Scobleizer: Adding Google Friend Connect is an example of how hard it is to join the 2010 web
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
I was getting so many emails from many with the same problem I finally did a YouTube video to solve this issue. Even the Google Friend Connect user group could not take the time to help newbies out so I did.
Next, the questions that will flow in Robert, will be how to do this on Blogger. This the second most popular question I get and you will too.
Just add the Followers gadget, it is GFC and always has been. We caught this in September 2008 when Google was testing Google Friend Connect there, running GFC in the Followers widget. It now comes by default when you create a new Blogger blog.
I hope this helps everyone out and gets GFC up and running fast. WSIWYG apps and software have destroyed the basic skills we all used to need and use way back when.
Also in that video is a Firefox plugin that I love for FTP, FireFTP, real slick.
Lastly, the reason I have taken so much time to get to the bottom of what Google is really doing with GFC is because Scoble said in 2006 that Google Reader would make a great social bookmarking engine, so I took his advice and started using it.
In case you don't know who Chris Lang is, just ask Jack Humphrey, he will tell you I know more about Google Friend Connect than anyone outside of Google.
Robert, if you have any questions just let me know.
Dian Joubert
· 2 months ago
Like always Chris, excellent comment!
Mussie Shore
· 7 months ago
1st, I'm psyched that Scobie has added Friend Connect to his blog, 2nd, we think he's right... our documentation could/should be better. Especially, for folks who use popular services that let you create "a site" without knowledge of how to upload files. 3rd. Thanks to folks like Chris Lang who help bridge the gap.
Mussie Product Manager, Google Friend Connect
Willem
· 7 months ago
"Robert Scoble is an employee of Rackspace, which can help you with all your hosting needs." Next thing you say is that you forgot all about FTP since 1996 :-) I think that's funny!
AJinNashville
· 7 months ago
I understand your plight, Robert, but I have to say, I'm surprised that someone of your technical stature -- or at least of your tenure on the web -- could disregard something so basic as FTP. It's not because of the disconnect between the geeks and the rest of the public, it's about the runaway assumption that the World Wide Web *is* the internet. IT IS NOT. The problem is that the other tenets of the Internet, such as FTP, Telnet and Usenet, all of which were as viable an information vehicle as the web was 20 years ago, were never marketed for the public. Once AOL took off and the graphical Internet was sold to Joe Public, that's really all they were ever really told about.
EVERYONE should know how to use FTP. EVERYONE should understand the incredible power and accessibility of Usenet, but they don't, and probably never will. And heck, the ONLY people who know anything about Telnet anymore are hackers, and they REALLY don't want anyone to know about that!
So I guess what I'm saying is, I think your frustration is somewhat misplaced. The tools are actually easy to use, but first you have to know they exist.
AJinNashville
· 7 months ago
I understand your plight, Robert, but I have to say, I'm surprised that someone of your technical stature -- or at least of your tenure on the web -- could disregard something so basic as FTP. It's not because of the disconnect between the geeks and the rest of the public, it's about the runaway assumption that the World Wide Web *is* the internet. IT IS NOT. The problem is that the other tenets of the Internet, such as FTP, Telnet and Usenet, all of which were as viable an information vehicle as the web was 20 years ago, were never marketed for the public. Once AOL took off and the graphical Internet was sold to Joe Public, that's really all they were ever really told about.
EVERYONE should know how to use FTP. EVERYONE should understand the incredible power and accessibility of Usenet, but they don't, and probably never will. And heck, the ONLY people who know anything about Telnet anymore are hackers, and they REALLY don't want anyone to know about that!
So I guess what I'm saying is, I think your frustration is somewhat misplaced. The tools are actually easy to use, but first you have to know they exist.
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Everything is easy to do once you know the tools exist and how to use them. I disagree with you. For most people around the world the Internet is now the web or whatever shows up inside their browsers. Heck, for a billion people the Internet is only SMS. Sad but true.
Andy Beal
· 7 months ago
"The tools are actually easy to use, but first you have to know they exist" - I think that's Robert's point. You shouldn't have to know about these tools, Google Friend Connect should "just work."
You've got to build these apps for the lowest common denominator and, in this case, the average Google user will think that FTP is some kind of sexually transmitted disease. ;-)
AJinNashville
· 7 months ago
Andy, you and Robert are obviously correct; my intent wasn't to dispute that people aren't familiar with the tools, or that it's their fault -- only that if they had been familiarized with them from the start, we wouldn't have the problem we have now. Don't forget that the lowest common denominator is only as low as we allow it to be. The fact is that we live in an increasingly technical world and the requirements for flourishing in it will continue to increase in kind. I'm just saying that IMO whomever decided the average person would never need to know about these other components of the Internet miscalculated that stance.
John E. Bredehoft (Empoprises)
· 7 months ago
I see no harm in lowering the bar. You'll recall how the initial Macintosh was designed for people so brain-dead that they wouldn't even know how to manually eject a floppy. But this raises the question - WHY should people have to eject their own floppies?
Similarly, if I want to read a blog's RSS feed, many software programs allow me to post the blog's URL into the subscription box, rather than having to specify the specific URL for the feed that you want.
And should we really care about the specific protocol that is used to transfer two files to a particular system? We certainly need to understand the high-level concepts involved ("file," "server"), but it shouldn't be necessary for an application user to understand the protocol that is involved in a particular operation.
GUMBIRATNO
· 7 months ago
HEEE.. RIGHT
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
In the first days of GFC many commented on my blogs that the big hitch is that most would not be able to use it because they had to FTP. I said they were wrong, but I was. I am to close to the flame I suppose.
Paul
· 7 months ago
You don't need to build these tools for the lowest common denominator. You need to build them for web developers, which Robert obviously is not. It does "just work" if you actually know what you're doing, and understand some of the most basic tools that exist on the Internet.
marshall24
· 7 months ago
"the average Google user will think that FTP is some kind of sexually transmitted disease" — That's the funniest thing I read all week.
Ari Herzog
· 7 months ago
By that logic, I'm a hacker. I don't telnet anywhere anymore, but I used to be addicted to it.
angusb
· 7 months ago
Widgets are definitely a necessity, but I hope you don't add too many such that they clutter up the page.
Angus B
· 7 months ago
I agree that in order for mainstream integration with social components/widgets into a site, that they need to be pretty much in a copy paste format
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Angusb: there I disagree. I don't mind complexity if it's explained. Yes, it would be better to be very simple. This is why Twitter is winning in the marketplace. But there are some things that just can't be simplified down to that level. There you should assume you need to hold someone's hand and explain to them how to thrive in a complex world.
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Everything is easy to do once you know the tools exist and how to use them. I disagree with you. For most people around the world the Internet is now the web or whatever shows up inside their browsers. Heck, for a billion people the Internet is only SMS. Sad but true.
Andy Beal
· 7 months ago
"The tools are actually easy to use, but first you have to know they exist" - I think that's Robert's point. You shouldn't have to know about these tools, Google Friend Connect should "just work."
You've got to build these apps for the lowest common denominator and, in this case, the average Google user will think that FTP is some kind of sexually transmitted disease. ;-)
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Angusb: there I disagree. I don't mind complexity if it's explained. Yes, it would be better to be very simple. This is why Twitter is winning in the marketplace. But there are some things that just can't be simplified down to that level. There you should assume you need to hold someone's hand and explain to them how to thrive in a complex world.
DanaFosburgh
· 7 months ago
Fantastic post.You make a great point. Why can't it be "so damn simple". Programmers seem to be able to solve very complex problems all the time. I'm a carpenter. Just because I can read blueprints, doesn't mean the homeowner can. That's our disconnect.
Cool! AS I was typing this comment I noticed the FF stream start to move!!!
DanaFosburgh
· 7 months ago
Fantastic post.You make a great point. Why can't it be "so damn simple". Programmers seem to be able to solve very complex problems all the time. I'm a carpenter. Just because I can read blueprints, doesn't mean the homeowner can. That's our disconnect.
Cool! AS I was typing this comment I noticed the FF stream start to move!!!
Rishabh Mishra (possible248)
· 7 months ago
I'm not quite sure if Google could have avoided the need for the user to have to upload files.
I don't know much about Friend Connect, but seeing as how the names of the files are "rpc_relay.html" and "canvas.html", it sounds like that the files need to be uploaded for technical reasons (as opposed to verification purposes).
Perhaps you should talk to Kevin Marks to discuss the need to upload files.
Rishabh Mishra (possible248)
· 7 months ago
I'm not quite sure if Google could have avoided the need for the user to have to upload files. (EDIT: Robert states in a comment that he doesn't mind complexity if it is explained properly. Though how to upload files to one's server is immensely complex to explain given all the different types of server configurations. For example, a common user may not know where to find the FTP username, password, and host, if it is different from the one he or she uses to log into the web admin panel.)
I don't know much about Friend Connect, but seeing as how the names of the files are "rpc_relay.html" and "canvas.html", it sounds like that the files need to be uploaded for technical reasons (as opposed to verification purposes).
Perhaps you should talk to Kevin Marks to discuss the need to upload files.
thejimgaudet
· 7 months ago
Damn, I like the Google map on the side.. Nice
the Jim Gaudet
· 7 months ago
Damn, I like the Google map on the side.. Nice
AJinNashville
· 7 months ago
Andy, you and Robert are obviously correct; my intent wasn't to dispute that people aren't familiar with the tools, or that it's their fault -- only that if they had been familiarized with them from the start, we wouldn't have the problem we have now. Don't forget that the lowest common denominator is only as low as we allow it to be. The fact is that we live in an increasingly technical world and the requirements for flourishing in it will continue to increase in kind. I'm just saying that IMO whomever decided the average person would never need to know about these other components of the Internet miscalculated that stance.
Jonathan Bloom
· 7 months ago
Hmm, does Google Friend Connect have the option to add comments the same way you can do Disqus, Facebook, or Twitter? The Google comments seem to be disconnected from the main comments.
Jonathan Bloom
· 7 months ago
Hmm, does Google Friend Connect have the option to add comments the same way you can do Disqus, Facebook, or Twitter? The Google comments seem to be disconnected from the main comments.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Look at the bottom of the window, it may have not been here when you commented, that is the Google Social Bar. Four parts to it, the login on the left, site acitvity on the center, comments on the right, just click the comments link there and it will pop up.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Also there is a Wordpress GFC plugin that replaces the WP commenting engine, embeds it right in the page. As a programmer at heart I cannot for the life of me get it to work. LOL It is under plugins in the google.com/friendconnect site.
