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Contemplating Contact Methods

In my last article, I was contemplating how to handle communications with individuals using this website. Unfortunately, technology isn’t quite there yet. Someone will have to build it. To some part, that might be another hobby for me.

The problem as I explored this that has keep me stalled is the walled garden problem. Sites like Facebook or Twitter want you to embed their code, which does a lot more than open up the service. At the least all these scripts embedded in your website slow it down. Some functions don’t even have the option for integration.

One can’t rely on asking people to install pieces of software, especially the less technically inclined. Which means you need to have a simple solution that takes advantage of what people already have.

So, in terms of instant messaging, we have Facebook and Google Hangouts(formerly Google Talk). Both had support for a common standard, XMPP. Google Hangouts is still backwards compatible with XMPP for who knows how long. Facebook is compatible until April 30, 2015, when they will discontinue support. Neither has an alternative way of accessing their service, other than their own tools.

So, that leaves me with little choice right now but to roll my own solutions. But that is the essence of the Indieweb movement I’ve gotten involved in. Of course, I’m not really a programmer, but I can do some things.

Screenshot from 2014-08-24 22:58:46So, if you look at this test for a new configuration for this site(may be in place if you are reading this in the future), I have the links at the time, which are all syndication points…Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus, RSS, etc… other locations to see the same content, if that is the way you want to seem them.

 

 

 

Below the syndication links(aka social media), I have the mockup of the new business card style profile. I want to add communication icons to this card style I have, but other than email, I, at the moment have none. This has been stalling me for some time now. This is not the final version.

 

Screenshot from 2014-08-24 22:58:46

Here is the old layout…I have no better tagline…I really need one. But, I hope to add the buttons for email and other ways to reach me. But I lack many methods.

Screenshot from 2014-08-25 00:43:54

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, next, I’m thinking of trying an experiment. Setting up some software you can click on the site and communicate with me. You don’t have to know what the protocol is, and it should hopefully work in a browser. There is one individual I saw in researching who allows you to click a link that rings his phone.

So, what do you think? Remember, you can comment using any of the links below. You can even use the contact form on this site by clicking here.

Announced My Website Version 3.0

Back in April, I announced Version 2.0 of this website, since I relaunched it. Now I announce Version 3.0. I wrote the code again, which continues to be a learning experience.

But in order to finish it, I needed to bring it live, so I could test out the various options I’m experimenting with. There is a lot similar to the previous edition. For now, the links to various syndication and communications methods, as well as a search box, are shared on the menu bar with the various ways to filter content.

In addition to Articles, longer form text like this, you can see the types of notes I’ve been filing. There is still more to do to clean that up. A lot of it is based on a custom plugin for WordPress I wrote to add Likes, Replies, and other common conventions, as well as the necessary markup for them. My development of this site and its plugins is why I now have the Github link to that work.

The site is continuing to iterate, and I’m continuing to learn. In the meantime, comments are appreciated. I have more to do. Writing pieces like this is aspirational.

  • Such as bring back the syndication links on individual posts, which involves rewriting that, which is another plugin
  • I have two other options coded for a banner image to test
  • The Bio on the Sidebar is still part of a bunch of behind the scenes development I want to do

 


 Screenshot from 2014-09-06 23:49:10

 

And all of this…and I haven’t actually been writing much. Oh, well.

Discovered the backing of my rugs had turned into fine powder, which has prompted a multi-week cleaning project.

I’ve been trying to reduce my clutter. I have boxes full of stuff I should be going through. The major thrust of the project so far involved rearranging my living room into a more open configuration. Now I’m getting into the…what do I throw out phase. I’m going to have to make some hard choices. I got rid of a broken bookcase for which Ikea no longer offers replacement parts.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to part with things?

Bookmarked Bill To Allow Students to Refinance Private and Federal Loans Dies (consumerist.com)
At least they aren’t debating yogurt on the federal level. But this is disappointing. Nice to know that anyone who buys a house can refinance at the insanely low interest rates we have now, but the government insists on a higher interest rate. Meanwhile, I’m paying a higher percentage than the TARP program loans paid in interest.