Time is running out for old blogger, it will vanish forever in just over two weeks. Now is the time to give new blogger a try. I have done three posts on the new format, it is easy to navigate once you have found your way around the things that you personally like to use. However, don't do what I mistakenly did, or like me, you might think that your blogging days are gone forever. You can switch back and forth easily from new to old until you becoming acquainted with it.
I had a draft post in new blogger that I wanted to check on before posting, but when I tried to edit it I found that the writing had turned into an HTML setting and that the images had vanished. I thought that it must be something that Blogger had done (we all tend to blame blogger when things go wrong), and that it would right itself within the next few days, but nothing happened. I sent Blogger a screen shot and asked for their help, but nothing has been forthcoming. The following day I decided that I would have to abandon the draft post and start again on a new post, but the new post also appeared in an HTML setting. It was at that moment I thought "now my blogging days are numbered."
Before retiring last night I looked at the draft post again in the HTML setting and wondered if there was anything that I could click on or try. It was then that I noticed an icon next to the save icon that I was unfamiliar with. I hovered over it and it said 'compose view' so I decided to click it as I had nothing to loose, and my post in edit returned. As the icon is next to the save icon I must have pressed it in error before I hastily shutting down the blog one night. If I hover over that same icon now it says 'HTML view' - the following is a similar image to the icon referred to but in a larger format < >
Hope that this may be of some help.
I'm saving this post for future reference, Rosemary! I dread moving to New Blogger and am putting it off until they absolutely force me to. I've heard of lots of people having trouble inserting images into posts and my blog is 99% images so fingers crossed that everything will be okay!?!
ReplyDeleteThere is no problem inserting images into new blogger Debra. I can help you should you have a problem. However, why don't you give it a try and see how you get on with it, there is no difficulty switching back to the old version at least for the next two weeks. Thank you for trying to help me and good luck.
DeleteDear Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this very important information. With so many changes taking place all help in making the transition is so appreciated. I didn't have any trouble trying the new blogger but proof is in the pudding. When I created a new post in new blogger I was able to switch within the post back to the old blogger. Of course that won't be possible in a couple of weeks.
Dear Gina - I am sure you will be fine, but I think that is best to keep on having a go at the new version just to make sure that you are au fait with it, then when it switches you will feel confident.
DeleteThanks for the warning. I realise my generation was born too early to understand computers properly, but I have always done the best I could with Blogspot. The new changes, however, were too much. It says you can stay with the old system, if you want to, but we will see if that actually happens.
ReplyDeleteI am not computer logic, I had never touched a computer before I started this blog. My understanding is that sadly the old version is disappearing at the end of June, but I hope for your sake that I am wrong.
DeleteGive it a try and you might find that you can manage alright. There are plenty of bloggers that will be willing to help you. There is no problem switching back to the old blogger at the moment.
Thanks for that. I have not tried the new version yet. I hate change...
ReplyDeleteSame here Tom - I hate change too. I can rattle off a post quickly because I know my way around old blogger. I also have another problem coming up soon as I use Picmonkey to size and do my images and that is switching too due to Adobe flash disappearing at the end of the year. Sadly these things are sent to try us all.
DeleteMe too, Tom.
DeleteMy problem is I have no idea of what all the terms they use mean so it all gets lost on me. I need arrows such as you used. Don't touch that, use this. That is the sort of helpful directions I need. So thank you. I always wonder why internet companies make these changes. What is wrong with good old blogger? We are the ones using it. ;-) Yep, if you have't guessed it I hate change.
ReplyDeleteAll of the computer terms are lost on me too Catherine. I suspect that if my son had been around he would have realised what I had done wrong straight away. However, in the current situation I have no idea just when I might see him again. Last night when I solved the problem it was simply a guess on my part.
DeleteI am sorry that you are having problems inserting photos which is something that I am not experiencing. It is difficult to assist someone if you do not know how they save their photos or do it differently from you. I hope that you can resolve the problem - oh dear! way don't these 'blogger techies' leave us alone.
ReplyDeleteA huge thank you Rosemary. Like most folk I have been ignoring the 'try new blogger' prompts. I'll take a peek today. I do hope you do not vanish !
ReplyDeleteI would have vanished if I had not accidentally solved it as I could neither blog or make a plea for help on my blog. Yes, do give it a try, then you will feel a little bit more prepared when the chop finally comes at the end of the month.
