#BlogTrends – Getting Technical – Nov 14

The technical side of blogging is either something you really love, or just don’t get. As a blogger it is not only important to have excellent content, it is important to know the best ways to share that content and display it. This week we got together to ask some of the technical questions to help us all discover some great new tools.

Q1 Do you use widgets/plugins on your blog? If so, what are you top 3 & why? #BlogTrends

@prettyandfun: A1: I’m a big fan of the “Related Posts” widget as well as the basics: search, tags, followers & subscribe to#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 I love widgets, they are so much fun and allow me to bring lots of things into my blog #blogtrends

@nouvelle: Q1 I don’t use widgets/plugins on my blog b/c I find them a bit distracting. Also, they can change the dynamic of my layout #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 it’s hard to pick favorites but I use a twitter, facebook, or instagram widget most often #blogtrends

@KimberleeVDW: A1 I use a deals site widget. I like GFC, Networked Blogs and Related Posts #blogtrends

@TheTinyTieRant: since my tumblr theme doesn’t allow me to really put in widgets, i don’t #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: @BlogTrendsChat although I love my widgets they can get clutter your blog if your not careful! #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A1 I haven’t found any that I’m a fan of on Blogger, but I love the calendar widget on WordPress. It keeps me so organized! #blogtrends

@NYConmymind: A1 the basics of follow, related posts and then pose and flicker #blogtrends

@prettyandfun: I think by far the worst widget possible is anything that plays music/video automatically. Makes me instantly close the page!! #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A1 One of my favorite wordpress plugins is called tubepress, it allows me to create great video galleries on a page and widget #blogtrends

@DIVASANDDORKS: @BlogTrendsChat I’m a fan of related posts, tweet old posts & my sliding guider plugin #blogtrends

@prettyandfun: A1: Does the basic HTML widget count? Love being able to customize my header/side bar #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @prettyandfun I use html widgets in place of plugins if it is better quality, love a little bit of html! #blogtrends

@prettyandfun: @blackblondeone There’s something so satisfying about being able to figure out how to do what you want & then getting it right #blogtrends

@KimberleeVDW: Speaking of sidebars, how do we feel about Blogrolls on the side rather than on a separate page? I find it distracting #blogtrends

@NYConmymind: Blog rolls almost seem to be whos the popular and besties with who the blog belongs to. Mine is my top people I love following #BlogTrends

@DIVASANDDORKS: I’m learning…much like your fashion closet, it’s safe to get rid of an unused widget before adding a new one.. #NoClutter #blogtrends

Q2 Do you use a comment plugin or your blog’s native commenting system? Why? #Blogtrends

@prettyandfun: A2: I just use my blog’s native comment system. Happy with what Blogger has to offer. #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: Q2 I have my native, but am looking to switch to Disqus. #blogtrends

@prettyandfun: A2: However, just switched comment entry to a pop up window from just at bottom of page & am seeing WAY more spam #blogtrends

@nouvelle: A2 I use Disqus for comments as there isn’t a built in comment system on tumblr. It suits my needs. #blogtrends

@prettyandfun: For those of you with Disqus – was it an easy switch? Were all of your old comments switched over? #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A2 Just found out that Disqus can carry over old comments. Much easier, from what I’ve heard. #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: @BlogTrendsChat I use my native commenting system. I think it is functional so why change it? #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A2 Lately I’ve noticed the Blogger comment system having a lot of glitches, not pulling up comment box.#blogtrends

@nouvelle: @prettyandfun I’ve used Disqus from the start. Whenever I’ve changed layouts (& reload the code), the comments are still there. #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A2 I use disqus, I like it better than the native systems b/c it’s easy for people to comment with any profile… easy=comments #blogtrends

@thestylecircuit: A2 I use the one that Google Blogger provides. It’s easier and more efficient that way #blogtrends

@TheTinyTieRant: A2 I’ve just turned on disqus and it is easier to manage and to comment from ur most used profile #blogtrends

@KimberleeVDW: So would most of you prefer commenting on a blog with Disqus? #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A2 i’ve always found blogger to be kind of a pain, sometimes i dont have options to sign in with profiles I use#blogtrends

@NYConmymind: I know in approving my comments from my phone I have deleted them by accident…but it allows me never to miss a comment… #BlogTrends

@1AwesomeMama: @DigitalKaitlyn a2: I have issues with blogger w/ IE 7 which is annoying (at work). #BlogTrends

@theowlgurl: @BlogTrendsChat Since i just start blogging a couple of months ago I use native commenting because is more simple#Blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @prettyandfun As long as it’s easy and I don’t have to sign in or fill out an entire survey, I’m good  #blogtrends

@nouvelle: @prettyandfun I’ve never used native, but Disqus has never given me problems. #blogtrends

@TheTinyTieRant: @prettyandfun as someone who doesn’t have blogger, i prefer disqus #blogtrends

Q3 Which platforms do you use to monitor your blog’s visitor & activity stats? Why did you choose it?#BlogTrends

@KimberleeVDW: @BlogTrendsChat A3 Google Analytics. It’s automatically added with blogger and is free #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat I use the Blogger system and Google Analytics. #blogtrends

