LitWiki - User contributions [en]

Themes

2013-05-01T02:57:06Z

TioryClark: /* References */

According to [http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ Digital Business Consultancy], "A theme will form a big part of how your blog looks, it’s important to get it right." <ref>Digital Business Consultancy</ref> Picking a theme is not just about what is seen on the surface. When picking a theme, bloggers should be aware of all their options. After choosing a theme that fits the focus and desired layout of your blog, there are several attributes to consider within the theme. After considering all the options and making an informed decision, the application process is simple and straight-forward.
===How to pick a theme===

Picking the [http://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-themes/selecting-the-perfect-theme-for-wordpress/ perfect theme] for a blog is vital to the future success of that blog. A blogger must consider the way a theme will appear in a search engine. Keeping search engine optimization in mind when picking a theme will give web users a better first impression of that blog.

Another thing a blogger should consider when choosing a theme is the focus of the blog. For example if a blogger is working on a "How to" blog then they will want to pick a blog that is compatible with uploading pictures or video, a good example of a compatible theme for this kind of blog is a [http://www.cssigniter.com/ignite/themes/molly/ Molly Blog WP theme]. If a blogger is looking for a theme that will support a lot of text then a [http://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/dailyjournal/ Daily journal WP theme] would be ideal because it adapts to any screen's size making it more scan-able and easy to read on any device. Picking a simple yet compatible theme is recommended for easy use in updating and to ensure that it will work with multiple browsers. Functionality is the key. Busy themes might look good, but they are hard to modify and not always compatible with every browser.

A custom theme is recommended if you want a little more design while still maintaining functionality. A free theme with a simple and professional looking design which can be easily modified is best when picking a theme, just be aware of the terms of service. Picking a free theme has its advantages but if its support a blogger is looking for then picking a commercial theme will give the support they are looking for with just a one-time fee involved. The main points to keep in mind when choosing a theme for your topic are, search engine optimization, compatibility with your industry or business, and functionality. Keeping these in mind will help any blogger pick a theme that is right for their topic to provide a successful starting point.

[[File:Screen Shot 2013-04-24 at 5.19.28 PM.png|thumb|upright=2.6|Theme details display specs]]

====Widgets====
Many, but not all, Wordpress themes allow for the use of widgets. All themes do not offer the same amount of widget space on a blog page. Depending on the nature of a blog, this can be problematic. When browsing through, read the details of themes that fit the style of your blog. Check that widgets are supported, how many are available, and where they may be placed.

====Color & Background====
Some themes offer the option of changing the color of various elements of the blog including the font and background. In some cases this may include changes in color palette. The ability to edit custom colors will be listed under "features" in the theme details.

====Menus====
Bloggers generally have two options for adding menus to a blog site. Some themes come with menus set in specific areas by default. If this is not an option, many themes support the creation of custom menus. This information is generally included in the [http://theme.wordpress.com/themes/bonpress/ theme details]. To create a custom menu or check for menu support, got Appearance -> Menus and make the desired changes.

====Browser compatibility====
Many bloggers make the assumption that because a blog theme works well on one browser, it will work the same on all browsers. This assumption can be dangerous. When searching for a theme, pay attention to the browser compatibility and mobile support. Wordpress provides several [http://theme.wordpress.com/themes/features/responsive-width/ |"mobile themes"] that are specifically smartphone-ready. Additionally, many themes offer the option of enabling or disabling mobile themes on your site if the theme is mobile friendly.<ref>Mobile Themes Support</ref>

===Where to get a theme===
Themes for word press can be found on the word press site itself or from outside sources. With websites such as [http://www.rockettheme.com/wordpress-themes RocketTheme],[http://www.woothemes.com/ WooTheme] and [http://smthemes.com/ SMThemes] , finding a theme to fit your desired look is not a problem. They all provide both premium and free themes. Premium themes may differ in price based upon the specs and any special widgets that can be added. If you are unwilling to pay for a theme there are multiple themes that are free that will create the same great look as a premium theme.

===How to apply the theme===
Once a blogger has picked a theme for the blog, the theme must be applied. Depending on the parent website a blogger is using to create and edit their content the application process can vary. When applying a theme there are a few key questions to consider:

* Does the theme properly fit the content of the blog?
* Is it easy to view on a mobile device as well?
* Can a user easily navigate the blog using the currently applied theme?

There are many different sites a blogger can chose from to create a blog and apply a theme. This is an example of the step by step process of applying a theme to a popular blogging site.

According to [http://www.free-themes.org/installing-themes/installing-a-blogger-theme Free-Themes.org] this is how you install a Blogger.com theme:

* Open a new tab or window and go to Blogger.com.
* Log in to the website. If you are already logged in, look for this window:
* Click the Manage layout link at the bottom. Now you should see your blog's template. Here you can move sidebar items (called widgets) and add new ones. However, your first task is changing your theme.
* In the menu, choose edit HTML.
* When you arrive at the Edit HTML page, it's a good idea to back up your existing template. Click the download full template link to do so.
* When you made sure you've got a backup of the old template on your hard drive, it's time to change your old template to a new one.
* Find the ZIP archive you downloaded from this website and unzip/unrar it.
* In the folder contained in the archive, there are three files: license.txt, readme.txt and themename.xml. For instance, if you downloaded the Granddaddy deluxe theme, the .xml file will be named grandaddydeluxe.xml or something similar.
* Now you have 2 options. Either open the .xml file in a plain text editor (like Notepad on Windows) and copy paste the contents to the edit template field. Or, use the restore template function to upload your new template. This seems illogical, but it's the easiest way to add a new theme. Click the browse button and find the .xml file on your hard drive. Hit the upload button.
* Save your theme to the blog.

