Why Digg?

According to TechCrunch.com on 7/22, the Internet Giant Google is negotiating to buy Digg for around $200M and the rumors are spreading all over the blogsphere and the Internet - Some reports that they already have signed a letter of intent. This is the third time the buyout rumor has surfaced again after March in this year.

Why Digg?



Despite of the recent number of unique visitors compared to it's biggest competitor, Yahoo Buzz, why can't Google build their own Digg, but buy Digg? The below may be the possible reasons so far.



1. The first possible reason is that Google is interested in "social search."

The Google brain is moving their interest to the relationship between the preference of the person who votes the articles and the articles themselves. So Google may not want to put their efforts building the site but "social search" based on the existing organized community site such as Digg.






2. Second, Digg currently has 3 years advertising contract with MS and the deal would be terminated if Google buys Digg. We may see some interesting reaction by MS since MS lose the game of Yahoo search advertisement by Google.







What would be the challenges?



1. "The beginning of the end" said by some blogger after this rumor. What does it mean?



After many Web 2.0 related sites have been opened, the people post their idea, thoughts, and the story and exchange them in those sites. However some of the major Web 2.0 sites such as YouTube, Flickr, and Facebooks acquired by big companies, the free becomes the limitation and the rules.

If this deal is closed and Google has Digg under their umbrella, would Google do the content moderation or something? Can we still keep posting our idea or thoughts around the blogsphere without BIG G's control?



2. The recent data by ComScore regarding June traffic shows that Digg has 6.2 million and Yahoo Buzz, the major competitor, has 9.2 million.

In addition, Propeller, the social network site by AOL, is re-launched with new look and feel and is integrated with AOL. So this competition may be the headache to Google.

3. Google does not care after they buy Digg?

We have seen the case that Google only has added the AdSense in the feed without any improvements after they bought Feedburner about $100M in the last June 2007. What would Google do with Digg?







About Digg



Digg was launched in November 2004 by a group of young entrepreneurs including Kevin Rose and is one of the best-known social network site.

Digg initially gave the side impact to the several Website providers including Wordpress to crash due to the increased traffic, called "Digg Effect."

In this third time rumors seems more specific and more realistic that Google will buy Digg and especially most bloggers are interested in how it goes. We basically want to see whether Google can develop "social search" based on Digg and upgrade the blogsphere to the next level or Google just wants to use Digg as their business and govern the blogsphere under their control.

(Read more inside...)

1. Download the existing XML template and make a copy in your PC.

In my previous post - Ads Theme Template Error Fix - I explained how to fix the JavaScrip Error on Search Widget on Ads Theme Template.



This post will give you how to correct Archives Widget if you are using Ads Theme Template and having problem using Archives Widget.

1. Download the existing XML template and make a copy in your PC.



2. Open the copy of XML and search the below Archives Widget code.

<b:includable id='main'>

<b:if cond='data:title'>

<h2><data:title/></h2>

</b:if>

<div class='widget-content'>

<div id='ArchiveList'>

<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_ArchiveList&quot;'>

<b:include data='data' name='flat'/>

</div>

</div>

</div>

</b:includable>

3. Replace the above entire code to the below code and upload the XML into your Blogger.

<b:includable id='main'>

<b:if cond='data:title'>

<h2><data:title/></h2>

</b:if>

<div class='widget-content'>

<div id='ArchiveList'>

<div expr:id='data:widget.instanceId + &quot;_ArchiveList&quot;'>

<b:if cond='data:style == &quot;HIERARCHY&quot;'>

<b:include data='data' name='interval'/>

</b:if>

<b:if cond='data:style == &quot;FLAT&quot;'>

<b:include data='data' name='flat'/>

</b:if>

<b:if cond='data:style == &quot;MENU&quot;'>

<b:include data='data' name='menu'/>

</b:if>

</div>

</div>

<b:include name='quickedit'/>

</div>

</b:includable>

Basically the original XML template does not have the condition for each style. Now you can use your layout/page element to change the style - Hierarchy, Flat List, or Dropdown Menu.

(Read more inside...)

1. Single-Line Connection (if you do not have a regular phone service)

If you plan to use VoIP service for your long distance calls, I gave you the little tips how to use Skype in my previous post - Cheap Long Distance Calls Unlimited with Skype.



In this topic, we will cover how to set up VoSKY Call Center as your Adaptor.



Again you can buy VoSKY Call Center from the below locations.

• Amazon
  
  


• Buy.com
  
  

If you purchased a VoSKY Call Center and open the box, you will see Call Center, USB Cable, Telephone Cable, User Guide, and CD ROM in the box. VoSKY Call Center does not require external power and is compatible with Windows XP, 2000, and Vista.



In order to set up, you will need to install Skype S/W and Internet connection is required.



1. Single-Line Connection (if you do not have a regular phone service)

1) Insert the phone cable from the telephone into "Phone" port on Call Center.

