Written by Han Jun Kwang, starting developer of frsb.

frsb = ?

frsb stands for f lexible, r eally s imple b log.
It's flexible in its support for add-on modules, customisable styles and the interface is really simple.

How frsb got started

Somehow... the whole story started when I decided to create my own blogging system for my own website, which itself would be an upgrade from my previous file-based (as opposed to MySQL-based) system based on now-defunct handX's blogging system. Simple as that. :)

So, what's different about frsb?

Unlike other blogging systems, frsb is designed from ground up to focus on a simple, no-nonsense interface with a completely customisable front-end. Whereas other blogging systems can give you the spiffy interface and just about every feature in a blog out there, the philosophy behind frsb is to only give you the essential features you need via a barebones interface. In the development of frsb, most of the time was spent on getting the code and the interface to not just work but also be simple to understand as well. Only the most basic and important features are implemented into the system but there are still options to add extra functionality via modules. The layout of the front-end is intelligently handled by the modular layout system that makes it easier for designers to specify which parts of the page to fit in instead of requiring them to re-write the webpages everytime. This means that no two blogs "flying on frsb" will look the same simply by applying your own styles and layout.

"Hardcore" blogging?

The other thing about frsb is that it is designed to be too simple for the "true geeks/nerds" out there who want complete control over customisability and yet difficult for the "mere mortals" to be able to assume control over the functionalities frsb can offer easily. In other words, you can easily use frsb as one of the simplest blogs out there, but a good know-how of PHP programming (and other web programming/scripting languages if you are interested) is required for taking frsb to the next higher level. This is just yet another "feature" that sets frsb apart from the other blogging systems. It gives users a simple working system to start with and also the chance to learn more about PHP and web programming as they work their way to making frsb do more for them.

How exactly simple is the interface?

You can take a test drive here. No frills!
And yes, if you were wondering, this official website of frsb is of course based on frsb itself. Same goes to my homepage.

Features at a glance

Feature Remarks

Ideal for moblogging Simplified admin interface is small screens-friendly too.

Support for blog/link grouping Ability to re-position categories on the links page easily via the admin interface.

Support for multiple users Whereas other blogging systems gives you as many as five different "kinds" of users, frsb, strictly speaking, only has administrators and "normal" users. Saves you the hassle of thinking if a particular user should be a "reporter" or "sub-editor"...

Support for modules Extra functionality can be easily added to make frsb work more towards your needs.

Support for styles Change your blog's colour scheme, layout or the content totally if you want to.

Birthdays database So that you would never forget your readers' birthdays, again.

Individual links & achievements pages Which is what you probably want in your blog in the first place.

XHTML 1.0 Transitional compatible Having a standard to work with is better than not having. Will be upgraded in future beta releases to make it XHTML 1.0 Strict compatible.

Adding of events/milestones in your life (to built-in calendar) Good memories are for keeping!

Comments verification Built-in - keep spam comments away!

Locking blog entries from comments Above feature not enough? Try this!

Hiding private blog entries Otherwise known as saving as draft.

To-do lists. Never forget what you need to do.

Support for RSS Subscribe to new blog entries!

"Rich" elements embedding (e.g. video, pictures) To be implemented.

Importing/exporting of database To be implemented in future beta releases as a module add-on.

Development, Downloads & Support

Click here for downloads & support!

Feature	Remarks
Ideal for moblogging	Simplified admin interface is small screens-friendly too.
Support for blog/link grouping	Ability to re-position categories on the links page easily via the admin interface.
Support for multiple users	Whereas other blogging systems gives you as many as five different "kinds" of users, frsb, strictly speaking, only has administrators and "normal" users. Saves you the hassle of thinking if a particular user should be a "reporter" or "sub-editor"...
Support for modules	Extra functionality can be easily added to make frsb work more towards your needs.
Support for styles	Change your blog's colour scheme, layout or the content totally if you want to.
Birthdays database	So that you would never forget your readers' birthdays, again.
Individual links & achievements pages	Which is what you probably want in your blog in the first place.
XHTML 1.0 Transitional compatible	Having a standard to work with is better than not having. Will be upgraded in future beta releases to make it XHTML 1.0 Strict compatible.
Adding of events/milestones in your life (to built-in calendar)	Good memories are for keeping!
Comments verification	Built-in - keep spam comments away!
Locking blog entries from comments	Above feature not enough? Try this!
Hiding private blog entries	Otherwise known as saving as draft.
To-do lists.	Never forget what you need to do.
Support for RSS	Subscribe to new blog entries!
"Rich" elements embedding (e.g. video, pictures)	To be implemented.
Importing/exporting of database	To be implemented in future beta releases as a module add-on.