Sunday, March 18, 2007

Blogging 101

I've been asked by many folks of a certain age group to explain a little more on how to comment and interact on a blog. I know many people want to leave comments and are finding it a little tricky, so I will give my best summary & hope it helps.

As a sidenote: we are reading all blog comments and emails you send us directly to Dad. Either way is fine...but I know some of you are wanting to interact on the blog, so this might be of aid.

Overview
Typically on a blog, an article is posted for all to read. Most blogs are accessible, like this one, by simply knowing the web address (www.chrisatbaylor.blogspot.com) . Readers don't directly chat with each other, but leave comments responding to the original article. As the comments grow in number, sometimes readers respond to other comments and many rabbit trails emerge. Probably not likely on this blog, but that happens on many other ones.

As you've probably gathered, the most recent articles are always at the top of the blog page...so scroll down to catch up if you are a few days behind.

Comments
If you want to leave comments, simply click on the "comments" link at the bottom of each blog entry. You will be prompted to enter a username & password. If you've never signed up with
Google, you'll need to sign up (not to read the blog, but just if you want to post). This is free & commits you to nothing. You will select a username (or "gmail" address) and password, fill out some basic info...and there you go. (If it's any comfort, Google has one of the best spam filters out there & in my experience, I have yet to get any).

Then, you will post the comment below whichever article/post you've just read. Someone said they didn't want to "hog the blog," but posting every day is not being piggy...it's just passing along a new thought/message each day...and trust me, Dad loves to hear them.

Comments can be short, long, or in between...so have at it.

Mom thinks I'm a "computer genius" which tells you where her computer abilities lie.

Thanks again for each word...you will never know how Dad smiles when I say "Guess who wrote in?" and share your precious thoughts. Seriously...thank you.

16 comments:

susan said...

Very nice tutorial. I actually signed up on Google with my hotmail address,,,,,so i guess you don't actually have to sign up for a gmail address.

I love reading what others have to say to Chris, the family and the incredible medical team assisting Chris. I encourage everyone checking in to give this blogging thing a try.

I am strengthened & comforted by the thoughts and prayers shared here. There may be hospital staff present when these prayers and scriptures are read out loud that have not heard the good news of our Savior.

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Mark 16:15

susan

Debi said...

Thanks for the Blog directions.
Bless all of you and the Grace of God that is present. As a colleague and nurse it is comforting to hear your updates.

Chris, My prayers are for you to know work is "covered". With that said, we are awaitng the "faster than a speeding bullet" recovery performance that God will grant you. :)

Resting in God's grace.

Debi Jefferson :)

Dicki said...

Chocolate milkshakes and Mexican food...such encouraging news this evening! Thank you, Nicole, for the blogging course and the daily progress reports. Just between you and me, I think you're a "computer genius", too.

Carla and Chris...We have passed the word on to a "few" friends and family. Stay strong, as I know you both will, and know that you have the support and prayers of all those who know and love you.

With love,
Dicki and David

susan jahns said...

Dear Chris-

We continue to pray for you many times a day. We are grateful for God's faithfulness to you and your family this past week!
Your family is very special to all of us back here in Wheaton--many are praying.
May the Lord continue to strengthen you daily and heal you completely.
Blessings, brother.
Randy, Susan, Sarah and Andrew
P.S. Thank you, Nicole, for the "Blogging 101." I admit--I needed it, so I guess I'm in that "age group" you were talking about!:)

Amy said...

"Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

God is blessing all of you this very day.
Shack

Unknown said...

Chris,
It is great to hear of your progression. What a blessing it is to have such a strong and faithful family.
You are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
I look forward to seeing you soon.
Your Cross Media team.
Todd

Pat said...

Thanks for your help in using the blog, Nicole, I needed it!!

It's so good to get the daily updates & we're grateful for the encouraging news. Chris, we think of you often & continue praying that every day will bring you closer to a full & quick recovery.

I know Marty & the kids would be happy to send you some Mexican food from Cabo, better yet, they send their love & prayers

I want to share these lines from the hymn 'O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go'& hope they will comfort you.

O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain
That morn shall tearless be.

Love to you all,
Pat

Pat Rowland said...

Please tell your Dad my thoughts and prayers are with him. I spoke of your Father twice last week, once with Don Duford when we were catching up by phone, and the other when I was having lunch with Mary Sue Reining on 3/15. Little did I know the reason he was on my mind was what had just happened to him and God was letting me know I needed to pray for his recovery. Please give your Father my very best wishes and let him know I will stay posted on his progress through your blog. Sincerely, Pat Rowland

Unknown said...

Chris our whole family was skiing in CO.last week during spring break. The news of your illness struck us hard but knew God would make himself known in a powerful way to you and Carla. You are in our constant prayers. I just back into town and will stop by this week. I never thought you would ever end up with a Kojak hairstyle (remember the TV show) but I must say from the pictures I saw on the Internet this may be a new trend. Love ya Brother,
Dwight Mankin

suzie ivy shurden said...

just a few lines to say hello and i am so glad you are doing so well. my church and i are praying for you and your speedy recovery. i will be reading your blog every day so please know that your are in my thoughts and prayers. we love you here in starkville. love ya suzie ivy shurden

Jim Boon said...

I've been waiting for someone to tell me how to use one of these stupid blogs that I've heard so much about. Thank you Nicole for keeping us up to date on Chris and getting me one step closer to being "with it." I left a really clever message this morning and obviously did something wrong, because it isn't posted...just floating around in the ether somewhere.

Chris, I have had you in my thoughts and prayers continuously. Isn't it amazing how everything can be great one minute and the next thing you know you've been dealt a body-blow (or in your case to the head). I am so encouraged by the medical reports we have received and even more so by your incredible spirit. You have always been an encouragement to me. Keep your chin up and your focus on the Lord.

I have several choice comments about the hole in your head, but am afraid others who read this might not appreciate my quirky sense of humor. Get well quick. You can't miss Emily's wedding.

Much love to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Chris, you are one of God's miracles at work. We love you and miss you. Wish we could reach out and give you are great big "TEXAS HUG"!!! Talk to you soon.

God Bless,

Steve & Reenie

Dede said...

Hey Chris,
Know that you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. When describing your strength and fortitude to my friends I refer to you as "Jack LaLaine Jr.". :) I know that same fighting spirit, incredible endurance and supreme faith in our Lord is guiding you through this difficult test. You're my hero, brother-in-law!
Love you, Dede

Andy Rowell said...

Chris, you have a great daughter spokesperson. She makes us smile. :-)

We are thinking and praying for you all.

christin barron said...

Carla, I will be amazed if this actually works!!! I have tried to comment on several blogs and I could never figure it out.
WOW!! From a (limited) medical standpoint I would say you are in the middle of a MIRACLE!
Like Susan, I am strengthened in my own walk by the way you are honoring God through all of this. My prayers are with you and Chris and your kids. Please let God hold you and comfort you with His righteous right hand.

Wayne Davis said...

Chris--Jane and I are thinking and praying for you and your family. What a wonderfully sustaining support you have from your family. All of us old Phis are pulling for and praying for you. Wayne and Jane Davis