Difference between revisions of "SailBlogs FAQ"
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When you registered for membership in SailBlogs, you were required to use a '''valid email address'''. An activation link was sent to this address. This ensures that the person registering for the account actually owns the email address, and prevents account fraud. | When you registered for membership in SailBlogs, you were required to use a '''valid email address'''. An activation link was sent to this address. This ensures that the person registering for the account actually owns the email address, and prevents account fraud. | ||
| − | Look for the registration email and link in this account. '''Check your spam box''' as sometimes automated messages get tagged as spam. If you still did not receive a registration key, contact support with the [http://www.sailblogs.com/contact.php contact us] form and we'll get you activated. '''Be sure to add sailblogs.com to | + | Look for the registration email and link in this account. '''Check your spam box''' as sometimes automated messages get tagged as spam. If you still did not receive a registration key, contact support with the [http://www.sailblogs.com/contact.php contact us] form and we'll get you activated. '''Be sure to add sailblogs.com to your whitelist of approved domains allowed to send you email.''' |
=== Add a post to my blog? === | === Add a post to my blog? === | ||
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The [[Message Editor]] will allow you to add posts with any date and will automatically sort the blog by date, not by the order the posts were added into the system. This makes it easy to backfill a blog with posts that have happened in the past while still keeping proper post order. | The [[Message Editor]] will allow you to add posts with any date and will automatically sort the blog by date, not by the order the posts were added into the system. This makes it easy to backfill a blog with posts that have happened in the past while still keeping proper post order. | ||
| + | == Image and Video == | ||
| + | ===HELP! I can't add photos to my blog posts.=== | ||
| + | If images will not post to your blog, but it will take the text and it "appears to work" when you submit the form, here are some possibilities: | ||
| + | * Make sure you have short file names (i.e. less than 70 characters). | ||
| + | * make sure the file name of the image does not have spacial characters - spaces, !@#$%^*&() , etc. | ||
| + | * Sometimes the internet provider prevents file uploads through web pages, esp if it is a public hotspot or internet cafe | ||
| + | * The local internet provider might be limiting the size of files that get uploaded, so maybe reducing the file prior to uploading will allow it to go though. | ||
| + | * JPG files will be scaled automatically by the server, GIF files will not. If it is a GIF file, it must be smaller than image size for your blog. This is listed in the Theme Settings page. | ||
| + | * Very large image files could 'time out' during upload, if you're loading very large images (i.e. more than 4MB), try scaling them down first (see [[pre-processing images]] for additional information). | ||
| + | |||
| + | If it is the local ISP that is blocking file uploads, most of the time you can still attach files to email messages and they'll go out. If you have a [[SailBlogsVR]] or [[XJSail]] premium account, you could email your post with the photo attached and have it appear on the blog. | ||
== Advanced Usage == | == Advanced Usage == | ||
Revision as of 22:21, 4 August 2008
Contents
Getting Started: How Do I...
Activate my account?
When you registered for membership in SailBlogs, you were required to use a valid email address. An activation link was sent to this address. This ensures that the person registering for the account actually owns the email address, and prevents account fraud.
Look for the registration email and link in this account. Check your spam box as sometimes automated messages get tagged as spam. If you still did not receive a registration key, contact support with the contact us form and we'll get you activated. Be sure to add sailblogs.com to your whitelist of approved domains allowed to send you email.
Add a post to my blog?
The main message widow in the Blog Manager displays a list of the messages currently loaded into the blog, ordered by date with the most recent at the top of the list. If there are more than 15 messages in your blog, links will appear at the bottom of the table to see other pages.
Messages with an attached image will have a symbol between the date and title.
Messages with comments will have a symbol - click the icon to manage the comments.
Messages posted via SailBlogs Remote will have a symbol between the date and title.
Messages can have 4 status values:
- On: the message is active and visible to visitors
- On-Future: The message is dated to appear in the future, and once that date happens the message will be active and visible to visitors. Until the date of the message, the post WILL NOT be visible to visitors.
- Off: Message is not visible to visitors.
- Off-Future: The message is dated to appear in the future, but since the message is off, it will never appear to visitors regardless of the date.
Clicking on either the date or the message title will open that message in the Message Editor window.
Use the Add New Log Entry link to open the Message Editor and add a new entry.
View my blog as a visitor would see it?
The URL for your blog was determined when you registered, based on the directory name you chose. That name is used to build your blog's address, and will always follow this format:
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/yourdirectoryname/
There is also a link you view your blog from the main welcome page of the SailBlogs Administration.
Update the title & description of my blog?
Using the form in the Properties tab of the Blog Manager, you can alter the title, description, email and home links, as well as change the directory name. WARNING: it is not recommended that you change the directory name after you start adding messages. Changing the directory name will change your URL and will affect any site that links to the blog. See Directory Name.
Change the colors & template of my blog?
In the Blog Manager, choose the Theme & Colors tab, then choose the desired template. After choosing a template, use the Theme Settings to further customize your blog, turn blocks on and off, and other options. Not all options are available for all templates.
Add posts with older dates?
The Message Editor will allow you to add posts with any date and will automatically sort the blog by date, not by the order the posts were added into the system. This makes it easy to backfill a blog with posts that have happened in the past while still keeping proper post order.
Image and Video
HELP! I can't add photos to my blog posts.
If images will not post to your blog, but it will take the text and it "appears to work" when you submit the form, here are some possibilities:
- Make sure you have short file names (i.e. less than 70 characters).
- make sure the file name of the image does not have spacial characters - spaces, !@#$%^*&() , etc.
- Sometimes the internet provider prevents file uploads through web pages, esp if it is a public hotspot or internet cafe
- The local internet provider might be limiting the size of files that get uploaded, so maybe reducing the file prior to uploading will allow it to go though.
- JPG files will be scaled automatically by the server, GIF files will not. If it is a GIF file, it must be smaller than image size for your blog. This is listed in the Theme Settings page.
- Very large image files could 'time out' during upload, if you're loading very large images (i.e. more than 4MB), try scaling them down first (see pre-processing images for additional information).
If it is the local ISP that is blocking file uploads, most of the time you can still attach files to email messages and they'll go out. If you have a SailBlogsVR or XJSail premium account, you could email your post with the photo attached and have it appear on the blog.
Advanced Usage
Adding Multiple Images Per Post
Main Entry: Multiple Images Per Post
Additional images can be added to a post via standard HTML image syntax.
Remote Posting: Blog via Email
Account Requirements
In order to submit blog entries and images via email a Premium Membership at with the SailBlogsVR or XJSail level is required.
Email Address and Subject Key
Posts need to be submitted to a specific email address and have a specific subject key. When you upgraded your account, this information was emailed to the account holder. If you don't have this email, the information is also available on your blog properties page in the Blog Manager.
Advanced Configuration
How do I add a visit counter?
Main entry: visit counter
Premium members can add a visit counter via a custom side bar block or custom footer. Free members cannot add a counter.