DeleteI didn't realize we had no options for posting in old blogger after the end of the month. OH NO. I think I will wait and wade through everything then. So, will my old blog posts no longer be available? Will they look different? Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
ReplyDeleteI have used new blogger for this post Helen, and it looks exactly the same as my previous posts and all of my old posts are still here. I would not wait if I was you, just give it a quick try and see how you go as you will probably find that it far easier than you anticipate. You can switch back to old blogger at any time should you feel the need to give yourself a break. However, old blogger will apparently be gone by the end of the month.
DeleteI just discovered your blog on John's blog, "By Stargoose and Hanglands.," and I became interested as soon as I saw the bird images (I'm a birder and bird photographer). I will now be following your blog, and I want thank you for the current posting on new blogger versus old blogger. Having just become more active in my own blog, "The Shape of Light," I need all the information I can find on the way blogger works. Although I've been blogging off and on for ten years (previous blog: "Transit Notes" at transit-notes.blogspot.com), I've always found glitches in the way blogger works. Hope the new blogger will resolve some of these issues.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit George - I hate change as do most people, life is difficult enough without any extra difficulties. I hope that you find that you can get along with new blogger, but unfortunately unless we switch to another user we are stuck with whatever blogger sends us.
DeleteI will take a look at your blog.
I hate it when things keep being changed! FB have recently changed their look too. GRRRR I've been gearing up with the new Blogger and I'm getting there slowly. Take care. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately these free sites do keep changing, but I am pleased that you have already begun to give new blogger a try - what is the alternative?
DeleteI read your blog and all the comments...and now am also wondering how I'll fare with the new system. I use blogger rather than WordPress because it posts photos easier. But I do have an account over there...may have to find wherever the password went. Hope to stay here...I've got years of archives.
ReplyDeleteMe too, I have a WordPress account, but would prefer using Blogger. (at least I know my password. LOL)
DeleteI was filled with foreboding when I first tried it, but it was not as bad as I had thought it would be, that is apart from that foolish error I made by clicking on the wrong icon without realising what I had done. Good luck Barbara and Helen.
DeleteHello Rosemary, I too am of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" school of thought. I was a systems analyst in the U.S., designing computer systems and programs, and part of the process is to watch people using your new program, see what difficulties they have, then fix these or make them clearer. This does not happen with 99% of the programs we have to use on the internet, all of which come from multi-billion dollar tech companies. Really, what is wrong with these people?
ReplyDelete--Jim
p.s. Congratulations for being braver and more perspicacious than most of us, and tackling this new monster in advance!
Hello Jim - new blogger should be easy for you to navigate with your computer knowledge. I, on the other hand, have only ever used a computer for emails, purchases, looking things up, and WFVM. I am totally ignorant of the complex inner workings of a computer.
DeleteDear Rosemary - I posted myself today with ??????'s before seeing this post (I'm also working on an email to you).
ReplyDeleteI've printed your helpful heads up above and will put it in my folder ready for when I pop over to try new Blogger. . . . perhaps later today.
For those who've not printed out "A better Blogger experience on the web" (under 'The latest tips and news from the Blogger team'), they should do so as it does have a little info at the ready.
BTW, in that article they do say although the default will start end of June, you can still use legacy Blogger through late July - so a little more leeway for those who are nervous - like moi!!!!
Mary x
Dear Mary - I have just been reading the very same information as you, and also read that for some there will still be access to old blogger until late July. However, it is a bit like being on a knife edge at the moment and not too dissimilar to the problems with PicMonkey. I have now done my last three posts on new blogger, and apart from that serious hiccup, everything has been pretty straightforward.
DeleteGive it a go, and you may find that you have no problems, but just don't click onto that icon like I did by mistake.
Thanks for that Rosemary. I had noticed my own post photos from back years disappearing but just assumed it was because I'd reached my overall photo limit. I'll try the new blogger for my next post. ( I tend to avoid new features as a rule in case it screws everything up or I don't like it.)
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the missing photos have anything to do with new blogger Bob, as far as I can see mine are still all intact, and I use a lot of photos too. Good luck, it appears that most people haven't given it a try, but time is running out. I checked up on the expiry date of old blogger and though it is officially the end of June, it seems that it could take blogger until late July to complete. So a little bit of a breather if necessary.
