I am often asked by people which blog platform or CMS is the best? This is not as simple of a question as it seems. There are many blog and CMS platforms available. The best one for you depends on what you plan on doing with it.

I am often asked by people which blog platform or CMS is the best? This is not as simple of a question as it seems. There are many blog and CMS platforms available. The best one for you depends on what you plan on doing with it.
Here are a few questions to consider:
First, are you looking for a web site management system or are you strictly interested in blogging?
Is this a commercial site? or personal?
Are you planning on running more than one site.
Are you planning on multiple users?
What types of features do need/want on your site?

Do you want a hosted site? Or do you want to host your site on your own server?
Do you strictly want a “free” blog?
While I’m sure there are many more questions that could be added to this list this is a good starting point.
The following are some blogging and CMS platforms to consider. While this list is not exhaustive it does cover the main platforms available.

Wordpress
Can be used as a self hosted or free hosting with WordPress.com
Offers many add-ons and widget.
Many free templates available.
Easy to install.
Supports multiple users.
Has some CMS type features.
Its free.
Has support forum.
Doesn’t support multiple sites.

TypePad
Has a monthly user fee that includes hosting.
Offers many add-ons and widgets.
Has free templates.
No installation necessary.
Has a support knowledge base.
Some features like multiple authors only available with higher plans.
Has some CMS like features.
Doesn’t support multiple sites.

Movable Type
This is basically the self hosted version on TypePad.
Is free for personal use.
Cost for commercial use is based on users.
Many CMS features.
Templates available.
Supports multiple sites.
Supports multiple users.
Has support resource.

Blogger
Free hosted solution.
Must be self hosted if you want to use your own domain name.
Has support resources.
No CMS feataures.
Doesn’t support multiple users or sites.

Vox
Free hosted blogging application.
Nice privacy features.
Many free templates.
Community features.
Easy for layman to manage.
Advertising on your site.
Doesn’t support multiple users or sites.

Expression Engine
Many CMS features
Large support forum.
Easy to install.
Templates available.
Has to be self hosted.
Only basic available for free.
Personal and Commercial Licensing fees.
Supports multiple sites and users.

Mambo/ Joomla (these are basically the same)
Total CMS and all the features.
Easy to install.
More complicated administration panel than most blogs.
Many Templates available both free and purchasable.
More complicated to design.
Free.

Drupal
Has all the CMS features.
More complicated.
I recommend you know how to code PHP to use it.
Free.

In summary I would suggest Blogger and Vox to people who want a free simple blogging solution. Keep in mind the opportunity to expand these particular platforms is limited. My favorite is Expression Engine if you have the cash and WordPress is very user friendly and has some great features.
I cannot honestly say anything negative about TypePad or Movable Type but I haven’t had the opportunity to work with them as of yet. They are very popular and used by some large companies.
Content Management Systems (CMS) are more powerful platforms that can be used for blogging but are geared towards total website management and are not really necessary for those of you looking to blog. The only CMS I have had real experience with is Expression Engine. While EE is not free it is most definitely a great value for the money. The other CMS mentioned here I haven’t worked with as of yet. I’ll let you know if that changes.