To make a simple analogy: If blogs are journals, tumblelogs are scrapbooks.
That’s the first line in ‘s FAQ section, but I like Wikipedia’s definition better:
A tumblelog is a variation of a blog, that favors short-form, mixed-media posts over the longer editorial posts frequently associated with blogging. Common post formats found on tumblelogs include links, photos, quotes, dialogues, and video. Unlike blogs, this format is frequently used to share the author’s creations, discoveries, or experiences without providing a commentary.
Your tumblelog isn’t meant to replace your blog, but instead complement it. You can setup feeds from any RSS feed, and they just added a new feature that allows you to easily add all of your social networking identities:
Your tumblelog rolls and accumulates content from all of your other personal and social media sites, puts it in a stunning layout which is fully customizable, and you don’t have to do anything. Tumblr also has some mobile functionality including a simpler interface, and an email address that you can post to.
If you don’t add any feeds, Tumblr acts just like a WordPress or a Movable Type.
I do wish Tumblr also released a stand-alone API of their dashboard, so that I could install it on my webserver. WordPress still has a leg up on Tumblr in this sense.
Nonetheless, this is one of the coolest blogging platforms around, and it has only improved in the few months that it has existed. Follow me at .
