Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to your questions about Movable Type.

Basics

Q: What is Movable Type?
A: Movable Type is an application that installs on your web server, providing a publishing platform for creating weblogs or news pages. Movable Type is flexible and is appropriate for use by web developers, professionals, organizations or businesses with customization needs. For a simpler start to weblogs, you can try our TypePad service, which includes all of Movable Type’s features on a centrally hosted server that requires no configuration.

Q: What's changed in version 3?
A: Movable Type 3.x adds a number of new features:

  • A configurable suite of comment management features allows fine control over your comments. Open comment registration allows identification of commenters through a single sign-on interface, either through TypeKey or an existing authentication system.

  • Dynamic PHP publishing, controllable on a per-template basis, allows you to combine static page generation with dynamic pages on a per-template basis. Now you have the best of both worlds: you can turn on static page generation for frequently-requested pages like your site index and feeds, and use dynamic pages for your monthly, individual, and other archive pages, eliminating the need for lengthy rebuilds.

  • Scheduled Posting allows you to set a time and date for your posts to appear, permitting automatic updates to your weblog even when you're away. Using post scheduling, you can keep your weblog community up to date and involved, even if you're not at your computer to create new posts.

  • Sophisticated new subcategories features gives you fine-grained control over the organization and display of your posts. You can easily create new subcategories, and move a subcategory from one parent category to another using a slick, easy interface.

  • A suite of new APIs allows developers to extend the publishing platform in more ways than ever. For example, the new callbacks allow plugins to be notified when Movable Type updates your database, or to transform the data, and plugins can now present an interface to the user for configuration and other actions. Furthermore, we continue to support the latest web standards by introducing support for the Atom weblog API.

  • A new application interface makes features easier to find than ever before and is more standards-compliant.

  • Performance has been improved in a number of places, including rebuilds, and we'll continue to improve performance in future updates.

Q: Is 3.1 a free update?

Version 3.1 is a free update for those who currently have a license for the 3.0 Developers Edition of Movable Type.

If you do not currently have a 3.0 license, you can download 3.1 by choosing the appropriate license for your intended use of the software.

Q: Should I update?

If you want to take advantage of the new features - yes!

Version 3.1 is a stable release and is suitable for all users, so we encourage everyone to upgrade.

Q: Isn’t it spelled “Moveable”?
A: Most dictionaries list either spelling as correct, however only the name without the “e” is the correct spelling for the application.

Q: Who makes Movable Type?
A: Movable Type is created by Six Apart. The system was originally developed by the husband and wife cofounders of Six Apart, Benjamin Trott and Mena G. Trott. Benjamin Trott is co-founder and CTO of Six Apart. Ben develops all of the backend code for Movable Type and TypePad, contributes regularly to CPAN (the Comprehensive Perl Archive Network), and has written for Perl.com and contributed to “Essential Blogging”, along with regular posts to the Six Apart company weblog. Mena Grabowski Trott co-founder and CEO of Six Apart. In addition to her role leading the management and business efforts of Six Apart, Mena enjoys working on making the products aesthetically pleasing as well as functionally intuitive. When she’s not developing Movable Type, she writes for her own weblog, dollarshort.org, contributed to “Essential Blogging”, and publishes posts regularly on the Six Apart company weblog.

Q: Do you provide a syndication (XML) feed of the Movable Type news weblog?
A: Yes. You can find the feed here.

Q: How does the Recently Updated List feature work?
A: The Recently Updated List displays the most recently updated Movable Type-powered sites. To add your own site or weblog to the list requires a purchase of a Personal Use or Commercial Use license. After purchase, you will receive a unique Recently Updated key that you can add to your weblog configuration. After this point, updates to your site will send a notice to the Recently Updated system on movabletype.org, displaying a link to your site. This helps promote your site and drives traffic each time you create a new post.

Q: Can I use one key for more than one weblog?
A: As long as you are the owner of the other weblogs, you can use the same update key for each, up to a limit of three sites. Please note that when you use one key for more than one weblog, the most recently updated site will replace any other sites using that same key from the list.

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Installation

Q: How difficult is it to install Movable Type?
A: To install Movable Type, you must be comfortable installing and configuring a Perl script on a web server. If you have experience in managing a standard web server, you should be able to successfully follow the installation directions. In addition, we offer a paid installation service which allows you to sign up to have our technicians install and configure Movable Type on your web server (see below).

If you are looking for a simple service with which to start a weblog with all of Movable Type’s flexibility, or you are not familiar with installing or maintaining applications on a web server, then our TypePad service is the right choice for you.

Q: What is required to run Movable Type?
A: We have compiled a list of requirements for the installation of Movable Type, and if your server meets these requirements, the only tools you will need on your computer are an FTP application, a text editor, and a web browser.

Q: How can I determine if my hosting service fulfills these requirements?
A: Web hosting providers vary greatly in their technical specifications and in the applications which they will support for installation on their servers. You may need to visit your web hosting service’s site to find a list of services and technologies offered for your account. If you are still uncertain that your account meets Movable Type’s installation requirements, simply email your hosting service’s customer support and send them the message found on the requirements page.

Q: I really don’t want to install and configure the system myself but I still want to use Movable Type: What should I do?
A: We offer installations of Movable Type for those who have purchased a supported version of our software. For a fee, we will install and configure the system on your web server. Our installation service will require you to provide us with a few key bits of information about your web server, which you can get from your hosting service. We will provide you with a list of required items when you’ve requested an installation, but please be aware that the process cannot begin until we have access to the required server information.

If you are interested in quickly starting a weblog and don’t already have a web server or hosting account, TypePad is your best choice.

