Testing My Mettle
If (or is it when?) my Typepad blog dies, perhaps I will quit blogging. Twenty years is a long time and how much writing do I have left in me? However, I like to have some options, so here I am...back at Blogger to occasionally test it out with posts. Actually, I'm more testing myself; can I adapt to change? Am I willing to stumble around on a new site, trying to figure things out? CAN THIS OLD DOG LEARN NEW TRICKS?
Those of you who know me from Stargazer are aware that I love to post photos and they usually jump start my writing, which then tends to meander around. Life is like that though, isn't it? It doesn't go in a straight line, so why should my blog? Here I'm seeing how inserting a picture works. This mobile grooming van in my neighborhood had an interesting name! I'm not sure how to work with the formatting though. It is crooked and doesn't look good. Am I supposed to write around the picture instead of doing so underneath it? Hmmm. This time I'm going to keep typing and see what happens. As you can see, we still have leaves on some trees AND there is blue sky. OK, so it's impossible to put text around the photo; it just keeps moving it down. Hmmm again!
I'm reading a mystical sort of book right now and I'm not sure I like it. I'm testing how to insert a link. The writing in this novel is good, sometimes beautiful or meaningful. However, I'm not into wildly unrealistic or unexplainable happenings. I'm giving it another 50 pages or so.
Well, the link was really hard to do although it should have been easy. It wouldn't let me OK it or scroll down on the page. I had to type all this blather to be able to access the APPLY button. :(
The Blogger format looks most like typepad and I could adjust although I don't like how the pictures turn out or the lack of an even margin on the left side. Perhaps that's something I can fix? A setting I've missed somewhere?
HEELLPPPP!
I think you are doing great! I still haven't figured out how to link anything :) I have given up. I insert photos as I go and it seems to work. I am too old to learn new tricks.
ReplyDeleteYou've made me feel better! I'm hoping that Typepad will keep Stargazer (my blog) going but it can't hurt to familiarize myself with these other sites. I'm trying WordPress too. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteIf you centre a photo, you can't wrap text around it , but if you do left or right you can. I don't do this often because I usually want photos full-size or blogger full size. If you go left or right you can word wrap on one side. You can also pull the photo to a different line although that can be cumbersome. You can add a caption, at lease in full mode; I also assume in other modes but I haven tried.
ReplyDeleteTo turn a word into a link, highlight it and then go to the icon up top that looks like a chain link. A dialogue will open, and you can paste or type the link info. So yeah, type the word first and then do the rest.
Argh ... forget the word wrap. I can't do it today.
I'm glad I'm not the only one. I will keep experimenting. :)
DeleteIt's great to see you exploring new platforms! Change can definitely be challenging, but it’s always exciting to try new things. The photo formatting can be tricky, but with a little more time, you'll get the hang of it. I hope you find your way around Blogger! I just shared a blog post, let me know what you think.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the pep talk! I'll keep trying.
DeleteI know nothing about Typepad. I have plenty of random issues with Blogger that I can't figure out--lol! I am so glad you stopped by to comment on my blog. Hello! I've been doing my blog for about 18 years, I think. It has morphed into a weekly newsletter I post on Monday, but I am still going--lol! Hope to see you again. I shall see if there's a way to follow you...or if I can find it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI regularly blog on the typepad blog; it's hit or miss here as I try out various platforms. I'm definitely more used to typepad even though it's been frustrating at times. (all of them are, but I do love to write) Thanks for your comment; hope to see you again!
DeleteHi Margaret, did you start a new blog? I need to find it if so.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your very kind comment on my blog, about John.
I did start a new blog! I don't check this one very frequently. (obviously) My newish blog is at https://stargazermargaret.com. Sorry for the very late reply!
DeleteHello there
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your honest reflections on adapting to change and testing Blogger after years on Typepad. It’s inspiring how you embrace learning new tools despite the frustrations with formatting and image placement. Your openness about struggling with links and layout shows the real challenges of switching platforms.
I also appreciate your analogy about life’s non-linear path mirroring your blog’s flow—it feels genuine and relatable. Hopefully, you find settings to improve margins and photo alignment soon! Keep experimenting and sharing; your voice and photos make your blog uniquely yours. Change can be tough, but you’re handling it gracefully!
Thanks for commenting! I started this blog when typepad was sketchy, then it revived and finally went out of business. Blogger couldn't take my typepad archives, so I'm now blogging at https://stargazermargaret.com if you're interested. Thanks for stopping by!
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ReplyDeleteYou’ve been blogging longer than me I think xx
ReplyDeleteIt's cheap therapy! Since Blogger couldn't take my typepad archives when they went out of business, I've switched to https://stargazermargaret.com if you're interested. I appreciate your comment!
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