@nouvelle: A3 I use Google Analytics & Sitemeter so I can compare stats. GA is great for in depth results. #blogtrends

@prettyandfun: A3: Two words: Google Analytics. I love being a total nerd and looking at all of my data – you can learn a ton!#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A3 we use analytics for everything but another one I really love is statcounter.com #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A3 I love google analytics because it has everything I need. Blogger system is good for a quick look at views.#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A3 Anyone familar w/ Quantcast? I think it’s supposed to be good and it’s open for everyone! #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: I like statcounter because it gives me real time stats about unique visits,page views, where they came from, length etc for free #blogtrends

@1AwesomeMama: @DigitalKaitlyn You can always use more than one too so you can compare! #BlogTrends

@BlogTrendsChat: So far some of our favorite tools for metrics are google analytics, sitemeter, statcounter and quantcast#blogtrends

Q4 What are your favorite mobile apps for blogging or just for fun? If you could create any app for blogging what would it do? #BlogTrends

@TheTinyTieRant: @BlogTrendsChat A4 since i’m a tumblr girl, the tumblr app! super easy to use #BlogTrends

@nouvelle: A4 I’m a sucker for camera filter apps. Instagram, Hipstamatic, & Meitu are my favorites. #blogtrends

@KimberleeVDW: A4 I don’t use too many apps for blogging, takes too long to load. @thelimericklane has a nice iPhone app (but I have Droid) #blogtrends

@NYConmymind: A4 Blogger has Blogpress but I hate working with it, I would only use it in emergencies #BlogTrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat A4 I would like my stats on the run! I would also like to do quick photo posts. #blogtrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: @BlogTrendsChat I lovvvveee my wordpress app its quick, easy and always accessible #noglitches#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: A4 I have been addicted to #stumbleupon, I feel like keeping my twitter followers engaged helps keep them reading my blog #blogtrends

@TheTinyTieRant: A4 if i could make my own app for blogging it would incorporate photo filters and the easy usability of publishing like tumblr #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @thestylecircuit @nouvelle I am also in love with camera apps, instagram and hipstamatic are my favorites by far#blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @OhCHICFancyHuh I honestly don’t like the wordpress app to much, its ok for a quick idea to save a draft but i can’t publish #blogtrends

@KimberleeVDW: I stopped using Bloglovin’ – just stick to my Google Reader #blogtrends

@NYConmymind: For those with an iphone burstmode is great for self portraits it has a timer #BlogTrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: @NYConmymind awesome! The front facing camera just does no justice, I prefer to use the rear camera#blogtrends

@NYConmymind: It takes 5 pics in a row you can choose which ones to save….also photobooth does it too. #BlogTrends

@DIVASANDDORKS: @BlogTrendsChat I love INSTAGRAM and PicFrame…. I just used PicFrame to organize photos for my last posthttp://t.co/bYqH1t0v #BlogTrends

Q5 What are your favorite resources for keeping up with all of the latest blogging technology & tools?#BlogTrends

@KimberleeVDW: @BlogTrendsChat A5 Twitter, tech sites and looking at other blogs #blogtrends

@1AwesomeMama: @BlogTrendsChat Q5: This chat of course!!! #BlogTrends

@BlogTrendsChat: Thanks to all of the knowledgeable bloggers! RT @1AwesomeMama: @BlogTrendsChat Q5: This chat of course!!!#BlogTrends

@OhCHICFancyHuh: @BlogTrendsChat Twitter!!!! ^_^ Bloggers really stick tgether and keep each other updated. Love that!#blogtrends

@blackblondeone: @BlogTrendsChat READING! I read wayyyy too many blogs. It’s cool to see what’s out there. #blogtrends

@nouvelle: A5 Problogger, IFB, tech blogs, etc #blogtrends

@blackblondeone: A5 Reading blogs gives me a first hand account rather than reading through tech terms I don’t understand.#blogtrends

@thestylecircuit: @BlogTrendsChat A5 The IFB website and twitter account are great resources. Also Mashable. #blogtrends

@NYConmymind: I am finding DIYS, new bloggers, hints and tips through Pinterest…its addicting on top of that and there is an app for it #BlogTrends

@TheTinyTieRant: @thestylecircuit mashable is fantastic! and technorati #blogtrends

@Fashionalities: @BlogTrendsChat everywhere…now here, ifb, people style watch mag always shares great apps and sites, blogs-I’m always looking #blogtrends

@KimberleeVDW: lmao I have ventured there yet. What are the benefits? RT @NYConmymind: I have pinsomnia #BlogTrends

@theowlgurl: @BlogTrendsChat Im always checking @_IFB for latest app and blogging tools they always come with something interesting #BlogTrends

@DIVASANDDORKS: @BlogTrendsChat I agree problogger, mashable, twitter & just chatting w/ knowledgable bloggers #blogtrends

@DigitalKaitlyn: I follow @Gizmodo @mashable @smashingmag and a bunch of great bloggers that share tech tips,twitter is my #1 source for new info #blogtrends