Back in 2005, I wrote a blog post that list blog tools that I use regularly to help me become more productive in blogging. As I looked at the list again, I realize that nothing change much since then, except a handful of them that I no longer use and some additions.

Rather than updating the old post, I decide to create another post. This time, I’ll categorize the tools into their own categories.

Productivity is one of the topics I am most interested in. Feel free to post your favorite blog tools below.

Graphic package

• Adobe Photoshop - This is the image editing software that I use for things that can’t be easily done with SnagIt.
• SnagIt - Still the best image capturing tool out there. It allows me to add special effects like torn edges with a click. A time saving tool.

Blog statistics package

• AwStats - This web application is built-in on my web hosting package. It is useful to give me a page of summary of what is happening on my site during that month or previous month.
• Google Analytics - I have just scratched the surface when it comes to using Google Analytics. Combine with a WordPress plug-in, it gives me summary of my blog statistics.

Data and idea capture tools

• Mindjet MindManager - Multipurpose mindmapping software that anyone can use for project planning, article brainstorming and others. Lately, I use it to summarize a tactical e-book so I find pieces easily. Really cool.
• Microsoft OneNote 2007 - A great program that allows me to jot notes, paste pictures, record voices and tons of other features. The fact that you can convert image to text and search audio are powerful. I also extensively use this software with Microsoft Outlook for my Getting Things Done system.

RSS/News aggregator and others

• FeedDemon - This is my favorite desktop based news aggregators. I have several hundreds of feeds that I track regularly.
• Mozilla Firefox - The first program that I fire up every morning, also the only browser I use for browsing.
• Microsoft Outlook - This is my email application now, thanks to Google I am now able to pop all my mail from Gmail.

The list is by no means comprehensive, but it should cover 90% of the tools I use actively for blogging.

What are your favorite blogging tools?