John E. Bredehoft (Empoprises)
· 7 months ago
There are too many cases in which documentation assumes something is obvious when it is in no way obvious. (What about those of us who don't control our servers?)
This is very much in my mind because I just bought a new computer last night and went to set it up. While computer manufacturers often include very easy-to-read instructions (this particular computer was from HP, by the way), the instructions are forced to assume that any one of a myriad of peripherals may be included in the particular package that I picked up at Costco. As a result, some of the instructions are, to put it charitably, vague. It took me some time to figure out exactly where to plug my audio jack into my computer, and some more time to figure out exactly where to attach the wi-fi cable to my computer (assuming, of course , that the funny-shaped black thing in an unlabeled bag was the wi-fi device). I lucked out and got everything right on the first try, but there is obviously room for improvement.
P.S. I like the idea of a third-party commenting tool such as Disqus or Intense Debate. I have a personal bias toward Disqus because that's what I use on my blogs, but Intense Debate seems nice also.
John E. Bredehoft (Empoprises)
· 7 months ago
There are too many cases in which documentation assumes something is obvious when it is in no way obvious. (What about those of us who don't control our servers?)
This is very much in my mind because I just bought a new computer last night and went to set it up. While computer manufacturers often include very easy-to-read instructions (this particular computer was from HP, by the way), the instructions are forced to assume that any one of a myriad of peripherals may be included in the particular package that I picked up at Costco. As a result, some of the instructions are, to put it charitably, vague. It took me some time to figure out exactly where to plug my audio jack into my computer, and some more time to figure out exactly where to attach the wi-fi cable to my computer (assuming, of course , that the funny-shaped black thing in an unlabeled bag was the wi-fi device). I lucked out and got everything right on the first try, but there is obviously room for improvement.
P.S. I like the idea of a third-party commenting tool such as Disqus or Intense Debate. I have a personal bias toward Disqus because that's what I use on my blogs, but Intense Debate seems nice also.
arunshroff
· 7 months ago
This exchange is a classic example of the way programmers/engineers think and the way users think - I know because I have been on both sides of that divide. The worldwide web would **not** have become "worldwide" had it been difficult to use and required the uploading and installation of various plugins, else www would have just remained a prefix to URLs. So whereas www evolved and became easier over the last 20 years - FTP, usenet and all the other powerful technologies remained basically unchanged. Robert's essential point is that "ease of use" will drive the 2010 web - not how cool or powerful FTP is ! The future architects of this web would do well if they paid attention to this quote ( found on @pistachio 's Twitter page ) : It's not what the software does it is what the user does!
arunshroff
· 7 months ago
This exchange is a classic example of the way programmers/engineers think and the way users think - I know because I have been on both sides of that divide. The worldwide web would **not** have become "worldwide" had it been difficult to use and required the uploading and installation of various plugins, else www would have just remained a prefix to URLs. So whereas www evolved and became easier over the last 20 years - FTP, usenet and all the other powerful technologies remained basically unchanged. Robert's essential point is that "ease of use" will drive the 2010 web - not how cool or powerful FTP is ! The future architects of this web would do well if they paid attention to this quote ( found on @pistachio 's Twitter page ) : It's not what the software does it is what the user does!
John E. Bredehoft (Empoprises)
· 7 months ago
I see no harm in lowering the bar. You'll recall how the initial Macintosh was designed for people so brain-dead that they wouldn't even know how to manually eject a floppy. But this raises the question - WHY should people have to eject their own floppies?
Similarly, if I want to read a blog's RSS feed, many software programs allow me to post the blog's URL into the subscription box, rather than having to specify the specific URL for the feed that you want.
And should we really care about the specific protocol that is used to transfer two files to a particular system? We certainly need to understand the high-level concepts involved ("file," "server"), but it shouldn't be necessary for an application user to understand the protocol that is involved in a particular operation.
Gregory Rader
· 7 months ago
This reminds me of the process of downloading software updates 5-10 years ago. You likely had a shoddy dial up connection so the download itself was painful. Then you would have to unpack to the downloaded files and try to figure out what was inside. Do I have to run an executable, drop some file in an existing directory, replace some existing program file? No we get automatic notification that software updates are available and they download and install themselves. The web community needs to get to the same level of convenience for average users to really take advantage of all the features available. If you could go to Google's website, give it the address for your blog and perhaps a password if necessary, and have it install the widget itself, then everyone would be doing this.
Gregory Rader
· 7 months ago
This reminds me of the process of downloading software updates 5-10 years ago. You likely had a shoddy dial up connection so the download itself was painful. Then you would have to unpack to the downloaded files and try to figure out what was inside. Do I have to run an executable, drop some file in an existing directory, replace some existing program file? No we get automatic notification that software updates are available and they download and install themselves. The web community needs to get to the same level of convenience for average users to really take advantage of all the features available. If you could go to Google's website, give it the address for your blog and perhaps a password if necessary, and have it install the widget itself, then everyone would be doing this.
Rishabh Mishra (possible248)
· 7 months ago
I think there are serious trust issues with that.
Generally, when downloading software updates, you are trusting that the individuals or organizations providing the updates are not malicious and obey security practices to the degree where it is not very likely for a malicious individual to gain control of the systems. This is usually okay because those that are providing security updates (the OS developers) are being trusted anyway.
In the case you describe, Google would be using my password to make changes to my website. Unless I have a Google-hosted website (App Engine, Blogger, etc.), Google would be a third party to interactions with my webhost. I don't think that third parties should usually be trusted with one's passwords and such.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
That is not going to work either, as a developer one of the big hurdles with getting started with a new client is getting the username and password from them for FTP on their shared hosting. Even if Google was willing to FTP for you they still would not know what that means or what their credentials are. Not to mention a huge server load on Google even with their thousands of datacenters.
The solution is a Wordpress plugin from Google, they have one but it only adds Google commenting in place of the Wordpress engine. I do not want to make my visitors log into Google to comment and even I can't get the damn Google plugin to work on my shared host.
Rishabh Mishra (possible248)
· 7 months ago
I think there are serious trust issues with that.
Generally, when downloading software updates, you are trusting that the individuals or organizations providing the updates are not malicious and obey security practices to the degree where it is not very likely for a malicious individual to gain control of the systems. This is usually okay because those that are providing security updates (the OS developers) are being trusted anyway.
In the case you describe, Google would be using my password to make changes to my website. Unless I have a Google-hosted website (App Engine, Blogger, etc.), Google would be a third party to interactions with my webhost. I don't think that third parties should usually be trusted with one's passwords and such.
jessestay
· 7 months ago
i know a lot of plumbers, teachers, and shop owners that are using sites like Ning to do this. It's there for the people that want to use it. FriendConnect isn't the answer for those people (yet).
Jesse Stay
· 7 months ago
i know a lot of plumbers, teachers, and shop owners that are using sites like Ning to do this. It's there for the people that want to use it. FriendConnect isn't the answer for those people (yet).
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Sure it is, take a look at the events gadget, Google Friend Connect is real good at creating things we can use for business and it is the social engine behind the new friend system on YouTube. Take a look at any channel, you can add friends, mutuals are added to your address book there. I can out rank TechCrunch and Mashable with a optimized YouTube video.
You can't tell me that a video for a highly searched term in Google, that any business can get a YouTube video under in the top ten results, not effective for plumbers, teachers and shop owners. BTW, my best friends are a plumber and a commercial electrician. They have used what I know to double their business and traffic to their sites.
therealmccrea
· 7 months ago
I like the new layout and features. And Google Friend Connect worked very smoothly.
therealmccrea
· 7 months ago
I like the new layout and features. And Google Friend Connect worked very smoothly.
patrickj
· 7 months ago
Just did the Google Friend Connect joining thing. I'm interested to get to know how it works ...
patrickj
· 7 months ago
Just did the Google Friend Connect joining thing. I'm interested to get to know how it works ...
Willem
· 7 months ago
"Robert Scoble is an employee of Rackspace, which can help you with all your hosting needs." Next thing you say is that you forgot all about FTP since 1996 :-) I think that's funny!
gary etie
· 7 months ago
Posted the link to my own Blog, with Google Friend Connect deployed.
I was getting so many emails from many with the same problem I finally did a YouTube video to solve this issue. Even the Google Friend Connect user group could not take the time to help newbies out so I did.
Next, the questions that will flow in Robert, will be how to do this on Blogger. This the second most popular question I get and you will too.
Just add the Followers gadget, it is GFC and always has been. We caught this in September 2008 when Google was testing Google Friend Connect there, running GFC in the Followers widget. It now comes by default when you create a new Blogger blog.
I hope this helps everyone out and gets GFC up and running fast. WSIWYG apps and software have destroyed the basic skills we all used to need and use way back when.
Also in that video is a Firefox plugin that I love for FTP, FireFTP, real slick.
Lastly, the reason I have taken so much time to get to the bottom of what Google is really doing with GFC is because Scoble said in 2006 that Google Reader would make a great social bookmarking engine, so I took his advice and started using it.
In case you don't know who Chris Lang is, just ask Jack Humphrey, he will tell you I know more about Google Friend Connect than anyone outside of Google.
Robert, if you have any questions just let me know.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Just took a look at the link to Google's list of gadgets. Real cool huh?
The recommendation gadget has lots of potential and the events gadget brings all kinds of uses to mind that can make a business owner money. Think events, Realtor's open houses, Meetups, Webinars, BlogTalkRadio, I could go on but I am sure you will all get how powerful this is. And it is on your site, not locked behind the walls of Facebook.
What so many on Facebook have never understood is that Facebook is a lead funnel, you pull from FB and bring them to your blog and into your marketing and products. Do not go to Facebook and then email your commercial list and bring them to Facebook like Reese did. Like handing out money there...
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Just took a look at the link to Google's list of gadgets. Real cool huh?
The recommendation gadget has lots of potential and the events gadget brings all kinds of uses to mind that can make a business owner money. Think events, Realtor's open houses, Meetups, Webinars, BlogTalkRadio, I could go on but I am sure you will all get how powerful this is. And it is on your site, not locked behind the walls of Facebook.
