This page contains system updates and messages that most users get via email. However, some people opt out of receiving those messages, and should regularly check this page for new updates.
9/18/2009 - Features
Clean Up and New Help
We implemented a new HELP system. The HELP information now appears in hover boxes when you mouse over certain links.
This allowed us to clean up the site and hide much of the text (information, instructions, explanation, etc).
The text-based HELP is now found in these mouse over hover boxes, and the audio/visual help is found at the "arrows" (the circle with and triangle arrow).
8/28/2009 - Features
Easier to find duplicate links in your lists now....
To help you quickly deal with people putting duplicate links in your list, I've improved your "Manage Entries" page. Now, when you SORT BY LINKS, duplicate links are turned RED for easy spotting. It is your choice to allow or delete duplicate links.
8/18/2009 - Technical
Link Styles on Your Blog
A couple of weeks ago I changed how the links would appear in the Basic MckLinky list applying some styles that would turn visited links to gray so people would know what links they had visited.
I didn't realize (but should have) that this would have the same affect on THE REST OF THE LINKS ON YOUR BLOG that appeared AFTER (below) any MckLinky basic list.
It was brought to my attention this morning. So, I removed that code, and now the links in any MckLinky Basic List will act just like you have YOUR blog configured. So if you want to change how your links behave (visited color, etc), then you have to configure that inside your own blog settings.
I NEVER, NEVER, NEVER WANT TO DO ANYTHING WITH MCKLINKY THAT AFFECTS YOUR ENTIRE BLOG... there will never be a reason for me to do that, because it's YOUR blog, not mine.
The only thing I will ever purposely deal with, is MckLinky lists and tools. Nothing else.
8/14/2009 - Features
The Blog Hop Tool is Now Available
You'll find a link on the home page of your user dashboard.
After a dozen or so tests yesterday that went well, I think the Blog Hop tool is ready for general use by everyone.
Please be patient as everyone uses it the first time and I make final "polishes" to the system based on feedback.
I REALLY appreciate your feedback, suggestions, improvements, problems, etc. Let me know of anything that could work better, is confusing, could be simpler, or would make the tool BETTER... you get the point. The goal is to make every MckLinky tool simple, easy to understand, and fun!
Blog Hops are BIT more involved than simple Mcklinky lists, so if you are not familiar with Blog Hops, be sure to visit the blog hops pages, check out a couple of real Blog Hops that already exist, and watch the demo's.
I hope you enjoy this tool. Lots of folks have been clamoring for it, and I really think it is a great way to "build community" among blogs.
And don't think you have to have a BIG blog hop. A blog hop with a dozen or two links (or less) is plenty of "fun" or "information" for one event.
8/7/2009 - Technical
Windows Live Writer and Comments Cause Double Vision in Blog Hop
Remember yesterday I said a couple of blogs were having parts of the Blog Hops show up DOUBLE? The bottom section was repeating itself even though the code was only there once.
The two lovely blogger friends who were having the issue, hooked up, and discovered they both use Windows Live Writer to post to their blog.
There's some glitch that makes WLW and the presence of "comments" in the code (very common practice in programming) cause this problem. The comment in the Blog Hop code, looks like this: < -- Begin Blog Hop -->
Anyhoo... when they removed that code, and posted without using WLW, then everything worked fine. Just wanted to pass that on for any of you who might experience the same.
THANK YOU Kim and Kari for helping me investigate it. Visit them at:
http://karinewsom.blogspot.com/ and http://themadwhitewoman.blogspot.com/
8/5/2009 - Administrative
System Messages to be used MUCH less in the future...
I'm using this system message too often. It was really meant to be for important MckLinky product updates, and critical system information. (the email addresses come from your MckLinky user accounts, not a subscriber list)
I realize now I've been using it more for the types of communication I should be putting on the MckLinky Blog instead.
So, if you want information like "hey I have an idea.." or "how many of you would like me to create..." or similar information, then make sure you subscribe to the blog at www.mcklinkyblog.com
Of course the other reason to subscribe to the MckLinky Blog is because I'm daily putting up tips, techniques, information and my experience to help you build a better blog.
I will only use this system email list for things like:
- notification a new tool/feature is launched
- a major change in how MckLinky operates
- a critical update about Mcklinky such as a problem that might affect your use of it.
- if I die, my wife will send you a system update. :)
I don't want to be a nuisance with emails to MckLinky users. But I do want to communicate with everyone who WANTS to keep up with my new ideas and my requests for your opinion and feedback. If that's you, then be sure to subscribe to the blog.
7/30/2009 - Blog Hop
Descriptions with Blog Hop Link
Get A Description with your Blog Hop Link
The Blog Hop now has a $10 sponsorship along with the $20 and $100.
