Thursday, October 8, 2009

Adding a FavIcon to your Google Blog

by Anthony Weaver - http://antworkstudio.com/
Adding a FavIcon to distinguish your blog can be done.

This post came from a great comment by Tiha, "Can I do the same thing to my Blogspot website seems that I don't have my own website directory?" Thank you for your question. I've never tried this before. I didn't even know you could do this! After a couple attempts and some research I was able to get it to work.

You need to make FavIcon first, before you do anything else.
http://antworkstudio.blogspot.com/2009/02/put-your-logo-next-to-your-website.html

IMPORTANT: Once your FavIcon is made, you must be able to find it somewhere on the internet via a URL (website address). This is a rule you can't break. Upload your favicon.ico somewhere free and once you have a website address for your FavIcon the rest is some copy/paste code work.

Read over the directions first... and if something doesn't make sense, post a comment.

Your going to need to know how to edit your Google Blogger "Template".
Log into Google Blogger
Click the "Layout" tab
Click "Edit HTML" link
Backup your template before you make changes!
-----
IMPORTANT: Before you begin -- download and backup your template!! You don't want to make a mistake you can't come back from... and it's good practice! Back- UP!!
----
I copy/pasted the code from: http://www.bloggertipsandtricks.com/2008/10/fix-for-missing-favicon.html

Then I made the code my own:

<!-- antworkstudio.com dynamic favicon code -->
<link href='http://www.antworkstudio.com/images/icons/favicon.ico' rel='shortcut icon' type='image/x-icon'/>
<link href='http://www.antworkstudio.com/images/icons/favicon.ico' rel='icon' type='image/gif'/>
<!-- end of antworkstudio.com dynamic favicon code -->
----------

This code must be placed in your Blogger Template.
Look for this code in the template: This isn't at the top of the code... you will need to scan and LOOK for it:

]]></b:skin>
</head>
----------

Find the code and add the FavIcon code from above: (and don't forget to change it)

]]></b:skin>
<!-- antworkstudio.com dynamic favicon code -->
<link href='http://www.antworkstudio.com/images/icons/favicon.ico' rel='shortcut icon' type='image/x-icon'/>
<link href='http://www.antworkstudio.com/images/icons/favicon.ico' rel='icon' type='image/gif'/>
<!-- end of antworkstudio.com dynamic favicon code -->
</head>
----------
DO NOT use the code in the form above! If you do, my FavIcon will show up...

1. Please replace "antworkstudio.com" with your name:
<!-- your name dynamic favicon code -->
<!-- end of your name dynamic favicon code -->

2. Please replace the URL:
(http://www.antworkstudio.com/images/icons/favicon.ico) with the exact internet address where your favicon.ico is located.
-- You must upload your FavIcon to the internet where it will have URL/Web Address. Replace this URL: http://www.antworkstudio.com/images/icons/favicon.ico
with your personal FavIcon URL: http://www.mywebsite.com/favicon.ico
-- I make a new tab in my browser and get the URL of my favicon specifically... then cut and paste this address into my template in antoher tab. Browsers with tabs makes this process easy.

Save your template... click reload/refresh in your browser and see if it worked.

------------------
IMPORTANT: Before you begin -- download and backup your template!! You don't want to make a mistake you can't come back from... and it's good practice!
------------------

None of this works unless your favicon.ico has a location... a URL. You can't store this file on your local computer hoping it will show up. You must get your FavIcon uploaded somewhere where it will have a URL and can be located on the internet consistently.

Oh yeah... if my directions aren't clear... ask questions! I will not be responsible for not knowing enough code, giving a suggestion that doesn't work, not knowing everything in the world, and/or creating a wholesale disaster for you because of my crappy directions. This worked for me... maybe it might for you!

Questions?
~ANT

Thursday, October 1, 2009

ANTworkstudio Project Updates

by Anthony Weaver

I involve myself in a lot of different projects. Some work and some don't, however that's life... you roll with the punches and see what's next! Let's get you up to date... No worries.

Relationship Rules book:
The "proof" is in our hands and we are looking the copy over for any last minute changes. At first blush, this book is the best to date my Dad and I have published through And Then Some Publishing, LLC. Since this is the fifth book in four years we decided to change it up on this book. This is twelve "in depth" chapters with highlights that get to the point.

Usually I design digital graphics for the cover. For Relationship Rules I painted the cover. I thought it would best represent what Dad and I were looking for. From the response so far, I think we nailed this one!

This book will be released soon. Visit the website and while your there... check out how the book cover was painted. We'll keep you updated when the book is available at RelationshipRulesWorks.com.

Lynne's Crafts and Home Decor:
Lynne Hall specializes in handmade, custom photo albums for any occasion. Her website has been updated to reflect her passion. She also has two "Baby Memoir" books, one for boys and one for girls, coming soon. Write your memories, add pictures... and then some!

Lynne and I will let you know when the new book is available at: ProductsThatPamper.com

Starting the switch to Joomla! for Content Management System (CMS)
All websites will be affected... eventually. Please understand this is a "process" with a bit of a learning curve. I'm just getting started and the setup is all behind the scenes. I'll let you know when a website by ANTworkstudio has been updated with Joomla!. I want feedback from everyone so I know I'm on the right track.

Dan and his front porch - Neighbors helping neighbors:
Previous Post: September 29, 2009
Update: Everything is going well. The kick plate was made from poplar, painted and installed. The cement porch has been sealed... thank you to the weather for cooperating! I also added a caulk drip edge underneath the cement porch where the porch overhangs the foundation. This will help salt, water, and snow to stay away from the foundation helping it last longer. This project is about done... just a little painting to button up.

This has been a project I've enjoyed from start to finish. I love helping my neighbors and we have a great neighborhood.

I promise to take more pictures next time.... I would love to be able to show a better example of "Before and After".

Kick plate installed on my neighbor Dan's porch