FEFF – Feeling The Joy

 40 Comments on FEFF – Feeling The Joy 0 759

What an exciting week it’s been. We just concluded the second round of interview topics with Lorelle (of Lorelle on WordPress) and learned:

1) Revisitng old posts can provide fresh content

2) How to Manage our feed readers

3) And then we Wooped it up.

4) On Tuesday we welcomed our first teenage blogger to the NBOTW series

On to the Free ‘n Easy Friday Finds (FEFF).

If you didn’t follow the comment thread on Wednesday’s post, Lorelle stopped by and shared a link for anyone who uses Firefox and the Greasemonkey Scripts Extension which will help speed up our reading/commenting time. I used it last night while visiting blogs and estimate I shaved 20 minutes off of my visiting and commenting time. It’s fabulous.

Lorelle has written a post detailing the use of this script.

I’ve also been cleaning house (no, not my home, although that needs it, too). I’ve been tidying up my blog by removing the monthly archives list (it was 17 months long), taking off all affiliate ads (In over a year they haven’t made me a dime), and for my recent commenters, I removed the snippets. My “Recent Commenters” now shows your avatar and name with hopes of giving you more name recognition and traffic to your blogs.

Although it’s my blog, it’s all about you!

I hope you like the changes.

Have a great weekend!

Photo Credit: MGShelton’s photostream

40 thoughts on “FEFF – Feeling The Joy”

  2. a very interesting week it was. things look good around here, not sure i would have noticed the changes had you said something so quickly. have a good weekend. i have a lot of blogs to read.

  4. I need to do some of this housekeeping myself! I wanted to let you know, in case you don’t follow comments on my blog, I put a direct link in the comment section for the WW post to photobucket. Hopefully you’d be able to see the little video of Peanut. She’s quite proud of herself.

    Thanks for all the work you do to help us with our blogs!

  5. Glad you had a wonderful week Barbara
    mine was a little hactic 🙁

    i had lots of trouble this past week every thing came together
    My wife’s 1st sonography (she is pregnant 4th month 🙂 )
    finalized my apartment deal (It took me more then a month to work it out with the seller)
    and other legal matters of an old properties

    now all i whish is this weekend last at least 4 days so i can attend my blogging activity

    Sunil Pathak’s last blog post..How Do You Handle Comments On Your Blog

  7. Hi Barbara,

    Thanks for putting a link up in this post on how to get an avatar. I always wondered about that. So I followed the link and set one up. I like it! It’s been long overdue.

    Thanks again!

  9. I just found your blog on One Bag Nation. I also try to routinely clean out my blog and can especially relate to removing affiliate programs that don’t bring in money and only clutter up our blogs.

    Stacey @ CreateaBalance’s last blog post..My July’s Paintings

  10. I love the Greasemonkey Scripts, I never thought to check if there was a one like the “Google Reader Preview Enhanced” script. If that works out for me I’m going to love it. It solves one of the reasons I don’t bother with feed readers.

    I’m selective in my blog reading list, so I don’t have tons and tons of blogs to scan through, and I like to read all the posts and comment, which means I have to load them up anyway.

    If I can do that through the reader, oh man… may start adding more to the read list. 😉

    hyrcan’s last blog post..Video Friday

  11. Hi Barbara,
    Have you ever thought of putting your “blogging lessons” into an ebook? I’ve read one other, but I think yours would be more helpful with the tech stuff, which is where I’m so lost!

    Now, an avatar . . . I need to do that, don’t I?

  12. Hi Barbara. Yup, the others said it best, you’re simply a classy gal! I think decluttering is great and you back up the fact that banner marketing isn’t really all that great.

    I took the advice of one of the commentators in Lorelle’s post about using the Lifehacker grease monkey script from Google’s reader and I LOVE it.

    It’s a FireFox addon that allows you to view the website (yours, for example) right in Google Reader. Tis how I’m leaving a comment now!

    Here’s the link

  13. Reiterating what Chris said, very classy Barbara.

    As well, I’ve been out on vacation, and it looks like there is lots for me to catch up on. Looks like some weekend reading to keep me busy!

    What I love about your blog is that you make us feel so “at home” here.

    Lance’s last blog post..We Are A Motley Crew

  14. Hi MizFit,

    Thank you. I love having you here, too. 🙂

    Hi Natural,

    With bloggers becoming blind to so much on the sites they visit, I thought it would be good to make mention of the changes.

    Hi Sunil,

    Sounds like you had a very hectic week. Congratulations on the soon to be addition to your family and a new home.

    Hi Robin,

    You’re welcome!

