I use WordPress to run this blog. It’s probably the most popular blogging software on the web, and for good reason. There are plugins out there for just about everything.
However, when it comes time to upgrade to a new version, I’ve always found their instructions a little lacking. I want very explicit instructions, and theirs aren’t. When it came time to do the upgrade to 2.6.1, I started looking for a better solution.
As it turns out, you can use Subversion to upgrade WordPress easily. I already use Subversion to keep track of all my personal files. Once you get it set up, all it takes to upgrade is running one Subversion command and running the upgrade script through your web browser as usual.
If you already have WordPress set up in the traditional fashion it’s a little work to get it set up “the Subversion way,” but not too bad, especially if you haven’t customized anything. It’s more than worth the trouble when it comes time to upgrade.
Of course, if you don’t want to bother with upgrades at all, you could just get an account on WordPress.com. That’s what I did for the Belmont High School Class of 1999 blog.