I am working hard on staying positive for my kids and everyone (I found this article from Dr. Allison Briscoe-Smith helpful)... and I would like to be able to keep blogging, as it has helped to sustain me over the years, and I hope it has helped others to stay positive and to use our love of quilting to keep ourselves stitched together. And so I need some help from my fellow bloggers about the new Blogger system.
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| Canvas art I purchased to support a small business during COVID - by Curly Girl Designs |
Google/Blogger has changed to a new format, and we are being forced to relearn how to blog. We have until the end of June to learn the new system.
We all hate change (hence why we can't seem to get rid of COVID or racism). We get used to the way things are, and find comfort in knowing that things are working in a predictable way. And it takes so much energy, especially now, to relearn our programming. But re-learn we must.
I have really enjoyed blogging for 15 years, and now it is a source of constant frustration.
For bloggers who are not committed to the practice or who don't love the process, I predict this change will be the end of their blogging journey. As for me, I will try to muddle along, hanging onto my hopeful belief that as time passes, all humans can become accustomed to all changes.
Reportedly I'm going to enjoy the ability to blog from my phone (highly unlikely since I use my phone as a phone, not as a computer) and supposedly I'll be able create tables of photos. But for now, I cannot even figure out how to post one photo properly. I struggled to write this post in the new blogger and changed back to the old format to fix it and be able to post. But our days are numbered in terms of the ability to utilize the old reliable blogger.
And to add some recent quilty content today, here is a photo of my most recently sewn quilt top (which I was only able to post on the old system).
Reportedly I'm going to enjoy the ability to blog from my phone (highly unlikely since I use my phone as a phone, not as a computer) and supposedly I'll be able create tables of photos. But for now, I cannot even figure out how to post one photo properly. I struggled to write this post in the new blogger and changed back to the old format to fix it and be able to post. But our days are numbered in terms of the ability to utilize the old reliable blogger.
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| The Twist - a mystery pattern by Carole |
And to add some recent quilty content today, here is a photo of my most recently sewn quilt top (which I was only able to post on the old system).
I'm a fairly intelligent person, and when I can't even locate resource information to help me figure this out, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the new changes are a fail!
However, we are an adaptable and resilient species, so we try to blog/live on in the midst of all the upheaval, turmoil and changes.
My questions today are:
1) does anyone know where I might access "how to" information on using this new blogger platform? It appears to be well hidden and/or unavailable!
2) does anyone know of a more user friendly blogging platform in case I actually can't figure this out within the next 26 days?
If so, please leave a comment below or send me an email.
Sending love out to all of my blog readers around the world today, and hoping we can stay connected through all of our current challenges 💖
41 comments:
Hi Kathy, I empathise with you over the blogger issue but I am in a slightly better position because I've had access to both the older blogger and the new version for quite a long time now. Like you I wrote in one version and checked it in the other but now I'm only using the new version. It does get easier. There is a help button which I came across by accident. I'm sure you will be able to figure it out. I am thinking about sharing what I've found on my blog over the weekend.
Your quilty eye candy is beautiful and a good pick you up on a dull a wet day here in London.
Kathy, I too am frustrated with having to learn this new system and I have only managed to figure out how to add one photo at a time which is frustrating. I did benefit from Barbara's tips on her blog Cat Patches (https://catpatches.blogspot.com/2020/05/new-blogger-format.html). They helped me with a few things. I don't have any other info, but I am slowly learning this also. I have avoided addressing much of what is going on in the world on my blog also. I like to be a place that readers can get away from most of the news and concentrate on the crafting, reading and baking. I know that is what I personally look for when I browse my favorite blogs. Love the quilt by the way.
Stay safe.
I've been seeing the notification about the upcoming changes to Blogger, but haven't had the nerve to try it out yet. Guess I better do it sooner rather than later. I agree, we definitely don't need this right now!
