ($20/year - cheaper if you buy multiple years worth in the long run)
2. Find a hosting provider that gives you SSH access (so you can open a command shell and actually get in and look at/edit/modify the Wordpress installation)
3. Either go through the hosting providers one-click install, or manually install Wordpress yourself.
3a. If you are proficient enough with *nix level commands on untar-ing the system, and editing the WP files, you can take any theme and customize it toward your own ends, or even just build your own from scratch - it's really not that hard
if you are comfortable with that sort of thing.
3b. If you are not proficient at this level,
now is when you would hire a designer to build out the rest of your website for you. Good designers will even include some tutorial time with you once things are up and running, so once the design is finished and minimal
site maintenance is needed, you can add blog posts, articles, etc. through the WYSIWYG editor easily enough. Most designers will include in an annual maintenance fee around $50-$100 depending on who you get to do things like plugin updates, theme maintenance, and security updates.
Using the free version of WordPress.com does not allow you to use themes outside of their selection.
I would be very cautious about using free themes that are not vetted by WordPress; they often have malware, backdoors, or adware in them.
I'd also be careful about spending money before making money; consider buying your domain and using the free versions of Wordpress or Blogger to start.
It depends on where you get your themes from, but for the most part this is true. Sites like ThemeForest, WooThemes and a few others are pretty well vetted. Usually the rule of thumb is that if a theme developer has their own site for a free and paid for version (like Thesis for instance) you're pretty safe too. But if you find a free theme outside of wordpress.org and there's no support or history of support/maintenance, then buyer beware. It's just like anything else and you need to do your own due diligence.
I changed over to Weebly a few months ago & have found it pretty easy to use. I don't have a lot of time to invest in it, so something straightforward & simple was a necessity. The paid plans are reasonable as well. Good luck whatever you decide to go with.
Sites like weebly, etsy, and others are fine as well. The only downside I have there (for the free functionality anyway, is the same thing with Blogger and Wordpress.com - you've got the rest of that ugly URL in there:
Code:
yoursitename.weebly.com or yoursitename.blogspot.com or yoursitename.wordpress.com
Unprofessional and kinda lame but that's just me and my humble opinion after some 15 odd years of involvement in web services, so take it with a grain of salt - I'm jaded! LOL
That's my 2¢