    Hi Debbie,

    Thanks for letting me know about the direct link to the video. I’ll come by later and watch the video of Peanut. She’s a doll!

    Hi Chris,

    You’re so kind. Thank you!

    Hi Stacey,

    Welcome to the BWAB community! Yes, some things just have to go. Plus, I don’t like clutter.

    I’ll be over later to see you and check out your blog.

    Hi Hyrcan,

    Good to see you here again. 🙂 You will love the script. In Lorelle’s post, she walks you through, step by step. It is awesome.

    Hi Linda,

    Have a great weekend, too!

    Hi Chase,

    You’re welcome!. I’m looking forward to seeing your avatar.

    Hi Ann,

    An ebook? Yes, that has been a thought. Although I’m not techy, I will share where I’ve learned from.

    Yes, it’s time for an avatar for you too. The process is fun. If you need help, let me know. (that applies to everyone).

    Hi John,

    Thank you. I’m blushing.

    Isn’t it great to view websites in our reader? It saves tons of time.

    Hi Lance,

    Thank you for your kind words, too.

    You’ll love the series with Lorelle. It’s filled with tons of valuable information and will get you thinking.

    My intent has always been to make my readers feel at home, I’m happy you feel you are.

    Hi Linda Abbit,

    Thank you. You’re all so kind.

    This is exciting. You’re all thinking about your avatars. If you don’t want to make one, there are thousands of choices online. Just search for “free avatars”.

    And, you’re welcome. I do try to write posts that make you all think, and be “informed bloggers”.

    Enjoy your weekend, too! 🙂

  15. Barbara,

    Your blog looks nice!

    I have to agree with a few before me that with the Commenters snippets removed, my lack of an avatar definitely shows up more. Time to get busy on that! I’m afraid I’ll screw up my whole blog if I do anything tech-y, but I have to start some time.

    Thanks for the depth and variety of information you give us day after day! It’s fun to check in here and see what you’ve decided to use to keep us on our toes!

    Enjoy the weekend!

  16. Hi Tom,

    Thank you for your kind words.

    If you follow blogs in your reader, you’ll love the scripts. Everything can be done through your reader, including commenting. It’s been a real time saver.

    Hi Urban Panther,

    Oh yes, the real housekeeping. If I put blinders on I can ignore it for a little while, but that’s on my list for today.

    I’m happy to hear the Lion signed up for Woopra. It’s the best stats program I’ve seen.

  17. Hi Marelisa,

    The way I understand it is that if you subscribe via Google Reader, that counts toward your subscriber count. I don’t know if “bookmarking” is handled differently. Maybe someone will show up and answer this for us.

  20. I can’t wait to try the Firefox and the Greasemonkey Scripts. Perhaps if I’d already been using them I wouldn’t have missed the first time they were mentioned.

    I just wanted to drop by and say that I appreciate what you do for the blogging community.

    Tom Volkar / Delightful Work’s last blog post..Seize the Freedom of Self-Employment

  21. Hey, I like the new look. Crisp and clean!! I am doing actual housework right now, as in dusting and vacuuming, so I am procrastinating..I mean taking a break…and going through my daily list of blogs. Once again, I will pointing the Lion to the new toys you mention. And yes, he certainly did sign up for Woopra *smile*

    Urban Panther’s last blog post..So, you want to online date

  22. Barbara: If people use Google Reader to bookmark your blog, does that count as a subscriber (that is, does feedburner pick it up)? I missed Wednesday’s post but that Firefox and Greasemonkey Scripts Extension sounds interesting.

  23. Love the housekeeping. I really like the photos next to the comments and now on the right hand menu page. Appreciate all the tips … Have a good weekend!

    Theresa Zagnoli’s last blog post..Words to Live By

  25. Thanks for taking the time to present us with that very helpful series. Much appreciated!

  26. Thank you, Bamboo!

    You’re welcome, Urbane Lion. It’s great to see “the other half” here”

    Hi Ellen,

    Thank you. I hope the plugins help. Have a great weekend, too!

  27. Hey Barbara,

    Thanks for all your hard work with the Lorelle series. I appreciate all of the plugins you’ve chronicled.

    Yes, it’s a good idea to point out changes to your blog. It is true that we become blind to the blogs we visit. Unless it’s some dramatic change.

    Have a great weekend!

    E

  28. “Although it’s my blog, it’s all about you! ”

    That’s why we love you so much!

    The changes are great. Interesting comment on the affiliate ads – would love to read a post about it!

    An eBook by you is a great idea.

