Self-Delusion: Can Positive Thinking be Dangerous?

Reality?

How much of our lives are 'real'? Is life just a fantasy of our own perceptions, or chapters within our own, unique fairy tale, sometimes gone wrong?

BE WARNED: This Post has broken all the rules of writing, by unsuccessfully attempting to explore and integrate multiple topics under the umbrella of one. It is too long, cyclic, convoluted and ridiculously self-indulgent. Hence, please read at your own risk until edited :-)

It is rather early in the morning and I am pondering the broader implications of 'self help' and 'positive thinking' and its potential dangers - yes, potential dangers. Can it be used in the wrong way - in ways that are counterproductive to ourselves and to others - a self-imposed illusion .... ?

Is my cynicism growing, or am I just being more realistic and analytical about the 'self help' arena as a result of my experiences over the last few years, in my struggles to contend with this illness that 'stole' my life away? Striving to be happy and to keep going towards hope and a better life, a new 'chapter'.

There is a beginning and end to everything... We all experience different 'chapters' in life, depending on changing external and internal circumstances, and we have the power to be in control of these changes, how we respond to them. Our own inner control and self-trust is so important, for it is easy to fall ... life can change drastically at the 'drop of a hat'. And that is where 'self-help' comes in, but more importantly, 'self awareness' ... We need to be aware of who we are, to trust ourselves, and to avoid the potential dangers of delusion ... we need to be aware that we can, actually delude ourselves ...

Yes, I do believe in self-awareness and the ability to grow. Yes, positive thinking certainly helps - don't get me wrong. The power of personal development and self-awareness in improving lives is important in the right context.

But I no longer believe everything that I read without question. I don't even believe what I tell myself sometimes. There are so many people seeking a better life through the process of 'self help' and swear by its power, yet there are also many who criticize this relatively 'new' industry of self help literature and 'gurus'. And I wonder, what is the 'truth'. Is there a 'truth'? Or multiple truthes? Who's truth?

Self-awareness is important in this respect. Questioning is important, because under the wrong circumstances, someone else's 'truth' for a better life may not always be good for you, me - us, as individuals... This is where self-delusion can enter the picture.

So many questions and this rather long post is a somewhat convoluted reflection of this ... This questioning is a good sign, yes? :-)

Perhaps I'll actually arrive at some answers ... but for the moment, I jot down a trail of thoughts here and wonder, where is life heading in this context .... has 'self help' had an effect ... or have I been deluding myself under the 'guise' of self-help!? Perhaps the more I think on this, I will also arrive at the answer as to why I even write here in my own informal, verbose 'self-help' blog ...

But I digress once again :-)

Change in Life - Circular or Progressive?

So, what 'is' 'self development'? Why do we need to change and grow? Why are so many of us unhappy or dissatisfied with our lives to the point that we need to seek change and self-growth, by reading 'self help' 'literature' and continuously seeking the answer to that mysterious state of being - to be happy - to simply be at peace and content with ourselves and our lives. The sheer number of blogs on this topic is only one indicator of this increasing trend, millions of people sharing their lives, lessons learned ...

What is change and growth that many of us seek? 'Growth' implies linear improvement, yet life can appear to be circular when change or growth is slow (invisible to the eye even). Yes, we do change .... our perceptions about life differ. Everyone's realities are different - from each other - and within ourselves, as our circumstances change over time. But change can go different ways - its not always linear or progressive - sometimes it appears like we are going through cycles in life .. sometimes there appears to be trends, linear upwards and linear downwards ... Valleys, mountains, plateaus ...

In this context, I ask ... 'have' I actually progressed and grown as much as my post below, from a week or so ago, seems to suggest - my new health and energy! As I wrote it, the words felt familiar somehow. It seems that I am 'always returning'; constantly promising my 'new-look' and improved blog; 'jumping with glee' at my improving health and new energy.

And then it hit me ... yes ... I just discovered that not only were these words familiar - well ... my 'new dreams', my 're-awakening', new goals, and new energy, so wonderfully illustrated (or not!) in the post below - is somewhat similar to a post I wrote about a year ago.

Eeh gad!

Self Help for Growth, Megan McCarthy, PhD: A strange posting today! A Journey - Productivity and a 'New' Me

Hmmmmm ...

And as I looked back at my daily records and journals recently, including those dreaded 'To Do' lists, I thought to myself, "Hmmmm - that item on today's list - wasn't it on my list from a year ago"?!@!?

Am I going around in circles then? Am I actually improving? Or am I in denial?

Hiding Behind Positive Thinking? Expectations!

Perhaps I had been deluding myself last year, without the awareness that it is possible to be in denial, hoping desperately that - "yes, things were getting better", when they actually weren't. Was I in denial?

Was I actually 'hiding behind positive thinking'! Was I trying to portray an 'image' that I wanted people to see? Was I being 'politically correct' in the self-help world'!? No-one wants to be around a sick, depressed person - it drains the energy! I don't even want to be around a sick, depressed me. So - I think positive :-)

But is it always a true account?

Hmmmm - can positive thinking actually be stressfully dangerous then, if we feel that we have to meet external (and internal) expectations about how we 'should' be - and thus force this type of thinking and image upon ourselves - for the benefit other people (and our own sanity)? My cynicism arises once again! :-)

The 'Shoulds' of Life

In this respect, self help in the wrong context, or if used in the wrong way, can also potentially lead us into a trap of 'shoulds' - if you want to improve your life you 'should' do this, or be this way .... or you 'shouldn't have done this or that, or 'shouldn't' think a certain way, or 'should' think another way, a positive way .... Its 'your fault', you 'attracted' your circumstances .... A potential 'blame game' can arise .... Therein the question re-emerges, what is self-help, and who's principles and 'truths' become important... Self awareness is once again key, in avoiding potential self-delusion and learning to recognize what is helpful and what is not for our own lives.

Progressive Change Not Delusion?

Ok, thinking out loud some more and trying to be more objective here .... No, I don't think I am deluding myself this time (well, not as much?)! So I repeat myself - I do feel like I am re-emerging into the world. I really do feel better. Am I blossoming? Am I emerging from my cocoon :-)




Maybe this time, I actually am getting better, whereas last year, shortly after my new excitements about life and health, I relapsed and my illness became quite severe again. Good patches, bad patches, good patches! So what is to be? Is this an overall upward curve? Or just another 'patch', a small section within this chapter of life? Or is this the start of a completely 'new' chapter? :-)

If I look at the overall trends, and the small, cumulative steps, the improvements in life since last year, what feels like an 'awakening' after a period of possible delusion under the guise of positive thinking and denial (!), has simply taken, or is taking, a little longer than I thought and it is simply difficult to see. So, perhaps I am not going around in circles and there is progression. 'It doesn't happen overnight'! A new medical and health regime has made an incredible difference in my life - just small steps, which were once so insurmountable to me - are now quite enjoyable and doable!

