Wow! Thank you. We were on the save wave length. I was just wondering how to do some of these things.

Brad,

Nice to see this post right after your post of removing them :)  so, that is why you said not to put too many as they can slow down your blog.  Thanks for the "How to" on this.  does it also work with putting this on your website?

Michael - glad you found this then. I have had numerous people ask about this, supply and demand right?
Glad we're on the same wave length! :-)

Brad, I rated this a 5 it is a excellent tutorial for new members and old members. I posted on widgets last week but didn't go into that much detail, just where to find a few. This is fabulous to put them into this framework so the community can follow and add them. I like your word of caution about using too many.

Great job !!

This a great post.  I wondered about those widgets but never really spent much time looking into them...now I have a great resource to help me add them to my blog.  Thanks

Brad - Thank you!  I have kept fooling around with these darned things and so far have gotten none of them in the right spot!  Your instructions are clear, concise and well done.  Thanks again!

great information and well written too. Thanks for the great ideas.

Brad - any chance you'd post this in the Blogging & SEO group?  Come on, it'll be fun - I'm seeing stars in your future.  ;)

Brad.... you spend way too much time on here and the computer. I am still having problem with my bloglog on the side of my profile. In any case, thanks for sharing all of the types of widgets.

Kathy - I actually put so many widgets on my blog, it locked up and crashed.  Other members let me know they couldn't even open my posts. Now that's a community that's got your back!  Now my Blog works fine.  You can add widgets to any website as well, in fact it's so much easier to use HTML on a website. Thewhole thing is already HTML.  One of the links above for samples, show them on a website page.  Now you just have to decide what widget you want on there and why?  :-)

Love all these how to blogs... its people like you that make it so much easier for people like me... and spare me alot of frustration and cursing at my computer... thanks

Missy - thanks for the high 5! :-)  I saw your post, and have added a link to it on mine.  I'm sure we will see more and more on widgets in the future too!  :-)

Jon - I think some of the gadgets you'll discover can actually help your Blog and contribute to the success of returned visitors, which can mean business growth.  Enjoy!

Carol - thank you.  We'll be checkin out your Blog to see what one's you select.  If you need any additional help with that, you're definitely in the right place!

Joe - thanks for recognizing what it takes to get a "Final" edited edition of a post, which in my opinion takes way too long to create.. LOL!!!  Ahhh, the things we'll do for another member!  :-)

Maureen - I took care of that, thanks!! :-)  I miss the early days when we could post to unlimited groups.  There are so many now, maybe the 5 allowed, should be increased to 10 based on how many we have on AR. Hmmm...  :-)

Jeff - you might want to move your bloglog from your profile page, to your blog home page.  That's what this post is all about.  As far as my time goes, if friends like you didn't need help all the time, I could be doing my needle knit or crochet! (hahaha)  Shoot, I may even join the Bingo Club at the Elks Lodge!!  LOL! 

It's nice to know there are those out there who really do appreciate our time and efforts, and are able to express it by the exchange of business and referrals.  I'm certain that's why we all do what we do.  :-)

Desiree - If I can help just "ONE" member from frustration and Cursing at the computer, then I have accomplished great things planet earth!  LOL!  You're probably cursing right now at all the widgets that are calling out to you....Try me.. Try Me...!!  Thanks for the sweet comment. :-)

Brad - another valuable post - well done I know many will benefit from this! Well done.

This is excellent, Brad. You are SO good at this stuff. Gread reading, and bookmarked for the future.

Jeff

Good stuff, Brad, I really appreciate you taking the time to share tips with the newbies! 

I love these but they drive me crazy at the same time... I notice that when I make a comment on a post with one of these I start typing then the page finishes loading and I have to type my comment again.

Brad - Your post has been featured in the Blogging & SEO group.  

It is true there is some overlap.  I try to go with the groups that have the most members.  And ones where they changed the featured blogs often.   

Thanks again Brad...I bet your kids never have a problem finding you something on Fathers Day....gadgets, gadgets!

This is really great information. I am also bookmarking it. I just figured out how to make a cartoon person and put it in the sidebar - but that was as far as I got. This is a fantastic resource! 

