Breaking Radio Silence: Testing 1 2 3
I’ve been a busy little boy refining the blog template and trying to make it more usable and look like a theme instead of just a hodge-podge of unrelated code.
Recent changes that I’ve made to this site:
1. Fixed the post truncating problem thanks to help from Jason at Bluefur.
2. Removed some useless Wordpress plugins that I’ve been testing.
3. Moved the MyBlogLog widget over to the right-hand sidebar where it should be.
4. Moved the menu items (recent/popular posts and categories on the right) lower down the sidebar. I didn’t like the way it was shoving down my feed subscription box. I also added a Tweets menu list.
5. I’m now showcasing more of my previous posts in the middle section block of the home page.
6. I created some borders, lined up the margins, played with the colors and added formatting to the post excerpts on the home page to help separate the content better and make it more readable.
7. Moved the entire blog over to a fresh install of Wordpress.
8. I finally got the second menu bar (just below the header) to work in Firefox and Opera.
9. Made a separate page for archives (still needs some adjusting).
What I plan to do:
1. I want to move the menu items that I mentioned above into the middle block. (I’m still trying to get that working). I changed my mind and I’m leaving it where it is now.
2. I plan to make my own videos and podcasts. I already installed the Podpress plugin but I need to get software that will convert large movie files to Flash Video (FLV files).
3. Purchased a new video camcorder that has a USB connector to make it work as a webcam. I needed a new camcorder for my family anyway and they are much better video quality than just ordinary webcams.
By the way, have you noticed all of the spam videos on YouTube lately? Just try searching for blogging videos and you will find things like “Fat Naked Blog” or “I can Teleport”, Milf Sex”, “Naked”, etc.
What a load of crap! Of course we can always flag them but I have better things to do than police videos, and it won’t be long before YouTube will have the same reputation that Blogger blogs now enjoy.
Isn’t it also ironic that YouTube is owned by Google. It really makes you think doesn’t it?
I’m still mulling over my blogging future. With so many copycats out there it’s getting harder to differentiate my blog from the rest of the pack. I really don’t want to sully myself by lowering this blog to their sploggy level, gaming Google and recycling content like most of them do. But admittedly it’s getting harder to compete with cheaters and if I can’t be successful without stooping to their level then I just won’t blog anymore.
The good news is a book is in the works and I will post more news about it at the appropriate time. So that’s what I’ve been doing lately. How goes it with your blog?
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I too have been thinking of buying a camcoder. But I have fallen so behind with home-video technology that I feel overwhelmed by the choices of formats out there.
I miss the good old days when everything was VHS and all you had to look for on the camera was the features, price and warranty.
Yea, You Tube is becoming like a land-fill of household and commercial garbage, industrial waste along with used condoms and needles.
I’ve found Viddler and attractive option for bloggers as they can post text comments in the video.
Seesmic too is becoming hot now that there is a plugin for wordpress that allows commentators leave a video comment.
Jaffer’s last blog post..Of split personality and irresponsibility
Hi Jaffer ole buddy.
It seems that Google is going for the quick cash-grab and couldn’t care less about quality of the product.
In my travels I soon discovered that DVD versions are too hard to edit and hard drive recorders are just way too expensive. I settled on a Mini DV (tape) camcorder with optical zoom and optical anti-shake, USB and Firewire connectors, an SD card slot and a shoe for an optional microphone or light.
My mini DV cost me $250 and to get the equivalent options a hard drive would have cost me close to a $$$ thousand. So my decision was a no-brainer after I got all the info.
I recently read that MiniDV was the best choice for bloggers at http://online-copywriter.com/wordpress/2007/10/22/the-best-camera-for-video-blogging/
I have been looking into a Canon ZR series, which got some good reviews from CNET http://www.cnet.com/Canon_ZR_series/4660-10602_1-5620091.html
They too are between the $260 and $280 range.
For now any purchase decisions have to be put on hold as I’ve got to save up for a new ‘puter !
Did you upgrade to WP 2.5.1 ? There’s actually a bug in the new version that is being discussed on http://wordpress.org/support/topic/171830?replies=6#post-743762
Jaffer’s last blog post..Of split personality and irresponsibility
That’s why I reinstalled Wordpress 2.3 again. Yes, Mini DVs are the best (and affordable) choice for bloggers.