What so many on Facebook have never understood is that Facebook is a lead funnel, you pull from FB and bring them to your blog and into your marketing and products. Do not go to Facebook and then email your commercial list and bring them to Facebook like Reese did. Like handing out money there...
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
In the first days of GFC many commented on my blogs that the big hitch is that most would not be able to use it because they had to FTP. I said they were wrong, but I was. I am to close to the flame I suppose.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Look at the bottom of the window, it may have not been here when you commented, that is the Google Social Bar. Four parts to it, the login on the left, site acitvity on the center, comments on the right, just click the comments link there and it will pop up.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Also there is a Wordpress GFC plugin that replaces the WP commenting engine, embeds it right in the page. As a programmer at heart I cannot for the life of me get it to work. LOL It is under plugins in the google.com/friendconnect site.
JeffWeber
· 7 months ago
Ok, I just "Joined Your Site" using the Friend Connect widget. Now what does that mean other than my picture shows up with all the others?
Just curious.
JeffWeber
· 7 months ago
Ok, I just "Joined Your Site" using the Friend Connect widget. Now what does that mean other than my picture shows up with all the others?
Just curious.
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Jeff: you can comment on the bar at the bottom of the screen and Google is working on other features that will ship soon, from what I'm hearing.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Robert is totally right, they are rolling out a new app a week, and they all can be added to your site, not behind the closed doors of Facebook. Also they now have the Google translation engine running behind the scenes in the social bar below. That way anyone can comment in any language, we can read it and they can read ours.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Jeff, It depends, do you have a Google profile? If you do the sites you join show up there, others can see your GFC profile thru the gadget and see the links to your sites. If you just used Gmail to sign in and never created a profile then you will get little from this.
I don't want to spam the crap out of Scoble's blog with my links so let me see if I can find a link to his.
Here you go, you can click the Avatar once you are logged into any GFC gadget and it will show their profile as a link so you can open it directly. It just started doing that in the last few days. Cool huh?
To create your own Google profile, just log into your Google account, if you are logged in, it will show as "my profile" in Scoble's profile.
Google is real cool so far about sharing the wealth, they have added Twitter links to YouTube, in the GFC gadget, and 30 social bookmarking sites to. Try it out by clicking the members section on the lower right while you are signed in, the click the "invite friends" link, there are three sharing options.
Gmail, (Plaxo and Orkut, if you use it) and share on the right that links to Facebook, and most of all 30 sites like Digg and the rest. Imagine that, Google sharing with Facebook, too bad Facebook don't play nice like Google. GFC would have been REALLY powerful if Facebook had not been swayed to the dark side by Ballmer and Microsoft for a measily $260 mil.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
That is not going to work either, as a developer one of the big hurdles with getting started with a new client is getting the username and password from them for FTP on their shared hosting. Even if Google was willing to FTP for you they still would not know what that means or what their credentials are. Not to mention a huge server load on Google even with their thousands of datacenters.
The solution is a Wordpress plugin from Google, they have one but it only adds Google commenting in place of the Wordpress engine. I do not want to make my visitors log into Google to comment and even I can't get the damn Google plugin to work on my shared host.
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Jeff: you can comment on the bar at the bottom of the screen and Google is working on other features that will ship soon, from what I'm hearing.
FelipeLopes
· 7 months ago
I do agree with you that google should provide more information in how to make the upload of the files. It should make the proccess much more easy to follow for people that don't know what FTP is or means. However my thoughts are that if you know how to install facebook in your own server, you know how to useFTP :D.
FelipeLopes
· 7 months ago
I do agree with you that google should provide more information in how to make the upload of the files. It should make the proccess much more easy to follow for people that don't know what FTP is or means. However my thoughts are that if you know how to install facebook in your own server, you know how to useFTP :D.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Use Discus, they have a Facebook tie in. I tried coding Facebook Connect myself when they first rolled it out last year. What a nightmare, they do have a from FB plug in now and like I said, I think Discus.
Dave Mastio
· 7 months ago
If you want to check out some widgets, my partner and I have built some here that will let you search, follow the headlines or get a topic cloud from the blogs in any state focused on news and politics. We're building them to follow a growing number of cities too. http://www.blognetnews.com/widgets
Dave Mastio
· 7 months ago
If you want to check out some widgets, my partner and I have built some here that will let you search, follow the headlines or get a topic cloud from the blogs in any state focused on news and politics. We're building them to follow a growing number of cities too. http://www.blognetnews.com/widgets
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Jeff, It depends, do you have a Google profile? If you do the sites you join show up there, others can see your GFC profile thru the gadget and see the links to your sites. If you just used Gmail to sign in and never created a profile then you will get little from this.
I don't want to spam the crap out of Scoble's blog with my links so let me see if I can find a link to his.
Here you go, you can click the Avatar once you are logged into any GFC gadget and it will show their profile as a link so you can open it directly. It just started doing that in the last few days. Cool huh?
To create your own Google profile, just log into your Google account, if you are logged in, it will show as "my profile" in Scoble's profile.
Google is real cool so far about sharing the wealth, they have added Twitter links to YouTube, in the GFC gadget, and 30 social bookmarking sites to. Try it out by clicking the members section on the lower right while you are signed in, the click the "invite friends" link, there are three sharing options.
Gmail, (Plaxo and Orkut, if you use it) and share on the right that links to Facebook, and most of all 30 sites like Digg and the rest. Imagine that, Google sharing with Facebook, too bad Facebook don't play nice like Google. GFC would have been REALLY powerful if Facebook had not been swayed to the dark side by Ballmer and Microsoft for a measily $260 mil.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Use Discus, they have a Facebook tie in.
Dave Zatz
· 7 months ago
I'm not entirely comfortable outsourcing my comments. I know they tap directly into the WP database, but instead of reassuring me, it makes me more nervous.
Speaking of blog design, can you bump up the number of returned items/posts on our search page? Three is pretty stingy. Thanks! :)
Dave Zatz
· 7 months ago
I'm not entirely comfortable outsourcing my comments. I know they tap directly into the WP database, but instead of reassuring me, it makes me more nervous.
Speaking of blog design, can you bump up the number of returned items/posts on our search page? Three is pretty stingy. Thanks! :)
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
I agree, I would not want to do that either. That is why I have not added the GFC comment WP plugin, I want to let my visitors have a choice. For now I suggest using the GFC members gadget and the social bar but leave commenting open to both. My visitors even on my Googling Social blog still use the WP comments and my visitors are my members site paying subscribers and know what is really going on.
So, at that point I definitely agree with you, I would not totally go with GFC comments, but I do and suggest offering both. Just like Scoble offers Facebook Connect and FriendFeed, Twitter and Discus. Real smart guy, that Scoble is...
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Sure it is, take a look at the events gadget, Google Friend Connect is real good at creating things we can use for business and it is the social engine behind the new friend system on YouTube. Take a look at any channel, you can add friends, mutuals are added to your address book there. I can out rank TechCrunch and Mashable with a optimized YouTube video.
You can't tell me that a video for a highly searched term in Google, that any business can get a YouTube video under in the top ten results, not effective for plumbers, teachers and shop owners. BTW, my best friends are a plumber and a commercial electrician. They have used what I know to double their business and traffic to their sites.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Robert is totally right, they are rolling out a new app a week, and they all can be added to your site, not behind the closed doors of Facebook. Also they now have the Google translation engine running behind the scenes in the social bar below. That way anyone can comment in any language, we can read it and they can read ours.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
I agree, I would not want to do that either. That is why I have not added the GFC comment WP plugin, I want to let my visitors have a choice. For now I suggest using the GFC members gadget and the social bar but leave commenting open to both. My visitors even on my Googling Social blog still use the WP comments and my visitors are my members site paying subscribers and know what is really going on.
So, at that point I definitely agree with you, I would not totally go with GFC comments, but I do and suggest offering both. Just like Scoble offers Facebook Connect and FriendFeed, Twitter and Discus. Real smart guy, that Scoble is...
Daniel Kenney
· 7 months ago
Robert, I couldn't agree more with this post. The technology is there; when accessed it yields incredible, professional results for the DIY. And yet most business sites run by professionals don't look nearly as good as your site or my site for that matter. And yet still there is a disconnect. Its the tyranny of knowledge that the excellent math student encounters when they go to teach a bunch of normal people. Whether its Yahoo Commerce, Or WordPress Blogs, there still is an impressive number of things that are difficult to do if you don't really know the lingo. Robert, I am going to try my hand at loading Google and Facebook Connect to my blog at http://CatholicStoryTV.com . Check it out in order to see my progress, thanks!
Dan Kenney 402.505.7193
Daniel Kenney
· 7 months ago
Robert, I couldn't agree more with this post. The technology is there; when accessed it yields incredible, professional results for the DIY. And yet most business sites run by professionals don't look nearly as good as your site or my site for that matter. And yet still there is a disconnect. Its the tyranny of knowledge that the excellent math student encounters when they go to teach a bunch of normal people. Whether its Yahoo Commerce, Or WordPress Blogs, there still is an impressive number of things that are difficult to do if you don't really know the lingo. Robert, I am going to try my hand at loading Google and Facebook Connect to my blog at http://CatholicStoryTV.com . Check it out in order to see my progress, thanks!
so to be clear you work for a hosting company and fully admit to not knowing how to FTP?
I'm sure someone in the hiring process is going get a gold star on monday morning
graywolf
· 7 months ago
so to be clear you work for a hosting company and fully admit to not knowing how to FTP?
I'm sure someone in the hiring process is going get a gold star on monday morning
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Gray: you obviously are not a careful reader of what I wrote. I know how to use FTP. I'm trying to make the point that normal people don't know what FTP is anymore so asking them to "upload" files, and then not help them do that, makes a process overly complex in today's world. It's your attitude that turns mainstreet businesses off of this whole business in the first place. It's arrogant to demand that ANYONE know how to do this stuff.
.LAG
· 7 months ago
I agree with you Scoble... it's still too hard for "average" people -- ie 'non engineers'. In the corporate environment where I work, managing and operating our network of Web sites, I constantly see people, smart people, trip and stumble over things I take for granted when I'm wearing my engineer's hat. Because I wasn't trained as an engineer, but became one through self-education (and my father was one, so I was exposed), I have more compassion for those normal folk. Of all the publishing tools I've seen in the last few years, the one I find most innovative is Posterous, because E-mail is the one tool everyone seems to have mastered (and no, I have no relationship with Posterous). If we could wrap a robust publishing, editing, and "uploading" interface around E-mail I think lots of normal folk would just be thrilled.
