New Feature: Blog

[Oola]

You may or may not have noticed that a new feature has appeared.

If you go to My Control Panel, at the bottom there should be a link to Blog. From here you will be able to use the blogging software to create your blog, as well as having a few different privacy settings to control who you allow to view your blog.

As far as I know if the blog has restrictions on the privacy, your blog shouldn't be seen by search engines and the like. I will keep researching this though to check for sure.

I am still researching all the functions here, so please in these early stages bear with me and any teething problems that may occur! All in all, the blogging feature should be pretty much problem-free.

[Redstart]

Ooh, if I can do a non-public-search-engine blog I might just go back to writing one.

[Redstart]

Right, been to options and just set Buddies (once I've made out a buddies list!). I assume this means only those I want to read my blog may do so? And what do I have to write in the box to prevent spam entries?

[Oola]

Hi Mandy

I'll try and clear everything up for you.

Firstly, don't worry about the spam because the blog has a good level of spam protection and we'll monitoring it for spam anyway so it's not an issue. The box with the 'Wordpress API' bit is for special add on bit of software, but it shouldn't be needed for your blog. Basically, if you leave the boxes unchecked of the people that you don't want to view your blog, they won't be able to see it or post messages on it. So it's up to you who can view or post on your blog.

The forum posts, however, will be able to be viewed on search engines eventually (as with CL), and there's not a lot I can do about this at the moment. But people who aren't registered can read the posts anyway, so it doesn't make a lot of difference. You have to register to post on here so I will be able to moderate the posts and nip any attempt at spamming (or trolling - let's not go there!) in the bud. I think I may have seen something about private forums, but the problem with that is that it's then very difficult to recruit new members. However, if there's a big call for one private forum room I may be able to sort something out - it's something I can look into at a later date maybe?

I should also make it clear that as administrator and moderator, I am able to view everyone's blog entries and posts.

[SummerSkye]

Hi Oola, the Blog sounds good for privacy. I have missed writing mine, its good therapy and I have really missed reading Mandy's; so if you read this add me to your buddies list please..