Nonetheless, this is a strange place to be - to now start wondering if I had/have been deluding myself - to question if it is possible to hide behind and 'use' self-help and positive thinking, where it might actually be counter-productive.

So How Much Do You Delude Yourself?

Despite the butterfly blossoming, how can I know if I am deluding myself even now? This questioning in itself can become cyclic - over-analysis! It can be so very easy to delude ourselves. What we believe, think about and focus on becomes our realities. Our 'realities' are our 'perceptions'.

Hmmmm .... Time to stop thinking!

How can we be objective when we are so close to ourselves?!

What is most important it seems, is simple awareness ... gaining insight into our own lives, where we are, where we have been, where we are going ... and taking control in learning to trust ourselves.

• Do you ever question yourself like this?
• Second guess yourself?
• Question 'self-help'?
  
• Wonder about what is 'real' in your life and what is perhaps just a self-delusion?

I shall perhaps ponder on these matters to write about later, because not only is my life apparently going around in circles - so too is this post! Actually, this post is getting ridiculously cyclic and self-indulgent! :-)

Let me know if you experience similar questions about yourself, your 'reality'. What do you think about positive thinking, self-help - the pros and the possible cons. Do you believe what you see or think?

Do you even care, and just accept what is?
Oh, how peaceful that would be :-)

Meg

Ok, sorry, its after 3:00 in the morning as I write this post (and slightly edited at a later date) - and its accordingly, a tad convoluted (aren't they all?!) - its sleep time :-)

Remember, always be kind with yourselves (and that goes for me too) - some flowers for you today in the Gift Basket ....



I shall return! :-)

Demotivation: You are Unique, Just Like Everyone Else!

Another Update?! Cynicism rears Its Ugly Head!

Following on from my last post, I have been exploring some new domain names for my 'new-look' self help blog.

While it is going to be an improvement on this site and based on a theme, of Maslow's 'Hierarchy of Needs' (perhaps), lately, I have become even more concerned about some of the self help type literature that I find on the net and elsewhere (including some of my own posts!).

As I have said before, it seems that anyone can become an expert in this area (and yes, this may be so, because everyone has lived 'life' and learned many a lesson that can be shared, albeit to varying degrees of quality).

My bigger concern, however, arises about more recent paradigms, which are particularly evident in relation to the 'Law of Attraction', since the release of the movie: 'The Secret' (also touched upon here on this site) - I have a lot to say on this topic.

On a more cynical note, many a 'guru' has arisen in this area - marketing and selling their life-changing courses to an often unsuspecting and 'hungry' crowd of people desperately seeking to improve their lives.

When did self-help become more about money and marketing (for some).

I'm not completely dismissive, please don't misunderstand, and I'm certainly not criticizing everyone - there is much to the self help literature - positive thinking, affirmations, meditations - many a technique that will provide help for the relatively 'self-aware' person, seeking better things in life - and there are many great websites or blogs scattered with words of wisdom and experience.

But I will be exploring the development of the 'self help industry' in more depth - the paradigms and evolution over time, 100s, 1,000s of years, even only the last few years. Perhaps, even be a little controversial - we can't please everyone! :)

As some of you may know, I have touched upon this in prior posts, but not gone into this subject as much as I would like (although I have written many notes ready to be shaped into articles). And tonight, the inspiration to follow this train of thought and discussion has re-emerged, whilst talking on Skype with a crazy, beautiful friend of mine, Nell.

While I write this, she has been reading out some wonderful 'demotivational' quotes, which are quite hilarious (you will recognize some of them as modifications or reversals of 'motivational, inspirational' type quotes and affirmations).

One is highlighted in the title of this blog post - "you are unique, just like everyone else' - the irony of it all! The realities of life - although, what 'is' reality!? :)

Anyway, my friend and I have some 'interactive' plans in the making to highlight some of these controversies, cynicism and the 'political-correctness' of parts of the self help industry, for example. If they come to fruition, the outcomes should be of great interest and quite funny, if I do so say myself. We practiced or 'rehearsed' tonight! But I shall leave you to wonder on that one for now! (ahh, its late, or early, 4am now, and I don't have to make much sense - lol)!

In the meantime, some of the 'demotivational' type quotes my friend shared with me, are listed at the end of this post for you to digest ... I am unable to provide the source of these quotes unfortunately, so if there is a problem, please let me know and I will take them out (many of them are from the 'despair' blog/site I think).

Until next time, with - hopefully - a new look blog - or if not, another 'update-type' post,

Be Kind with Yourselves :)

Meg

Some 'Demotivational' Quotes to Bring a Smile, perhaps! -

"No-one can make you feel inferior without your consent, but you'd be a fool to withhold that consent from your superiors." Author Unknown

"When you wish upon a falling star, your dreams can come true. Unless it's really a meteorite hurtling to the Earth which will destroy all life. Then you're pretty much hosed no matter what you wish for. Unless it's death by meteor." Author Unknown

"WORTH: Just because you're necessary doesn't mean you're important." Author Unknown

"SUCCESS: Some people dream of success, while other people live to crush those dreams." Author Unknown

"PROCRASTINATION - 'hard work often pays off after time, but laziness always pays off now." Author Unknown

"The purpose of your life is only to serve as a warning to others." Author Unknown

"RISK - if you never try out anything new, you'll often miss out on life's great disappointments." Author Unknown

"SACRIFICE - your role may be thankless, but if you're willing to give it your all, you just might bring success to those who may outlast you." Author Unknown

"SOLUTIONS - If you're not part of the solution, there's good money to be made in prolonging the problem." Author Unknown


PS - Don't forget the free Goodies Basket below - I will be uploading some more freebies soon!

Change: Rethinking Life and Blog!

New Energy - Re-emerging from a Cocoon to Life!

Just a quick note to let you know that I have returned, once again(!) - from a short time away from the internet, and am back from surgery.

Feeling fitter than I have for years, since I got this awful illness. Lost a lot of weight and looking better! I think I am well on my way to going into remission - its absolutely wonderful, so keeping fingers crossed.

But with this new burst of energy ... it feels like I am venturing out from a cocoon. It's like waking up from a dream. I am rethinking life goals! Rethinking my purpose in life.

Earlier plans and passions are now replaced with other ones. Some are the same, but never got off the ground. New hobbies. Starting my music again & other creative ventures, along with an increased commitment to writing. Watching lots of 'artsy' documentaries/autobiographies and being inspired too ...

The world is so exciting!

But with so many goals. Where do I start/go! Have I hit mid-life crisis early? :0

We all go through this - Ironically, one of the true certainties in life is "CHANGE".
I'm on a new path it seems ... hmmm! :)

Actually, I'd rather have too many goals and passions, than none at all! Hopefully it will come to me soon!

My initial plans are changing for this blog too, given the millions of self-help type blogs out there now! I may continue with my earlier plans; I may discontinue all-together, or I may adopt a completely different, perhaps a tad controversial, approach ... Any thoughts? ;-)

So, 'stay tuned' ... !