.LAG
graywolf
· 7 months ago
your quote: "I forgot all about FTP back in 1996 and didn’t think I’d need to know about it again."
seems my comprehension is working fine, you forgot about it and didn't think you'd need know it again. If you didn't forget why did you have to get someone to help you? Or where you just being a drama queen, for the sake of getting attention?
I don't think regular people do or should know how to FTP, but I mean you're the super awesome scoble blogging since the dawn of man, and now working for a hosting company, and not "regular people". You can't be Mr Web 2.0 when it suits you and then be "regular people" when that works for you. Pick a side and stick to it don't waffle about everything you do/say choosing the side that gets you the most eyeballs.
rjamestaylor
· 7 months ago
I'm a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Unix/Linux. I'm also a Sun certified Java programmer and an MCP with Microsoft and Citriz, to name a few "certifications" I have earned as a part of projects I've worked that required these (personally, certifications are less meaningful than showing results). I've also developed multiple high-traffic web applications in travel/entertainment and pharmaceutical industries. But when I want to get something done I look to use the path of least resistance to accomplish the task. For this reason I use Mac OS X as my desktop/laptop client instead of Linux - I don't want to have to think about my desk-/lap-top settings. Sure, I'll create intricate awk scripts for managing Linux-based webservers, but my laptop should JUST WORK.
This being the case, common websites, like blogs, have been CMS-controllable for many years. When making a simple website (like a blog or e-commerce site) I am reliant on such tools to make them work. Having to roll my own on each iteration is a waste of my time. So, if a tool requires manual manipulation I'm less likely to use it. I want to get stuff done.
There is little reason to need FTP access with modern CMS systems. I can fully appreciate the experience someone who is used to intelligent CMS'es over the past 10 years losing familiarity with FTP. "Use it or lose it" applies to any technology.
rjamestaylor
· 7 months ago
I'm a Senior Systems Engineer specializing in Unix/Linux. I'm also a Sun certified Java programmer and an MCP with Microsoft and Citriz, to name a few "certifications" I have earned as a part of projects I've worked that required these (personally, certifications are less meaningful than showing results). I've also developed multiple high-traffic web applications in travel/entertainment and pharmaceutical industries. But when I want to get something done I look to use the path of least resistance to accomplish the task. For this reason I use Mac OS X as my desktop/laptop client instead of Linux - I don't want to have to think about my desk-/lap-top settings. Sure, I'll create intricate awk scripts for managing Linux-based webservers, but my laptop should JUST WORK.
This being the case, common websites, like blogs, have been CMS-controllable for many years. When making a simple website (like a blog or e-commerce site) I am reliant on such tools to make them work. Having to roll my own on each iteration is a waste of my time. So, if a tool requires manual manipulation I'm less likely to use it. I want to get stuff done.
There is little reason to need FTP access with modern CMS systems. I can fully appreciate the experience someone who is used to intelligent CMS'es over the past 10 years losing familiarity with FTP. "Use it or lose it" applies to any technology.
Why do you think it needs to be so easy anyone can do it? These are technical tasks, requiring specific knowledge or skillsets. Leave them to a professional.
Would you complain that you can't fix a broken pipe because soldering is so hard? No, you'd just call a plumber.
My point: everyone does have a "Vid". You can find him on Craigslist.
Paul
· 7 months ago
Why do you think it needs to be so easy anyone can do it? These are technical tasks, requiring specific knowledge or skillsets. Leave them to a professional.
Would you complain that you can't fix a broken pipe because soldering is so hard? No, you'd just call a plumber.
My point: everyone does have a "Vid". You can find him on Craigslist.
Paul
· 7 months ago
You don't need to build these tools for the lowest common denominator. You need to build them for web developers, which Robert obviously is not. It does "just work" if you actually know what you're doing, and understand some of the most basic tools that exist on the Internet.
Ari Herzog
· 7 months ago
By that logic, I'm a hacker. I don't telnet anywhere anymore, but I used to be addicted to it.
Christina
· 7 months ago
Here comes the importance of software documentation..... At least it tells you what to paste where! :)
Christina
· 7 months ago
Here comes the importance of software documentation..... At least it tells you what to paste where! :)
Similar
· 7 months ago
Google Friend connect is amazing idea , i also use similarsites.com to find more sites like this and to get more ideas to increasing my users base in my site
facebook-580673476
· 7 months ago
Dear Robert, i think that this toolbar is so 1.0 (make your website slowly..)!!! I use this for 1 month on my blog that I prefer Google Friend Connect widget for discussions or community options. ;)
Facebook User
· 7 months ago
Dear Robert, i think that this toolbar is so 1.0 (make your website slowly..)!!! I use this for 1 month on my blog that I prefer Google Friend Connect widget for discussions or community options. ;)
Mussie Shore
· 7 months ago
1st, I'm psyched that Scobie has added Friend Connect to his blog, 2nd, we think he's right... our documentation could/should be better. Especially, for folks who use popular services that let you create "a site" without knowledge of how to upload files. 3rd. Thanks to folks like Chris Lang who help bridge the gap.
Mussie Product Manager, Google Friend Connect
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Mussie, thanks for the good words, just trying to help out who I can since I believe Google Friend Connect is a world changer. When you take the time to realize there is a much greater purpose here, and look a little deeper than Facebook value.
Facebook Connect? It's on Facebook. Google Friend Connect is on my blog and now it is on Scoble's too.
mikehcg
· 7 months ago
Hey Mussie, I use Google Apps for Domains. I have found it works with most of the GFC stuff. Is the integration complete for Google Apps or is there some work still be done?
Michael Holdcroft
kf6nvr
· 7 months ago
Does the "main stream" really need to know how to install such things as Google Friend Connect? (or any other new widget, for that matter)
That is, shouldn't they just be using a turn-key solutions that already implement various back-end things? I'd argue that adding something like GFC to a web site is something for the geeks and not something for the plumbers, teachers, or bar owners (though, in reality, most people know a little something about plumbing, teaching, or mixing a drink -- but all of those things have been in our culture for much, much longer and this example is more like making the pipes, classroom, or the glassware).
kf6nvr
· 7 months ago
Does the "main stream" really need to know how to install such things as Google Friend Connect? (or any other new widget, for that matter)
That is, shouldn't they just be using a turn-key solutions that already implement various back-end things? I'd argue that adding something like GFC to a web site is something for the geeks and not something for the plumbers, teachers, or bar owners (though, in reality, most people know a little something about plumbing, teaching, or mixing a drink -- but all of those things have been in our culture for much, much longer and this example is more like making the pipes, classroom, or the glassware).
tojosan
· 7 months ago
Well, I've used FTP for years, so that wasn't a stumbling block for me. That said, it sure is for most folks. Especially those that do one-click blog installs or even had someone do it for them.
Google should definitely do up a widget on this. Seems straightforward enough.
On the other hand, I've seen almost zero value from this being on my blog, or anyone else's. Where is it going? I see a previous comment mentions future functionality but for right now it's a glorified visitor roll call.
PS. If you don't know your FTP info, check the FAQ on your hosting site, or your account information there. Often mentioned there.
tojosan
· 7 months ago
Well, I've used FTP for years, so that wasn't a stumbling block for me. That said, it sure is for most folks. Especially those that do one-click blog installs or even had someone do it for them.
Google should definitely do up a widget on this. Seems straightforward enough.
On the other hand, I've seen almost zero value from this being on my blog, or anyone else's. Where is it going? I see a previous comment mentions future functionality but for right now it's a glorified visitor roll call.
PS. If you don't know your FTP info, check the FAQ on your hosting site, or your account information there. Often mentioned there.
Alex Kahl
· 7 months ago
thanks for all the tips! now i can try gfc myself at last :-)
Alex Kahl
· 7 months ago
thanks for all the tips! now i can try gfc myself at last :-)
GUMBIRATNO
· 7 months ago
HEEE.. RIGHT
marshall24
· 7 months ago
"the average Google user will think that FTP is some kind of sexually transmitted disease" — That's the funniest thing I read all week.
Scobleizer
· 7 months ago
Gray: you obviously are not a careful reader of what I wrote. I know how to use FTP. I'm trying to make the point that normal people don't know what FTP is anymore so asking them to "upload" files, and then not help them do that, makes a process overly complex in today's world. It's your attitude that turns mainstreet businesses off of this whole business in the first place. It's arrogant to demand that ANYONE know how to do this stuff.
.LAG
· 7 months ago
I agree with you Scoble... it's still too hard for "average" people -- ie 'non engineers'. In the corporate environment where I work, managing and operating our network of Web sites, I constantly see people, smart people, trip and stumble over things I take for granted when I'm wearing my engineer's hat. Because I wasn't trained as an engineer, but became one through self-education (and my father was one, so I was exposed), I have more compassion for those normal folk. Of all the publishing tools I've seen in the last few years, the one I find most innovative is Posterous, because E-mail is the one tool everyone seems to have mastered (and no, I have no relationship with Posterous). If we could wrap a robust publishing, editing, and "uploading" interface around E-mail I think lots of normal folk would just be thrilled.
.LAG
NetZero
· 7 months ago
Hey! It's important that all those stuff doesn't work on first try. We need room and jobs for the IT specialists, who try and try again. ;-)
NetZero
· 7 months ago
Hey! It's important that all those stuff doesn't work on first try. We need room and jobs for the IT specialists, who try and try again. ;-)
graywolf
· 7 months ago
your quote: "I forgot all about FTP back in 1996 and didn’t think I’d need to know about it again."
seems my comprehension is working fine, you forgot about it and didn't think you'd need know it again. If you didn't forget why did you have to get someone to help you? Or where you just being a drama queen, for the sake of getting attention?
I don't think regular people do or should know how to FTP, but I mean you're the super awesome scoble blogging since the dawn of man, and now working for a hosting company, and not "regular people". You can't be Mr Web 2.0 when it suits you and then be "regular people" when that works for you. Pick a side and stick to it don't waffle about everything you do/say choosing the side that gets you the most eyeballs.
tweetfeeds
· 7 months ago
guess that's a opportunity for someone to do better or teach others
tweetfeeds
· 7 months ago
guess that's a opportunity for someone to do better or teach others
Probably Sucks
· 7 months ago
Robert,
Why add such a pointless thing to your blog? It's only going to slow it down and what is the real advantage of having it other than seeming more web 2.0 / web 3.0? All it does is take up screen space, it looks ugly and quite frankly it makes me angry.
