Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Wiblog?
A Wiblog is the Wibsite's version of a 'Weblog', or 'Blog' for short. A blog is a webpage containing short frequently updated entries arranged in date order with the latest entries at the top. Blogs can be simple diaries, information about a particular project, collections of poems, pretty much anything really.

How do I start a Wiblog?
The Wibsite is on the lookout for new writers to join our Wiblogging community. If you'd like to write your own Wiblog we ask that you contact (for the time being at least) Dave or Chris our Wiblog moderators at the addresses below. Tell them (1) a little bit about yourself (2) Why you'd like to write a Wiblog and the sort of subjects you might be Wiblogging about. All being well we'll then send you the code to enable you to set up your Wiblog. We're sorry the process has to be this complex but hope that all genuine applicants will understand this is to deter people who are attempting to misuse the site. Agreeing to the Guidelines is part of the signup process.

Do I need any technical skill to write one?
No - it's all quite straightforward. We've had cats manage it.

How do I update my Wiblog?
After signing up for a Wiblog you'll be given the address of your 'Administration' page for your Wiblog. Simply write your entry in the box at the top, put in your password and press the button and the entry will appear on your Wiblog. make sure the 'Log entry added sucessfully' message appears on the page - if not click 'back' and try again.

What if I made a mistake, or need to change something?
On your Administration page you have the facility to edit, delete or archive any of your posts. You can also edit or delete any of the comments people have made about your posts. Please be aware for these functions to work you need JavaScript running on your browser. Please note that the Wiblog moderators may edit or delete unsuitable comments if we spot them before you do.

I wrote a Wiblog entry and it hasn't appeared on my Wiblog - what's happened?
It's fairly likely that you've got your password wrong - or clicked the wrong button. Don't panic - click 'back' on your browser and get back to your admin page. Your entry should still be there. Try re-entering the password making sure that you get the upper and lower case letters correct and that you haven't got 'Caps lock' on by accident.

What should I write about?
It's up to you. Helpful eh?

What will the address of my wiblog be?
The full address is http://www.wibsite.com/wiblog/YourUserName - please use this address if submitting to a directory such as blogs4God. You can tell your friends the slightly easier to remember shortcut http://www.wiblog.com/YourUserName which will forward automatically to your Wiblog.

Can I write a private Wiblog which doesn't appear in the 'recently updated' list?
No - one of the conditions of writing a Wiblog is that each blog appears in the 'recently updated' list. We believe that the community aspect is one of the defining qualities of the Wibsite and so it is important that we can all see everyone else's log. If you want to write a private log we recommend Blogger or another Weblog service.

Can I put html code like links in my Wiblog?
Yes indeed. The default setting ('autolink' turned 'on') converts all links starting in http:// into a link but doesn't allow you to use other html code. If you want to use your own code for links and also add things like bold, italics etc to your posts then you need to set 'autolink' to 'off' in the control panel. If you already have entries with html code that display incorrectly you may need to republish these entries by clicking the 'edit' button next to them.

The code for a link is:
<a href="http://www.webaddress.com/">Website name</a>

Link opening in a new window:
<a href="http://www.webaddress.com/" target="_blank">Website name</a>

For more html code take a look here.

Can I put pictures in my Wiblog?
Yes - but you will need your own webspace on which to host them. Many people use flickr - see below for advice. The code for adding a picture to an html page can be found here.

How do I use flickr to put pictures in my Wiblog?
Don't bother at all with the bit in flickr which talks about blogging, you don't need it. Once you've downloaded your photos, click on the photo you want to include in the blog, and then to the right you'll see a few options. Click on "See different sizes", and choose the size you want it to appear (the default is 'medium'). Then you just need to copy and paste the handy code that they provide straight into your wiblog. If you choose the first code it will provide a link which opens in a separate window, but if you choose the second code (marked "Copy and paste this HTML into your webpage") the picture will display directly in your blog.

Can I put links in my blog sidebar?
Yes - use the 'Administer Wiblinks' section in the control panel. Note: when adding links just use the form of the address starting with 'www.' (eg www.websitename.com). If you include the 'http://' bit (eg http://www.websitename.com) it will appear twice and the link won't work.

How can I get more people to read my Wiblog?
There's a number of ways:

First of all, update regularly and keep your content interesting. People tend to like quirky angles on subjects or unusual observations rather than (except in the case of 'The dullest blog in the World') what you had for tea.

You can also publicise your Wiblog using one or more of the following means:

- Have the address as your e-mail signature or signature on any bulletin boards you belong to
- We recommend signing up at blogs4God, the Christian blog directory. (if your Wiblog fits any heading other than 'Journals' you may be noticed more regularly).
- Read other blogs and link to them when they say something interesting - you never know, they might link back to you.
- Add comments to other people's blogs.
- Subtly introduce the fact you have a Wiblog when talking to people at parties.

Do I have to be a Christian to write a Wiblog?
No. We welcome anyone who is willing to respect the Christian ethos of the site.

I notice that some Wiblogs get linked to from the 'This just in' section on the front page of the Wibsite. Is bribery and corruption involved in this process?
Not usually. 'This just in' links to interesting or amusing posts that catch our eye. If you think you've just written such a thing feel free to send Dave an e-mail.

Where can I buy a tasty pie?
The shop down the road does them as far as I know. I recommend the beef and ale pie.

What can I do if I have a problem?
If you encounter any complication or scenario that these FAQs don't answer contact us: Dave () for general questions about the site as a whole, for anything more technical or chocolate-related try Chris () or for Wiblog-specific questions Neil (), Maddie () and Rhys () are our Wiblog moderators.