Test Spin

How are you all making out with the new Blogger interface? Yeah... me too.  Just writing this post I accidentally deleted my signature several times.  I'm not sure what it is exactly, the vastness of all that white as it plays upon aging eyes *waves to Linda* or simply the fact that everything feels like I jsut stepped off Apollo 11. I've stuck with it through the week though hoping it would grow on me a bit more, or at least I'd learn a little more about where things are, but each morning I enter blogland a resounding "sigh" can be heard from my studio.

Those of us diehard "old interface users" will probably never fully embrace this new look, kind of like letting go of those clunky 70s sandals I wore into the ground but, I've been through enough changes in life to know that soon enough this learning curve will be behind us. I've never liked being a negative nelly so I'm doing my best to keep a positive outlook on the changes and I must admit there are some nifty additions.

Take the Blogger Template Designer ~

This handy tool really puts customizing a blog into the average user's hands.  From changing your font (color and style) to easily altering the width and layout of your blogs, Blogger has made these changes an absolute breeze.  Altering these key aspects used to be handled exclusively in the Html code area of our blogs and that's never a good place for any newbie to venture.  Now, it's easy as pie and I like that!

If you haven't tried some of these features out yet give them a spin.  The best part is you can "try on" and preview any changes without actually applying them to your blog and that's a wonderful plus ~ especially for those of us who air on the side of caution when it comes to blog changes.  To access the font features just click on the "Advanced" link and see what's available.

The only caution is to avoid clicking on the blue "Clear" link at the bottom of each menu ~ this won't recent the changes you just made ~ this will reset ALL of your blog settings, so avoid clicking.

Let me know how you do and what you think and most importantly have fun!

New Blogger Interface ~ ♪it's here...♪

I had scheduled a post about my color class for today but just learned that Blogger will be discontinuing it's old user interface in the coming days. I know this is a huge sore spot for many and a point of great concern. Over the past few months I've taken the time to get familiar with this interface and I must admit (quite begrudgingly) that it's not that bad. I found that when I sat down (cup of coffee in hand) and took - my - time looking over the new interface it was fairly easy to navigate.

Yes, those handy top tabs enveloped in a comforting shade of blue are gone...

leaving us feeling as wide open and exposed as the new side links, bobbing helplessly in a sea of white...

...but to be honest, when you stop and look them over they're fairly easy to navigate. Exploring these sidebar links you can easily find the features we all use so often when making changes and updates to our blog.

I encourage all of you to voluntarily explore the new Blogger interface over the next few days ~ it's far better than being thrust into it unwillingly and if you're like me you'll struggle a bit less. Think of it as going through all that paperwork your child brings home on the first day of school ~ it's not something you want to do but you know you should.

You can still revert back while the option lasts by following along with this quick tutorial . Over the next few days I'll be posting additional info about these changes and you're welcome to leave feedback and questions here as we explore this new area together.