Today I had the sudden urge to spring-clean my side bar – it would count as a win ter me, and I thought I autumn do it even if it should fall some, er, time beyond spring.
I tidied and eliminated nasty gaps (that took some doing!) and sorted music, books and badges into neater categories.
What do you think of the result? I like the theme I have had from the start, and have got used to it. Or do you think I should go more modern?
Then, I was recently entranced by having had a visit from a blogger in Norway with a built-in translate button, so that with just two clicks I was able to read her blog in English! I determined to get something similar on my scene. Alas, it seems that the free WordPress version has built-in A-version to this, and the best I could do without messing about with iffy plugins was what you now see.
It works well enough, though. All my foreign visitors have to do is to copy the URL of my site, click on the translate logo, paste the URL under ‘Website’ in the page that comes up, choose a language, and jab the ‘Translate’ button. A new tab pops up with the entire blog in the other language of choice. I tested it with Afrikaans. The result was rather quaint, but one could certainly get the sense of what it was all about. Far better than sticking a fish in one’s ear, I would say.
Anyone who wants to copy my method for presenting it is welcome, and of course if you know of a better way, please shout!
It will be noticed that I have created a set of links for the Darx Circle segments so far posted. I have been in two minds whether or not to continue posting Chapter 1 and beyond, as I know from experience novel extracts have rather limited appeal. I think I will, though; but not overdoing it. Even if only a few read and enjoy them I get pleasure out of the fact that they have, and feedback is always useful – as long as it isn’t of the husband-response-to-how-do-I-look-in-this-dress type! Frank but constructive is ideal.
Colonialist's Blog 
I can’t see a difference *blush* but I am notoriously unobservant.
I do like the blue, though 🙂
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Only the sidebar really changed – with translator and all the books and music and stuff put more neatly on the shelf.
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Ah! I never look at sidebars. I try to keep mine tidy, just in case other people do, but I don’t.
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*great weepings* You’ve never seen all the pretty stuff in my sidebar?
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*embarrassed* No 😦
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I am going to have to put a heading on all my posts:
‘LOOK AT MY ^&%$#@%$ SIDEBAR, DAMMIT!’ 🙂
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😀
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seasoning your blog?
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Just a pepper – (Ahhhh-tishoo!) – upper!
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Looks good and clean and fresh 🙂
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Not to forget the ‘Tralala’! 🙂
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I was going to, but then I thought I’d leave it for you 😉
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It looks very good Col and reflects you in all your diversity.
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Die verse ity? 🙂 Maybe I should have rhymed some of it …
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Wow Col and nice and neat now – when you’re all done I have a couple of storage units you can tackle? Pls continue with the dark circle segments and yay for instant translations. Hmmmm, Norway…
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Thanks! Storage units are easy. Get a skip, empty units into it, have it taken away – and pristine tidiness!
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You make it sound so easy – I guess the problem is all the hidden treasures.
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Don’t look while emptying!
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Good plan!
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Looking all nice and shiny Col 😉
As for should you change or not – it is, after all, you very own, personal blog. This theme suits you, but if you feel like a change – they say it’s as good as a holiday 😉
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I think I do prefer to keep it my traditional site! I can take a holiday now by viewing it in exotic languages if I want to! 🙂
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Because it is blue I did not notice until you drew my attention to it.
I once tried twenty twelve I think
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Because what is blue?
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The image it leaves is blue probably because of the background
🙂
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It does, doesn’t it? Blue is actually my favourite colour.
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I think I will pay more attention of what colour a blog is.
Adin makes me think of green.
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You’re right. I think even if one doesn’t consciously theme in a particular colour, it comes out that way.
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I like the changes, they are subtle and I still feel I am on your page and not been directed elsewhere. I like the translate button, I might go and translate you into Greek and see if you still come across well 🙂
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I just tried Greek – it looks weird! 🙂
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Seems you are doing quite a lot of clean-ups nowadays Col and as usual you are doing a great job with it my friend. I would love to continue reading your novel for sure as I really enjoyed it. You are so inspiring. 🙂 *hugs*
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Ooo – thanks! *blush*
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A blushing Col! Something you don’t see every day. Well, get used to it…hehehe. You are one amazing person Col. 🙂 *hugs*
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Love the new layout.. looks great…
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The sidebar is now a lot neater and more logical, I think.
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Sounds like you really did an autumn sweep.
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Just a tiny bit late (or early) for spring!
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Personally I love having a fish in my ear for translation purposes – hahaha (love those books) – it’s always good to do a clean-up. I have never been keen on those monthly archive thingies and not sure if people would ever click on them – though it might be useful to find your own way around things (just an idea) 🙂
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Yay for Spring Cleaning . . . whatever the season. 😀
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It looks good, very well organised.
I would carry on reading the novel, I’ve found it very enjoyable up to this point
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Great; thanks!
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How weird is this. I’m just plowing through the different themes, seeing what I want to change mine to. With my company now registered and wanting to get things going full throttle, I decided it was time to start making changes. No changes yet but, as soon as I choose a suitable theme, I hope to have a site that looks much better. Yours is looking great. I hadn’t even realised you had written so many novels. I like it. Well done and “no” you do not look fat in that dress 😀
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Be interesting to see what you find!
Thanks on site and novels. As for if I tried a dress – you should see my knobbly knees! 🙂
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