Your blog theme is too bland and the Google Friend Connect bar the bottom just makes it look even blander than it currently looks.
May I suggest hiring a web development and design agency to make you a new blog design worthy enough for my eyes to lance upon?
Sure the bar makes your site more engaging, but the content quality of your blog posts lately is so bad that it's not worth engaging in the first place, because your posts have no substance to them.
I find it laughable that someone who has worked with major hardware and software development companies over the years, not to mention someone that boasts vast amounts of knowledge in social media could forget about FTP, let alone get away with not using it since 1996.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Robert Scoble could write this blog on toilet paper and I would read it every day. Even if it was on bland toilet paper.
Probably Sucks
· 7 months ago
Robert,
Why add such a pointless thing to your blog? It's only going to slow it down and what is the real advantage of having it other than seeming more web 2.0 / web 3.0? All it does is take up screen space, it looks ugly and quite frankly it makes me angry.
Your blog theme is too bland and the Google Friend Connect bar the bottom just makes it look even blander than it currently looks.
May I suggest hiring a web development and design agency to make you a new blog design worthy enough for my eyes to lance upon?
Sure the bar makes your site more engaging, but the content quality of your blog posts lately is so bad that it's not worth engaging in the first place, because your posts have no substance to them.
I find it laughable that someone who has worked with major hardware and software development companies over the years, not to mention someone that boasts vast amounts of knowledge in social media could forget about FTP, let alone get away with not using it since 1996.
Daniel Docekal
· 7 months ago
Robert, yes, it seems its working. But its pretty useless and only takes spaces and makes your page load longer :) So good luck with this worthless gadget.
angrykeyboarder
· 7 months ago
You just lost major nerd points. I can't believe you don't know FTP anymore. FileZilla ( http://filezilla-project.org/ ) is an app that I use regularly.
angrykeyboarder
· 7 months ago
You just lost major nerd points. I can't believe you don't know FTP anymore. FileZilla ( http://filezilla-project.org/ ) is an app that I use regularly.
Yours_Truly
· 7 months ago
The more people want == the dumber they get
I think it says something sad about human nature, that people expect everything to be SO easy.
For example I DO think that Wordpress is a great tool, but its idiot proof simplicity and massive penetration does seem to have lowered the average IQ, or led to a general "intelligence ageing".
Yours_Truly
· 7 months ago
The more people want == the dumber they get
I think it says something sad about human nature, that people expect everything to be SO easy.
For example I DO think that Wordpress is a great tool, but its idiot proof simplicity and massive penetration does seem to have lowered the average IQ, or led to a general "intelligence ageing".
jasonn
· 7 months ago
I'm playing with this code now, and I should admit I'm a bit of a code monkey. So, this isn't rocket science. But, my question is "why should I?" Is this relevant to my readers? Will it be? My readers are growing tired of things to join so they can talk to me. They just want to spend a few minutes on my site, maybe read an article, perhaps sign up for a newsletter (yes, some people are still accessible via their email inbox, which is still the most reliable space to distribute information to one single person much of the time).
I'm even considering integrating Disqus so I don't have to make ppl log in twice if they want to post, then look at site access settings (like those special places I only let members go).
jasonn
· 7 months ago
I'm playing with this code now, and I should admit I'm a bit of a code monkey. So, this isn't rocket science. But, my question is "why should I?" Is this relevant to my readers? Will it be? My readers are growing tired of things to join so they can talk to me. They just want to spend a few minutes on my site, maybe read an article, perhaps sign up for a newsletter (yes, some people are still accessible via their email inbox, which is still the most reliable space to distribute information to one single person much of the time).
I'm even considering integrating Disqus so I don't have to make ppl log in twice if they want to post, then look at site access settings (like those special places I only let members go).
Tech Post
· 7 months ago
I really like the google map on your sidebar.
Tech Post
· 7 months ago
I really like the google map on your sidebar.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Digg is now worthless to Kevin Rose. The last round of investment took any profit Rose can make out of his hands and it will now all go to the investors. $27M came in last month and that is the end of Digg being sold. For now.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Digg is now worthless to Kevin Rose. The last round of investment took any profit Rose can make out of his hands and it will now all go to the investors. $27M came in last month and that is the end of Digg being sold. For now.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Robert, it looks like Discus is having a few problems. I thought many had double commented, but the two from me above are from a post 6 months ago, not this one. Maybe you can give them a heads up over there?
kevintunis
· 7 months ago
@scobleizer One of the reasons I like GraffitiCMS is it easy to upload a file from your site admin page http://tinyurl.com/qk9sd8
kevintunis
· 7 months ago
@scobleizer One of the reasons I like GraffitiCMS is it easy to upload a file from your site admin page http://tinyurl.com/qk9sd8
angrykeyboarder
· 7 months ago
C'mon, don't be shy Tell him how you really feel. :)
misund007
· 7 months ago
I have tried to use Friend Connect on my website in the past, but found that very few were using it. When I then redesigned my webpage the decision was to take it off again. Using FTP is still very much present, I think the reason is that it is still the most reliable method of transferring large files
misund007
· 7 months ago
I have tried to use Friend Connect on my website in the past, but found that very few were using it. When I then redesigned my webpage the decision was to take it off again. Using FTP is still very much present, I think the reason is that it is still the most reliable method of transferring large files
Peter Holmes
· 7 months ago
Ive had the "followers" ...well actually "Groovers" widget on my blogger blog for ages, but didn't realize it was GFC until I watched the no.1 YOU TUBE on Google Friend Connect, no FTP upload there. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpjMBRz61Yg - .. by EventsListed #GFC
Peter Holmes
· 7 months ago
Ive had the "followers" ...well actually "Groovers" widget on my blogger blog for ages, but didn't realize it was GFC until I watched the no.1 YOU TUBE on Google Friend Connect, no FTP upload there. www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpjMBRz61Yg - .. by EventsListed #GFC
Joe Dawson
· 7 months ago
I still prefer Facebook Connect over Google Friend Connect as I feel it provides better interaction!
I'm able to select 'Join or Sign in' and login with my Google account but even refreshing the page doesn't update the bar and I'm unable to view the comments either [even after refreshing]
Joe Dawson
· 7 months ago
I still prefer Facebook Connect over Google Friend Connect as I feel it provides better interaction!
I'm able to select 'Join or Sign in' and login with my Google account but even refreshing the page doesn't update the bar and I'm unable to view the comments either [even after refreshing]
luca filigheddu
· 7 months ago
Great so see you using the Thesis theme, best CMS for Wordpress.
Take a look at my blog for widgets and more. I don't like adding too much stuff, since it's the first way to slow down your blog. Anyway, it's up to you :-) Look at my social bar on top right. I also wrote a tutorial on how adding it to Thesis:
You can also think of adding Tweefind, my company's Twitter Search by user rank... take a look www.tweefind.com (the widget can be easily found on the left).
luca filigheddu
· 7 months ago
Great so see you using the Thesis theme, best CMS for Wordpress.
Take a look at my blog for widgets and more. I don't like adding too much stuff, since it's the first way to slow down your blog. Anyway, it's up to you :-) Look at my social bar on top right. I also wrote a tutorial on how adding it to Thesis:
You can also think of adding Tweefind, my company's Twitter Search by user rank... take a look www.tweefind.com (the widget can be easily found on the left).
mcgirl2008
· 7 months ago
If you think installing the base Google Friend Connect stuff is hard, try installing the WordPress plugin to get that blue bar showing at the bottom of the screen! Per the Google instructions (http://www.google.com/friendconnect/admin/site/...), you have to download files, rename folders, upload, tweak code... this kind of difficult-to-install WordPress plugin disappeared over a year ago.
The irony is that they could just point over to the WordPress plugin repository, where Social Arrow has written a far better, snap-to-install plugin, which you can find via the Plugin Browser/Installer or here: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-frie...
mcgirl2008
· 7 months ago
If you think installing the base Google Friend Connect stuff is hard, try installing the WordPress plugin to get that blue bar showing at the bottom of the screen! Per the Google instructions (http://www.google.com/friendconnect/admin/site/...), you have to download files, rename folders, upload, tweak code... this kind of difficult-to-install WordPress plugin disappeared over a year ago.
The irony is that they could just point over to the WordPress plugin repository, where Social Arrow has written a far better, snap-to-install plugin, which you can find via the Plugin Browser/Installer or here: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-frie...
pescatello
· 7 months ago
couldn't agree more with your post. I have my own site: http://loo.me and i don't have server access or anything. So, i'm out of luck with Google Connect.
IamChrisLang
· 7 months ago
Get a Blogger blog, Google Friend Connect comes by default, they call it the Followers gadget.
pescatello
· 7 months ago
couldn't agree more with your post. I have my own site: http://loo.me and i don't have server access or anything. So, i'm out of luck with Google Connect.
Ross
· 7 months ago
Hey Robert, I have already integrated Facebook Connect and I am looking forward to integrating twitter and google into my test blog.
But about your FTP thing I get a lot of free time at school and I don't want to install a FTP client there so I downloaded and installed the Net2FTP package to my website. I highly recommend it if you wont be using FTP constantly.
Hey Robert, I have already integrated Facebook Connect and I am looking forward to integrating twitter and google into my test blog.
But about your FTP thing I get a lot of free time at school and I don't want to install a FTP client there so I downloaded and installed the Net2FTP package to my website. I highly recommend it if you wont be using FTP constantly.
I think, IamChrisLang, that you didn't get the point Scoble was making. And, please allow me , Mr. Mussie Shore to say that your comment is not really the kind of reaction i had expected from the Manager of Product that should the Google Social Network.
Anyway, back to my reaction to IamChrisLang's comment : We (probably more than ) average internet users, we don't want to watch a 5 minutes, or 10 minutes long tutorial on how you can add Google Friend Connect to our site. *We just want to add Google Friend Connect to our site.*
Why cant'I have a big googly button somewhere on a page I read everyday (like, I don't know, let's be crazy : you email page)? That button would ask you if you'd like to add Google Friend Connect to your site. Oh, yeah, by the way, Google has your email adress. So, you won't need to provide it. Oh, sorry, maybe, you'll have to. Because they didn't yet finished building the biggest social network (some sort of Internet Planet) on this side of the internet galaxy. Anyhow.
