Blotanical News

Here's a post that I should have written when Blotanical first commenced but just ran out of time. Now I get too many members asking "which way is up?" that I thought I better come up with a basic starters guide.

So, before I start let me just highlight some tools that will help you if you get stuck. Firstly, there is a growing FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions) page where many features are explained. If you can't find what you're looking for there then try using the Help Desk and your query will be answered as quickly as is possible. Failing those two avenues then try messaging another member, preferably one with some 'runs on the board'.

Step 1 - Logging In

For some, this appears to be a monumental event in itself. Just remember to use the email address that you submitted when you added your blog or became a member. If you can't remember your password then click the 'Did you forget your password?' link and a new authentication link will be emailed to you.

It's important that you don't delete your email address in your Plot otherwise the forgotten password feature will be no help to you at all.

Once logged in you should be taken to your Plot where there is a plethora of options to be completed and things to do.

Step 2 - Editing Your Plot

Most of the editing is done within the second profile box with the navigation tabs;

You will see the purple EDIT button at the bottom of this zone. Click this to take you to an area where the details can then be changed by you. Others visiting your Plot won't see this button and likewise you won't see it on other's Plots.

Each one of the tabs carries some further options for modification. Visitors to your Plot won't see the About Me tab and non-blogging Members don't have the My Blogs tab in their Plots.

Take some time going through these and assimilating yourself with the options that are available.

Step 3 - Uploading Your Photo

This is a very simple process of clicking the "Upload Photo" icon and then uploading an image of you or something to represent you. Even after you have set the photo once you can easily change it by clicking in it again and going through the Upload process.

TIP: Pics with a scale of 100 x 100 pics work best.

Step 4 - Adding Your Favourite Blogs

This has already been answered here.

Step 5 - Adding Your Favourite Blotanists

This has already been answered here.

Step 6 - Leaving Messages for other Blotanists

This seems to be a common question. You can only leave a message for someone in their Plot so you need to be out visiting and explore Blotanical to do it.

Once in their Plot, go to the Messages tab and you will see a link 'Add a Message' just under the navigational bars. Click this and begin writing your message. Follow the links and KAZAAM! you've left a message for someone.

Step 7 - Collecting Points

This has already been answered here.

Step 8 - Check out the Picks Feature

Picks is a fairly simple concept. When you click the Picks tab this page will be displayed. It is a list of the highest picked blog posts for a set period. You will notice that the ranking on these is not always in descending order but can sometimes seem a little random. This is due to the ranking algorithm being used to sort them - and before you send me an email to tell me it isn't working properly, rest assured that it is.

On this page you can click on the link to Read More or Pick the post (unless you've previously Picked it).

But, if you're looking for new posts the Current List of 200 Posts are where they are all being stored. It takes a few seconds to load but then you should be on your way. From here you can help propel some of your favourite posts on to the main page so that they can get the exposure they deserve. Hopefully others will reciprocate and send your skyward as well.

Step 9 - Navigating Your Way Around Blotanical

Navigation around Blotanical is an 'art' more than a science - yet I am working to make this easier to understand.

So here's a quick rundown;

Primary Navigation (PN): These are the tabs at the top. They will lead you to different sections of Blotanical. Examples; Search Blogs, News and Blog Directory.

Secondary Navigation (SN): Once you have selected the Primary Navigation tab you may be offered further options in the secondary list. These give you access to pages that still come under the Primary tab's focus. Examples of these under the PN of Popular are; Most Visited Blogs this Week, Top Users, 2008 Blotanicals etc.

You will notice that the Popular tab is a lighter colour than the other PN's highlighting where you currently are in Blotanical. Clicking this tab again will take you to the default page that is displayed when you first clicked it so it may be a useful shortcut for traversing Blotanical pages.

In the case of someone else's Plot (let's use Frank as an example) you will notice the tab title change to "Frank's Plot". This shows that you are currently in his Plot and not your own. Clicking this tab will take you to the default page of Frank's Plot from wherever you are inside it. If you want to get back to your own, click the Return to My Plot button.