This process is similar to others found on different blogging sites. Most websites have a detailed step by step process for applying the theme correctly, and formatting it to fit a bloggers desired needs. Be sure to preview the finished blog once the theme has been applied to catch any potential issues with the theme before publishing it.

===Notes===
<references/>

===References===
#[http://www.wpbeginner.com/wp-themes/selecting-the-perfect-theme-for-wordpress/ Selecting the Perfect Theme for WordPress] ''wpbeginner web.'' 25 March 2013. Web. 27 April 2013
#[http://bloggingwordpress.net/2013/02/wordpress-blog-themes.html/ 20+ Simple WordPress Blog Themes for Personal] ''W Blogging web''. 19 Feb. 2013. Web. 27 April 2013
#[http://theme.wordpress.com/ Wordpress Themes for Blogs] ''Wordpress''. Web. 29 April 2013
#[http://digitalbusinessconsultancy.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-wordpress-theme/ What to Look For in a Wordpress Theme] ''Digital Business Consultancy''. 31 Jan. 2013 Web. 25 April 2013
#[http://www.free-themes.org/installing-themes/installing-a-blogger-theme Free-Themes.org] "Free-Themes.org". Web. 27 April 2013

2013-04-26T03:05:38Z

TioryClark:

A list is a number of connected items or names written or printed consecutively, typically one below the other. <ref>"Lists</ref>. According to Brian Carroll in ''Writing for Digital Media'', lists are another way that web users can emphasize certain important information or to help readers follow a particular sequence. List can help to divide the text and highlight key points in a blogs.

==General Guidelines For Lists <ref> Carroll, p.40</ref>==

In Blogging present all items consistently, and in almost every way, including approximate length, structure, phrasing, spacing, indentation, punctuation, cap styles and font. <ref>Carroll, p.41</ref>

* Try to make each item in the list grammatically similar and that will also help to appeal to the intended audience visually.
* Perhaps the most common problem or pitfall in creating lists is the inconsistency of grammar, verb tense and phrasing.
* But, do not over punctuate a good general rule is to punctuate only with commas when the items in the list are not written in complete sentences; with semi-colons if they are complete sentences.<ref>Carroll, p.41</ref>

==Why Lists Work==
According to Muhammad Saleem, "Simply put, lists work because they conform to the idea of “Left-Brain Marketing”. Everyone has two sides of the brain, and each part controls a specific way of thinking. The left brain is analytical, and prefers a step-by-step approach (i.e. lists) while the right brain prefers to see the big picture first and then deal with the details later." <ref> Saleem, Muhammad </ref> This type of thought process helps to create successfully, frequently visited blogs.

==The Order of Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==

The sequence of the list is important and it should be considered when you are presenting the elements in the list. In some cases you may want to number the parts of the lists in a way that makes the sequence clear such as with numbers , while in other cases that won't be necessary.

==Things to avoid when using Lists <ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>==

* Avoid overusing lists.
* Too many take away from the impact that the list will have on the reader.
* When and where possible, keep the list at approximately six to eight items. Higher lists can cause the reader to lose interest. Think about sub-dividing longer lists and consolidating shorter ones.<ref> Carroll, p.41</ref>

==Examples of Lists==
There are many different examples of lists that can be used in blogging. Lists need to be relevant to the blog. So consider the content matter before attempting to list information. For example if displaying important information and you want to highlight certain dates a blogger can use chronological numbered lists:
* 1.) 01/01/2013
* 2.) 01/02/2013
* 3.) 01/03/2013
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="http://t.co/MMvkPbehYc" title="http://twitter.com/TioryClark/status/327619302440202240/photo/1">twitter.com/TioryClark/sta…</a></p>— Tiory Clark (@TioryClark) <a href="https://twitter.com/TioryClark/status/327619302440202240">April 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

If a blogger wants to highlight some information informally use a list that contains bullet points. Again lists can be marked in many different ways the key to creating a successful list is the content. Make sure that the highlighted information is important enough to be displayed.

==References==

<References>
#Carroll, Brian. (2010). [http://www.scribd.com/doc/64429015/Writing-for-Digital-Media Writing for Digital Media]. New York: Routledge. Retrieved 29 March 2013.
#Lists. Google.com. Google.com, 2012. Web. 03 Apr. 2013
#Saleem, Muhammad. (2007). [http://www.copyblogger.com/writing-lists/]. Retrieved 7 April 2013
</References>

2013-04-05T05:35:09Z

Lists

2013-04-03T04:15:41Z

TioryClark: Created page with "This page will be dedicated to how to make lists in digital media."

This page will be dedicated to how to make lists in digital media.