Hey everyone,
It seems I had no choice but to switch from this Blogger to WordPress.
Behind the scenes, blogging has felt like an uphill battle lately. I love writing and sharing posts with you, but the constant technical issues on this platform have simply gotten out of hand. Right when I start to get on a roll, posts don’t update, don’t publish correctly, or disappear altogether. It has become incredibly frustrating and, honestly, discouraging at times.
Third Time’s the Charm
BUT FIRST, during this transition, I’ll still be posting here. I just won’t stress myself out anymore if posts don’t go through right away. I’ll also place the new blog link on the sidebar for anyone who would like to follow along there. Of course, it would be using a Blogger Feed, so I’m not confident it would post correctly.
Some posts have taken anywhere from 12 to 36 hours just to update, and that completely interferes with sharing content in a timely way. Worst of all, it began tanking my momentum. I watched my page views slowly fall from hundreds each week down to barely a dozen at times. That’s heartbreaking when so much time, thought, and effort go into writing. I will no longer be posting my Bible Reviews here.
And honestly? I’m tired of complaining about it, and I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about it too. It was simply time to take initiative. I need a platform with reliability and actual customer support instead of constantly wondering which way the Blogger wind is going to blow.
So… I headed back to WordPress.
I signed up yesterday morning, and I’m happy to say I think I’ve finally figured it out after two previous attempts over the years! It only took me a full day. There’s still a bit of fine-tuning to do, but by George, I think I’ve got it this time. Change can be tough, and I understand the sentimental attachment to following favorite bloggers. The last time I switched platforms, the change didn’t really stick, but this time it will.
For now, I’ll be writing posts there while cross-posting one of two posts back here so nobody gets left behind overnight. However, once I feel completely comfortable on WordPress, the permanent move will happen. I'll still be around to read your posts.
At the end of the day, I just want a place where I can write consistently, connect with others, and enjoy blogging again without fighting the platform every step of the way.
Thank you to those of you who continue to read, encourage, and support me. It truly means more than you know.
The new blog combines my previous two blogs: From My House, which Blogger unpublished the whole blog, going back years! And this one, My Shasta Home.
I’m already enjoying the process of creating it and coming up with fresh ideas.
PS. I’m only transferring the month of May and a few other special posts. Uploading the whole blog just isn’t manageable for me. I used Google Take Out to back up my blog to my external hard drive.
Oh, kinda funny - My testing post got triple the amount of views than the last 6 posts. Go figure.
While I sometimes notice that blogs on my sidebar don't always show the newest post. I try to check and make sure. Then for those that aren't on my sidebar, I usually go to one of their reply's to see if there is anything new.
ReplyDeleteDoes WordPress have a free format?
God bless.
WordPress offers a "free plan," but it is heavily restricted to force you into paying. Plus it has ads on it. I opted for a free domain for 1 year and the personal blog at $48 a year. Sadly the only free blog platform is Blogger.
DeleteThere is Substack that is free and Medium.
I use Feedly, so can follow you from there when you switch to WordPress. Just keep us posted and share the link for your new blog home! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteOh that's great. Yes Freely is the way to go!
DeleteFeedly
DeleteI found you and put you on my feed, so hope to see your posts come through!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mari. 😘
DeleteI am confused - but I am sure as the time comes - you will walk us through it. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI'm still here, Sandie. And yes I'll do my best to walk you through it.
DeleteI couldn't leave a comment on wordpress, it wouldn't let me log in with any email address or through any platform.
ReplyDeleteHope you new family clinic goes well, it looks a really lovely place
In the settings, I made sure that a person can comment without setting up an account. However, a email and name is still required.
DeleteI wonder why you have had so much trouble with Blogger? I haven't noticed any difference or issues. I know others have complained about it as well. I don't know what the reasons are for some and not all...is it the format you use (layout?) I don't know. I don't change mine and keep things pretty much the same all the time, which works for me. I will try to follow on Wordpress and I hope it all works out for you there. Hopefully I will be able to comment without issues. I know I've had trouble commenting on Wordpress posts in the past. So I hope this really helps you. I noticed Terri said she uses Feedly to get the posts, so I will have to check into that. Keep us posted and I will do my best to be there.
ReplyDeleteI went for years with multiple niche blogs with ads and no issues. I have my genealogy blog using my main email and no issues. I don't get it either, Pamela.
DeleteDo let us know when your transition is complete, Debby. Currently, I follow you through Blogger, so I will need a way to sign up for your Wordpress account. Wishing you all the best in your efforts!
ReplyDeleteFrom my understanding you don't need to sign up to comment - you do need to leave your name and email ( not shown)
DeleteI also use Feedly, so when you make the permanent switch I will just add the new URL to my feed and continue to learn what you're up to.
ReplyDeleteYeah feedly is a really good reader. It updates almost immediately.
DeleteI'll make sure and bookmark the new blog site.
ReplyDeleteThanks Gene - I appreciate that. 😊
DeleteI'll try my best to comment. I've had friends on Word Press before, and it was such a challenge to comment, and I never knew if they went through or not. Your lights look so pretty in the front of your house. Those solar lights really add a nice touch. Thanks for coming back and sharing them. I hope it all works out for you, Debby, and I will continue to visit and try to leave comments.
ReplyDeleteHello! I don't really know what I missed, but I am glad you are continuing to blog! I read other blogs on Wordpress, so I think I will be able to find you easily. I will head there now!
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, I ventured into Word Press, but it never 'took.' Go figure, I just clicked on your link and read, "Howdy, Myra." (!?!?!?)
ReplyDeleteI'm still a little apprehensive, but you've whetted my appetite.
You've got to do what you feel is right for you.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
When I had issues with blogger and decided to move to Wordpress as soon as I set up Wordpress the problems with blogger stopped which is how I came to have both. I will read what you post as long as I can find you
ReplyDeleteGood luck. My Blogger problems went away...knock on wood. It sometimes happens and not sure why. Janice
ReplyDeleteThey look so nice with the lights at night. Sorry about your issues with blogger. Good luck.
ReplyDelete