Kathy, I am of no help but certainly sympathize with computer challenges. Have had similar situations and it is just the last straw sometimes. Hopefully there is a quitling computer genius who can give you some advice. Love your blog and so hope you can figure it out. Stay safe and well. Pam
I hate to say that I didn't find the new blogger very different from the old. I did have a few problems and found a ? mark at the top of the blogger post page that had some help for various problems but not for my problem. I did eventually figure out how to fix my problems. I have done two posts now with the new blogger and found that the photo uploader changed in between the two posts so now it is more like the old version.
There is always Wordpress for blogging but I would think that would be worse than learning a new blogger.
Good luck. You can send me a question if you have a problem with blogger and I'll try to help you out.
Good luck...you can do it!!!
My recommendation is to just keep writing at it, Kathy. I tried the NEW Blogger and was equally as frustrated. I forced myself to try again. A few frequently used items are hidden behind the three dots over near the Add-a-Picture (mountain?) icon. Those pictures take about 6 seconds to load on my computer. I'm considering the whole ordeal a lesson in patience. I just keep trying!
Gosh, Kathy, I love your blog! I pop in most days, and am always amazed at how much you get done. Sorry, I don't have anything helpful to say, but I really hope someone does. I would miss you so much! We had a new computer system installed at work last Easter, and I really struggled with that, but muddled through with lots of help from colleagues. I do hope someone can help.xxx
I feel your pain. I do not like change and hate hearing that Blogger is doing this. I have used Word Press for years but my husband knows his way around computer programs most times and showed me how to use it and I write my post and put in my photos in Live Writer schedule it and then it appears in my word press editor.
In my opinion, I think of the phrase "why fix it if it ain't broke". One extra problem I have this week is not being able to edit pictures on my phone for some reason.
Kathy, I love your blog, and hope this change to Blogger doesn't force you to quit! I found hope in Cathy's comment above that she's getting it figured out. I guess I will have to go try it and see what I experience. Baby steps!
As above has stated... Hope your able to figure it out and keep on posting without additional bodies in the garden so to speak. I do not blog but I read them and enjoy checking on your post each morning with a cup of tea at hand.
If you change platforms let us know so we can find you
I’m not eager to change to the new Blogger either, mostly because I do not like Google Photos—editing is not as good as Picasa, which I have continued to use. And like you, I don’t want to blog from my phone. Sigh.
Kathy, I am not a blogger, so I don’t have any helpful insights into these new issues you are facing. However, Barbara, from the Cat Patches blog, has mentioned the frustrations she is having, and perhaps she has figured out something that would be helpful. On another note, please don’t feel you have to apologize for struggling during these very, very challenging times, and try not to worry too much about fretting over 1st world problems. There are people throughout the world who are suffering, and we all grieve for them. However, that does not lessen the pain I feel when I contemplate not being able to see my grandsons who live 2300 miles away. My pain is real, too, as is yours. Best to you!
If you were to stop blogging because of the changes, it would be a great lost in my quilting life. I love reading your posts. You are a smart cookie, you can fix your own sewing machine, you can figure this one out too. If it helps, take notes of what you have done that works so the next time you write a post, your notes will help you remember where the functions are. I know, I know, it's a lot of sh*t for no real improvement. I hear you. I am still working from home and our HR dept changed their platform where we sign our hours. The financial dept changed their way of coding, billing and sending invoices. Because our centre is new and not yet all finished, we need to change a "few" things in our programs. Sigh! All this within a two weeks period. Then there's this Zoom thing and Team Meetings thing ... Yes, I am fed up with changes, especially that my depression makes it hard to me to learn something new. I make mistake all the time but it's okay. It's called a transition period for a reason. Hang in there. You are stronger than you think. Hugs! ;^)
Hi Kathy,
I was interested to see your topic today!
I’d seen that things are changing and had a quick look but not having actually drafted a post I didn’t spot the problems. I certainly hope we can all figure it out!
Off to try see whether I can use it.
Barbara x
Was just going to tell you about Barbara Stanbro's blog but see that Cathy J has done so! You are not alone in your suffering!
I missed that there was a change happening. Don't go anywhere please!!! From the comments above there are a few ladies that have figured it out and they can help. Let's help each other.
