Some blogging systems choose not to implement a separate “categories” feature, relying solely on tags for content organization. The reasoning behind this approach comes down to simplicity, flexibility, and usability.
Table of Contents
Simplicity and Flexibility
Using only tags creates a single, unified system that’s easier to manage. Unlike strict categories, which often lock content into a hierarchy, tags allow any number of labels to be applied to a post. This makes it possible to describe content in more nuanced ways without creating unnecessary complexity.
Avoiding Redundant Systems
Platforms that use both categories (hierarchical) and tags (flat) sometimes cause confusion for writers and readers alike. Maintaining two overlapping taxonomies leads to redundancy, and in most cases, a single system does the job more cleanly.
Using a Primary Tag as a Category
If having something that resembles a “main category” is important, one tag can be designated as the primary marker for each post. This works as a main topic or umbrella label, while additional tags can handle cross-referencing to related themes.
Theme and Navigation Benefits
Tags are versatile when it comes to navigation. They can automatically generate feeds and pages, and many themes or designs allow certain tags to be highlighted or featured. This makes it possible to recreate the structure of traditional categories—without relying on rigid hierarchies.
Designed for Modern Publishing Needs
Instead of trying to combine two overlapping systems, a single, robust tagging system is seen as more adaptable. It keeps the workflow streamlined while offering enough power for both small blogs and large-scale publishing.
In short, relying on tags instead of categories creates a content organization method that is less rigid, more flexible, and easier for both writers and readers to use.
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