(Hmmm, I seem to have been saying that a bit lately, including on my other Web2.0/Resellers Delight blog, which will also be changing to a more useful resource, with reviews and video tutorials coming! I think I will do a review of the "LiveScribe SmartPen' next on that one).


Well, until I have something useful to say very soon, always be kind with yourselves! :)

Megan (Dr Meg)


PS - I also made a start on a new info/academic-type blog about 'environmental protection/conservation', if anyone is interested in this area

- 'Environmental Impact Assessment as a Tool for Environmental Protection'

If I continue with that one, it will be moved from 'edublogs' to a self-hosted platform. Would appreciate any feedback to continue with that one or not! :)

PPS Don't forget the Free Goodies Basket at the bottom of the this page, or the home page (you can download anything in the embedded 4shared box, or listen online)
:-)

The Stigma of Depression - Part 1

Do you suffer depression, intense sadness? Are you usually happy in life, but right now, feeling so down, that you want to hide away from life?

If you do think you may be experiencing full-blown depression (which is not just a few days of sadness or the blues), or even a significant and lengthy period of sadness and lack of energy - has a tragic event recently happened to trigger these feelings? Or can you find no explanation about why your view on life has changed? Where is the joy and happiness you used to feel?

This site is starting a new series on the topic of depression because it is more common than most people realize. Many general self-help type sites also tend to avoid the more serious nature of this illness - because that's what it is - an illness - it is not 'you'.

It is not as easy to 'grow and change' if you are starting at a lower base level emotionally relative to many people, who may experience the odd 'down' day. Related to this broad topic, are other issues of self image and esteem, confidence and your inner beliefs, amongst others.

This is also an important topic to address in the self help arena, because there is still so much of a stigma associated with such feelings - of clinical depression -

1) especially in our professional lives, we fear to give any hint of our feelings, this depressed mood, this stigma - it would feel unbearable for our work colleagues to know of our 'weakness', our illness (for that is what depression is - but not an incurable one). So, you may try to put on a 'happy face' and carry on, without anyone realizing how much internal strength this is taking from you - in just getting through the day - let alone getting out of bed. And you might need to be strong for your family too?

2) Or perhaps you don't work? But you again need to be 'strong' for your family/friends? Who wants to feel a burden? The same holds true. You may, are likely, to feel alone.

3) Or perhaps you have neither work, nor family and are relatively isolated - you perhaps really are alone. Sometimes this situation may feel the worst of all - you just don't want, or just can't seem to 're-enter' into 'normal' life. Perhaps you cry inside as you watch those living out their 'normal lives', seemingly without a concern. You wish so much that you could feel good inside, feel happiness, feel part of a community or circle of friends. It is an awful place to be.

Depression and loneliness can occur in all three situations, it can occur in any situation. And because of the stigma still attached to depression, ie. as a 'mental' illness, many people, young and old, continue to suffer alone, without seeking help, or by seeking help of the wrong kind.

Yet it is possible - people with depression can feel happiness again - happiness is 'within us'. But this is usually too hard to see or believe when in the midst of a depressive episode ... intense sadness, not wanting to go out into the 'big wide world'. Blackness. Lost hope. Just reading about it is depressing!

But did you know that a high percentage of people in the mental health profession have also experienced depression themselves? - and come through? :-)

In more recent times, thankfully, depression is becoming less of a stigma and more people are reaching out for help. Even the Leader (Premier) of the Western Australian Government resigned in recent years - and he was commended for explaining why to the Public Press - he was suffering from depression.

This helped so many people to understand and feel that it was not just 'them' - that they were not alone and that depression was nothing to be ashamed of. It is an illness and does not fundamentally define us - we are all unique and special people. ...

• depression does not discriminate in any way and all people, from all walks of life, can suffer depression at some point in their lives - but it does not last forever.

Thus, future articles in this series will attempt to touch on the subject by providing general information, links to more official resources/sites on depression, in addition to offering a place of friendly support.

In this respect, please note that this site should never replace the role of medical doctors and other mental health specialists, nor does this site claim to have the answers, with specific psychotherapy or treatments. Individual symptoms and treatments will also vary between people. Moreover, it may be possible that a person's depression may actually have an underlying physical cause.

However, people who have escaped depression, and people who are fighting their way through depression, might also like to share their stories to help others through this difficult time (you can comment anonymously of course).

While people cannot possibly be 'diagnosed' here, there are some measuring factors that may indicate depression - and you can decide whether or not to seek medical help - there is no shame in this.

Because if you are suffering depression, it really does help to have support even if you don't think you need it, or even want it - it is hard to get through this on your own. Even if you are not depressed, reading more on this may also help you understand others', friends/family, who 'may' be experiencing depression, or an extended period of sadness.

It can be done, getting through depression - but please reach out, ask for help/share your story. There is light beyond that blackness. Always believe in hope. Believe in yourself and know that depression is nothing to be ashamed of, and does not define you as a person.

I hope that you write...
Until Next Time, Be Kind to Yourselves
Meg

An 'Accidental Video' for my online Friends & Mentors!

Hi All! Tonight I want to wish you the Happiest of New Years and hope that you had a wonderful Xmas and Holiday!

I would also like to thank all my online friends, readers and mentors dearly, for your friendship and inspiration! Many of you have returned here and been very patient, waiting for my promised and upgraded wordpress blog, whilst I seem to have been frozen with 'perfectionism' - hence, it is not here yet!

But I have been encouraged and inspired to write more here this year, despite not having my new blog up and running (given that the value is in providing information and motivation, amongst many things!). So, I hope to bring more self help articles soon on a more regular basis, with new and structured categories - let's build that momentum Megan! - eek - lol!

Thank you to those of you whom encouraged me!

Until then, I wanted to greet you 'personally' and to thank you all in an 'Accidental Video' - to put a face to my words! Yes, the video was an 'accident' - I discovered I could easily create a video on Facebook, simply by using my webcam (no uploads!), so its my very first online video and I do hope it shows up ok here.

Please bear with me (if you can view it) - this truly is an unprepared and unedited, informal video from my office/lounge, but I did want to show my gratitude to so many of you and to wish you all a wonderful 2009. I have also copied the text I wrote on Facebook to accompany this video, naming many of you (but not all!).

Again, forgive the quality - but hey, this is me, with an informal THANK YOU to you all for your friendship, inspiration and encouragement - without you, I am not sure if I would have continued.

But I now plan to breathe new life into this blog and to share!

(I am not sure if you can view the video if you are not a member of Facebook - we can only but hope! If you can't, perhaps try Left Clicking Here. If this doesn't work, see the text below and I hope you join Facebook so that you can see this Video and future, more 'professional' videos that I will post!).

THE 'ACCIDENTAL VIDEO' - Thankyou All and Have a Wonderful New Year!