2) Connect the other end to the telephone.



2. Dual-Line Connection (if you have a regular phone service)

1) DSL Modem: Insert the supplied phone cable in the "Line" port of Call Center and insert the other end in the micro filter. Insert the other end from the telephone in the "Phone" port of Call Center.

2) Cable Modem: Insert the supplied phone cable in the "Line" port of Call center and insert the other end in the "Phone" port of the DSL filter. Insert the other end from the telephone in the "Phone" port of Call Center.



3. Install Call Center S/W

1) Insert the Installation CD in your PC and follow the step during the installation.

2) Once finished, connect the supplied USB cable to the computer's USB port and click NEXT.

3) Enter your email address and click NEXT.

4) Wait for the Call Center application to launch and click OK with "Allow this program to use Skype".

(Read more inside...)

Cheap Long Distance Calls Unlimited

Cheap Long Distance Calls Unlimited

How much do you pay for your regular phone bill every month? How many times do you check your cell phone minutes when you use a long distance calls? How many times do you think about buying a phone card because you need to use international calls?



I do not worry anything above at all after I know about Skype. I have used Skype for 6 months and paid less than $10 a month to use local, long distance, and international calls using my regular phone.

Let's find out how to make cheap local and long distance calls unlimited with Skype.





1. You need to purchase any Skype compatible Adaptor if you want to use a regular phone with Skype.



I personally purchased Actiontec VoSKY Call Center for Skype and don't see any quality issue. Currently you can buy it from Amazon.com for $34.99 as of 7/21. The price is changed frequently so you need to buy when the price is good.



[UPDATED on 7/22/2008]

Currently Buy.com offers $24.24 after rebates including free shipping. You may compare the price between Amazon and Buy.com to buy Actiontec VoSKY Call Center for Skype.





2. Download Free Skype S/W from www.Skype.com

into your PC which will connect to the adaptor later

3. Free sign up for an account during the installation process



4. Buy Unlimited US & Canada Plan for $2.95/month including cell phone calls

This plan even gives you a free voice mail service and free skype to go number. You can find out more information from Skype .

5. Buy Online number just like the local phone number so that people can call you with the number - you don't pay anything when you answer.

If you purchase 12-month online number, you can get $30 off so you only need to pay $30 per year. If you purchase 3-month online number, you can get $6 off so you only need to pay $12 for 3 months.

How much does it cost so far?



1. Adaptor: $19.99 (One Time)

2. Unlimited US & Canada Plan: $2.95/month or $35.4/year

3. Online number: $6/month, $12/3-months, or $30/year



So the total cost will be $65.4/year and $19.99 is as a one time payment.



How much do you pay for your local and long distance call now?

Pretty Good Deal~ huh?

(Read more inside...)

1. Login into Blogger in Draft.

If you use Blogger, you may see annoying comment feature that you have to either open the new window or open the seperate page that does not look like your blog.



However if you use Blogger in Draft, there is the way you can add inline comment in your blog.



Let's find out how to do add inline comment in your blog.



1. Login into Blogger in Draft.

2. Settings | Comments | Comment Form Placement

Select "Embedded below post" radio button and save it.

3. See if your blog has inline comment or not as below

If you are using the default template by Blogger, you may see inline comment, however if you are using the custom template like I do, you have to do more steps. Don't worry! It is too easy to follow.



4. Layout | Edit HTML | Download Full Template

Download the current template and make it as a copy for something happens.

5. Open the XML file and search the "data:postCommentMsg".

<p class='comment-footer'>

<a expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><data:postCommentMsg/></a>

</p>

6. Replace the entire section of the above code to the below and save it.

<p class='comment-footer'>

<b:if cond='data:post.embedCommentForm'><b:include data='post' name='comment-form'/>

<b:else/><b:if cond='data:post.allowComments'>

<a expr:href='data:post.addCommentUrl' expr:onclick='data:post.addCommentOnclick'><data:postCommentMsg/></a>

</b:if></b:if>

</p>

7. Upload the updated XML file to Blogger and see if the inline comment is existed.



8. Additional Tip

If you click any of the comments under your "Recent Comments" section, it goes to the post page for the comment. Not bad at least it goes to the page. However, if you have so many comments for the post, it is hard to find out where the comment is located.



Here is what you can do:

Search "data:comment.id" from your XML file

<a expr:name='"comment-" + data:comment.id'/>

Replace "comment" to "c" and save it, and upload the XML to Blogger.

<a expr:name='&quot;c&quot; + data:comment.id'/>

You can even find out where the comment is located by clicking any comment under "Recent Comments" section. Sounds better?

Now you know how to add inline comment in your Blogger and enjoy the new feature!

(Read more inside...)

