3-Column VS WP Comment HTML Bookmark

equal height, 3 columns layout, problem with html bookmark, wordpress 

In my previous post about the equal height 3-column layout, I found no problem using it in that project.

This time, I noticed that in the WordPress comment lists, the time stamp is made into an “a” tag bookmark and it broke the layout by showing the space that was suppose to be hidden.

At first I only saw the content following the bookmark. After viewing the source, I figured out that it was only showing the bottom of the page which is usually hidden. This area is the trick to the equal column method: large negative margin bottom and large positive padding bottom.

Luckily, the site I am working on right now will work with a fake 3-column background.

Nail Thru The Wall, in An Art Museum?!

seattle art Museum, yoko ono, interactive arts 

As I was pounding a nail into a wall in the Seattle Art Museum, the mixture of inspiration, creativity, guilt, rebellion, liberation, and pure fun filled my crazy little head.

To this piece of art by Yoko Ono (part of the Target Practice: Painting Under Attack 1949–78 exhibit), I donated all the good sayings from fortune cookies. Since they haven’t came true for me as they lived in my wallet, I thought maybe if I shared them with all the visitors, some things are bound to come true for some people.

Other than seeing what other people pull out of their pocket to put on the wall, it was interesting seeing people digging through what they have to contribute to this piece. What interactive fun!

And when you visit, would you get yourself a good fortune? It is my gift to you.

WordPress Spam Be Gone!

wordpress, Akismet, comment spam filter 

My lovely client, Julia May from ClickEats, asked me what to do about the spam comments on her blog, I told her to activate the Akismet (a default plug-in).

Other than activating it from your WordPress Plugins menu, you will need to get an API key. The API Key is free for a personal blog but if your site earns more than $500/mo, then you will need to subscribe for a commercial API key starting at $5/mo.

It took me a few years of staring at the plugin list before I activated Akismet. Now, I wished I activated it sooner.

Import RSS Feed to A Facebook Page, Part 2

facebook page, import rss, simply rss, social rss 

In my last entry, I mentioned that Simply RSS was not working out for me becasue:

  • It doesn’t update automatically
  • It places the feed into a Box, not to the wall, nor in a Tab

Then I found Social RSS which allows you to import to your profile or your page. Since you can easily import feed straight into your Facebook profile, I will stay with importing for the Facebook page only.

  1. Go to Social RSS
  2. On the left side, click on Add to my page
  3. Choose the page you wand to add the feed to
  4. Go back to your page, you should find the imported entries under the Box tab
  5. (optional) I rollovered the pencil icon and move it to a wall tab
  6. If you don’t see the new tab “RSS/Blog” then click on the “+” tab to add it
  7. Click on the tab then on the “edit setting” link to set it up

It now updates my RSS/Blog tab and It adds the latest entry to my page wall.

Hopefully it will be a while before I have to reimport my RSS Feed!

Updating Simply RSS Feed in Your Facebook Page

facebook page, import rss, simply rss, social rss 

When I post the “Import RSS Feed to a Facebook Page,” I was new to the Simply RSS app. After I added a new entry, I noticed the imported feed didn’t automatically update. So, now I update it manually. Here is how:

  1. Go to your facebook page
  2. Click on “Pages” link above the chart
  3. Find Simply RSS under Application
  4. Rollover the Pencil icon, select edit
  5. Click on the Edit icon

It’s kind of painful, so I am going to switch over to Social RSS and see how it works. Stay tuned!

Becoming A Freelance Graphic Designer?

book review, freelance graphic designer, contracts, accounting 

Becoming A Freelance Graphic Designer?

A few weeks back, a friend who is returning to the design field asked me about creating a contract. I had a few suggestions for her.

Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer

I found it useful because it helped me set up my chart of accounts. And it comes with useful forms you can based yours from.

If you are not sure if you would be happy being your own boss, it also asks you questions to help you figure it out.

If you are already a freelance designer, you might find the markets/marketing related chapters useful, like how to put your name out there and suggestions for where to find projects.

Business and Legal Forms for Graphic Designers (3rd Edition)

This book was not as fun to go through but it has many useful forms you can start from.

And last suggestion was the “Standard Form of Agreement for Design Services” from AIGA. Way too long for what I do but if you work with company way bigger than you, see if you can tailor it to your own needs.

Good luck on your missions, my fellow designers!

Do What You Are [Finding Your Career Bliss]

perfect career, personality type, book review 

Author: Paul D. Tieger, Barbara Barron

Do you think your career deserves your time and attention? No? You might not be doing what you are.

Years ago, I left my first career not knowing what I would do next. Thank heavens, I was so burnt out, I took a long break anyway. When I was ready to move on, my sister introduced me to this book.

do what you areA week before I got the book, a friend asked me to design a set of business cards because I am better at using the computer. Everyone loved the cards and I enjoyed the whole process, so I was considering graphic design as my next career.

To my complete surprise, many things I did in a non-professional capacity were listed in the career suggestions for my personality type. Not only my first career was not among them when I found graphic designer on the list, I knew I was on the right track.

Since then every design project feels like an exciting adventure to me. However, I noticed a problematic pattern in dealing with clients; it seemed like I cared about my clients’ businesses more than they did. Of course, I knew the issue was all mine but I didn’t know why.

Last week, I picked up the latest copy for my sister, since we both couldn’t keep it on our shelves long before giving it to someone who needs it. (Keep in mind that you might do the same if you had a copy.)

Out of curiosity, I read it again. And the answer was right there, my personality is the reason why I am so attached to the projects, sometimes I overwhelmed myself with worries. As an Idealist I “tend to take other people’s problems to heart and can become too involved…” Wow, I finally understood what and how to fix this ineffective working pattern.

The book also said that personality type may change was we grow older, more balanced and well rounded. So, I took the test again as well. And indeed, I have changed.

Although graphic designer is still on the list, novelist showed on the list. No wonder I have been feeling the pull to move into writing but still unwilling to give up design all together.

This time around, the book is even more enlightening than the first time. If you want to look forward to work each day, you must read this book. If you want to know how to transform your weaknesses into supportive traits, you must read this book.

Dreams can come true, you just need to Do What You Are!

Facebook: The Missing Manual

facebook page, marketing, social media, book review 

Author: E. Vander Veer

facebook, the missing manual

I have been using Facebook since late 2007 but I have just started to learn about Facebook Page for business uses.

This book is useful for both beginners and for people like me. Do keep in mind that Facebook changes layout often so don’t be scared to click around to find what you need.

As always, I look for ways for my clients to promote themselves in creative and economical ways. Part 3 of this book: Doing Business with Facebook was the most useful to me. Particular CH. 11, Advertising on Facebook.

Facebook Ads can be very specifically targeted. That means your ad dollars won’t be wasted on clicks from people who are not likely to become your customers.

And if you have money, Facebook Beacon seems like a good way to track user actions on your website and share it on their Facebook wall.

I can’t wait to work with adventurous clients to see how the Facebook Ads might work for them!