I don't want to download a ftp client, or a Firefox plugin, to help me accomplish this should-be-easy task. I don't want to think.
Hey, guys, from the Internet! Yeah, you. I'm talking to you. When the heck are you going to stop making me thinking when I'm on the Web? Didn't you RTFB (B, like book) : http://www.sensible.com/buythebook.html ?
Scoble is talking about the 2010 Web. And we're actually still stuck in basic usabillity issues we should have finished adressing 5 years ago, at least.
Internet : "This is a geeks's world, this is a geeks's world But it will be nothing, nothing without a usability expert or a customer"
Thanks for the attention.
zackatoustra
· 7 months ago
I think, IamChrisLang, that you didn't get the point Scoble was making. And, please allow me , Mr. Mussie Shore to say that your comment is not really the kind of reaction i had expected from the Manager of Product that should the Google Social Network.
Anyway, back to my reaction to IamChrisLang's comment : We (probably more than ) average internet users, we don't want to watch a 5 minutes, or 10 minutes long tutorial on how you can add Google Friend Connect to our site. *We just want to add Google Friend Connect to our site.*
Why cant'I have a big googly button somewhere on a page I read everyday (like, I don't know, let's be crazy : you email page)? That button would ask you if you'd like to add Google Friend Connect to your site. Oh, yeah, by the way, Google has your email adress. So, you won't need to provide it. Oh, sorry, maybe, you'll have to. Because they didn't yet finished building the biggest social network (some sort of Internet Planet) on this side of the internet galaxy. Anyhow.
I don't want to download a ftp client, or a Firefox plugin, to help me accomplish this should-be-easy task. I don't want to think.
Hey, guys, from the Internet! Yeah, you. I'm talking to you. When the heck are you going to stop making me thinking when I'm on the Web? Didn't you RTFB (B, like book) : http://www.sensible.com/buythebook.html ?
Scoble is talking about the 2010 Web. And we're actually still stuck in basic usabillity issues we should have finished adressing 5 years ago, at least.
Internet : "This is a geeks's world, this is a geeks's world But it will be nothing, nothing without a usability expert or a customer"
Thanks for the attention.
Sjow He
· 7 months ago
ok????
Sjow He
· 7 months ago
ok????
Rock Wang
· 7 months ago
哈哈
Rock Wang
· 7 months ago
哈哈
viclogic
· 7 months ago
I have been seeing lots of blogs that uses google friend connect. I have now blogcatalog and mybloglog, but I am expecting to try and also enjoy friend connect in the near future.
AngelaConnor
· 7 months ago
I agree that in many aspects the 101 approach is like a dying breed. I've found that when I speak to non-profits or folks in the furniture industry about social media and growing online communities, which is my passion, they want it from scratch. They feel so overwhelmed because no one is really speaking on their level and they feel like any questions they ask will make them look stupid. I'm sticking to the 101 approach, because that way, I'll always have an audience. Angela Connor | @communitygirl
Julie
· 7 months ago
I'm still using Radio Userland for my blog platform, today I wanted to add a component and because I haven't done it in so long, forgot where it was located, had to go read my newbie tips to figure it out. I agree the average user doesn't know what FTP is or even where to find the right folder to put something in it, the average user knows the internet but how things work behind the scene is a mystery for them. I've implemented the basic components on radio userland, keeping finding more I'd like to setup which is why I'm probably moving over to wordpress soon to make it easier to add gagdets such as the latitude gadget, great idea.
jazdmarkets
· 6 months ago
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Robert Freeze
· 6 months ago
Robert, I just added Google Friend Connect to my site http://robertfreeze.com and it was not too difficult for me. There was only one part that was not clear and that was where to put the two files on my server. I found quickly that the files needed to be in the folder I had the blog in, a folder called robertfreeze, on my host server and not directly on the main part of the server so the the files can show up as robertfreeze.com/rpc_relay.html and robertfreeze.com/canvas.html. Once that was done it was just plugging in the code on my sidebar and done. Now I just need people to join so I don't look lonely - I'd love to have 600+ members in 2 weeks like you - I'm assuming mine will be a bit slower.
Darren Chow
· 6 months ago
I was enjoying the blog post,...then I scrolled down and read the comments. I think I enjoyed the discussion more than post :) I personally like things to be kept simple, and I think Google has the resources to keep things simple. Once in a while, I do enjoy the challenge of making things work...which is how I ended up on this blog in the first place.
Good post and good thread...thoroughly enjoy. Darren
richard
· 6 months ago
I had no problems whatsoever adding Google Friend Connect to my first blog. It was only on the second install that I had enough sense to edit the canvas file to include my site name. Now I can add the widget in about 3 minutes.
john
· 6 months ago
Thank you for making sense of all this. I could not get an answer to this problem through google.
Cam Balkon
· 6 months ago
thanks
Ben
· 6 months ago
So you can read PHP but can't use FTP? How about Google? Can you use that?
Love Muffin
· 5 months ago
Just checking in and saying "hi" while I was searching to see if anyone used Google's Friend Connect. I was thinking about adding it to one of my sites, but wanted to see it in action first. Thanks for sharing!
Yesudeep Mangalapilly
· 5 months ago
This is a test comment.
scottdennison
· 4 months ago
I'm especially excited to read about the Google Wave that's coming - I installed the GFC in my site at http://www.unforgettablespeakers.com and and now beginning to attract new friends. Thanks for talking about it Robert!
Jack Kennard
· 4 months ago
I added GFC to might site as well. The hardest part was finding the right link.
nia
· 4 months ago
I just want to use Google Friend Connect to my site, but I have a question "what is the different between using Google Friend Connect and using My BlogLog from Yahoo? What is the weakness and the strengthness of Google Friend Connect and My BlogLog? I do not want to use both of them, because I don't want there are too many widget on my site. What should I choose?
remote access software
· 4 months ago
I'm glad you got it into your blog, and I'm glad it's useful. But at what point do we have enough ways to connect to friends? Google is really good at joining existing markets and blowing them out of the water, but I'm doubtful on this one. Add in user-unfriendly issues and... good luck friend connect.
Nelson Rebelo
· 3 months ago
I can't even get past downloading the 2 required files!!!!! I have built my own site, self taught with HTML, I follow directions pretty well, but this set up for Google Friend Connect has been a real pain. Error message cant find site!!!! Grrrrrrr...very frustrating...Will have to shop elswhere. I'm sure apple can probably have something similar with 1 quick click of a link. (wink-wink)
Online Design Bureau
· 2 months ago
Last time I was here I saw you had the friendconnect bar. Now it is gone. I searched for a post explaining your decision and experience, but couldn't find one. Could you point me in the right direction? Thanks.
All Comments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWxKniZ-oQ
Next, the questions that will flow in Robert, will be how to do this on Blogger. This the second most popular question I get and you will too.
Just add the Followers gadget, it is GFC and always has been. We caught this in September 2008 when Google was testing Google Friend Connect there, running GFC in the Followers widget. It now comes by default when you create a new Blogger blog.
I hope this helps everyone out and gets GFC up and running fast. WSIWYG apps and software have destroyed the basic skills we all used to need and use way back when.
Also in that video is a Firefox plugin that I love for FTP, FireFTP, real slick.
Lastly, the reason I have taken so much time to get to the bottom of what Google is really doing with GFC is because Scoble said in 2006 that Google Reader would make a great social bookmarking engine, so I took his advice and started using it.
In case you don't know who Chris Lang is, just ask Jack Humphrey, he will tell you I know more about Google Friend Connect than anyone outside of Google.
Robert, if you have any questions just let me know.
2nd, we think he's right... our documentation could/should be better. Especially, for folks who use popular services that let you create "a site" without knowledge of how to upload files.
3rd. Thanks to folks like Chris Lang who help bridge the gap.
Mussie
Product Manager, Google Friend Connect
Next thing you say is that you forgot all about FTP since 1996 :-)
I think that's funny!
EVERYONE should know how to use FTP. EVERYONE should understand the incredible power and accessibility of Usenet, but they don't, and probably never will. And heck, the ONLY people who know anything about Telnet anymore are hackers, and they REALLY don't want anyone to know about that!
So I guess what I'm saying is, I think your frustration is somewhat misplaced. The tools are actually easy to use, but first you have to know they exist.
EVERYONE should know how to use FTP. EVERYONE should understand the incredible power and accessibility of Usenet, but they don't, and probably never will. And heck, the ONLY people who know anything about Telnet anymore are hackers, and they REALLY don't want anyone to know about that!
So I guess what I'm saying is, I think your frustration is somewhat misplaced. The tools are actually easy to use, but first you have to know they exist.
You've got to build these apps for the lowest common denominator and, in this case, the average Google user will think that FTP is some kind of sexually transmitted disease. ;-)
Similarly, if I want to read a blog's RSS feed, many software programs allow me to post the blog's URL into the subscription box, rather than having to specify the specific URL for the feed that you want.
And should we really care about the specific protocol that is used to transfer two files to a particular system? We certainly need to understand the high-level concepts involved ("file," "server"), but it shouldn't be necessary for an application user to understand the protocol that is involved in a particular operation.
You've got to build these apps for the lowest common denominator and, in this case, the average Google user will think that FTP is some kind of sexually transmitted disease. ;-)
Cool! AS I was typing this comment I noticed the FF stream start to move!!!
Cool! AS I was typing this comment I noticed the FF stream start to move!!!
I don't know much about Friend Connect, but seeing as how the names of the files are "rpc_relay.html" and "canvas.html", it sounds like that the files need to be uploaded for technical reasons (as opposed to verification purposes).
Perhaps you should talk to Kevin Marks to discuss the need to upload files.
(EDIT: Robert states in a comment that he doesn't mind complexity if it is explained properly. Though how to upload files to one's server is immensely complex to explain given all the different types of server configurations. For example, a common user may not know where to find the FTP username, password, and host, if it is different from the one he or she uses to log into the web admin panel.)
I don't know much about Friend Connect, but seeing as how the names of the files are "rpc_relay.html" and "canvas.html", it sounds like that the files need to be uploaded for technical reasons (as opposed to verification purposes).
Perhaps you should talk to Kevin Marks to discuss the need to upload files.