Widgets Rock!

Hi Brad - oh I'd say you've likely helped far more than just ONE person here on AR with this post!!  If I EVER get around to checking out all the widgets you mentioned, I'm sure your instructions will be of great help to me.

Many thanks for taking the time to write this out like you did - very helpful!
Ann

As usual, you are willing to share your knowledge with the AR community.  This is easy to understand and I appreciate your taking the time to share this information.

Brad- Thanks for the tips on adding widgets to my blog. Now I just need to add them.

Looks like a pretty cool widget. But do note. Every time I go to your blog, it locks my browser up for about 60 seconds. Apperently there is a bug with Firefox and Vista. I have noticed this with other bloggers on AR that have widget heavy side bars. But I guess there are not too many others running Vista and Firefox.

Brad

Brad, you 'da man!  I'm going to try that slide show for my profile.  Try and soften that puppy up!  Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for the info! I will definitely put it to use. I just think the name "widgets" is hilarious, dont know why!

Thanks for you assistance on this. My time is torn between selling homes and working on the computer. You just made me more productive. Excellent!

Brad, I did it!! I almost had a brain freeze trying to figure out how to work these widgets and here comes your post- and it's all done. I still have to decide why I need this particular widget, but I was not going to make it any harder on myself - I just followed your steps. The widget now as promised appears under my name. Now the description of my blog is gone. How do I get it back ? Thanks from the former widget-challenged.

Brad, VERY detailed, informative post for those needing help with this. Way to be a source of support here in the Rain!

Thank you I have tried a few times this week and kept doing it as a link.  Thank You

Very good post!  I have wanted to add widgets but have not because of the time in figuring out who to do it.  I have bookmarked for that time whan I have time.

Thanks for that...I was trying to figure that out the other day...great way to show off listings to people reading your blog.

Thanks for the variety of widgets, Brad, and also for the warning about using too many. Nice step-by-step that I'm sure will be helpful to many Rainers.

Cyndee - your comments make doing these posts very much worth it!!  The greatest reward for a post like this, is a comment like yours and all the others here.  Thank You!  :-)

Jeff - I know many like yourself already know how to do this.  I hope this will help some of the newer members to feel confident knowing there are members on AR that are here to help.  Thanks for the kind words and comment!  PS. Love your new photo, I think I told you that in a previous post, but if not...well...there you have it!!  B-)

Rachel - Thanks!  It's a great feeling to be appreciated!!  It's even a greater feeling to be featured with a "how to" post! 

Brad, what a great post. A wealth of information and very concise. I am going to bookmark this one and see where else I can put some of those widgets!

Brad,

An awesome post---now all I have to do is put your tips into motion.  Thanks!!

Thesa - try waiting until the writers page loads completely before starting your comment.  I have had the same thing happen to me, sometimes it even happens on my own posts!  Not very funny, but LOL anyway!

Maureen - thank you for the great tip and advice. Also, thanks for featuring me in the SEO group.  Looks like someone else decided to "Feature" this post.  Sure would love to know which moderator made the feature only so they could be thanked.  Guess that might take all the wonder out of it, and it could probably create more challenges than gratitude!  Thanks again Maureen, you are the BEST!!

Joan - my kids are my gadgets!  Sean is my Widget, Dustin is my Gizmo, and Brandon is my what-cha-ma-callit! LOL!  Thanks Joan, love and appreciate your comments always!!

Erica - I will have to come check out your cartoon person. I think you may be referring to meez avatars, but either way, glad it worked out for you, I"m heading to your Blog now to see what ya got cookin!  Thanks!!

Thanks Brad, I knew I had a reason to come back and read your informative blogs.

Yvette - ok...here you go!

  My Name is "Widget"

Ann - sometimes just helping the needs of the few or the one, really helps the needs of many. Glad this post fell into the latter category.  Always nice to see your comments, thank you. These are just a few of the widgets I have seen during my adventures and travels in the rain.

Joan - it's fun to post a "how to" that actually works and helps other members.  All these comments, but nothing yet from Seth, who I was hoping would be one of the first few to comment. Where are you SETH? Oh well, the time it took to create this post was worth it when getting comments like yours, thanks Joan! :-)

Robert - like my post says, be selective and use moderation. It's easy to get excited and start overloading your Blog with widgets and gizmos. Just use caution and maintain integrity.  Thanks for your comment!

