I wasn't going to post anything about Blogger's recent interface upgrade because it reminds me too much of my instructional design job at the University.
I've tried to keep my blogging world separate from my professional world, but I had a few private emails and saw enough complaints that I thought I might provide a few useful tips (as well as confirm some issues).
Please note that I won't be attempting to fix anyone's blog. These are just suggestions to help you with the new blogger interface.
First.
Not all web browsers are compatible with the new blogger interface.
If you've been using Internet Explorer, it's time to consider switching browsers.
It definitely isn't supported with an older version of IE (like Internet Explorer 8).
Heck, I can't even edit and update my blog on my iPad (
which appears to be an issue being voiced on the support forums). I'm also hearing complaints about it not being compatible with iphones either.
That's ridiculous. For now, all my blog composing is being done on my laptop. Although I own an iPad and will use it to read blogs, I'm a PC user and these are the recommended web browsers for composing blog entries with a PC:
https://www.google.com/chrome for chrome
http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/new/ for mozilla firefox
If you are using an older web browser (like IE 8) you will get a message you will need to update your browser. I stopped using IE many years ago because it wasn't consistently compatible with my course management software.
Second.
The new interface uses a pull-down menu, requiring added time to find things.
If you are a visual learner, you might want to consider watching their video tutorials which explain how to use the new interface. I realize tutorials aren't for everyone and not everyone has the necessary time to watch them.
http://support.google.com/blogger/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=1623800
Third.
Scheduled posts do not post.
Since the upgrade, I've had to manually post things. With the number of complaints that I've seen about this issue on the blogger forum, it looks like the engineers have come out with a fix but I'm not convinced it's working yet. I've had to manually post all my entries since the upgrade.
This is bad. Especially for businesses who rely on blogger. Hopefully, this is a priority fix.
Fourth.
Placement and control of images with text isn't easy since the upgrade.
I agree. In fact it downright stinks. I definitely cannot control the placement of the photos and text like I could in the past with the old editor. I'm constantly going into the html editor to make corrections.
For most of my blogging friends, I wouldn't expect you to mess with the html editor. This is ridiculous.
Fifth.
Get a test blog.
A test blog is definitely something I would recommend for everyone so you don't mess up your active blog up while trying to figure it out. I almost hate to admit how many test blogs I have.
Sixth.
When all else fails, switch back to the old blogger editor.
I honestly don't know how long this option is going to be available. We don't typically make it a practice to run different versions of software at my University, but you can switch back to the old blogger editor.
Please note that I have heard complaints that once you switch, the next time you log in, it reverts back to the new interface until you change it again.
I'm including a screenshot of how to switch to the old editor. From your dashboard, click on the clog and then select "Old Blogger Interface".
I've found myself tempted to switch back to the old editor, but just like with my professional job, once we upgrade, we don't typically go backwards and I'm going to force myself to figure out the new blogger.
If you wish to complain to blogger or post a question to their support forums, please use the Google Product Forums found at:
http://groups.google.com/a/googleproductforums.com/forum/#!forum/blogger
As I said earlier, I won't be attempting to fix anyone's blog. These are just six tips/suggestions to help you with the new blogger interface. Best wishes.