(you can view this in 'full screen' too if you hover your mouse over the video)

Text & Comments Accompanying Video on Facebook

"My first 'Accidental' embarrassing, unprepared web-cam video rants and rambles at 5:00 in the morning.

Now that I know this works, I am excited! Get some videos up, actually plan, edit and upload them and share some nutty wisdom (especially when I learn the techniques from the ThirtyDayChallengePlus.com)!

But really - I just wanted to say an informal thank you, to my online friends and mentors (some of whom may only know me in passing, but whom have been truly great inspirations to me)

I 'tagged' some of you, sorry (I am not sure of the tagging etiquette yet, so you can delete it - no offense taken)! And many of you I couldn't tag, because I know you mainly on Twitter and other social networks - and have yet to grow my Facebook tribe!)

Please forgive me if you are not named in this video - there are so many of you. I had written a list of you all here and your sites, and accidently deleted it - duh! Just like the 'accidental' video.

People like Steve Pavlina (such an inspiration when I started online, who saved me, and who will continue to be an inspiration as I start blogging professionally!), Mert Erkal, Alex Sysoef, Ed Dale, Dan Raine, Carosmile :), Caroline Middlebrook, Jan Tallent, Sharon McPherson, Yaro Starak, Rich Schefren, Yasmine Anns, Sean Taylor, Ramiro, Edmund Loh, CoachDeb, all the writers on the original bloghology magazine (eg Louis Liem, Ann Smarty, Miguel Wickert, Stephan Miller and others), Dennis Edall, Tina Su, VisionSphere (Jim), MaryBabySteps (whom I just met tonight!), ZnaTrainer, Traci Knoppe, HarmonicBarbie, Commonsense4, Denise Hall, CoachDeb, Mari Smith, Sam Knoll, InspireMeToday, ApothcaryJeri(Twitter names!), Marie McDavis, Rob Goulet,Vasilis, Joy OHare, Todd Moss, Mike Filsaime, Jason Dinner, .... and so many others, too numerous to name here from Twitter and elsewhere.

Please, if your name is not here, comment below and shout at me!! :-)

So many of you have truly inspired me and been wonderful friends - thank you all and I hope and look forward to getting to know you more in 2009!


Have a wonderful and Happy New Year and continue dreaming and living big dreams! :-) "

Comments: (to those of you who commented on Facebook, I hope you don't mind me copying them here - if you do, give me a shout and I'll remove them)

Mert Erkal at 6:59am January 2

Hey Megan, you look wonderful today :) I hope more videos will follow. This was one of the most beautiful and sincere videos I have ever watched. The final part was amazing :) I wish you a happy new year! Keep going, you will rock in 2009!

Miguel Wickert- Pineiro at 11:51am January 2

Happy New YEAR! :)

Joy OHare at 1:09pm January 2

Happy New Year Megan. It is great to see you. Thx for the video! Joy

Stephan Miller at 1:49pm January 2

Happy New Year Megan.

Ann Smarty at 7:50pm January 2

Happy New Year, Megan!

Jason Dinner at 9:07pm January 2

Hey Megan, glad to see you stepping out of your comfort zone. Happy New Year and make it profitable!!

Jason :)

Megan McCarthy at 11:02pm January 2

Hey Mert, Ann and Jason! Thank you so much for your comments - as usual, you inspire me :) Again, do hope you had wonderful New Year, with more to come! (and great to see you here Jason - has been a long time! yes, stepping out of comfort zone, you are right! :) Hoping your family life is wonderful, I remember when the babies were first coming - so very exciting!).

Meg :-)

Megan McCarthy at 11:04pm January 2

And Miguel, Stephan and Joy! Thank you too! (for some reason your comments didn't show up until I had written above - very strange!)
I will be in touch more this year! (and with some more 'professional' videos rather than 'accidental' ones - lol) :-)

Vasilis Pasparas at 2:45am January 3

Happy New Year Megan with Health and Prosperity. hope your wildest dreams comes true :-)

Edmund Loh at 2:30am January 4

Oh wow I'm touched. Didn't expect at all a small mention of me. LOL!

Edmund Loh at 2:30am January 4

Yes video is awesome. Too bad I was having a hard time trying to catch your accent. But then, I'm not a star speaker either. Haha!

Megan McCarthy at 4:12am January 4

Thanks Edmund! Of course you are mentioned, well tried too! LOL - you made a big impression on me back in 2005/6, and when we spoke briefly by email, and you still do :) Not sure if I said your name in the video - I got nervous and forgot most people when trying to name everyone - eek! - hence - I wrote your names above to make up for it - and have still left out people! Sorry about my accent - hehe (and you speak very clearly in your videos btw). An 'awesome' video for an 'accidental' one - wow! Thanks again. Hope to keep in touch - I commented on your video too :-)

---------

Take care and always be kind to yourself!
Megan (Meg)

PS I would love it if you would comment, if this video is relevant to you, and/or be my friend on Facebook too - join the 'tribe' as they say! :-)

Decisions: A Blogging or a Magazine Theme?

HELP?! Does anyone have any advice? :)

I write in a dilemma today!

As some of you may know, I am transferring my blogspots to self-hosted wordpress blogs. But I am simply overwhelmed with the sheer amount of choices of wordpress themes out there - I have literally downloaded 100s, but of course I cannot possibly be the author of so many blogs - duh! (although I do have many planned for the future).

The Plan - First WP Blogs!

For the moment, I plan to have two 'flagship' blogs to start with, including of course:

1. a continuation (albeit better quality version) of this SelfHelp4Growth Blog at www.selfhelp4growth.com (empty at the moment), and
2. a diary of my online Journey over the last 2 years or so, in developing ideas, projects, blogs and lessons learned from the social media and resell rights world (including lots of resources I have found to make other people's online journey easier) (a similar but broader version of my current Resellers Delight and Web2.0 Marketing Blogspot). This will be housed at - www.bloggingalltheway.com

I will also be setting up some product review (niche) blogs soon, thanks to a great product - instant install and customizable product review blog theme - created by Alex Sysoef and his partner (I will write a detailed review for you on that soon, once I have tested it for myself, but it looks great and Alex's products are always top quality, as is his main blog, wordpress and web2.0 guide).

But if you want to find out more now, you can visit the info. page by left clicking here (aff).




My Dilemma: Which theme do I choose?

So - I only have 2 main blogs (for now), yet I have 100s of themes, of different styles, colors and customizability.

Do I go with a paid 'Magazine' style wordpress theme, with powerful back-end panels that make customization of one's blog easy (at least for technophobs like me!) - for example, the 'one-theme', with many fantastic features including multiple colours, 3 different default page layouts (blog, news, magazine), and multiple page templates (archives, contact, sitemap, category, info, no sidebars), customizable graphics, ongoing updates and support, among other things? (to solve all of my issues?)



But then there are Brian Gardner's Premium Revolution Magazine themes (now free!) - in fact, all of his Revolution Premium themes are now open source. In particular, I thought that the 'Lifestyle' Magazine theme, might be great for this blog, when more content (including 'tutorial-type' or ongoing article series) have been added.