Canons are good but I got a Panasonic PV-SG85 which has all of the features that I’m looking for and the price was right. The Canon might have a better lens though.
Purchasing 2 new computers (with firewire) is my next project.
Code Adam, the Bloke has broken Radio silence!
Speaking of WordPress 2.5 and after using WP 2.5 for my free WordPress.com Blog, WordPress 2.3 seems easier to use and navigate to me.
One of the most annoying features in WP 2.5 is centering a image embedded in a Href address. For reasons unknown, WP 2.5 centers the image code and places the Href address outside the paragraph center code.
I not sure why Software programmers can’t seem to learn the “if it is not broke, don’t fix it” approach to life!
Debbie Dolphin’s last blog post..Isle au Haut Lighthouse For Sale
“I not sure why Software programmers can’t seem to learn the “if it is not broke, don’t fix it” approach to life!”
Ain’t that the truth!
Your theme looks great Bloke! I guess I’ll stick to 2.5. I like that you can edit the tags and update plugins automaticly. I think I’ll wait to update when they roll out 2.5.5
Curtis’s last blog post..Garden Update 4-28
Thanks so much Curtis. Yes, I never (ever) install a major upgrade that adds new functionality. They almost always have bugs to get rid of so I too will wait.
About the bug I pointed to you earlier, even the WordPress team can’t reproduce it and they are lost !
I fixed it by replacing the files in the root-folder as well. In short, replace all Wordpress related files and folders in the root directory, except the wp-content folder and the wp-config.php file and you’re done !
Jaffer’s last blog post..Of split personality and irresponsibility
So what you are saying is a fresh install is better than just an upgrade?
Yes, as far as WP 2.5.1 is concerned, the bug could not reproduced with a Fresh install.
http://wordpress.org/support/topic/172302/page/2?replies=22#post-747254
I’ve upgraded my way several times and it’s been fool proof.
But I decided to follow official instructions the other day hoping things may have change but no ! Nothing’s changed !
I’m convinced I’ll not change my approach to upgrade wordpress even if it takes a few too many mouse clicks !
http://maniaravings.com/blog/how-to-upgrade-a-wordpress-installation/
Jaffer’s last blog post..Of split personality and irresponsibility
Are you using WP 2.5.1 or WP 2.3.3?
I’m confused about how much time do we wait before upgrading to the latest version?
Do you use Jaffer’s method of installing WordPress files?
Debbie Dolphin’s last blog post..New England Vacation Tips and Entertainment Ideas
I’m still using 2.3.3. Apparently 2.5.1 has fixed some bugs:
“Version 2.5.1 of Wordpress is now available. It includes a number of bug fixes, performance enhancements, and one very important security fix.”
But whether or not it has ALL of the bugs fixed remains to be seen. You just have to keep your ears to the ground and see what the public’s opinion says.
Jaffer tells me that he is working on a post on the best way to upgrade Wordpress. It should be here to read shortly.
Thank you, Bloke!
Apparently, the 2.5.1 version is causing problems for some with posting. I have experienced problems with uploading images at my free WordPress.com blog.
Look forward to reading Jaffer’s WordPress upgrade post.
Debbie Dolphin’s last blog post..Heceta Head Lighthouse Romantic Retreat
I’m not surprised. Version 2.5 can be considered a major upgrade because it rolled out new features rather than just cosmetic changes. It’s only natural they will have some bugs to still iron out and that’s why I will wait.
Blog Bloke reply on May 4th, 2008 1:10 pm:
I know there is a free online converting service:http://online.movavi.com/
Hope it could help you.
Thanks!
Blog Bloke reply on May 28th, 2008 10:15 pm:
Apr 27th, 2008 at 2:31 pm
[…] Blog Bloke dot com wrote an interesting post today on Breaking Radio Silence: Testing 1, 2, 3Here’s a quick excerpt … be long before YouTube will have the same reputation that Blogger blogs now enjoy….Have you noticed all of the spam videos on YouTube lately?…Isn’t it also ironic that YouTube is owned by Google…. […]