1. Go to Yahoo Site Explorer and type your URL in the "Site Explorer" box.

Same as Google, Yahoo also provides the similar service called Yahoo Site Explorer that you can submit your Sitemap to them.



Here's how to submit:



1. Go to Yahoo Site Explorer and type your URL in the "Site Explorer" box.



If you see the results, your Sitemap has been submitted already. Otherwise, please do the step 2 below.

2. Enter your URL into "My Sites" and you will need to login into Yahoo.

3. Once you login, click the authenticate button.

You will need to either download verification file to upload into your site or add a META tag to your homepage.



4. Once the step 3 is done, click "Ready to Authenticate" button to Yahoo to verify which takes whithin 24 hours.



5. While Yahoo is checking your site, you can even submit your Sitemap by adding "atom.xml".

Ping Yahoo

Yahoo Site Explorer also provides the API for us to notify Yahoo when the site has been updated. You can simply change the below URL to your URL and type it in the browser and enter.

http://search.yahooapis.com/SiteExplorerService/V1/ping?sitemap=http://www.findcheapworld.com

If there are no issues, you can see the below screen.

Now you will just wait couple of days and see your site results from Yahoo after submitting the Sitemap to Yahoo.





More from Yahoo

(Read more inside...)

Lowe's Printable Discount Coupon

In the last weekend, I planned to buy some stuff from Lowe's and tried to find out any discount coupons from Internet.



Here's what I got for Lowe's and want to share with you.



Lowe's Printable Discount Coupon



1. Get 10% Lowes Moving Coupon (Ongoing- updated on 8/4/2008)

Simply register http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pg&ln=cstln4&drd=drd7&p=/moving/Coupon_Registration.html to get a 10% printable coupon up to $5,000.

Here's the coupon for Home Depot.

Home Depot Printable Discount Coupons



1. 10% off your purchase, with a maximum discount of $200 (Ongoing)

Click Homedepotmoving.com and enter your information to redeem this printable coupon with no minimum purchase.

(Read more inside...)

1. If you do not have Google Webmaster Tools account, you can register by visiting Google Webmaster Tools.

Submitting a Sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools provides Google about your site and posts. However I recently found the article "How do I create a Sitemap file?" from Google Webmaster Help Center that You don't need to submit your Sitemap to Google Webmaster Tools if you use a Blogger.

Even though the article says so, I decided to submit my Sitemap to Google becasue I am not 100% sure how it works and it does not cost or hurt me even if I submit it.















Here's how!



1. If you do not have Google Webmaster Tools account, you can register by visiting Google Webmaster Tools.

2. If you do not use a redirected custom feed such as FeedBurner, type "atom.xml" and click "Add General Web Sitemap" button.

3. If you do use a redirected custome feed such as FeedBurner, type "atom.xml?redirect=false".

Otherwise you will see "URL not allowed" error because the sitemap you have submitted to Google Webmaster Tools is actually redirecting to the FeedBurner feed URL not your site URL. And your Sitemap contains a URL that is not allowed based on the Sitemap's location.

Sitemap with errors and Sitemap without errors

Updated on 7/14/2008

How to submit more than 100 posts to Google Sitemap



ArpitNext has commented out - Thanks ArpitNext - that Google Sitemap refers the latest 25 posts from Blogger which I am not sure the exact number.

However there is a still way to submit your all of your posts.



If you have more than 100 posts and want to post all to Google Sitemap, add the below:

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=1&max-results=100

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=101&max-results=100

If you have more than 200 posts and want to post all to Google Sitemap, add the below:

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=1&max-results=100

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=101&max-results=100

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=201&max-results=100

If you have more than 300 posts and want to post all to Google Sitemap, add the below:

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=1&max-results=100

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=101&max-results=100

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=201&max-results=100

atom.xml?redirect=false&start-index=301&max-results=100

As you can see the above, start-index is the post number to start returning results from and max-results is the how many posts you want returned from whatever the number you state on start-index. The maximum max-results is 500 (from many blogger) but to be safe, it is recommended to put 100.

(Read more inside...)

Color Cop is the little toy that really helps you to reduce your time when you change your template and try to figure out what color code you need to use.

It is only 372Kb, free license, and easy to use.
You can download it by visiting Download.com.

Watch this live tutorial below!

(Read more inside...)

1. Add the below right before <head>

I had tried to find out how to add "read more" on my blogger and followed someone's guide as below - which I noticed there is the limitation.



DO NOT FOLLOW THIS WAY.

THE CORRECT VERSION IS IN THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST.



1. Add the below right before <head>

<style>

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>

span.fullpost {display:inline;}

<b:else/>

span.fullpost {display:none;}

</b:if>

</style>

</head>

2. Add the below code after <data:post.body/>

<div class='post-body'>

<p><data:post.body/>

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != "item"'>

<a expr:href='data:post.url'>(Read more inside ..)</a>

</b:if></p>

<div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats -->

</div>

3. Settings | Formatting | Post Template

Add the below and save.