This is very much in my mind because I just bought a new computer last night and went to set it up. While computer manufacturers often include very easy-to-read instructions (this particular computer was from HP, by the way), the instructions are forced to assume that any one of a myriad of peripherals may be included in the particular package that I picked up at Costco. As a result, some of the instructions are, to put it charitably, vague. It took me some time to figure out exactly where to plug my audio jack into my computer, and some more time to figure out exactly where to attach the wi-fi cable to my computer (assuming, of course , that the funny-shaped black thing in an unlabeled bag was the wi-fi device). I lucked out and got everything right on the first try, but there is obviously room for improvement.
P.S. I like the idea of a third-party commenting tool such as Disqus or Intense Debate. I have a personal bias toward Disqus because that's what I use on my blogs, but Intense Debate seems nice also.
This is very much in my mind because I just bought a new computer last night and went to set it up. While computer manufacturers often include very easy-to-read instructions (this particular computer was from HP, by the way), the instructions are forced to assume that any one of a myriad of peripherals may be included in the particular package that I picked up at Costco. As a result, some of the instructions are, to put it charitably, vague. It took me some time to figure out exactly where to plug my audio jack into my computer, and some more time to figure out exactly where to attach the wi-fi cable to my computer (assuming, of course , that the funny-shaped black thing in an unlabeled bag was the wi-fi device). I lucked out and got everything right on the first try, but there is obviously room for improvement.
P.S. I like the idea of a third-party commenting tool such as Disqus or Intense Debate. I have a personal bias toward Disqus because that's what I use on my blogs, but Intense Debate seems nice also.
Similarly, if I want to read a blog's RSS feed, many software programs allow me to post the blog's URL into the subscription box, rather than having to specify the specific URL for the feed that you want.
And should we really care about the specific protocol that is used to transfer two files to a particular system? We certainly need to understand the high-level concepts involved ("file," "server"), but it shouldn't be necessary for an application user to understand the protocol that is involved in a particular operation.
Generally, when downloading software updates, you are trusting that the individuals or organizations providing the updates are not malicious and obey security practices to the degree where it is not very likely for a malicious individual to gain control of the systems. This is usually okay because those that are providing security updates (the OS developers) are being trusted anyway.
In the case you describe, Google would be using my password to make changes to my website. Unless I have a Google-hosted website (App Engine, Blogger, etc.), Google would be a third party to interactions with my webhost. I don't think that third parties should usually be trusted with one's passwords and such.
The solution is a Wordpress plugin from Google, they have one but it only adds Google commenting in place of the Wordpress engine. I do not want to make my visitors log into Google to comment and even I can't get the damn Google plugin to work on my shared host.
Generally, when downloading software updates, you are trusting that the individuals or organizations providing the updates are not malicious and obey security practices to the degree where it is not very likely for a malicious individual to gain control of the systems. This is usually okay because those that are providing security updates (the OS developers) are being trusted anyway.
In the case you describe, Google would be using my password to make changes to my website. Unless I have a Google-hosted website (App Engine, Blogger, etc.), Google would be a third party to interactions with my webhost. I don't think that third parties should usually be trusted with one's passwords and such.
You can't tell me that a video for a highly searched term in Google, that any business can get a YouTube video under in the top ten results, not effective for plumbers, teachers and shop owners. BTW, my best friends are a plumber and a commercial electrician. They have used what I know to double their business and traffic to their sites.
Next thing you say is that you forgot all about FTP since 1996 :-)
I think that's funny!
gary etie
http://austincitypermits.com/blog/
gary etie
http://austincitypermits.com/blog/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNWxKniZ-oQ
Next, the questions that will flow in Robert, will be how to do this on Blogger. This the second most popular question I get and you will too.
Just add the Followers gadget, it is GFC and always has been. We caught this in September 2008 when Google was testing Google Friend Connect there, running GFC in the Followers widget. It now comes by default when you create a new Blogger blog.
I hope this helps everyone out and gets GFC up and running fast. WSIWYG apps and software have destroyed the basic skills we all used to need and use way back when.
Also in that video is a Firefox plugin that I love for FTP, FireFTP, real slick.
Lastly, the reason I have taken so much time to get to the bottom of what Google is really doing with GFC is because Scoble said in 2006 that Google Reader would make a great social bookmarking engine, so I took his advice and started using it.
In case you don't know who Chris Lang is, just ask Jack Humphrey, he will tell you I know more about Google Friend Connect than anyone outside of Google.
Robert, if you have any questions just let me know.
The recommendation gadget has lots of potential and the events gadget brings all kinds of uses to mind that can make a business owner money. Think events, Realtor's open houses, Meetups, Webinars, BlogTalkRadio, I could go on but I am sure you will all get how powerful this is. And it is on your site, not locked behind the walls of Facebook.
What so many on Facebook have never understood is that Facebook is a lead funnel, you pull from FB and bring them to your blog and into your marketing and products. Do not go to Facebook and then email your commercial list and bring them to Facebook like Reese did. Like handing out money there...
The recommendation gadget has lots of potential and the events gadget brings all kinds of uses to mind that can make a business owner money. Think events, Realtor's open houses, Meetups, Webinars, BlogTalkRadio, I could go on but I am sure you will all get how powerful this is. And it is on your site, not locked behind the walls of Facebook.
What so many on Facebook have never understood is that Facebook is a lead funnel, you pull from FB and bring them to your blog and into your marketing and products. Do not go to Facebook and then email your commercial list and bring them to Facebook like Reese did. Like handing out money there...
Just curious.
Just curious.
I don't want to spam the crap out of Scoble's blog with my links so let me see if I can find a link to his.
http://www.google.com/profiles/scobleizer
Here you go, you can click the Avatar once you are logged into any GFC gadget and it will show their profile as a link so you can open it directly. It just started doing that in the last few days. Cool huh?
To create your own Google profile, just log into your Google account, if you are logged in, it will show as "my profile" in Scoble's profile.
Google is real cool so far about sharing the wealth, they have added Twitter links to YouTube, in the GFC gadget, and 30 social bookmarking sites to. Try it out by clicking the members section on the lower right while you are signed in, the click the "invite friends" link, there are three sharing options.
Gmail, (Plaxo and Orkut, if you use it) and share on the right that links to Facebook, and most of all 30 sites like Digg and the rest. Imagine that, Google sharing with Facebook, too bad Facebook don't play nice like Google. GFC would have been REALLY powerful if Facebook had not been swayed to the dark side by Ballmer and Microsoft for a measily $260 mil.
The solution is a Wordpress plugin from Google, they have one but it only adds Google commenting in place of the Wordpress engine. I do not want to make my visitors log into Google to comment and even I can't get the damn Google plugin to work on my shared host.
I don't want to spam the crap out of Scoble's blog with my links so let me see if I can find a link to his.
http://www.google.com/profiles/scobleizer
Here you go, you can click the Avatar once you are logged into any GFC gadget and it will show their profile as a link so you can open it directly. It just started doing that in the last few days. Cool huh?
To create your own Google profile, just log into your Google account, if you are logged in, it will show as "my profile" in Scoble's profile.
Google is real cool so far about sharing the wealth, they have added Twitter links to YouTube, in the GFC gadget, and 30 social bookmarking sites to. Try it out by clicking the members section on the lower right while you are signed in, the click the "invite friends" link, there are three sharing options.
Gmail, (Plaxo and Orkut, if you use it) and share on the right that links to Facebook, and most of all 30 sites like Digg and the rest. Imagine that, Google sharing with Facebook, too bad Facebook don't play nice like Google. GFC would have been REALLY powerful if Facebook had not been swayed to the dark side by Ballmer and Microsoft for a measily $260 mil.
Speaking of blog design, can you bump up the number of returned items/posts on our search page? Three is pretty stingy. Thanks! :)
Speaking of blog design, can you bump up the number of returned items/posts on our search page? Three is pretty stingy. Thanks! :)
So, at that point I definitely agree with you, I would not totally go with GFC comments, but I do and suggest offering both. Just like Scoble offers Facebook Connect and FriendFeed, Twitter and Discus. Real smart guy, that Scoble is...
You can't tell me that a video for a highly searched term in Google, that any business can get a YouTube video under in the top ten results, not effective for plumbers, teachers and shop owners. BTW, my best friends are a plumber and a commercial electrician. They have used what I know to double their business and traffic to their sites.
So, at that point I definitely agree with you, I would not totally go with GFC comments, but I do and suggest offering both. Just like Scoble offers Facebook Connect and FriendFeed, Twitter and Discus. Real smart guy, that Scoble is...
Dan Kenney
402.505.7193
Dan Kenney
402.505.7193
I'm sure someone in the hiring process is going get a gold star on monday morning
I'm sure someone in the hiring process is going get a gold star on monday morning
.LAG
"I forgot all about FTP back in 1996 and didn’t think I’d need to know about it again."
seems my comprehension is working fine, you forgot about it and didn't think you'd need know it again. If you didn't forget why did you have to get someone to help you? Or where you just being a drama queen, for the sake of getting attention?
I don't think regular people do or should know how to FTP, but I mean you're the super awesome scoble blogging since the dawn of man, and now working for a hosting company, and not "regular people". You can't be Mr Web 2.0 when it suits you and then be "regular people" when that works for you. Pick a side and stick to it don't waffle about everything you do/say choosing the side that gets you the most eyeballs.
This being the case, common websites, like blogs, have been CMS-controllable for many years. When making a simple website (like a blog or e-commerce site) I am reliant on such tools to make them work. Having to roll my own on each iteration is a waste of my time. So, if a tool requires manual manipulation I'm less likely to use it. I want to get stuff done.
There is little reason to need FTP access with modern CMS systems. I can fully appreciate the experience someone who is used to intelligent CMS'es over the past 10 years losing familiarity with FTP. "Use it or lose it" applies to any technology.
This being the case, common websites, like blogs, have been CMS-controllable for many years. When making a simple website (like a blog or e-commerce site) I am reliant on such tools to make them work. Having to roll my own on each iteration is a waste of my time. So, if a tool requires manual manipulation I'm less likely to use it. I want to get stuff done.
There is little reason to need FTP access with modern CMS systems. I can fully appreciate the experience someone who is used to intelligent CMS'es over the past 10 years losing familiarity with FTP. "Use it or lose it" applies to any technology.
