WSD Blogging Server

Welcome back from our first big snowstorm!

While you were out, I upgraded our blogging server’s software, WordPress (see previous post for details).  Today, I decided it was high time to make our front page look more polished.  I apologize for any inconveniences I might have caused while I worked out the bugs in the new layout, such as the missing blog list and login link.

As you may have already noticed, the blog list, which lists all of the blogs in the system, are now located on the right-hand side of the page.  The blogs are sorted by how recently they have been updated. As we get bigger, I may be able to find a way to categorize the list of blogs by teacher / staff member, period, etc, to make things easier to find.  Also, I’ll be working on finding a working search box plugin.

Above the blog list is a Featured Author, or blogger.  This will change every time the page is loaded or refreshed, showcasing a different randomly selected author each time. If the author has an active blog (and many currently are registered but haven’t yet begun posting), clicking on their avatar or name will take you to their main blog. For those who haven’t started their blog, the link will take you back to the front page of the site.

Speaking of avatars, I have added the ability to upload your own mug shot.  The avatar picture you upload will show up in the main user list, the Featured Author box and on the top-left where the login box is now located.

Yes, the login box is no longer a separate page.  For convenience, it is now a module on the left side of the page, which will automatically change to a list of links once you log in.  The links will take you to:

• Your Dashboard, where you can create and edit posts and pages
• Your profile, where you can enter personal details such as your full name, room information and upload your avatar
• And, of course, log out of the system.

Thank you for your time and patience, as we further polish our blogging site.

Sincerely,
Bradley M. Brown Jr.
Technology Support Tech.