I’ve been involved in the launch of a new web project during the last couple of weeks. Since it relied on heavy use of the Movable Type online publishing system, I thought it would be worth trying out one of the desktop weblogging applications that are floating around these days.

I’ve used MT before, but never heavily enough to justify use of an app like this. I honestly didn’t know what to expect.

I plumped for MarsEdit because I already have NetNewsWire installed, and the generous license terms mean I can use MarsEdit for free.

After a week or so of fiddling around, I’m very pleased that I did. Mars works quickly and reliably with the MT installation. It really is very easy to use and makes drafting entries while offline much more convenient.

The built-in preview is very handy, and the ability to upload new images - and add them directly into posts - is fantastic. I haven’t even started to explore the scripting options.

I can think of a few more things I’d like to see in it, but that’s no criticism. I’ll happily wait for future releases to see what changes.

I’d encourage anyone else who has to make frequent posts to an MT blog (or indeed a Bloxsom, Word Press, Manila, Radio, or Conversant blog) to download and try it out.

Have you found a good weblog editor?