NEW!!! I've added a description for each sponsor that will appear under their link. Check out the samples here:
http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/blog-hop-encouragement-842009.html
Sponsorships are a great way to build traffic to your blog. Read the testimonials and you'll see over and over people talking about the visits they are getting via the blog hop:
http://www.mcklinky.com/testimonials.asp
Also, the sponsorships help pay the bills. FREE doesn't mean "free to run". Besides getting traffic, you'll be helping pay the hosting and administration costs of MckLinky.
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Blog Hop Winners
The winner of the prize from Fairy Wonderful is Angie @ A Simple Kinda Life; please email sdemke@q.com to claim your prize.
The winner of the prize from Elena Kahn (Avon) is xxx; please email Elena at: elanakahn@gmail.com to claim your prize.
The winner of hte prize from Firefly Photo Jewelry is xxxx; please email fireflyphotojewelry@yahoo.com to claim your prize.
Be sure to visit our prize sponsors and thank them:
http://www.fairywonderful.com/
http://fireflyphotojewelry.blogspot.com/
http://youravon.com/ekahn
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Next Blog Hop
The next blog hop is themed "Encouragement". I'm really looking forward to it. I think it may well be our most enjoyable blog hop yet.
See the sample here:
http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/blog-hop-encouragement-842009.html
7/28/2009 - Features
Opt Out, Updates and Blog Hop
Note: I'll have the Update and Opt Out functions done today or tomorrow; thank you for your patience for this email if you are one of those wanting to NOT get email updates.
SURVEY QUESTION:
Seems that there are lots of people wanting to run their own "mini blog hops"... if so, I'll go ahead and create a PUBLIC blog hop tool/system anyone can use.
Is this a feature you would like me to create? Just trying to determine the level of desire out there, as I prioritize the development of new tools/features.
7/28/2009 - Administrative
New Updates Page and Email Opt Out
Updates & Opt Out Features
You will find a new UPDATES page on your User Dashboard that contains the contents of system update emails (like this one) that I send out via email.
On your User Account Management page, you will also find the ability to OPT OUT of getting this information via email, as some of you have requested.
However, if you elect to opt out (not get) system updates via email, you may miss out on TIMELY and important information and new features that could affect your use of MckLinky as well as notifications about opportunities and news.
If you choose to opt out, please make sure you visit the UPDATES page frequently for important news and information, and definitely visit the Updates page before emailing for help because the information you need may likely be there.
7/22/2009 - Announcement
MckLinky Blog, Recipes, Opt Out & More
>>Sign Up for the new MckLinky Blog
The MckLinky Blog is not just going to be for samples anymore. Since so many people are asking me for demonstrations, tutorials, tip's and "how to's", I'm going to start blogging regularly on the MckLinky Blog about every sort of thing to make your blog:
- better looking
- better photos
- better functionality
- better design
- more fun
- more interesting
- attract more visitors (and keep them)
- do better with search engines and of course.
- tips on how to write better and brainstorm blog topics
- online demonstrations and tutorials
This blog is going to be your SERIOUS "make your blog better" resource, which most of you know is my professional background and specialty. Hop on over to www.mcklinkyBLOG.com and get your free subscription for instant notifications when I post new content.
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>>Blog Hop Winners!
The winner of the $100 cash prize this week is Annette at Fairy Blog Mother! Congratulations! Annette, email me for your prize. Everyone go give some Blog Hop love to Annette at: http://www.fairyblogmotherblog.com
The winner of the $100 gift certificate from Fairy Wonderful is Erica @ But Mommy. Sounds like she has kids and can make use of the prize! Visit her at http://ehaggins.blogspot.com Also, be sure to drop by and check out Fairy Wonderful at http://www.fairywonderful.com and say thank for offering such a generous prize.
We have one prize for next week so far, a $100 Avon Certificate. If you can donate a prize, you'll get some blog love and some form of advertising, depending on the prize. If you want to sponsor, information is here:
http://www.mcklinky.com/blog_hop_100_sponsor.asp
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>>Next Blog Hop
The next blog hop theme is "Favorite Photo of Kids". It can be a picture of your own kids, YOU when you were little, grandkids, whoever. Funny, adorable, interesting... your favorite(s)! A sample post is here:
http://www.mcklinkyblog.com/2009/07/blog-hop-72809-favorite-kid-photos.html
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>>Mcklinky Updates - Opt Out
Several people have asked to be able to OPT OUT of getting MckLinky User System Messages, such as this one. So I am going to create an UPDATES page on the website. Once done, you'll have the opportunity to opt out of getting updates via email but I have to ask one favor. you'll likely MISS important news and updates. So please check the Update page before you email me with "what the heck changed???"
I'll have that feature done very soon so please be patient if you get a couple of more emails in the meantime.
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>> Recipes Online
We had over 400 recipes submitted for our first recipe Blog Hop. Because of such a great turnout, I'm going to create a MckLinky Recipe page where you can search, sort and print whatever recipe you want. I'll still put them in book form for anyone who just MUST have a paperback version to buy.
I look forward to the next recipe Blog Hop. We could make quite a nice recipe database for all you MckLinky users to enjoy.
I'll let you know when it's done.
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