Or should I go with a more standard blogging theme to start?



Yes, one-theme also has a 'blog layout'. And so do Brian's Magazine themes! Just in these themes, I get a 'choice' - a decision to be made.

But what about all the others out there? And should the theme be a 2 column, or a 3 column theme? Left or Right columns? What colours? Do I find one with featured tabs? How easy are they to customize? Are they compatible with wordpress software updates? What if I like multiple themes?? Should I create my own graphical logo (more time and choice!). What if I like ALL of them! What do I do if they have no support (ie. free themes)?

Here are some of the options to consider .... (eek!)

Brian's Revolution Blogging Themes:



Or what about some of the padditsolutions blogging themes?




How about a landing page-type theme, which leads into the blog (a more 'professional' look)? For example, Brian's Revolution 'Office' Theme, or the premium 'Essence' iTheme?
Or should I use such themes for my forthcoming 'branded' service sites - freelance writing and editing :)

What about all the fantastic word press themes from dailyblogtips and other great sites?


Or what about some of Brian's multimedia themes, such as the revolution chrome theme, or the internet tv theme? Why not create a Vlog? But I can do that anyway, with all the other themes - well, how about focusing on videos/photos? hmmmmmm.....



(btw - if you are interested in Brian's Revolution Themes too, Left Click Here - there is a very, 'incy, tincy' small download button at the bottom of each theme, unsupported) :-)

So these are the options .... but there's more....magazine, standard blogs, news, multimedia, free and/or do I invest money in a premium theme to include the upgrades, support, and the easy backpanel, such as 'one-theme' above, or the easily customizable WP-Vybe' theme below, which comes in multiple color options??

Then there are the free non-premium versions, which are also very customizable, such as the flexibility theme (which also comes with free extra graphics)?

And of course, I could get a 'custom-designed theme', which would cost quite a bit! (perhaps I will leave that for later, for my future millions of readers!)

:0)



Life is full of Decisions! Sometimes we just need to Act!

I think perhaps, the only way, is through actually 'DOING' and to stop downloading even more themes, making my life and decision more difficult! I read that many people have this problem in finding themes, sometimes spending a lot of money before they find the right one.

Talk about a prime case of 'information-overload' and 'decision/analysis-paralysis'! (that's my contribution towards a 'self help' topic today!)

Perhaps I should setup a test blog first, have a look at how the themes work and let you, the reader help me decide. I can always change it later, right! :-)

I know - I will ask my Coach! Problem solved! :-)

Calling Mert! My very close friend and blogging coach Mert at searchforblogging! Yes, perhaps I will ask him - hehe!

Do you also have any thoughts on this?
Any ideas to help?
Any Lessons you have learned perhaps?

And to top all of this off - I have soooo many great wordpress plugins to choose from. Of course, I am not going to overload it with 'widgets' like I have with this blog here, and I do know the particularly important plugins. But there are just so many!

Again, trial and error :)

AHHHH (its times like this that I wish I could find my 'belly-laughing, crazy smily emoticon!) - hehe

Its late, I can't decide, so my response - rather than become stressed, will be to smile, laugh, and go to bed and sleep on it! Because I love WordPress and I know it will eventually happen :)

---
So, once again, this wasn't really a 'self help' focused post - just hints of the problems we face in life in terms of information overload, choices and decision-making, even in the smaller areas of our lives (or bigger, depending on one's perspective!). I also wanted to show you my dilemma (to let you know that I am working on this)..... perhaps get some advice - and be a little more gentle on myself. It WILL happen.

And yes, while content is MORE important, design is also important, and I do at least, need a blog to write in and I don't want something awful to start with.

We shall see what happens and I look forward to any comments/suggestions :-)
(calling Blogging Coach Mert!) :-D

Until then, and coming soon - an actual self-help related post - oops!
(this is a 'self help' blog after all)

Be kind with yourselves :)

Meg

Posted by Megan McCarthy, PhD (Meg) Adelaide, South Australia

I was Held Hostage by Bloghology!

I return once again - ummm, I was held hostage by 'Bloghology' - what, you may ask? (I'll keep you in suspense, see below) :)

Gosh its good to be back! I've tried writing several posts, but each time, my browser crashed (uggh!).

I was also hoping to have my promised new WP self-hosted blog up soon too, so I delayed writing here, but have discovered that more people have been visiting and then leaving because I haven't posted for awhile!

:-0

I haven't abandoned you - so please do return (and I appreciate the new friends in my BlogLog Community - see the sidebar widget for recent visitors)! I have much exciting news to report, some of which is relevant to this site, and most of which is relevant to my other 'Web2.0 Resellers Blog' :)

Time - It Escapes Us All!



Time escapes us so fast doesn't it?! Yes, our parents told us - "you will see, as you get older, time will speed up". What they FAILED to tell us (or me!), is that it passes faster each and every year, at an exponential rate. I'm still 'living' back in March of this year. I cannot believe that it is nearly Christmas. So much has happened.

So, ok, its my fault, I take full responsibility (as we should in life!) - I have neglected to write. Shall I list a number of excuses here :)

Yes, of course I will :)

My Excuses: Blogosphere, Social Media & "Bloghology"

My recent ventures into the blogosphere and social media world resulted in my 'hostage' experience with Bloghology below. I have had an incredible journey, especially on Twitter and I hope to share this journey with you, as it will help grow this selfhelp4growth site.


Please as I share some great free resources with everyone - I love making new friends too :)

A 'busy beaver' I have been, joining, learning and creating my online profiles to share with others, to create a network of friends, to find lots of free resources for my friends, so that when ready, there are more opportunities to share the forthcoming, new and improved 'SelfHelp4Growth' Blog! :-) (this also makes it easier for me to find more great resources for you).

Squidoo Self Help Lens:

I have also spent some time updating my Self Help Squidoo Lens, which has some more articles and great videos, articles, tips and free resources, to help you feel better about life, in finding greater happiness now. You might want to read about 'Bloghology' below first, but if you are interested in reading my updated Squdioo Lens later, Left Click here (don't forget to rate me and feel free to leave any comments - I will continually be improving it!) - hehe

Anyway, if you are a fellow blogger (and I assume many of you are, or perhaps aspiring bloggers wanting to share your thoughts?), you probably know that the world of social media and networking is amazing and you can meet some great people you may not usually have the chance to meet - many of these people can also be helpful for you in both your personal and online journeys in life (social media is all about conversation, making new friends, and always giving first!).

I have met some amazing new friends and contacts.

Through this, I became involved for a short time in the World's 1st Blogging Magazine - aptly called 'Bloghology' (based on the concept of 'anthology') .......


