The end of the first decade of the 20^th century was a time of real breakthrough online. Perhaps more than any other respect, the way in which this breakthrough was most obvious was the increase of user-generated content. As the decade ticked on, more and more people were moving from becoming internet users to putting their own sites up. In many cases, this was achieved by the huge increase in choice and availability of blogging platforms – of which WordPress was one of the firsts. It could be said that Joomla has taken the WordPress model one step further.

While the people running both companies, and the users who align themselves specifically to one or the other, will argue that their site has its own specific identity and is very much a stand-alone entity, there can be no doubt that

WordPress and Joomla have many similarities. Both can do a lot of the same things. If you want to create a blog, you can do it with WordPress or with Joomla. If you want to make your site more general, then both platforms make it possible. However, there are many Joomla users who will not use WordPress, and as many vice versa – so what is the dividing line?

Many of Joomla’s supporters will indicate that it is “more than just a blogging platform”, either stating or implying that that is all WordPress is. And although this is not exactly true, there is enough of a grain of truth in it to make it an issue for some. WordPress gained most of its early adopters by being a very user-friendly site for bloggers, and has since diversified. On the other hand, Joomla was created after the development of WordPress and has to its advantage the fact that it was developed to be more right from the start.

There is some truth to the suggestion that the sites are similar enough to be used almost interchangeably while being different enough to have their own specific identities and attract people who will use one, and only one of the two for all of their site-creation needs.

For what it is worth, the two sites do specialize enough to give them their own defined position:

• If you wish to create a blog, or a specific “user generated” site, then WordPress is better, and is conceived with your needs in mind.
• If you wish to create something more individual, then it is better to use Joomla.

It would also be entirely fair to point out that if you have been using WordPress all this time and have found it to meet all your needs perfectly well, then a switch to Joomla will be more hassle than it really is worth. And, of course, vice versa.

One thing that might help you make up your mind is by looking through sites created using each application and deciding based on the ones which you find most applicable to your needs. Both are certainly good, user-friendly sites and won’t let you down.