Q: How do I sign up for an installation?
A: Log in to Your Account, and look for the purchase Movable Type products link in the Additional Licenses or Products area. That link will take you to the Purchase Additional Licenses & Services area where the installation option is listed.

Q: How quickly are pay installations performed?
A: The maximum wait is usually three to five business days after receiving your server information.

Please note: If there is an impending new version of Movable Type, we may ask that you wait until the new version is released in order to ensure that your application is as current as possible.

Q: You installed my original Movable Type installation and now I see there is a new version. How much does it cost for you to upgrade?
A: If we have installed Movable Type on your system and a new release becomes available within thirty days of when your installation is completed, we will upgrade your version for free. You will need to re-open your original installation ticket to make the request for an upgrade. If it has been more than thirty days, a new installment fee is required.

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Purchasing a License

Q: How much does Movable Type cost?
A: You can refer to our pricing page to find the price for the license that is appropriate for your use. There is also a Movable Type license that is available for free for personal, non-commercial use by anyone who does not want technical support.

Purchase of any license of Movable Type is backed by a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Q: How do I request a refund under the money-back guarantee?
A: Log in to Your Account and open a new Help Ticket with a subject of “Refund”, and explain the reason for your request on the ticket. Our support staff will assist you with obtaining the refund.

Q: What if I’ve made a donation in the past?
A: If in the past you have donated or paid for a Movable Type license(s), we want to thank you by providing credit for your past payments. Simply enter your Recently Updated Key when purchasing any license for Movable Type.

We will credit you $20 for the first key, $25 for your second key, and $20 for any subsequent keys up to the price of the license. Your keys can only be used once and if you request a refund, you will only be refunded the amount you actually paid.

Q: What if I want to talk to someone about licensing?
A: You can contact our Licensing Department using our inquiries form.

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Commercial Use of Movable Type

Q: I’m developing a site for a client and would like to set up Movable Type to maintain it. Is this allowed?
A: Yes, this use is covered by the Commercial Use License. You must purchase a Commercial Use License appropriate for your client’s use of Movable Type.

Q: How much does it cost to use Movable Type for commercial use?
A: You can refer to our pricing page to find the price for the license that is appropriate for your use. Purchase of any license of Movable Type is backed by a 30 day money-back guarantee.

Q: I run or represent an ISP or hosting service, and we are interested in offering a package with Movable Type pre-installed. Is this allowed?
A: We can work with you to create a custom license for offering Movable Type-powered weblogs to your customers. Simply contact us to hear about our hosting service licenses.We have created a license for hosting partners who wish to offer Movable Type to users.

Q: I want to charge for installations. Is this allowed?
A: You may charge for installation of Movable Type for any user who has a properly licensed copy of Movable Type.

“Properly licensed” is defined as any legitimate copy of the software downloaded from our website and used in accordance with the terms of the license associated with that download.

Q: I run a business, and I am interested in additional services relating to Movable Type, such as initial setup and installation of Movable Type, system and template customization, and/or additional design work.
A: Installation and other paid support services are available by viewing our page of support offerings, and we’ll soon be offering a list of professional services partners who can offer consulting and customization services for Movable Type users.

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Non-Commercial Use of Movable Type

Q: Do non-profits have to pay for Movable Type?
A: Six Apart offers Movable Type at a signficant discount for registered not-for-profit and community organizations. Please contact us if you have five or fewer paid full-time employees in your organization so we can create a proposal that serves the needs of your organization.

Q: I have a wishlist link or tip jar on my site, is that considered a commercial use?
A: A site including links such as Amazon Wishlists, tip jar or donation payments through PayPal or Amazon Honor System links, or merchandise sold through CafePress is not considered a commercial site if such links are not the primary purpose of the site and if the site’s use of Movable Type falls within the limitations described in the Personal Use license. For more information, please review our Personal Use license.

Q: What is your policy on use by schools, colleges and universities?
A: Educational pricing for accredited institutions is available at a significant discount. If you require a license not represented on our educational page, you can contact us to find out about a license that’s approrpriate for use by your institution.

Q: Do I have to link back or give credit to Movable Type?
A: The terms of the free, limited use license of Movable Type require a link to our site. A button is included in the images folder of your installation package. You can also download a button from this location (Please host the image on your own server). While you are required to link back to movabletype.org, you are not required to use a button. A visible text link is sufficient. Paid personal users and commercial users are not required to display a link to movabletype.org, but we do appreciate the support of those who choose to.

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Movable Type’s Code and Features

Q: May I modify the Movable Type source code?
A:Yes, as long as you do not redistribute the modified code without permission. In addition, if you modify any of the code and feel that your changes would be useful to all Movable Type users, we encourage you to make your work available to the community of users by sharing it on our developer plug-ins site, http://www.mt-plugins.org.

Q: If I come up with a hack or modification of the Movable Type source code, may I distribute it on my website?
A: Yes, as long as you make it clear that we will not be able to support the modification. While we encourage and are delighted to see hacks develop, we will not provide support for problems that arise by code not originating from us.

Q: How do I request a feature?
A: The best way to request a feature is by posting a thread in the Feature Request Forum.

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Technical Support

Q: Where Can I Find More Information on Building a Plugin?
A: Movable Type ships with a document called “How To Build a Plugin.”

Q: How can I get help for using Movable Type?
A: All paid licenses of Movable Type include support from Six Apart. You can access the help ticket system through your account if you have already purchased a license. Our page of support offerings lists our available support services including installation, and we’ll soon be offering a list of professional services partners who can offer consulting and customization services for Movable Type users.

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