Brad - Great tutorial and an excellent way to "pay it forward"!

Brad Carroll - that widget was just a sample to show how the HTML code works in AR.  You'll find that some pages take longer to load actually due to the content in the posts.  Remember, there are 8-10 posts that load when you click on a members blog. Depending on what graphics, videos, animated gifs etc that writer has used, it too will have an impact on the loading time.  My widgets are few compared to some, and are small in loading time. It could be my graphic and video rich posts that are slowing the process. Not sure it is a Vista or Firefox issue, just wanted to share that with you, but I am sure you knew or considered that already!! You are the Man when it comes to web stuff, thanks for all your efforts and contributions out here on the rain. :-)

How ironic is this security word: LOL!

Notify me of new comments:

What does the graphic say?

Tracy - I hope the slide show works for you, it's great!  Let me know if you need any help softening that puppy up!  LOL!

Carolyn - You reminded me of the first time I heard the term widgets and how hard I laughed. I don't know why either. It's just a whacky word for some reason.  Soon, these widgets will be more than just a gadget on our blogs and websites, they will be like RSS feeds are to the blogging industry.  There are hundreds of widgets and thousands more to come.  I am working on one now that will pay your bills and do your dishes!!  ROFL!!  :-)

Drew and Christine - don't be torn between your time, just figure a way to manage it!!  It's like a car.  You can't drive if you don't have gas, and you need to make money to buy the gas. Should you drive or work? I say both, just have to manage it.  Do a search on AR for Time Management and Blogging and see what you come up with?  If there isn't anything, well, there you have your next post...and add a widget while you're at it!  :-)

Faina - I went and checked out your blog to see if I could help. I don't see a widget under your photo, so I assume once you tried it, you saw it worked, and thn changed it back until you decide what you really want on your blog. If you need help, just let me know, I'd be glad to help you with that!  Your description box can contain HTML and regular text, but I think you are limited to 100 words (regular text) or something like that. HTML does not count towards those 100 words, so you are unlimited on what you can put there. Thanks!

Brad, this is fabulous!!! I have bookmarked this post. Even though I added a widget or two to my blog, I always forget.  Love the step by step.  THANK YOU!!!

Brad~ You are so good at this stuff, I love it! You and me have something in common...we are widget crazy! Thanks for sharing;)

Good post, Brad.  I'm not sold on massive amounts of widgets unless they have a payoff for me of some sort - not interested in overly personal demonstrations, etc.   I really like Mybloglog and widgetbox.

Brad, I did it!  Thank you, this post was sorely needed.  I did a search on widgets three times and couldn't figure out how to install them on AR.  I had no problem on my personal blog, but I was stumped with Active Rain. 

 I love the vFlyer widget and it was free!  Great way to showcase my listings on both AR and my personal blog. 

This is a great show and tell. Thanks for taking the time to post this information.

Thanks Brad, I was wondering how to do this.  Now I have to step up to the plate and try.

Brad,  sorry but the image of you sitting around the fireplace and blogging is more than I can handle at this hour...

As far as your widgets, do you find that they slow down your site at all.  That is my concern -especially if I want to do one where I can showcase my listings.

Thanks,

Now Have a Blessed Day,

by John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®  
Mission Grove Realty  
Preforeclosure Specialist

Oh, is that my 25 points I see... let me pick those right up

Ryan  - thanks, I appreciate your comment!

Rebecca - links work too, but sometimes the widgets add a bit more to the everyday links we all see and use. Let me know if you need any help. :-)

Marchel - hopefully this post and some of the others will save you some of that precious time.

Jeffery - that is one of the better widgets out there.  It's a great idea to be exposing your listings anytime and any way that you can.  Hope your widget sells some homes for you!! 

John - thanks. There are quite a few widgets available on the web for your blog. Just in case you want more, just google "widgets" and watch what happens.  Do it again one week later and you'll be blown away all the new ones that become available. 