Would you complain that you can't fix a broken pipe because soldering is so hard? No, you'd just call a plumber.
My point: everyone does have a "Vid". You can find him on Craigslist.
Would you complain that you can't fix a broken pipe because soldering is so hard? No, you'd just call a plumber.
My point: everyone does have a "Vid". You can find him on Craigslist.
I use this for 1 month on my blog that I prefer Google Friend Connect widget for discussions or community options. ;)
I use this for 1 month on my blog that I prefer Google Friend Connect widget for discussions or community options. ;)
2nd, we think he's right... our documentation could/should be better. Especially, for folks who use popular services that let you create "a site" without knowledge of how to upload files.
3rd. Thanks to folks like Chris Lang who help bridge the gap.
Mussie
Product Manager, Google Friend Connect
Facebook Connect? It's on Facebook. Google Friend Connect is on my blog and now it is on Scoble's too.
Michael Holdcroft
That is, shouldn't they just be using a turn-key solutions that already implement various back-end things? I'd argue that adding something like GFC to a web site is something for the geeks and not something for the plumbers, teachers, or bar owners (though, in reality, most people know a little something about plumbing, teaching, or mixing a drink -- but all of those things have been in our culture for much, much longer and this example is more like making the pipes, classroom, or the glassware).
That is, shouldn't they just be using a turn-key solutions that already implement various back-end things? I'd argue that adding something like GFC to a web site is something for the geeks and not something for the plumbers, teachers, or bar owners (though, in reality, most people know a little something about plumbing, teaching, or mixing a drink -- but all of those things have been in our culture for much, much longer and this example is more like making the pipes, classroom, or the glassware).
Google should definitely do up a widget on this. Seems straightforward enough.
On the other hand, I've seen almost zero value from this being on my blog, or anyone else's. Where is it going? I see a previous comment mentions future functionality but for right now it's a glorified visitor roll call.
PS. If you don't know your FTP info, check the FAQ on your hosting site, or your account information there. Often mentioned there.
Google should definitely do up a widget on this. Seems straightforward enough.
On the other hand, I've seen almost zero value from this being on my blog, or anyone else's. Where is it going? I see a previous comment mentions future functionality but for right now it's a glorified visitor roll call.
PS. If you don't know your FTP info, check the FAQ on your hosting site, or your account information there. Often mentioned there.
.LAG
"I forgot all about FTP back in 1996 and didn’t think I’d need to know about it again."
seems my comprehension is working fine, you forgot about it and didn't think you'd need know it again. If you didn't forget why did you have to get someone to help you? Or where you just being a drama queen, for the sake of getting attention?
I don't think regular people do or should know how to FTP, but I mean you're the super awesome scoble blogging since the dawn of man, and now working for a hosting company, and not "regular people". You can't be Mr Web 2.0 when it suits you and then be "regular people" when that works for you. Pick a side and stick to it don't waffle about everything you do/say choosing the side that gets you the most eyeballs.
Why add such a pointless thing to your blog? It's only going to slow it down and what is the real advantage of having it other than seeming more web 2.0 / web 3.0? All it does is take up screen space, it looks ugly and quite frankly it makes me angry.
Your blog theme is too bland and the Google Friend Connect bar the bottom just makes it look even blander than it currently looks.
May I suggest hiring a web development and design agency to make you a new blog design worthy enough for my eyes to lance upon?
Sure the bar makes your site more engaging, but the content quality of your blog posts lately is so bad that it's not worth engaging in the first place, because your posts have no substance to them.
I find it laughable that someone who has worked with major hardware and software development companies over the years, not to mention someone that boasts vast amounts of knowledge in social media could forget about FTP, let alone get away with not using it since 1996.
Why add such a pointless thing to your blog? It's only going to slow it down and what is the real advantage of having it other than seeming more web 2.0 / web 3.0? All it does is take up screen space, it looks ugly and quite frankly it makes me angry.
Your blog theme is too bland and the Google Friend Connect bar the bottom just makes it look even blander than it currently looks.
May I suggest hiring a web development and design agency to make you a new blog design worthy enough for my eyes to lance upon?
Sure the bar makes your site more engaging, but the content quality of your blog posts lately is so bad that it's not worth engaging in the first place, because your posts have no substance to them.
I find it laughable that someone who has worked with major hardware and software development companies over the years, not to mention someone that boasts vast amounts of knowledge in social media could forget about FTP, let alone get away with not using it since 1996.
I think it says something sad about human nature, that people expect everything to be SO easy.
For example I DO think that Wordpress is a great tool, but its idiot proof simplicity and massive penetration does seem to have lowered the average IQ, or led to a general "intelligence ageing".
I think it says something sad about human nature, that people expect everything to be SO easy.
For example I DO think that Wordpress is a great tool, but its idiot proof simplicity and massive penetration does seem to have lowered the average IQ, or led to a general "intelligence ageing".
I'm even considering integrating Disqus so I don't have to make ppl log in twice if they want to post, then look at site access settings (like those special places I only let members go).
I'm even considering integrating Disqus so I don't have to make ppl log in twice if they want to post, then look at site access settings (like those special places I only let members go).
I'm able to select 'Join or Sign in' and login with my Google account but even refreshing the page doesn't update the bar and I'm unable to view the comments either [even after refreshing]
I'm able to select 'Join or Sign in' and login with my Google account but even refreshing the page doesn't update the bar and I'm unable to view the comments either [even after refreshing]
Take a look at my blog for widgets and more. I don't like adding too much stuff, since it's the first way to slow down your blog. Anyway, it's up to you :-) Look at my social bar on top right. I also wrote a tutorial on how adding it to Thesis:
http://www.lucafiligheddu.com/2009/05/how-to-cr...
You can also think of adding Tweefind, my company's Twitter Search by user rank... take a look www.tweefind.com (the widget can be easily found on the left).
Take a look at my blog for widgets and more. I don't like adding too much stuff, since it's the first way to slow down your blog. Anyway, it's up to you :-) Look at my social bar on top right. I also wrote a tutorial on how adding it to Thesis:
http://www.lucafiligheddu.com/2009/05/how-to-cr...
You can also think of adding Tweefind, my company's Twitter Search by user rank... take a look www.tweefind.com (the widget can be easily found on the left).
The irony is that they could just point over to the WordPress plugin repository, where Social Arrow has written a far better, snap-to-install plugin, which you can find via the Plugin Browser/Installer or here: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-frie...
The irony is that they could just point over to the WordPress plugin repository, where Social Arrow has written a far better, snap-to-install plugin, which you can find via the Plugin Browser/Installer or here: http://wordpress.org/extend/plugins/google-frie...
I have already integrated Facebook Connect and I am looking forward to integrating twitter and google into my test blog.
But about your FTP thing I get a lot of free time at school and I don't want to install a FTP client there so I downloaded and installed the Net2FTP package to my website. I highly recommend it if you wont be using FTP constantly.
http://www.net2ftp.com/
Cheers
RMisko
I have already integrated Facebook Connect and I am looking forward to integrating twitter and google into my test blog.
But about your FTP thing I get a lot of free time at school and I don't want to install a FTP client there so I downloaded and installed the Net2FTP package to my website. I highly recommend it if you wont be using FTP constantly.
http://www.net2ftp.com/
Cheers
RMisko
And, please allow me , Mr. Mussie Shore to say that your comment is not really the kind of reaction i had expected from the Manager of Product that should the Google Social Network.
Anyway, back to my reaction to IamChrisLang's comment :
We (probably more than ) average internet users, we don't want to watch a 5 minutes, or 10 minutes long tutorial on how you can add Google Friend Connect to our site.
*We just want to add Google Friend Connect to our site.*
Why cant'I have a big googly button somewhere on a page I read everyday (like, I don't know, let's be crazy : you email page)? That button would ask you if you'd like to add Google Friend Connect to your site.
Oh, yeah, by the way, Google has your email adress. So, you won't need to provide it.
Oh, sorry, maybe, you'll have to. Because they didn't yet finished building the biggest social network (some sort of Internet Planet) on this side of the internet galaxy. Anyhow.
I don't want to download a ftp client, or a Firefox plugin, to help me accomplish this should-be-easy task.
I don't want to think.
Hey, guys, from the Internet!
Yeah, you. I'm talking to you.
When the heck are you going to stop making me thinking when I'm on the Web?
Didn't you RTFB (B, like book) : http://www.sensible.com/buythebook.html ?
Scoble is talking about the 2010 Web.
And we're actually still stuck in basic usabillity issues we should have finished adressing 5 years ago, at least.
Internet :
"This is a geeks's world, this is a geeks's world
But it will be nothing, nothing without a usability expert or a customer"
Thanks for the attention.
And, please allow me , Mr. Mussie Shore to say that your comment is not really the kind of reaction i had expected from the Manager of Product that should the Google Social Network.
Anyway, back to my reaction to IamChrisLang's comment :
We (probably more than ) average internet users, we don't want to watch a 5 minutes, or 10 minutes long tutorial on how you can add Google Friend Connect to our site.
*We just want to add Google Friend Connect to our site.*
Why cant'I have a big googly button somewhere on a page I read everyday (like, I don't know, let's be crazy : you email page)? That button would ask you if you'd like to add Google Friend Connect to your site.
Oh, yeah, by the way, Google has your email adress. So, you won't need to provide it.
Oh, sorry, maybe, you'll have to. Because they didn't yet finished building the biggest social network (some sort of Internet Planet) on this side of the internet galaxy. Anyhow.
I don't want to download a ftp client, or a Firefox plugin, to help me accomplish this should-be-easy task.
I don't want to think.
Hey, guys, from the Internet!
Yeah, you. I'm talking to you.
When the heck are you going to stop making me thinking when I'm on the Web?
Didn't you RTFB (B, like book) : http://www.sensible.com/buythebook.html ?
Scoble is talking about the 2010 Web.
And we're actually still stuck in basic usabillity issues we should have finished adressing 5 years ago, at least.
Internet :
"This is a geeks's world, this is a geeks's world
But it will be nothing, nothing without a usability expert or a customer"
Thanks for the attention.
Angela Connor | @communitygirl
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Good post and good thread...thoroughly enjoy.
Darren
How about Google? Can you use that?
What is the weakness and the strengthness of Google Friend Connect and My BlogLog? I do not want to use both of them, because I don't want there are too many widget on my site.
What should I choose?