Powered by Blogger--or not

So many of my favorite blogs are powered by Blogger--or should I say not powered by it at all. I never know when I click on a link on my blog roll what will happen next. Will a window snap open with the latest entry laid out for me to read, or will I hear my computer grunt and groan, watch my browser icon blink frantically, and stare at a white monitor until my eyes glaze over? Waiting for Blogger to wake up and gets its virtual ass in gear makes me want to reach through the screen and retrieve the files myself. A virtual smash and grab if you will. Call me thug grrrl.

Even when the blog downloads, my thug impulses aren’t quelled. Reading and leaving comments is a test of my patience. I imagine there are hamsters on the Blogger server running on wheels that drag the comment box up and pry it open. Hopefully by the time it unfolds on the screen, I haven’t forgotten what I was going to say. Once I type it up, I face my final challenge in the Blogger triathalon: word verification.

Ah yes, there’s a string of gibberish to be typed, and it always includes letters you don’t normally touch much on the keyboard, like X, Z, and J. The letters are twisted and distorted like images in a Salvado Dali painting. I lean forward and peer at the monitor. I clean the smudges off my glasses. I ponder whether those are two n’s that are enjoying a romantic moment or simply an “m” going solo? Of course, it could be an “r” shaking hands with an “n." Is that a lower case "j" or an "i" doing yoga?  I debate all the possibilities. Then I type my best guess up v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y, which, is after all, the Blogger way. Sometimes my comments don’t post. Grrrr.

So to all my peeps trapped in the Twilight Zone with Blogger, let me just say this: I’m not ignoring you—Blogger is ignoring me. Be free! Escape the Blogger traffic jams. Your words deserve better. Check out www.squarespace.com. Free trials. No software to download. Easy to use. Great support. All for as little as $7 a month. Go for it!

March 21, 2006

Update on March 21, 2006 at 12:36 by V-Grrrl

Did I speak too soon?

Thanks to The Queen Mama and Michelle for letting me know my blog has been sketchy about accepting comments lately. Some folks tell me they write the comment, hit post, and nothing happens.

I've got a note into tech support.  If you've been having problems with my site, e-mail me.

Thanks!

V-Grrrl

***********

OK, if you're having problems leaving a comment, this may be why. Tech support's response:

I noticed that your latest post does have a comment on it so it does appear to be working. Why it isn't working for these other people could be a myriad of reasons such as their web browser type, web browser settings, firewall settings, ad blocking software, and so on. The most important thing is to ensure that their web browser, software, or firewall don't conflict with the Javascript code that we use. Can you check with them to confirm the following with them?

That they are using one of the following browsers.
http://www.squarespace.com/browsersupport/

That they haven't turned off cookies or javascript with their browser.

That they aren't using firewall or anti-virus software with ad blocking.

If the comment feature isn't working for you and these trouble-shooting tips don't apply, keep me posted. You can e-mail me using the Contact feature on my navigation bar. I appreciate the feedback and if there's a glitch, I really want to get it worked out.

V-Grrrl

Comments

[Shirl Grrrl]

I have to admit to not posting comments on other blog spaces because of the registering and the gibberish. It is so much easier posting comments here and the site is always fast and I never trouble getting in.

[Denice]

I wish there were one of these programs that would work with some amount of stability, free or not, it is driving me crazy. Yes, we at Blogger get what we pay for....


Right back atcha with the love.

[V-Grrrl]

This started as a comment for your "Powered by Blogger--or not" post:

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I haven't encountered any problems yet on any blogs (whether it's blogger, wordpress, blog.com, squarespace). It seems I've either been lucky or clearing my cached pages and cookies very often (sort of like erasing my slate after a day of browsing) helps.

I'm sorry about Blogger's verification process that I use on my lil corner of the web. Some spam comments are too annoying and downright nasty. I want to avoid having to moderate comments by hand, in case I accidentally erase a real person's comment. Blogger has been quite accomodating so far and too good to be free. Sometimes we get what we pay for (or not, as the case may be).
;-)
Flubberwinkle
http://flubberwinkle.blogspot.com
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P.S. I guess I spoke too soon.
I couldn't add this comment on your blog using Firefox browser, I am now attempting with Opera browser.

P.P.S. Opera didn't do the trick either. I am now using Internet Explorer.

P.P.P.S. I am sending you this comment via e-mail. I couldn't post the comment. Seems I spoke wayyyyyy too soon.

[Note from V-Grrrl: I'm posting this on Flubberwinkle's behalf!]

[V-Grrrl]

[Received via e-mail and posted here by V-Grrrl]


Trying to comment on your blog, but something won't let me!! Panic! I'm still reading.

Wordgirl