BLOGHOLOGY - NETWORKING & MAGAZINE FOR BLOGGERS

Hostage!! But I enjoyed every moment of my involvement in this new project for bloggers. This is very exciting -not only for me, but also for you, if you are also a blogger or online marketer - and that's the biggest part of my excuse that delayed the promised move to my more 'professional' wp self-hosted blog! Yes, its coming (eek)!

Even though you are actually reading a 'self help' blog here, I thought many of you might be interested, as fellow bloggers, or aspiring bloggers (yes again, perhaps I should have written this on my other blog, which actually does focus on blogging and social media among other things - oops!).

But as usual, I digress
Has the suspense built up yet :)

Get to the point Megan - What 'IS' Bloghology!?


WORLD'S 1ST BLOGGING MAGAZINE



Bloghology has a range of platforms, but its key product, is the world's 1st Blogging Magazine, produced by Bloggers for Bloggers and Marketers. It comes in both digital/online and printed/offline format, and contains top quality information brought to you by a successful team of editors and writers/bloggers, who are dedicated to your success online. The digital version is free and the first edition was read by approximately 85,000 readers I think, when it launched at the BlogWorldExpo in September of this year.


The publisher (Interactive Global Media, IGM) has invested in some amazing software, so you can view the online version of the magazine in a 3D, animated format, and flip through the pages like its the real thing.

(it also has a smiley picture of Yaro Starak on the front cover as you can see, a well-known and highly respected problogger, who was interviewed for this edition)

I am sure you will find the topics in the digital September Edition very useful if you are also a blogger (ranging from blogging lessons, SEO tips, keyword research, making money online, planning and setting goals for your blog, traffic building tips, social media and networks, podcasting, useful widgets for your blog and more)! Each edition also contains interviews with some top bloggers, including Yaro, John C, Guy K. and more ..... and coming soon, Joel Comm, Steve Pavlina, Caroline Middelbrook and Shaun Taylor.

You can see the list of topics by left clicking here, or you can directly view the online digital, interactive September edition for free by left clicking here (and forthcoming October edition, although this has been slightly delayed I think, due to some technical issues).

The above 'snapshot' may be a bit 'fuzzy', so I suggest you have a look for yourself. You do need to subscribe to view the whole magazine online, but its free :-)

(Note: if you do visit the magazine site, click on either the magazine cover or the 'subscription offers' - and scroll down the page a little, and then click on the smaller magazine cover. This will bring up the special magazine viewer where you can flip through the pages online. You can also pay to subscribe to the printed version, but if you want to view the free digital version for now, please do - remembering they are quite different products though).


BLOGHOLOGY'S NEW "SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE" (beta):

The other exciting news is the launch of the related Bloghology Social Networking Site, which is in beta, and which connects Bloggers and Marketers, and aims to lift the online profiles of all members.

Another 'fuzzy' screenshot! Bloghology's Social Site Home Page

While the Bloghology Social Site has many similiar features to MySpace or Facebook, Bloghology is unique in that it is targeted mainly at bloggers. You can learn more in the recent world-wide press release announcing its launch by left clicking here.

Some Features of the New Social Site:

(I think membership is still open to the public, but I heard that they may be closing the doors to beta members only again, until all of the features are ready - so you may need to be quick).

There is already lots you can do on the beta site, as more modules are being added - for example:

- Create a customized profile page and tell the world about you, your blogs, sites, products and services (yes, you even get some templates and can access the code to modify your profile template yourself!). See my profile below - more templates coming soon!)

You can view my profile and add me as your friend by Left Clicking Here :)


- Help people find and follow you online by adding your social site user ids (eg twitter, stumbleupon, linkedin, blogger, youtube, bloglog and more)

- Add and invite friends and grow a great social network and group of contacts in your special areas of interest

- Create special Groups of like-minded people - hmmmm, maybe I'll create a special 'SelfHelp4Growth' Group :)

- Create Events (other members can RSVP to any event you create) - this would be a great opportunity to finally start my selfhelp podcast and announce it!

- Instant Messenger (IM) feature (any 'buddies' online and you can speak to them directly without having to go into separate IM software)

- Classified Advertising feature (expose your expertise and services)

- Add comments, send messages to your friends, and even view 'wall-to-wall' conversations!

- Upload and create video, and photo albums

- Create your own blog (in addition to an 'update box', or a 'what am I doing now' feature, a bit like Twitter)

- Plus many more features coming soon (including widgets, RSS feeds, points/reward systems and more).

If you Click Here, you will be taken directly to the Home page to read more, but feel free to join through my special 'referral link' by Left Clicking Here - if you use this link to join, the bloghology team can know that you joined from here - I don't receive any monetary value but I might get some 'points' - and you can do the same too! :)

As a beta member, you also have the privilege of testing the features, requesting more features, submitting feedback, together with the opportunity to participate in some exciting competitions and increasing your exposure as a blogger. Already members are making lots of new online friends and contacts, and building their traffic and blog exposure.

That is the aim - to lift blogger's online profiles :)

Find Out More about Bloghology:

If you would like to find out more about 'Bloghology' and its range of online sites and features, you can also view the web media kit online, in the same interactive magazine software (this kit also highlights the value of advertising on bloghology, when it reaches its full potential and is out of beta stage). While its predominantly for bloggers, its a new and unique approach for advertisers too, where they can make use of 'softer, social media-style of marketing, rather than traditional advertising. Left Click Here to read more about Bloghology in the web kit (if that link doesn't work, just click on the 'advertising' menu tab on the magazine site.

You can also find out more at Bloghology's main home site at: www.bloghology.org and by visiting a special friend of mine (Mert), at his main blog - www.searchforblogging.com (Mert was the originator of the concept - 'bloghology', before it became a fully-fledged magazine and social networking site, and is now the Editor-in-Chief).

*******
So, Yes, I was held hostage by 'Bloghology', but it was worth every minute! :) While this is a relatively new project, it has already created quite a buzz in the blogosphere, so I really do hope it takes off - both the Magazine and the Social Network Site for Bloggers! With your support it can :)

Anyway, enough of my excuses for not writing (albeit good excuses if I do say so myself). I will write again soon, hopefully to announce the launch of the new-look SelfHelp Blog!


I would also love to hear what you think about Bloghology?
Did you view the Magazine?
Did you join the Social Site?
Do you have any feedback or thoughts?

Let me know by adding a comment to this post, and I'll have a look at your site too :)

Warm Regards and Be Kind With Yourselves :-)

Meg


Posted by Megan McCarthy, PhD
Adelaide, South Australia

PS If you read below, you will find some free audios to help you through your days and don't forget the 'Goodies Basket' at the bottom of this page (or the front page of this blog) - with lots of ebooks and audios you can either download, or listen to online. I will be adding more there soon for you.

Are you having a bad day? Free Audio

The 'Seaweed' of Life!

Are you having a bad day and cannot see your way through? Do you experience such days? I think we all do at times, some people more than others.

Why does this happen? Life is complex. At times there are specific reasons for our bad days, or down times. On other days, there appears to be no apparent reason, for just simply feeling down - even when we want to feel strong and positive and happy. To find that inner peace.

