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Translation, please.
This poll asks how you feel about using codes that you recognize but may not understand: CSS, Html and Php.
Do you feel forced to know scripting and programming to properly support your blog? How much of a headache is it?
We've published several posts on using CSS for styling your blog. Likewise, you'll find some articles about how Html can get you out of a tight spot: Sweet ‘n Simple HTML or Codes for Comments. However, there are times when you have no choice but to go under the hood to add or modify code.
Vote in our poll so we know where you stand. Also leave us a comment about your experiences in coping with these strange and non-visual things.
How much should blog owners know about Php, etc.? Are there times you feel you are forced to learn more than you want about these coding languages? Let's hear it.
[polldaddy poll="2631656"]
Note: You may select more than one answer.
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I'm not lazy I just make sure I have friends who know coding (lol). When I first started my blog I put in countless hours scouring the Web looking for tutorials and how-tos on tweaking my own site. It is not something I wish to do again. Coding is not something I enjoy. I'm a designer. I draw. I don't do code.
However, if the need arises then I will search it out. I mean with the Internet at your fingertips there's really no excuse not to find the answers for yourself. Of course there's going to be people who don't want to do it (like me), but then that's why we have coding friends.
Count yourself as lucky to have those coding friends! I agree there is so much help out there on Google or social networks. However, the sheer volume with wide ranges of focus can complicate things — especially for non-coders. The other option is to pay for consulting services. Most of us need to invest personal time where we get the most productivity and satisfaction. I notice the poll has disappeared — another gremlin…
It could be laziness, George, or it could be setting priorities. My problem is that I may figure out what to do one time by doing the research, but I do it so seldom that it becomes very time-consuming each time. I have a hard enough time writing for my blog. If I spend that time tweaking or changing my layout, I've lost time in writing.
There's also some fear involved: If I do this and it's wrong, will I be able to undo it? There's that fear even when I've copied, pasted and saved the original code.
Maybe it's the template I use, but I also have a hard time finding where the code is that I should change!
It's like almost everything else you have to learn — it's all in the vocabulary. Some of us are too ignorant to ask the right questions! [And now I'm rambling! I'll be right behind you in the wig queue, Creative Junkie!]
Hi, dear editor!
It's only natural to forget something you don't use that often — even I have a cheat sheet!
There are also web developer tools that come in handy — you can highlight sections of the blog and see the underlying code (e.g. Firebug does this) to refresh your memory. Another tool lets you change the CSS or html on the screen (temporarily, not in the actual template) to see the results) so you can feel comfortable before you make the change. Same tools overlay your screen with the CSS tag names so you look for that to change your template. There is help for anyone who takes a systematic approach.
I also keep a separate document with all of my revisions to a client's theme, referencing any tutorials or support forums. In my blogspot template I make heavy use of commenting to leave some breadcrumbs to find my way back…
As for asking ignorant or bewildering questions — most tutors don't care, they just want you to succeed. Take a look at the gyrations in the grab your button comments! Then you'll understand why I bought out all of the wigs!!!
I have learned a lot since blogging as I knew nothing and now I know so much more and some changes are so simple to do. My personal opinion is that some users are lazy and don't take the time to learn, even if it's a bit.
There are so many editors where they can make the changes and then copy the html code, even the styling code which would make things a lot easier. There are so many posts/tutorials about how to do things, I wonder if users actually Google before asking or trying.
George, we both learned more than we expected going down the blogging path — it sounded so simple: "create a blog name, select a template sprinkle in some widgets and start working your section of the blogosphere…! Many people are afraid to tackle such 'techy' topics that Blogger and WP try so hard to shield us from. And you're right there is so much on Google and so many tutorials. I think most people don't want to risk messing up the real blog and don't care to set up a separate test.
When I started hacking Blogger templates just to get a decent widget, I found many tutorials were either old, lacked support or did not take into account overworked widget- heavy templates — different features from different tutors! And there are folks who try but just can't get it, even when everything is spelled out as best we can. One glitch, misspelling and it's all over! Luckily you have good tutorials and are around to answer questions!
So blog owners do need to learn the basics of CSS and html. But folks only do that when it's a priority — you have to really want it and set aside the time to learn.
I think I've said it before … if I knew CSS and HTML, my blogging life would be so much easier and fun. I'd love to be able to make even the most minor of changes on my blog without pulling out my hair but because I don't know this stuff, I'm walking around with huge bald patches all over my head.
I believe you, but you need to just dig in — start small. Often tutorial will give you the steps but I'm sure it looks like a foreign language. You're not the type to take everything on blind faith! Start with my humble post, Styling tips intro which gives a few basic definitions using a simple bullet list to illustrate. Have the resources handy like the CSS Cheat Sheet (I printed my copy) and bookmark the Tag Reference Guide.
THEN find one thing you want to conquer or fix on your blog — you need a bit-size GOAL. Get a win under your belt and there's no stopping you. It's too much to tackle all at once unless you plan on becoming a developer/consultant…