DeleteRosemary - how do I find "new blogger"? I see your post is still under blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteI think I have found it on my phone. Will look on my desktop in the morning as it is easier to see.
DeleteThat's good Susan, I was just going to tell you where to find it. You don't have to do anything other than click onto the orange oblong, and then it is possible to click back to old blogger in that same area should you change your mind. But it is good to try it and get used to it.
DeleteI believe that this change has come about mainly because many people are now using their phones more than previously, so if you use yours, you might find it easier to use.
Thanks for the tips Rosemary and I haven't tried the new blogger it seems I should.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Margaret.
DeleteOh dear, I had no idea Blogger was changing at the end of June. I don't like change either, and dread when blogger does this to us. It looks like I'd better have a try and see what happens!
ReplyDeleteJust another thing thrown into the mix Patricia when actually we could all really do without it.
DeleteThank you for the information Rosemary and the warning. I've been drifting along recently burying my head in the sand. I've just tried the new blogger and despair of ever being able to use the new layout. The help information video is too small and too quick even on my big desk screen and there's no zoom facility. I can't work out how to even write a new blog post. When I click on the post icon it wants me to create a new blog. I've reverted back to the legacy blogger and if I can't work things out my blogging days are numbered. Thank you for your wonderful blog if I give up on mine.
ReplyDeleteDear Linda - if you are clicking onto the orange circle with a plus sign in the middle it should bring up a new post for you. If it is asking you to create a new blog, then that is incorrect. There is a question mark at the top of the design part of the blog that you can click and then send a message to blogger to tell them what it is doing. It will also automatically take a screen shot so that they can see what you are talking about.
DeletePlease don't give up, if Blogger have not got it right I think that you will still be able to keep using blogger until they do get the new blogger working properly. Strangely it is working for me, and I am not computer literate. The only problem I have encountered so far was my own mistake, which I luckily managed resolved. However, I think that using icons that people don't understand is a big mistake - most of us are simply amateur computer users.
Dear Rosemary. Thank you for your help. I'm writing to let you know that I tried again and worked out how to write, insert photos and publish a simple post this evening. There are still issues such as having to load more of the blogs I follow if I've missed them due to not reading every day and I'm sure I will find other problems that need me to concentrate when all I want to do is stay in my comfort zone. At least I've had a go and hopefully I'll feel confident enough to continue blogging a while longer. Thank you once again for encouraging us to try out New Blogger before the deadline arrives.
DeleteThat's good news Linda - I am pleased for you that you have successfully climbed the first hurdles. After a few weeks when new blogger becomes more familiar to you I am confident that will find as easy as old blogger.
DeleteOnce I decided to use the new version I stayed with it, fearing that moving between the old and the new would cause me to screw up in one way or another, and I am not the most proficient with a computer (understatement). I didn't find the transition terribly difficult, although a few features seem less friendly and slower, which seems to fly in the face of reason. Isn't a new version of anything intended to be "improved"?
ReplyDeleteYou are the only success story here David as far as I can see. I too am coping fine apart from the hiccup that I mentioned, which was my error.
DeleteRosemary, I've edited my last post where I had questions regarding new Blogger and added a link to your post here. It will assist others I'm certain - and even the comments you are getting are interesting. I think between us all we should manage the changeover - I just would hate to see our lovely longtime blogging friends giving up.
ReplyDeleteHugs - Mary
Mary I have no hesitation in thinking that you will be fine with new blogger. You are very capable with your blog, and I am confident that you will continue to be so with new blogger. Taking that first step and finding your way around is a good step to take. Let me know should you need any help, not I might add, that I am any expert. I am still finding my way too.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
ReplyDeleteJust wondering if we still will be able to edit our 'older' blogs as I still have to remove several old +Google links that are obsolete. Hard to keep up with all changes!
That save option I cannot see in any of my scheduled posts... only one that says 'update' wonder what that means.
If you have any more tips, please share them. Have not had any time as I still need to do a lot of proof reading and then the final proof after receiving the Pdf version from the graphic designer back after she adds all the pictures and tables. That is consuming all my time right now.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette - you should still be able to edit your old posts even after you switch to new blogger. Have you actually switched yet? You can switch back and forth very easily. Although old blogger is supposed to finish completely at the end of June, I read a notice saying that it may still be available until late July. Hopefully that will give you sufficient time to work out your upcoming schedules.