  29. Hi Vered,

    There’s a lot of love going on in blogosphere, isn’t there? 🙂

    Having tried affiliate advertising for over a year, and not having success at it, does bring up issues. I’ll add your suggestion for a post to my list.

    Another vote for an ebook. THAT might have to be moved up the list. Thanks for the vote!

  30. What a great interview so far. You really have an awesome talent for extracting the best out of Lorelle. I’ve learned a lot through her answers.

    Great idea on removing the snippits from the recent commenters. I’m going to do the same.

  31. Hi Barbara. It was a great week! Thanks for making so much helpful information available to us with the Lorelle series. You are obviously very dedicated to your blog and your readers. I like the new look; the commenters list looks very tidy.

  32. I need to go back and catch up with your recent series!

    Clinic is getting busy with all the school physicals and I haven’t had time to visit!

    Your blog looks great. I will think about monetizing soon but I am still working on defining my blog and increasing readership.

    In regards to monetizing- Would you do anything different if you had to start over again?

  33. Hi Barbara,

    I don’t know about you, but decluttering is ALWAYS a good thing where I’m concerned … kinda makes me feel sparkly. 🙂 I love the new look of this site. Thanks for everything!

    Irene | Light Beckons’s last blog post..Breaking Inertia

  34. Barbara,

    As always, things look beautiful…but I admit, I had to look twice. I find myelf paying so much more attention to your profundity and advice than in looking at whether your house looks “lived in or not.” You give so much of yourself to your readers – and though I will admit that things look “nice and tidy,” it’s the wisdom in your posts that I come here for! Beautiful job!

    Rita

    Rita’s last blog post..Second “Reader’s Choice” Blog – My 10 Favorite Books

  35. What a productive week you’ve had Barbara. The woopra looks fantastic, I’m updating my java so I can run it. Also those tips on extensions for commenting within your reader sounds like a great time-saver. thanks for all of the great info!

  36. Hi Rajaie,

    I’m not ignoring you. It’s just that your comments end up in my spam folder. I’m hoping that problem corrects itself soon. 🙂

    Thank you for your kind words. I truly appreciate them.

    Hi Karl,

    Thank you! I have two more questions for Lorelle, with Thursdays post being a “bonus”. 🙂 Like you, I’m learning a lot, too.

    I’m happy to hear you like the avatars without the snippets. I’ll be by later to check yours out.

    Hi Davina,

    You’re welcome. It makes me happy knowing the interview series is helping you and others.

    Thank you for your kind words.

    Hi Dr. Cason,

    Re: monetizing my blog. I wasted too much time on affiliate marketing. I don’t feel it was a good fit for this blog. (I’ll do a post on that subject, as per Vered’s suggestion sometime soon)

    Hi Irene,

    You’re welcome! Yes, decluttering of any kind is good for us.

    Hi Rita,

    Thank you! Your kind words touch my heart. I’m blushing. 🙂

    Hi Sterling,

    Do try the extensions and scripts. They are great time savers.

  37. Hi Cousin Barbara,

    You’ve really been on a roll lately–providing lots of great info for lots of people. I thoroughly enjoyed your interviews with Lorelle, eventhough I’m a Typepad girl myself.

    I hope you keep doing what you’re doing–bringing your kindness and generosity to the net.

    Love, your cousin Kaye

  38. Barbara,

    Once again – you’re not just speaking on it, you’re acting on it! How nice that you came to an “old” blog of mine, and asked for an update! That reflects perfectly on how you began your interivews, and the advice that was given! Thank you!

    (And if you think you’re blushing NOW, come on over for a visit to today’s post!)

    Rita

  39. Hi Cousin Kaye,

    Thank you! You’re so sweet.

    Isn’t it amazing how, even though Lorelle is the “Queen of WordPress” her words resonate with all bloggers?

    Hi Rita,

    As you’re finding out, you never know where I may land on your blog. That’s another reason I love Google Reader. It lists all of your posts and I can scroll down and pick and choose. 🙂

    Hmmmm. I’ll admit, you had me curious about your blog topic, so I headed to test the “blush” meter. Being a mature (I didn’t say old) blogger, the topic you chose, and how you worded it, was an interesting read that inspired a comment I hope will add value. The meter didn’t register. 😆

  40. I have only just found your blog and immediately picked up the Google Reader Preview Enhanced Greasemonkey Script tip. I love it. So much time savings. I had been putting off new subscriptions because it was just to much to read through. Thanks for the tip! You are my first new subscription since I discovered a better way to read them.

    Genlisae’s last blog post..My Family in Danger Part 3 – Lying Neighbours, Stalking My Daughter and a Landlord Who doesn’t Give a Damn.

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