Loading ...A recent comment by a reader made me think it might be helpful to describe some of the features here on my blog. I’ll start with a definition of a blog:
From Wikipedia:
“A blog (a contraction of the term “weblog“) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. “Blog” can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.”
To put it in simple terms, it is a list of entries that have been made with the latest entry at the top. My blog currently has about 75 entries and displays the latest 5 entries on the home page, so when you get to the bottom of the page feel free to click on “older entries” and you will see the next five on the list.
Use this button to search the entire blog. Simply type your search term in the box and hit "enter"
Because of the way a blog is structured finding certain information can be difficult. I am working on an index of entries but until then you can search the entire blog by using the search button found in the top right hand corner of each page.
Subscribe via RSS or e-mail
Because the content of a blog is updated every couple of days it’s often convenient to subscribe to a blog and have the latest content delivered to you rather than having to revisit the site. You can subscribe by clicking on either of the three buttons in the top right of each page.
Clicking on “Posts” will subscribe you via RSS. RSS stands for “Really Simple Syndication”. I’m no technical guru, but basically you use a feed site (I use Google Reader) and that site will collect the latest content from all the sites you have subscribed to and deliver it for you to read in one place. It works really well if you follow a couple of blogs, as you can just go to your Google Reader page and any new content from the sites you subscribe to will be waiting there for you. A lot more convenient than having to go to a bunch of different sites.
Clicking on “By Email” will allow you to subscribe via e-mail. You simply enter your e-mail address. You will receive an email asking you to click on a link to confirm your subscription. Once you do that your subscription is activated. You will receive an e-mail with the latest content each time it is posted on the blog. If you wish to cancel the subscription there is a link in each e-mail allowing you to do so.
Follow the blog on Face Book
Another convenient way to access the content if you are on Facebook is to click on the “Follow this blog” button found on the left side of each page. It will open a window allowing you to sign on to your Facebook page. Any new posts made on the blog will then automatically appear on your Facebook homepage.
Share a post
At the end of each post you will see a group of buttons as shown in the image above. These allow you to share a post that you think your friends might find interesting on a number of different social networking sites, Stumble Upon, Digg, del.icio.us, Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. I would certainly appreciate it if you shared any posts like that.
The first of this group of buttons allows you to print an article for future reference. It will allow you to print just the article without the various header and sidebar information shown on the site. It will also give you an option to save the article as a PDF on your computer.
Social Bookmarks
The Social Bookmark buttons found towards the top left of each page are simply another method to share an interesting post on various social networking sites. The subscribe buttons are another method to subscribe via e-mail or by RSS reader of your choice.
Comment on a post
At the end of each post there is a box where you can leave a comment or question about the post. It will not show up immediately as the comments are moderated. I don’t moderate them in order to just choose comments that I like, I moderate them because a lot of spam gets posted and that is deleted. Any constructive comments, regardless of whether you agree with me or not will appear on the site. It would be really great to see more comments posted and to get some feedback !
Interesting Links
At the top of the left side bar you will see a “Interesting Links”. They are links to the following sites:
Zambezi Exotics is an online store that I own. I carry a range of bowl blanks, spindle stock and pen blanks in Southern African woods. Species include black stinkwood, olive ironwood, red milkwood, Zambezi teak and many others. The site is secure and payment is possible via Paypal or credit card. There is also a newsletter subscription.
Syzygy Pens is the online store where I sell my pens. I will also be offering other turned pieces in the near future.
Works of Art is the gallery in Jacksonville, FL where I am showing my work along with a group of friends from my woodturning club.
Exotic Blanks is an online store operated by some good friends of mine. They offer a huge assortment of pen blanks that are out the ordinary, unusual …. exotic!
Visual Expressions is a blog showcasing some of my skydiving photography. Totally unrelated to woodturning or woodworking, but you might find it of interest.
Navigation Tabs
The navigation tabs at the top left of the page will take you to the following pages:
About - A little bit about me.
Gallery - Images of some of my work.
Contact - A contact form should you wish to get in touch with me.
Show your Support - I have created an affiliate store with Amazon. In this store you will only find books and tools that I have purchased and used. If you purchase any of the products here I will receive a small commission and it won’t cost you anything. I don’t expect to be able to retire from the commissions I receive, but it would be nice to cover the hosting fees of my website. If you enjoy the content on my Blog it would be great if you make your Amazon purchases through this page.
Top Ten Posts
The Top Ten Posts in the right hand sidebar is simply a list of those posts which have been viewed the most and which, in theory, the majority of people have found interesting. It is generated automatically by the blog software. Right below that is a list of some Random Posts, these are errr, randomly generated 
Shared Blogs
In the left sidebar there is a list of Shared Blogs. These are articles that I have found interesting on the various blogs that I follow.
Related posts:
- What would you like to see on this blog?
- Update on ebonizing wood
- “Captured” hollowing system with laser
- Syzygy
- 2009 AAW Symposium Club Collaborative Project
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