We don't just to want get more comments from our blogs. Aside from getting more visitors and increasing readership, we also want to interact with our readers and promote a healthy relationship online. But how can they convey or post their thoughts if they can't leave a comment?

There are different reasons why your reader may not be able to leave a blog comment. Among the possible reasons are:

1. Comments are closed or disable.

2. Unable to read or properly enter the recaptcha image verification or word verification.

3. The page keeps saying can't be displayed even after submitting the comment.

4. Being required to login.

5. Complicated commenting system.

Of course there are many other reasons and it vary from reader to reader. The thing in common is that they want everything to be easier. A blog reader will be more engaged if he or she can share your thoughts and be able to read his or her comment back along with your reply.

Now, with Blogger blogs/.blogspot blogs, most of them have the word verification enabled by default. While having it on can lessen spam, sometimes, it can cause pain to those who would like to post a comment. The solution is to disable the recaptcha image verification or word verification and have all comments moderated. This setting can encourage more comments and will eventually drive more traffic to your blogs.

If you are using an old Blogger interface, here is how to do it:

1. Click “Settings” on the blog you would like to modify.

2. Click on “Comments”

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you see the option for “Show word verification for comments?”.

4. Choose “No”.

5. Click “Save Settings” button and that's it.

If you are using the new and updated Blogger interface, you have to switch back to the old one for you to be able to make this changes since there's no way to access this settings on the new interface. Don't worry, once you are done with this changes, you can revert back to the updated Blogger interface.

For detailed steps and screenshots, check this post: How to Disable the Recaptcha Images (Word Verification) in Blogger

I'm done conceptualizing my personal directory and now that I've listed my blogs, I'm thinking of accepting few more interesting blogs.

Shoutmix is back! After encountering several errors with SBOX, I decided to create another account with Shoutmix. I just realized that I can now used the same email address I used before. If I remember it right, I signed up with Cbox and Sbox because Shoutmix only allows one account per email address and I was too lazy to create extra email ads.

Anyway, I just wanted to announce that my tag board is now up! So for short messages or quick comments, feel free to drop a line!

Just scroll down to the bottom of this page and you'll find the Shoutmix widget at the right side bar!

Let's chat and enjoy blog hopping!

There's a rumor that Friendster will soon delete all your profiles in their database this coming May 31, 2011 for they will be focusing more on a gaming network, something to complement Facebook. Whether it is true or not, it's better safe than sorry. If you have treasured photos, testimonials and blog posts, you can easily create a backup by using Friendster Exporter.


Watch the video tutorial on how to use this app - Friendster Exporter: Easy Backup for Your Friendster Account!

I'd rather have slower download with all of my photos all at once than having a faster one then downloading the photos separately.

You can also import your blog posts from Friendster to Blogger or Wordpress. Just download the XML file then export it to your Blogger or Wordpress account.

It's been a while since my last post and I am surprised to see updates on my dashboard.

I have yet to check my blog settings for the feeds. Will also find time to read the FAQ - All about Dynamic Views for Readers

I am not just trying my luck here, I am actually doing my best for my sites to get accepted in this highly ranked directory.

Here's how you can add your website or your blog to DMOZ Open Directory:

1. Check if your site is appropriate for submission to the Open Directory Project.
Unlike search engines, ODP is highly selective and does not accept all sites. There is even automatic rejection for mirror sites or sites that redirect to another address. They are even more strict to affiliate sites, get paid to surf links, or MLM (Multi-level Marketing). Complete list of requirements can be found in the submissions page: Suggest a URL for DMOZ

2. Verify if the site is already listed or not. They don't allow duplicate submission.

3. Choose the best category for your site.
I just made two submissions:

4. After selecting the the best category for your site, click "Suggest URL" at the upper right hand corner of the webpage. You have to fill up the submission form with the required information. As for site description, limit it to 20-30 words and avoid promotional spiels.

Note from DMOZ:

Some categories do not have "suggest URL" or "update URL" links. These categories don't accept submissions, so you should find a more specific category for your site.

What are the benefits of being listed in the DMOZ ODP:
- good backlink, DMOZ is PR8
- get listed to partners sites such as AOL Search, Google, Netscape Search, Yahoo Search, and hundreds of other sites

You're posting original content and have been following Big G's TOS but suddenly your blog can't be found... You logged in to Blogger dashboard only to find out that it was deleted. Now, what?!

Relax. Calm down and follow the prompts to have your blog restored.

When Bloguardian Hellsite: Overcashed was deleted, I tried so hard not to cry. I was in great pain and depression. Losing a blog is worse than losing its page rank. What hurts even more is the fact that I am not guilty. My blog was not a SPAM!

Even if my mind was hazy and confused, I still consulted Google for solution. I've found the answer at Blogger forum. Ironic. I was seeking help from someone who had just let me down! But it's worth it since my blog was restored. Though it was a negative experience, I am still happy and thankful with the result.

This is actually an outdated post, I was not able to provide the complete details about it on my old post at Pinkville: Pink and Magic Convergence Zone. The images below will tell you why. Nonetheless, I am still sharing this to everyone. My friend's blog just got deleted for the same reason - SPLOG (spam blog) even though it's not.

Here are the three surefire steps to restore your deleted blogspot blogs (provided that it is really not a spam!):

1. Click the RESTORE link on your Blogger dashboard. You will be redirected to a page like this:

Take note of the date.


2. Submit your URL to SPAM APPEALS spreadsheet for another blog review. You can only do this if you're done with the first "unlock" request (See STEP1).



3. Post a report on Something Is Broken board in the Blogger forum about your deleted blog stating what you've done so far and the dates when you did those steps. Don't hijack other people's thread so you must start a new discussion. Take a look at what I've posted.


You have to be patient and be reasonable. If you want to get help, help yourself first.

I made consistent follow ups about my case and I even filed a new appeal right after escalating it.


Remember that the first and most important step to avoid blog deletion is complying to Blogger's policies:
- Blogger Content Policy
- Google Privacy Policy
- Google Terms of Service

A blogger's life is not as simple as copy/paste and that's it. There's a strong voice behind what's written. There's a good intention for each publication. Bloggers' credibility is their ace in winning more readers. More supporters, more followers. Getting others' sympathy won't be possible through cutesy images and flowery words alone. We must capture life. We must document events. We blog what is real.

Pictures, not altered are undeniably valid evidence. Photos on it's raw form can speak for me alone. So here I am, aspiring to be professional photographer. I'd like to gather more supporting documents. I'd like to expose what is unseen. I'll dig what is hidden.


Join me and Nailo in our colorful journey called life! We'll welcome you at Vivid Meadows!

Aside from the thumbnails of related posts, I have also installed a new chatbox at the bottom right sidebar. This allows everyone to be engage again with BHO's latest craze. Feel free to share your thoughts, drop your comments or post your suggestions. Shoutbox is strictly for short conversations only. If you have a lot more to say and it is related to my posts, just go ahead and do so. Click the comment link, please.

I used to have Shoutmix here but when Google disabled this blog, I placed the code on Spread the W.O.R.D. after tweaking the layout to blend with its theme. I wish to have only one account for all of the Shoutmixes on my blog, unfortunately, it is one blog per email only. A limitation that they can possibly work on. Well, hopefully... for everyone's convenience.

So guys, since we have a new tag board you may keep your words coming. Thanks!