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Friday, November 10, 2006

Beta Blogger

If you are interested in learning a bit about beta blogger (the new version of blogger) I have collated a list of helpful links which outline the new features available.

Although I haven't spent much time playing on beta blogger (and it's not for the lack of trying), I can say that it has been set up in such a way that you don't actually need to know much (if any) HTML. It is much more user friendly and many changes and modifications to your blog template can be done via the new Dashboard.

For example, if you wanted to add a link to the sidebar in the new blogger, you can do it in just a few clicks directly on the Dashboard rather than going through the kerfuffle of editing the template, saving it and then republishing.

And for those of us who covet a nice 3 column template, some clever people out there have already created 3 column templates specifically for beta blogger. If you haven't yet switched over to a 3 column template on this version of blogger you might consider waiting until we move over to the new version. Having said that, I don't know when the move will be so if anybody has any info re this then perhaps you could let us know.

Disclaimer: This information is provided after a very brief tour of a few beta blogs and based on my own understanding. If you find anything that contradicts the above or you want to share anything with the rest of us then please do so.

5 comments:

Piglottie said...

Hi Bernie - thanks for this info. I've decided to wait until the new version is available before I go to 3 columns.

Thanks again!

Windansea said...

Thanks for posting this....I was just looking at my template and trying to figure out how to go to three columns!

Lydia

Rositta said...

I also don't know how to go to a three colum template even though I've read all your stuff. Now, are you suggesting I wait to go to the new beta version or should I just go ahead and switch now? Help this computer dummy please.

Craftybernie said...

Hi Rositta

It's really down to personal choice how you proceed.

If you're happy to play around with a bit of HTML then I suggest you go for it and change your template to the 3 column version. (remember to copy your current template before making any changes and paste it into NOTEPAD, saving it as a backup).

It's not that difficult really. All you have to do is:
1) copy the source code or HTML for the new template
2) paste it into your current template
3) add any links or customisations (such as COUNTER and SITEMAP scripts)

However, if you prefer not to play with HTML then perhaps you should wait for the new BETA version. There are 3 col templates created specifically for the new version as the coding is slightly different. That way you only change your template once.

The only downside to waiting is that I don't know when the changeover date is.

If I find out I will post it on this blog.

As I mentioned before, it's up to you and how much work you feel like doing!

:)

Rositta said...

Thank you for your response, since I'm not good with htlm codes I guess I will just patiently wait, or hope my grandson can sort me out when he has time. Ciao