Hello, WordPress Support?

A large part of my blog class is helping my students choose a blogging platform. In class, I go through three: Blogger, WordPress, and Tumblr.

Every single semester, it comes down to Blogger and WordPress, and most of my students want to know, which one should they choose?

Truthfully, each platform has its pros and cons. But, I have four blogs through WordPress, so it’s an obvious choice for me.

One thing that’s never happened though, in my four years of teaching this class, is someone finding a reason NOT to join WordPress… until now, that is.

One of my students tried to sign up for a WordPress blog, but she accidentally put in the wrong email address, leaving off the “C” when she typed in “.com”.

WordPress still registered the blog (despite it being an invalid email address), and she wasn’t able to retrieve her account information, or login to her account because of her mistake.

She searched for support, or help desk, but WordPress doesn’t offer non-paying customers any chance to actually speak with someone — you just have to rely on their “support” webpage, and any posts other users have offered.

The support pages of WordPress basically told her she was SOL, since their was no way to prove the invalid email address was hers.

When she decided to forget it, and register another blog name, using her correct email, WordPress told her there was already an account with her email!

Using my paid account, I tried to access additional help for her — she was ready to give up on WordPress. She decided to go a different route, but it was disappointing to know that WordPress only helps their paying customers.

That’s not what blogging is about, and it makes me hesitant to recommend them in the future.

Living life, online.

Last week, I was really surprised when I opened up my roster for the summer semester of Blogging for Beginners, because it was nearly full.

I’m not saying I have a mediocre product that doesn’t deserve to be sold out, it’s just that it hasn’t happened since my first two semesters of the class. The first thing I wondered was, what happened in the world where people all of the sudden realize they need to be blogging?

Of course, I live believing that everyone should have a blog, as everyone has a passion and a story they deserve to share with the world.

When I met my students, it didn’t appear that there was any major change in the world, pushing them to sign up for class (unless they haven’t told me yet), but it got me thinking.

Although a lot of us have been living online for years, lately, it seems like things are really catching on. I don’t mean catching on as in, “Oh, this is cool,” I mean… living like this is completely changing our world, our culture.

Yesterday, I went to see The Fault in Our Stars, a movie based off the bestselling novel (selling 7 million copies so far) by John Green. Even though I didn’t go to the theatre on opening night, it was obvious this book and its film adaptation, have a cult following.

On one hand, the book is phenomenal. Then there’s the fact that it’s about teenagers… who have cancer. This brings in another audience. And some high schools put it on their reading lists. And teenagers are just the kind of age group that’s Tweeting, and Facebook-ing, and Instagram-ing there entire lives.

So, go search #TFIOS, and I guarantee you’ll see what I’m talking about.

It makes me wonder if this is just a one-time thing, or if this is just the way things are going to be from this point forward — everything huge and online.

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but in the meantime, I’m really loving it.

Blog tip no. 63

Get out of character.

This tip isn’t necessarily for everyone. However, if you’re thinking of writing a persona blog, or a blog from a character’s point of view that you’ve created, go for it!

However, if you’re going to do it, do it all the way.

I would always recommend to use a pen name, or the name of your character. No matter what the subject is, or what the personality of your character is, you don’t want readers that know you to associate you and your personality with that of your character’s.

And of course, don’t apologize. Writing a persona blog is different, but go at it with confidence and don’t hold back!

Blog tip no. 62

Connect everything.

When I teach my blog class, I try to explain to my students ways to not only avoid writer’s block, but also to connect everything they write/blog about back to their ultimate mission.

A few weeks ago, Baton Rouge was iced over (thanks to the Polar Vortex), and I wrote (on my other blog, The Bitter Lemon) about venturing out on foot to get coffee and a few groceries. The walk was slick, it took balance and perseverance.

The walk itself had nothing to do with my blog’s theme of relationships and dating, but I was able to relate the walk to being single—it’s not always fun, but it’s always an adventure.

If it’s too much of a stretch, don’t feel pressure to push it. But really, really think when you write things that seem “random,” they might have an easy connection.

Blog idea: Valentine’s Day.

Valentine’s Day is Friday, is your blog going to be a part of the celebration? Over at my other blog, The Bitter Lemon, I posted a “Survival Guide” for being single on Valentine’s Day, and tomorrow, am posting a History of my Valentine’s Days.

Need more ideas? Here’s some Hearts Day inspiration I’ve stumbled across:

 

• Got any beauty tips for a Valentine’s Day date?
• Nail art that would be fitting for the day?

 

• Are there any scenes in your city that you love?
• What about romantic spots nearby?
• Or even Valentine’s Day decor.

 

• Recipes for delicious Valentine’s Day cupcakes and cookies!
• Your favorite heart-shaped candies
• Rate boxed chocolates

• Ideas for DIY Valentines!
• Valentine’s Day craft ideas

I got all of these pictures from one of my blog crush’s Instagram account, @GlitterandGrace. Visit her blog: GlitterandGrace.com, she just LOVES Valentine’s Day!

 

Need ideas?

Let’s face it—some days, there just isn’t enough on your mind to write/blog. And that’s okay. But have you ever considered utilizing a prompt?

There are several books and websites dedicated to writing prompts. Once you find one that interests you, find a prompt and get to writing!

Here are some prompts I’ve come across:

• Imagine your life is a book. In 100 words, write what’s on the back cover.
• Write about the biggest lie you’ve ever told.
• Write about something that’s bothered you this week.
• Write about a habit you find hard to break.
• I’m supposed to be getting married today, but…
• What country should fictional villains be from?
• If you got one whole day where you were both unable to feel any pain and totally indestructible, what would you do with that 24-hour time period?
• You get a set of minions for the week.
• Retell a story that you know, but this time, add monsters.

Happy writing!

Blog tip no. 61

Give a little something away.

Many business bloggers are afraid to use their blogs as a place to share advice or tricks of the trade. They are afraid if they give their secrets away, no one will pay for their services.

But, that’s not true.

Truthfully, sharing advice and tips on your blog gives you credibility. And in the end, if a person really wants your services, they’re going to pay you for them, instead of using the tips you give on their own.

Ultimately, you’re the expert. So don’t be afraid to put it out there.