The format change has many people frustrated. I truly hope you are able to work through it and continue to blog, as I enjoy your posts. I'd noticed several bloggers moving to a new format recently and this change must be why. Barbara blogs at Cat Patches. She's had several blogs sharing her adventures with the new format, including what she has to do to add photos. Perhaps you can visit her blog for hints. Please don't give up!
Sometimes reading of other bloggers' trevails is the only way to learn things. Guess I best hie myself over to my own blog and do something, like a post!
Don't you wish software developers would stop trying to 'help you' and 'make it easier'? Wordpress wants to move us over to a new block editor, to 'make it easier to post'. Well, it isn't as good as being able to manipulate the content in HTML, and for those of us that can do some coding, I hate that they are trying to take that away. I haven't looked at the new Blogger system, I do have a one of those that points readers to my real blog. But, unfortunately, I can;t help you with that. What is wrong with leaving well enough alone? Just frosts my cookies.
I have no blogger experience, so can't help out there. I've used Wordpress since I started blogging, and I don't know why people say it's hard. One thing about it - so far they've never pulled the rug out from under on how to do things. Also, I have a very basic blog - no affiliate links, no huge sidebar lists, no links to other blogs (really should remedy that!), no ads other than what Wordpress puts on, etc. I'm sure the fancier you want your blog, the higher learning curve is. Then again, I'd probably be lost if I started to use Blogger.
I feel your pain Kathy - I have had the same frustrations and concerns. Please be certain to provide Blogger with feedback so that they know your issues - apparently it is a work in progress and I hope that they work out the bugs that people are reporting prior to launch. I got so frustrated that I reverted to the 'legacy' version; it sounds as though it may remain as an option after the end of June, so fingers crossed. I am trainable and adaptable but even the most basic of things that I wanted to do just weren't happening.
Hi Kathy
I am so sorry about your blogger upgrade frustrations; it seems a shame that the powers that be had to do this now when the whole world seems in an uproar. But I do know that you are the kind of person that can sort this out and that you have many, many friends out there in blogger land that should be able to provide support (not me unfortunately). You would be terribly missed by many of us who have read your blog for years and count on your wise wisdom and quiet grace as well as you fabulous quilting tips and inspiration. So I am crossing my fingers that you find the answers you need to grasp this new format.
Stay safe and be well
Lorelei
Oh dear Kathy I haven't even tried the new system yet because like you I can't be bothered to have to learn it all over again, but it appears I must. I will give it a go next time I blog and see how I get on with it. I run the website for my local U3A and they use wordpress and they are going to be changing that too, so that's two new systems I'm going to have to learn. I'm going to try and stay positive, hopefully they will keep the original blogger available until all problems have been ironed out. Your quilt is beautiful. x
Oh, Kathy--I have yet to try the new blogger. I've been sticking my head in the sand hoping it would go away. :) But don't you go away!!
I love seeing what you have created! And being authentic is how we truly connect with each other! You are making a valuable contribution to many many daily lives.
How did you usually post pictures in the past? I usually click on the choice to add from my computer files but I know you can also select to post straight from your phone if that is how you take your pictures. You need to sync your phone and your computer and there is instructions/links to do that.
Keeping up with changes as they come bit by bit is good because you travel along the road without even really noticing how far you have come many times. If you didn't stay active on the computer, changes could add up and it would be even harder. Good for you to keep at it even as you find it frustrating. That is an encouragement to others in itself.
My experience has been mainly with Wordpress,I tried Blogger briefly but we didn't get on, I moved to Wordpress and found it much easier. Having said that, every time they'update' wordpress, I seem to lose functions, there's no where near as many bits you can add on now, you can no longer buy extra media storage, so I'm now deleting early ones to make room for more photos. You also can't search media by month and year...and they call it progress!!