DeleteDearest Rosemary,
DeleteOnly have switched back and forth... Have yet to find out how to get back in for editing...
Dear Mariette - if you are in new blogger and go into design then posts you can then click onto any of your old posts that you want to edit. When it comes up it will be in the format that you need for editing it. You will see the symbol that I showed above in my post that says HTML view, and now next to that symbol is a different one from the save symbol that you see when you are in drafts. Hover over this symbol and it says update. Hope this helps you.
DeleteThe symbol looks similar to this > but it is larger and bolder.
Thank you so much Rosemary! It works and it is just a matter of getting used to it. 😊⌨️
DeleteGood I am pleased that it worked for you.
DeleteI've used the new Blogger for my last two or three posts and although I don't like the change, I've managed to find my way around. Good tip to remember about html.
ReplyDeleteI had the same experience as you Lorrie - I don't like change, but once I switched I decided that it would be best to stay.
DeleteDear Rosemary - thank you so much for your tips! I dread New Blogger a bit - but do things with computers always your way: quote: "and wondered if there was anything that I could click on or try. "
ReplyDeleteI dared to use that method after a few years during which I expected that the dear old machine would explode when I press a wrong key...
(I found out that I explode earlier :-)
So, I will keep your advice in my heart, and thank you again! xxx Britta
PS: I just found one answer of yours when I read through the comments (I always do it after writing mine):
Delete"I suspect that if my son had been around he would have realised what I had done wrong straight away. However, in the current situation I have no idea just when I might see him again. Last night when I solved the problem it was simply a guess on my part."
Same as with me, Rosemary! I also have no idea when I will see him (a wizard in computer help, though a judge) or my DiL and the triplets again - they have already each one two teeth, and one of them can say "Papa!", and another one can sit without any help --- and I am glad to be able to see it on photos - but that is not the same...
As to computers: had to use them at work, learned only as much as I thought was valuable for me (tedious schoolings - I got the core, but regret a bit having not listened to the embroidery..). A few weeks ago I got a big boost: a technician from Telecom gave me on the telephone such ample feedback - honestly: he bathed me in praise! I might change my branch of study from literature&languages to computer science! Had I but known!!
Now I feel so able (till I plop onto the hard ground of reality sometimes - but honestly. though I loathe them I also LOVE challenges and combat, thus I polish my shining armour :-)
Dear Britta - I think that we all find our way around these problems eventually. I thought that I had managed to work my way around new blogger until I discovered that I had completely lost the ability to blog at all. Happily eventually I resolved it, and breathed a big sigh of relief.
DeleteLovely to learn about your three granddaughters and how they are growing up. I have four beautiful granddaughters and one handsome grandson. They all have very interesting careers and are my pride and joy. I haven't seen any of them in person since Christmas, but I see and talk to them on the computer.
Enjoy the challenge.
I haven´t change to the new blogger yet...I really dont like new things to struggle with on the computer! Time flies and I guess I must try the new blogger soon...I give it a try :)
ReplyDeleteLove from Titti
I know exactly how you feel Titti - I think that currently we have enough to contend with without blogger updating itself. I am also anticipating a problem with the site that I use for resizing and doing my photos as that too is changing. I have tried the changes on the new site and I can't make head nor tail of it.
DeleteThese things are sent to try us - good luck.
Thanks for your advice ! In my great ignorance I thought I would just keep the old blog as if there were a choice whether to keep the new version or the old one , but I understand now that it is necessary to switch to the new one . Not being an eagle as to computer stuff, I just hope I will succeed in understanding the procedures.
ReplyDeleteIt's the thoughts of the change that are more difficult than the reality Jane. It may take a bit of time to get used to, but I am sure you will find your way around it.
DeleteYou are not alone, most of those who have commented here were also hoping that they could forget about it too.
I have been dreading using it...guess I better do it next post...thanks Rosemary!!
ReplyDeleteHope you are well...
Cheers!
Linda :o)
You are not alone Linda, very few people who have commented here have tried it. However, since some have read this post they have given it a try and all are making good progress, and you will too.
DeleteI also hope that all is well with you and your family.