There are a number of very good reasons to use Terapad.

1. The Cost is 0,zip, nada.  You can upgrade @ $5/mo.

2. It is fast and easy. Using the basic default settings you can get started in 30 minutes. If you are particular like me and you want to view all the possible features, it could take an hour or so. It took me nearly 1hr to set up this site the way that it is. 

3. It has all of the important features that the more advanced programs have.  Most of the features are built in and don't need to be added via plug-ins/widgets.  One very good feature, it has side bar 'containers' that you can put anything you want in: mp3, video, pictures, buttons, banners, small 'about' blurbs, etc.  It really is unlimited.

4.  You can completely customize the site since you have access to the CSS code.

5.  You can have multiple editors/contributors.  You can also run a discussion forum on your site.

7.  You can even use your own domain address if you have one.  Plus the program makes it easy to transfer your files from LiveJournal or WordPress.

8.  There are files to store pictures, mp3, and video in to be accessed,

9.  Static pages are available.  You can choose to have just a blog, webpages, or both.

10.  Stats are built in, but I also added a 'SiteMeter' in one of the side containers.

11.  On the pages, you can construct your own store, events promo & sales, and even add Paypal.  You can also have a page dedicated to News and RSS feeds.  All part of the package.  

Here are a couple of not so good points:

1.  Terapad owns the domain you are publishing on so you are always somewhat limited in what you can do with the site. You can however purchase/use your own domain address and have a permanent address that you can build on and keep even if something happens to Terapad.

2.  If you use their domain, which is free, and you decide to move your blog to another host, you will lose your blog address, links, and much of your traffic. You can move your files to another address and republish, but you will need to maintain your old site in order to direct visitors to your new location and maintain the links to all your old posts.

3.  There are only 6 templates  now 60+ templates to choose from to start.  This is the greatest problem for those who are starting out.  Advanced and intermediate bloggers will be able to change the looks of the site and customize it.  However, beginners will be stuck with a using one of the generic templates that look like several thousand others. 60 is definitely an improvement over the 6 they use to have.

4.  Google ads are placed on your blog if you set up a free site.  They should be on topic but maybe not always.  For $5/ mo. you can be ad free and gain bandwidth.

5.  Since Terapad is relatively new, there are no manuals, or books written or published  about Terapad to help the beginners or even intermediate folks like me.  Also, alternate templates have not been developed yet.

6.  Because it is relatively new, Terapad has no real track record to access and evaluate.  Many hosts/platforms have come and gone so there is really no way to determine whether Terapad will have staying power.  However, with all the features that they offer, they should become quite popular.

Conclusions:  Terapad is an incredible blogging/website platform that is only going to get better.   There are a number of really good features that ministries should be able to use. Particularly ministry groups.  Read the article by Tim Schmoyer about all the potential uses of Terapad for youth groups.

The integration of blogging and web pages should be very helpful to churches and ministry organizations.  Especially for those with little or no $ available for maintaining a 'professional' type website.             *Top

*Back to the main The Blogging Ministry site.