You'll get there in the end, though I have to confess that I've kept a link to the old wordpress, so I can nip on there to search for older photos!! Good luck :-)
Trying out New Blogger today. So frustrating that we have to do this now! Definitely not my forte to learn new things with a computer! Hope it gets easier as we go along.:)
As a non-blogger, I can't give you any advice, but I do want to echo others by telling you your blog is enjoyed and would be missed by many. It seems clear that many people share your frustrations and that many others haven't even tried the new version. It remains a mystery why Google (and other tech companies) can't do a better job of helping with the transition on these things and why they had to do it now when everyone has other pressing considerations on their minds. I suspect there will be an exodus of bloggers due to this "upgrade". I guess that would mean I'd have more time to quilt if I wasn't reading all these blogs. LOL Hang in there. I'm sure there will be people who figure it out and provide some assistance.
Pat
I just saw the notice today for the first time about the change to the blogger tool. I noticed after I hit post on today's post. I will dig in and start to play with it to see what else I can learn. I've been doing a lot of tech support lately for our teachers during distance learning, so this will be a familiar process for me.
It is frustrating that everything keeps changing! Even if the changes are for the better in the long run, mustering up the emotional energy to devote to a new platform on someone else's schedule is HARD. Especially when we are all stretched so thin from being so adaptable for so long in the face of way too much change and uncertainty. 26 days is a long time. I'm sure more help is on the way!
I assumed it would just transfer itself when it was time...OMG...I will not be able to do anything tech-like to help myself...glad I am not alone xo
I have NOT tried the new version of blogger yet. I'll wait until I'm forced to. I'm not tech savvy. I'm hoping (probably in vain) that they get enough complaints that they let us choose which version we want to use. I've never tried to blog on my phone. That doesn't even interest me. I can barely even check my email on my phone (and never answer it there). Good luck. Glad you are getting the quilt done.
Oh no! I didn't even see that I had to learn a new blogger yet. Yikes. I use my phone as a phone as well most days.
Thank you for posting. My head is in the sand too. I shall cope with with muttering when I have too. I certainly wouldn't want to blog from a phone though if you have a long commute it might be useful. As I don't make calls when away from home (and very few at home) nor want to use a 3" screen I don't even have a smart phone. I had the impression I would have to pay up to £50 a month whereas I don't even pay that for a year with my simple pay as you go mobile. If people suggested our TV's revert to a 1950's 12" screen they would be horrified but are happy to watch content on a tiny smart screen. Strange. Anyway forewarned is forearmed. Thank you commenters for suggesting places to find help. I'll come back to the post when I start to struggle. And at some point I may even relent and get a smart phone!
I am brand new to blogging. It sounds like a poor time to start. I am from a rural area in Malin OR and I live on a ranch. I have loved quilting 15 years.
Well...I've been asleep at the wheel, again. Distance teaching kept me so occupied since spring break that I only wrote a couple of blog posts. I have evidently completely ignored or did not notice the whole new blogger thing. I guess I will try to master it as soon as possible. Oh, boo. Thanks for the heads up!
I'm sure that this too will pass. I am writing this on a new computer and for some reason it would not let me download my photos. I found out how (finally) only to have the same frustration the next time I wanted to download (I keep photos on my computer and download from the memory card.) I have not wanted to check out the 'new' blogger but once I am back home in Toronto I shall make the time. I am currently in England where I have had an extended visit with my daughter who gave birth to twins in March. I was going to go home at the end of April but it was safer just to stay put. My daughter also has a 2.5 year-old so things have been busy here. I don't like change and it seems that Facebook also wants to change. They, at least, gave one the option and I'm happy with the old way of doing things. I don't have a mobile phone so this blogger change doesn't impact the way I want to blog. I shall slog on and try to learn the new ways but I shall be counting on reading how others have figured out the problems.
What a good post. I do hope you continue to blog. There are so many bloggers who have fallen off and gone away.
I haven't tried the new design yet so wish me luck.
I am a little concerned that I have seen nothing about switching. I guess I better do some digging! Yikes!
Please don't give up on blogging. I use Squarespace for my blog. It's not free, but it is worth it to me because it's so easy.
Kathy, I don't know if you are on Facebook, but there is a group called KimSix Blogger Support (For Bloggers on Blogger) which you can join and ask any question and there are always people there who can help you. Perhaps you could join this group and see if someone there can offer assistance.
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