<span class="fullpost"">



</span>

If you apply the above code, the below are the results.

1. Looks Work

2. Not really

1) Firefox does not work

2) If you have a short post and don't add the below code in the post, the browser still shows "Read more".

<span class="fullpost"">



</span>

FOLLOW THIS WAY. IT RESOLVES THE ABOVE.



1. Make sure you have the back up of the current template XML.

2. Add the below right before </head>

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType != &quot;item&quot;'>

<script type='text/javascript'>



var fade = false;

function showFull(id) {

var post = document.getElementById(id);

var spans = post.getElementsByTagName('span');

for (var i = 0; i &lt; spans.length; i++) {

if (spans[i].id == &quot;fullpost&quot;) {

if (fade) {

spans[i].style.background = peekaboo_bgcolor;

Effect.Appear(spans[i]);

} else spans[i].style.display = 'inline';

}

if (spans[i].id == &quot;showlink&quot;)

spans[i].style.display = 'none';

if (spans[i].id == &quot;hidelink&quot;)

spans[i].style.display = 'inline';

}

}





function hideFull(id) {

var post = document.getElementById(id);

var spans = post.getElementsByTagName('span');

for (var i = 0; i &lt; spans.length; i++) {

if (spans[i].id == &quot;fullpost&quot;) {

if (fade) {

spans[i].style.background = peekaboo_bgcolor;

Effect.Fade(spans[i]);

} else spans[i].style.display = 'none';

}

if (spans[i].id == &quot;showlink&quot;)

spans[i].style.display = 'inline';

if (spans[i].id == &quot;hidelink&quot;)

spans[i].style.display = 'none';

}

post.scrollIntoView(true);

}



function checkFull(id) {

var post = document.getElementById(id);

var spans = post.getElementsByTagName('span');

var found = 0;

for (var i = 0; i &lt; spans.length; i++) {

if (spans[i].id == &quot;fullpost&quot;) {

spans[i].style.display = 'none';

found = 1;

}

if ((spans[i].id == &quot;showlink&quot;) &amp;&amp; (found == 0))

spans[i].style.display = 'none';

}

}



</script>

</b:if>

</head>

3. Add the below code after <div class='post-body'

<div class='post-body' expr:id='"post-" + data:post.id' >

<b:if cond='data:blog.pageType == "item"'>

<style>#fullpost{display:inline;}</style>

<p><data:post.body/></p>

<b:else/>

<style>#fullpost{display:none;}</style>

<p><data:post.body/></p>

<span id='showlink'>

<a expr:href='data:post.url'>Read More......</a>

</span>

<script type='text/javascript'>

checkFull("post-" + "<data:post.id/>");

</script>

</b:if>

<div style='clear: both;'/> <!-- clear for photos floats -->

4. Settings | Formatting | Post Template

Add the below and save.

<span id="fullpost"">



</span>

Now if you apply this correct version, you will see the below results which are all good.

1. Firefox

2. Short Posts that does not have the below code.

<span class="fullpost"">



</span>

If you use the second version above, you will be cool!

(Read more inside...)

1. The error was occurred on Search Function so find out the code for the function.

I have downloaded and used Ads Theme Template for Find Cheap World from eBlog Templates. eBlog Templates provides the enough information such as "Features Include", "how to set up each widget", and "Revision History" so it's not hard to set up the Ads Theme Template.



But when I downloaded the Ads Theme Template XML file from eBlog Templates and uploaded it into Blogger, I see the JavaScript Error below:

Here's what I fixed the error.

1. The error was occurred on Search Function so find out the code for the function.

<form expr:action='data:blog.homepageUrl + "search"' id='searchform' method='get' name='searchform'>

<b:if cond='data:title'></b:if>

<div id='search'>

<input id='s' class='s' name='q' type='text' value='To search, type and hit enter' onfocus="if (this.value == 'To search, type and hit enter') {this.value = '';}" onblur="if (this.value == '') {this.value = 'To search, type and hit enter';}" />

<input type="hidden" id="searchsubmit" value="Search" />

<data:content/>

</div>

</form>

2. Changed to &quot;

<form expr:action='data:blog.homepageUrl + &quot;search&quot;' id='searchform' method='get' name='searchform'>

<b:if cond='data:title'></b:if>

<div id='search'>

<input id='s' class='s' name='q' type='text' value='To search, type and hit enter' onfocus="if (this.value == &quot;To search, type and hit enter&quot;) {this.value = &quot;&quot;;}" onblur="if (this.value == &quot;&quot;) {this.value = &quot;To search, type and hit enter&quot;;}" />

<input type="hidden" id="searchsubmit" value="Search" />

<data:content/>

</div>

</form>

3. Now you won't see the error anymore and enjoy your Ads Theme Template

(Read more inside...)