Open Blog - Week 26
I have decided to run an open blog for a few weeks, to see how things go. Basically, it’s a place where all of can talk about things that would be ‘off topic’ anywhere else. I sometimes go to blogs and I’d like to discuss something with the blog owner and his visitors, but there’s nowhere to ask, or talk about it.
Literally, you can ask anything; from asking for advice for your blog, to discussing what you think the next version of WordPress should have, to talking about something completely unrelated to blogging!
Let me get the conversation started (you don’t have to answer it, you can talk about something else completely).
I’ve been wondering over the past few days, should the blogs that have their comments ‘DoFollowed’ not have another field in their comments form entitled ‘Anchor Text’? I feel I should really write my name in the name field, but having a link with my name as the anchor text is useless. I’ve tried to mess around with the php in WordPress’s “wp-comments-post.php”, and the form in my theme, but to no avail. I can get the extra field no problem, and I can get the link to go to the new field rather than the name field, but I can’t get it to display when I hit submit.
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12 Responses to “Open Blog - Week 26”
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This is a tough one: I’m all for passing on the link benefits, and if regular commentators want to use relevant anchor text that’s fine with me.
But, when your one and only comment from someone is from ‘make money online’ it just reeks of spam.
I use the link love plugin, which doesn’t pass on ‘dofollow’ until a set number of comments have been made (in my case, 2) so they don’t get the benefit any way
Chris - With very little alteration (I think), that plugin could work for what I’m talking about aswell. I just think it would make more sense to have an anchor text field.
The do follow movement is indeed a great thing. I find myself being a bit more selective with what comments I accept. I would like to use the link love plugin, but my theme is a bit of a PITA with updating. Got to get around to updating…
I was thinking about using the Cutline theme, as I really like the job that Jonathan ofSmartwealthyrich did of updating his blog recently.
Got any other favorite themes?
I have another question.
I just made a comment, and wanted to be updated about the comments, but failed to click the notify box.
I know that there is place in the dashboard to set it to be automatically clicked. Does anyone have any opinions on doing this or not doing this?
Adam - First of all, congratulations on your recent marriage. I trust God will grant you a happy and healthy future together.
If you tell me what you’re after in a theme, then I’ll be able to advise a little better. How may columns, whether you like a background, etc.
As far as the email comments notification, I find it frustrates people if they forget to remove the tick from the box. So it’s better to leave it unchecked by default.
“do follow” ? I have no idea what you guys are talking about.
Email notification on comments? That I understand. I wish I knew how to get it above the “submit comment” button, because I always choose it. That could change, I suppose, but I always expect people to respond to my comments and I would much prefer to have the response in my in-box.
But it probably depends alot on the blog. If it’s a huge blog, with lots of comments that are not really a conversation, then it would be an annoyance to get them all via email.
Rebecca - By default, when someone leaves a comment on your blog with a link, that link carries no ‘weight’ with Google. They do not count it as a ‘vote’ for the site because it’s not ‘followed’. By removing the NoFollow attribute, the links your visitors leave in the Site’ field of your comment form, will be followed by Google, and will give weight to them. It’s just a little way of showing appreciatiion to those who contribute to the discussion on your blog.
Armen,
First of all, thank you.
Secondly, I am looking for in a theme:
1. three column
2. adjustable header image
3. widget ready
4.adsense ready or easily adaptable
5.no background images
6. prefer a white or lite colored theme
7. I also like the newer wider themes.
I believe that is it.
Thanks, Armen.
So how do you do it?
Adam - I heartily recommend Brian Gardner’s themes, and he has a few that could fit that bill. Not all of them may fit it straight out of the box, but I could give you a hand. His coding is easy to follow, and I could easily help you out with what you want (if you needed any help that is). HIs Vertigo theme is probably his most popular, but I used his Silhouette to design Dietriffic.
They’re all widget ready, and it’s simple to reposition sidebars, and place Adsense. Have a look and see what you think.
Rebecca - Read the open paragraph of 1 Stupidly Simple Tip… and see if that helps. There’s a link to a plugin there, and a link to a post of Andy Beard’s which might enlighten you a little too. Any problems, let me know.
Pixel Head,
My website uses a modified version of a set of themes that fit your specifications. I’m offering the original themes at http://cashmachine101.com/InstantWordpressThemes/
If you want I can give you (or anyone else on who’s commented here) an exclusive discount.
Good content. However, is there something wrong with your css? The layout looks a little blend.