It just seems beyond our reach on such days. But this is an illusion. It is never out of our reach to find happiness, now.

While life is complex and people live in different environments; some worse than others, this does not mean that our pain is not real. It is real to 'us'. Yes, some people may be, and are, worse off in life (and this initself may help to place our lives and pain into perspective).

But please, never discount your own feelings. And never discount the unique power and strength within you to wait it out, or to make that choice about how to respond to 'your particular circumstances in life'. Yes, it can be hard. It can take time, depending on the intensity of your feeling, of your life circumstance. Whether or not it is just a 'bad day', or perhaps something more than this.

We can do it though :)

So, why do I refer to the Seaweed of Life! I have referred to this a few times on this site, and will explore this concept more as its developed. Seaweed can be beautiful, as you can see from the image at the top of this life - coral seaweed. But sometimes I use this word to describe how seaweed, when perceived as a 'weed' can taint our lives. We can become overcome by this seaweed!

In this respect, we all have bad days - the days where the 'seaweed' of life creeps in. Fear and doubt can rear their ugly heads and it becomes difficult to see our way through to the other side. These are the times we can lose sight of our goals.

Yet it is our goals that give us meaning. And our goals vary from person to person. I strive often for inner peace :-) I too, suffer these times, especially during days of illness. It is hard to stay positive on such days, and to 'attract' what we want and desire into our lives.

But its OK to have these days. Without them - how can we enjoy the good and even greater days :-)

Sometimes, it is enough to know that these days DO and WILL pass. Yet again, when in the midst of such days, this can be of little reassurance. Thus, if you are having a bad day now, today, or even in the future, I thought this short audio might help you get through.

I have added it to the 'Free Goodies Basket', which is at the bottom of the main/front page of this blog-site. Feel free to bookmark and share it, if you feel that it helps.

You can also directly access the 'Getting through a bad day audio' by Left Clicking Here.
And a free audio on 'Tips to be happy' by Left Clicking Here.
And you can access the Full 'Free Goodies Basket' by Left Clicking Here.

Take the Best of Care my friends and Until Next Time
Be Kind With Yourselves :-)

Megan (Meg)

Darn - Beware of Blog Editor Plugins Stuffing up your Blog

I will have some self-help topics and free goodies coming back soon! But at the moment, my poor Blog! Errors, errors, and more errors - fonts gone awry. Layouts gone strange! Clearly, this is not my normal posting today, nor are the last two! I have been both ill, and held 'hostage' by a blog editor and test posts, which have resulted in disaster! Well, its not really that disastrous, but incredibly frustrating.

It was my own fault really, but I don't want the same thing to happen to you! Thus - I just want to caution all Bloggers in using plugins with your internet browsers (or anyone for that matter), as they can make your life ..... AHHHH!
:-)

As you can probably see below, much of the formatting of my blog has gone a bit 'wonky' (can anyone help??!). And this post, together with the last two posts may seem a little repetitive, being on the same topic ....

The ScribeFire Blog Editor Plugin:

How did this happen?

I was having great fun with the 'ScribeFire' Blog Editor Plugin for Mozilla (and still will, when I work out what went wrong). Please don't misunderstand me - I do highly recommend 'ScribeFire' but I would also recommend practicing with it BEFORE you actually publish a post to your Blog.

The Lessons I have learned ...

You will see two rather long posts immediately prior to this one, which review the ScribeFire blog editor in a little detail as a 'test'. Rather than saving these posts as a 'draft' first to view what they looked like, I foolishly published them first. And, being on blogger, for some reason, it changed all of my formatting, fonts and overall look of my Blog template.

I also state this in the posts below, but when I wrote those posts, I really didn't know how much of a change would be made. Now I will have to spend a lot of time trying to fix this and I am not sure how, as it has affected my 'layout', and I am not a coding expert. So, I may not be able to fix this, without removing the posts entirely, and even this may not work. And what a waste of my time that will have been.

Frustration plus! So please all bloggers - bear these points in mind and it won't happen to you. All I can do is 'Let go' and laugh at life I guess - ha ha ha ha! :-)

Perhaps this is a message to me - It is time to really get moving to my own domain and to move to a word press blog! :)

Is anyone interested in helping a 'non-techie' - Reimbursed of course?

Given the above and the posts prior to this one - AND - my longstanding plans to move to my own domains - is anyone interested in helping a 'non-techie' like myself out to get my wordpress themes installed and optimised with plugins?

If so, please contact me and we can discuss any possible arrangements, reimbursements and such!! :-)

And again, please don't misunderstand - I do still recommend the ScribeFire plugin. It really does have some fantastic features, and you can go to any webpage and 'blog this'! You can blog from anywhere, anytime with the 'quick blogging toolbar too'. Just remember the advice above and lessons in the postings prior to this one. And your blogging life will be much easier and fun, fun, fun! (not that it isn't anyway!) :-)


(but I do caution against the use of any untested or unknown plugins, for any task - I once installed some great toolbars, and they crashed my entire computer!) Just make sure you know what you are doing :-)

Hoping you are all well! And I hope to hear from anyone interested in helping.
I am going to escape blogging/blogger for now - I have been held hostage for too long! AHHH
And try to get to my emails!

Until Next time, when I finally get back to some self-help topics!
Be Kind :-)
Meg

Results of the ScribeFire Online Blog Editor - Post Anywhere Anytime!

Quick Introduction - 'The 'ScribeFire' Blog Editor

Please excuse any formatting errors in this post (and in the blog overall's look, if any) until I can fix them (add-in edit: also, I feel yukky yukky sick right now, so I am going to just hit that 'publish' button and hope for the best! - soorrry)!.

So, you may ask - Why might these errors be here?

I am both using and reviewing an online 'Blog Editor' tool for you - 'ScribeFire' to determine its usefulness in making a blogger's life easier :-)

In particular, if you go to the post immediately prior to this one, you will find an article which reviews three social media-related tools that are especially useful for bloggers, and for all people who are interested in online social networking and friendships in general. These tools include the:

• ScribeFire online Blog Poster/Creator Plugin (which I am also using to write this blog post)
• the social media based 'Flock' Web Browser, and the
• Netvibes Web Dashboard.

In order to more fully understand the post you are reading right now, you need to read the blog post prior to this one, albeit a tad long, intermingled with some humor! Also, while the post briefly summarized the three tools noted above, it was also testing the ScribeFire Blog Editor in the process.

This post is a summary of the outcomes and results of this 'test' - let's hope that this post comes out better than the one before! Overall, the online ScribeFire Blog Editor certainly makes blogging easier, but there are some minor pros and cons to perhaps note in your own decision about whether or not to use this tool or not ....

