Antbag.com

For those of you who are visiting my site, you’ll notice that I’m experimenting with a new design. This is actually one of the themes that I was working on for release, however I’ve decided that I would like to use it here. I really like my old design, but I’m thinking it’s time for a change. I’ve included a picture for those reading via feedreader or email. Come on by the site and check out the design.

Unfortunately, there are still a few bugs I’ve run into that I’m trying to work out. I *think* I have most IE issues worked out. I’m having a small problem with the header displaying correctly in the Opera browser. I hope to get that fixed right away.

If everyone would just use Firefox, life would be so much easier.

Tags: Blogging, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 9 Comments »

It’s been very interesting for me to watch others use the themes I’ve created for their sites. There’s an element of excitement that I’m not sure I could describe. It has something to do with having the initial idea for the theme, spending the hours it takes to form it, and then watching as the world accepts it.

I’ve been interested in Web Design for about the past year and a half……or maybe two years. That was actually the whole reason I built a website in the beginning - way before I got a blog. The day I discovered Blogger, was the day I modified my first blog theme. Ever since then, I’ve tried modifying every design that I’ve had…….and a bunch of them I never even used. In the process I started realizing how a Wordpress theme works. So, naturally, I had to make one.

So, why make themes and offer them for free? There are several reasons that come to mind, some more important than others. The main reasons would include:

• Incoming Links
• Practice to Improve
• Creative Outlet
• Fun……….?
• Hopefully to bring me attention

That first one is important to anyone who offers free themes. You get to use the theme in exchange for letting me have my link in the footer. It’s been amazing to me how many people have activated one of my themes - and immediately took my link out of the footer. I’ve probably been guilty of doing the same thing (before I knew better). But, that can be a little discouraging.

As far as bringing attention my way, let me explain what I mean by that. The thought of doing freelance design appeals to me very much. I can only assume if I happen to build a theme that’s a hit(meaning that it becomes popular), then it can only bring opportunity my way. So in essence, attention = opportunity. Opportunity is a good thing any way you slice it!

I hope that sheds some light, if my recent design projects have thrown anyone for a loop. The ideas have been in the works for a long time. I already have two more themes that are almost ready. I may wait a while and spread the release of these out a little further apart. I’m excited about both of them. They’re very different from each other, yet are both very visually stimulating. I’m also *considering* redesigning this site, and offering this design. I’m undecided though, because I get a lot of compliments for it. We shall have to wait and see what the future holds…………

Tags: Goals, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ No Comments »

Well, since I started my site over from scratch on February 1, 2007, I think it’s done pretty well when considering what type of site it is. The fact that it’s a personal website that tries to provide some informative content, rather than being a site to try and build a business off of, I’m pleased with the numbers so far. Of course, I would love to see my subscriber numbers rise, but after only a month, that doesn’t seem so bad. I installed the shortstat plungin on February 21st, and so far I’m averaging around 100 unique visits per day and I’ve had right at 8000 “hits” since installing the plugin on the 21st. The majority of traffic I’ve gotten has come from Google as a result of a few “How To” posts. Commenting on other blogs has provided some visits as well, as other readers of those blogs take a look at Antbag.com after reading the comments I leave. Hopefully, some of that traffic will stick around, rather than take one look out of curiosity and move on. I guess that’s where having good content comes in.

On a separate note, I always enjoy seeing what kind of RSS buttons other sites have, and I’ve seen some pretty creative ones. I’ve made a couple, and this one is my favorite so far. I have to think about the purpose in the first place so I don’t go over the top with it. To me, the point is for it to be easy to find and hopefully even draw the eyes just a little - without being annoying or distracting. Maybe this one fits the bill.

Tags: Blogging, Goals, Images, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 2 Comments »

I know you’ve seen this little sign on websites and blogs, but what exactly is it? RSS, which stands for Really Simple Syndication is a great option for keeping up with new content on the websites you frequent. Using a feed-reader, you can stay on top of what’s new on your favorite sites without actually visiting the site. For instance, I really enjoy reading the Dilbert comic strip every morning, yet I could not tell you the last time I actually visited the Dilbert website. That’s because it’s brought to me, rather than me having to remember to go to it. I have to admit, there are some websites, such as Tubetorial, that I like to actually visit the site, because I like the design and regularly look at the older entries as well. I’m subscribed to the feed however, because it lets me know when there’s a new post every few weeks. That way, I’m not visiting the site every few days waiting for an update that happens irregularly.

What You’ll Need

The only tool you need is a feedreader. If you are not familiar with feedreaders, there are many to choose from. There are quite a few of them that are free, including my favorite one, Google Reader. Google Reader is very smooth and has a super clean and easy to use interface.

It’s All Good!

If your a little bit cynical and assume the worst, let me put your mind at ease. A feedreader does not deliver spam. The only content that it will deliver to you, is that which you subscribe to. Something else I really like, is the fact that it’s just as easy to unsubscribe from a feed as it is to subscribe to one. It’s all in one click of the mouse. So there’s really no hook.

To subscribe to Antbag.com, click here.

Tags: Blogging, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 1 Comment »

When I first installed Wordpress, I had a lot of trouble finding information that pertained to the exact problems I was running into. Once I got Wordpress up and running, I realized that it just wasn’t that hard to set up. Since then, I’ve seen numerous people on the Wordpress forums seeking help with the same problems day in and day out.

My web host is 1&1 and I’ve been pleased with the sevice I have. If you don’t yet have a host, 1&1 has packages as low as $2.99/month that has all you need to run a website (even your own Wordpress site) including your domain name. Having said that, 1&1 has their own blog that you can set up through the control panel. This blog is actually a Wordpress blog, but is extremely limited in features and options. I’d recommend going ahead and setting up a database and installing the real thing…………..and I’m going to show you how to do it.

[Read more →]

Tags: How To, Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 131 Comments »

I decided to to upgrade to the newest version of Wordpress, version 2.1. While doing that, I decided to move this blog to the root directory of the website, rather than having a website with a blog attached to it. In doing all of that, I seem to have lost my blog. I do still have all those files, however, I’m not sure which files store all the posts and comments……..and haven’t had the time to research it either. So, I guess I’ve decided that starting over would be the easiest thing to do. I hope I will still get some traffic that I was getting before.

So apparently, I had quite a few people subscribed to my blog by RSS feed. To them I apologize for the interuption in service. Hope everyone is able to find me at Antbag.com, rather than Antbag.com/blog.

Tags: Wordpress by Anthony ∗ 2 Comments »