How to use the new WordPress media loader (photos, etc.). To upload an image and insert it into a post/page, begin at the same location as before, atop the post's type-menu bar. "Add Media" replaces "Upload/Insert" (the camera graphic). "Add Media" leads to the main interface for loading. Use the pulldown for filtering if needed: "All Media Items" or "Uploaded to this page," etc. But for initial loading just work with the big stack of thumbnails there, ignoring any images not … [Read more...]
Square peg. Round hole. Splat!
January 2, 2013 by
Having a great logo or custom header image can really make a web site. Branding, aesthetics, visual impact -- what's not to like? Here's what's not to like: Most graphic designers create artwork apart from the ultimate environment. In our example, the artist designs a header/logo image out of context. The graphic goes to the client, who evaluates it out of context as well. Terrific! Then the artwork lands in the lap of the web designer, who does an immediate face plant. Often as not, … [Read more...]
Zen and the art of WordPress
November 4, 2012 by
As user-friendly as WordPress is, people often struggle with the basics of creating a post and adding art elements. Then there are those mysterious text fields ... Some clients pay me to handle all that. Some want to post content themselves. Works for me either way. Posting text and images to the web is no different than any other skilled activity (golf, cooking). If you never get the repetition of process, you'll most likely perform poorly. Say a client has a blog for business, but … [Read more...]
An appointment with your blog
November 1, 2012 by
When it comes to blogging, what a difference a day makes -- especially if it's the first one of the month. I strive to update all of my blogs come the start of each new month. The previous post may be only a day old -- maybe even a few hours old -- but that item sinks into fish-wrap waters the second the month rolls over. Maybe readers don't care. I'm betting they do. At the very least, it's good motivation to update -- and lord knows we all need that. Don't have an idea? You'll think … [Read more...]
Comment spam vs. Akismet
Almost everyone on WordPress uses the famed Akismet comment spam filter. This is the most popular WP plugin, for good reason. Akismet is very good, not perfect. You'll not find many legitimate reader comments stuck in the WordPress spam filter box, but there will be occasional spam in among your real comments. Social media spam never sleeps. Once your blog gets on the comment spam lists as an easy mark, they pour in. The game is to convince you they're legitimate readers but there's always … [Read more...]