SIDE NOTE: I will perhaps review the other two social media and networking tools noted below at a later time if you are interested, but thought this more important for now .... (it might also have been more appropriate to write these reviews on my other blog, which I haven't maintained for awhile - that is - 'Resellers Delight and Web 2.0 Marketing'! (oops Megan, wrong Blog!). Thus, I may move these posts to that blog. But then again, many readers here are also bloggers and have a growing network of online friends. So as suggested, these tools are useful in every aspect of life, in our self-help journey! :-)

THE RESULTS: Pros & Cons of the ScribeFire Blog Editor

Yes, it worked. The online ScribeFire Blog Creator fundamentally did what it aimed to, and published my post to this blog, as you can obviously see, especially in the post prior to this one. Graphics, videos, formatting and more, were all transferred from my draft post, to the published version, with no errors or hassles in the publishing process itself.

However, the 'transferance' of formatting and graphics was not all that it was expected to be, and the primary reasons for this are outlined below ... First, however -

The Cons:

Unfortunately, the post published prior to this one (which was created entirely in the online ScribeFire Blog Editor), did some strange things to the overall formatting of this blog, albeit minor in nature - my blog looks different - AHH. Now I have to take time later to fix these problems. Not to worry. Its a learning process.

Some of these problems or issues do need to be borne in mind, however, if you also decide to use ScribeFire. In Summary, when writing my post/article in the online ScribeFire Blog Editor -

• The font sizes in the Blog Editor did not reflect what the fonts looked like in the Scribe Fire's editing interface or window, and are actually much smaller when published (In short, fonts look larger in the editor, than they will when published).

• When I published my final post, as noted, somehow it changed some of the overall formatting of my blog, which is a pain and again, is now something I need to fix from within Blogger's dashboard. The posts are now also too small to read comfortably, and spacing between paragraphs has gone array in parts.

• Some graphics and videos now also go over the edge of the posting area (so this may depend on your blog theme and column widths). It also appears that my posting area has narrowed, but I could be wrong?

• Some fonts went all bold, whilst others were ok.

• The spacings in the draft 'preview' mode in the blog editor' did not always reflect the actual published view (and spacings are larger in some areas, than were intended).

• When you 'save' your draft post in ScribeFire by clicking on 'Save Note', it gives no indication to you about whether it is saved or not. (obviously it did though, as my post was published, although I am not sure how it will actually 'save' as a 'draft', if I decide not to publish a post until later).

Overall, however, these things can be fixed once you determine how ScribeFire affects your own Blog. Its just a bit frustrating at first, especially with the loss of time. What I thought was 'looking' like a good post, actually turned out to be a LOOOOONNNG GG one and I know that many people like the shorter posts. But it was hard to know this at the time of writing (the same is probably the case for this one, and I have no idea how the fonts, or this post, will look like until it is published - so again, please excuse any errors).

One of the main problems I think, is that the online Blog Poster only takes up a portion of your computer screen (about 1/3). As a result, it is difficult to obtain an 'overall picture' of how your posting will look, unlike in normal 'preview' full-screen modes'. This is why some of the errors or problems. noted above, could not be picked up.

I am increasing the font size of this particular post to see if it makes a difference, and hope that it doesn't cause any more formatting problems! Hopefully the videos and photos broke this up a little in the previous post - especially the 'funny' video, which I have re-posted below - we all need another laugh - well I do now! :-)

The PROs of ScribeFire

It is incredibly easy and fast to use - and fun!

• It is free and incorporates all/most of the features you would be used to in blog editors
  
• The errors noted above can be fixed, once you learn how ScribeFire affects your particular blog theme.
• It is very intuitive and easy to learn
• There are many features not found in blogger
• It is extremely fun and easy to insert flickr photos and You Tube videos with a couple of clicks (in addition to uploading your own images)
  
• In fact, it is great being able to post anywhere, anytime - and copy and drag text etc from other webpages into your blog editor. It is so easy in fact, that you may end up wanting to write more posts than you would normally, at the 'drop of a hat' so to speak!
  
• And - did I mention - it is free! :)
  

So what went wrong?

Why did my blog's appearance change and my final post not appear the way it 'should' have when it was published. Admittedly, the issues are only minor and can be fixed, but they do need to be noted, so that you are prepared when using this tool. There may be many reasons for some of the problems noted above, including, among other things:

• the type of blog theme used (ie. the blog editor does not automatically detect what the size, shape, CSS styles and fonts, etc of your blog theme are)

• as already noted, the relatively small size of ScribeFire's blog editor's interface (or editing window where the draft post is created), only takes up about 1/3 of the computer monitor (thus, as noted, any appearances of fonts, sizes, spacings, for example, will not always reflect what appears when finally 'published' on the full computer monitor screen. They will appear larger (or smaller in terms of spacing) in your draft than in the final published version).

• Given the above, it is also not possible to visualize the full layout of the final posting from within the 'preview' mode of the blog editor in order to fix any problems, because it is not written or 'viewed', with my blog theme in mind.

• Again, this may also explain the 'spacing' issue and why some paragraphs had larger spaces than others.
  

Ultimately, given the small size of the editing window (and inability to view my blog) - how do I know if a particular image or photograph will 'fit' within the writing area of my blog, or if it will overlap into the right side-bar of this blog? There is no way to know this, until it is published, or alternatively, if you use the editor on a constant basis with the same theme, and actually know what these 'measurements' are when inserting graphics and such.

There are probably other reasons and issues, but I am not going to delve into this more deeply given that many are relatively minor points. Again, I just wanted to give you a summary of how the ScribeFire Blog Editor worked for me and my particular blog theme, so you can apply this knowledge to your own sites if you do use this tool.

So - Do I Recommend ScribeFire Blog Editor?

Overall, I certainly recommend ScribeFire Blog Editor if you can sort out some of the above issues for your particular blog/theme (they may not even be a problem for you anyway). It might also be worth noting that if you change your brower to 'Flock' (see the post below prior to this one again), there is also another free online brower blog post editor in there too. I haven't tested that one though, and it doesn't look like it has as many features based on the video in the post prior to this one, but I could be wrong.

Ultimately, while I will use this tool for convenience's sake - I mean - how easy is it to just click on a little orange icon in your browser and you can write a blog!! - when I want to write more substantial and planned postings, I think I will use desktop-based blogging software, such as 'BlogJet' (I will review this software for you if I do purchase this). For now, I will use ScribeFire and the current method of simply writing online within blogger (and copying draft versions into textpad, until I move my blog to its own domain and it becomes more structured) :-)

Again, I will return back to the topic of 'selfhelp' soon, and will bring you the promised information on the coming 'challenge' which fellow bloggers in particular may be interested in, especially in making new friends and strengthening your online networks of like-minded people within your blogging niche (see prior post).

To all, be kind, Enjoy the moment and take care.

AND - if none of the above made any sense at all(!), please take at least a few minutes to skim the post below prior to this one (and then reward yourself by watching this video below - or you may just want to watch it now).

I laughed so hard the first time that I couldn't resist posting this video here again for you :D

Until Next time,
Meg :)