Finding post like yours is one reason I never want to leave this place. I know you are right in the neighborhood. Please let me know. When you or someone locally is hosting a class that would beneficial to the AR experience. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and knowledge.

Pam - I'm glad you found this post to be useful.  This will work on any blog or website. Have fun and enjoy!

Diane - put them into motion, just be careful to not over-do-it!  Too many widgets may be harmful to your blogging health!!  LOL!

Diane - glad you come back to read my posts, I hope you'll subscribe to my blog and come back often.  I'll try to make it over to your blog as much as I can too!  Thanks for the great comment!

Paula - paying it forward is really what AR is all about.  The best "pay it forward" is the referral of a buyer, seller or client that needs great service.  Our AR members are 1st class!! Thanks!

Irina - now you don't have to worry about forgetting how to do this.  Since you bookmarked me, feel free to come back and visit anytime.  My door....I mean Blog is always open to you!!  :-)

Laura - You and I do have something in common, but it's not so much the widget part as it is the CRAZY part!!  LOL!  Thanks for your comment.

Jeff - I don't believe in massive amounts of widgets either. The two you mention are great! Just don't forget that it's ok to add some WOW factor to your blog once in a while.  People like to see change when they come back to your blog, especially google.  Widgets or no widgets, just keep making changes every so often to maximize your exposure and stickiness to readers and future clients!

Gail - vFlyer is great! Hope you are posting them in the Active Rain MLS Online group. Great place to feature your vFlyer listing!!

Bob and Carolin - thanks for taking the time to read it and comment.  That's thanks enough for me unless we can do some business together in the future...   :-) Appreciate your comment, thanks!

Suzanne - it's not too hard. Give it a try with whatever widget you like, then let me know it worked ok for you.  Thanks for your comment too!  B-)

John - it's not really me...IT's A WIDGET!!  LOL!! Seriously though, if you just showcase your listings and have maybe 1 - 3 widgets, it shouldn't slow you down or your readers and subscribers.  I have actually crashed on AR due to an overdose of widgets.  I would not want that to happen to you, not sure what I'd do if you weren't around to keep snaggin your 25 points off my blog! ROFL! 
Ok...enough is enough! Truce already!!  :-)  Pass me up, be #1 for all I care, just don't let those points turn you into an obsessed compulsive gambler or drinker!!  I love your competitive spirit, now go after Jeff Turner, he's the one you need to focus on for the long haul! (no offense Jeff Turner  :-) )

Finding post like yours is one reason I never want to leave this place. I know you are right in the neighborhood. Please let me know. When you or someone locally is hosting a class that would beneficial to the AR experience. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and knowledge.

Thanks Dionne, I am doing a round table Focus group on Blogging for the CRB next month in Concord at the Holiday Inn, and then again for the WCR in November at the Benicia Yacht Club in Benicia.  Let me know if you'd be interested, or if you'd like me to put on a custom training for you and your office in town.  All my contact info is on my profile page, I know that you know how to reach me. Thanks!!

Brad- yes I tried the widget and it worked, and yes my profile is still work in progress. Thanks for the offer of help . I am taking you up on it right away. I was wondering if and how I can put a widget not under my name but somewhere lower on the page. Any other advice: my profile, post or anything else is also greatly appreciated. I am just feeling my way through the AR, so if I am asking to much, let me know.

Great Info. Thanks for posting this!!!

Hey, Brad, now that I've bookmarked great pages like this, how do I get back to my bookmark list?

Brad, thank you much.  That was eactly the info I needed.

Faina - where ever you place the HTML code for that widget, that's where it will go.  That applies to any page in or outside Active Rain. If yo want blank space and need to move it down the page, use the HTML code <p> or <br>.  That will create the same affect as pressing enter.  If you need to move your widget down 4 spaces, just put <br><br><br><br>.  I hope this helps, if that is not what you're asking, just let me know.

Richard - glad to do it!  I am assuming this was something you were trying to do.  :-)

Tracy - to view the bookmarked posts that you've tagged, go to your "My Home" page, then scroll all the way down to the bottom of the page, it will be over on the left hand side toward the bottom and look like this:

Seth - YEAH!!!!  You found it!!!  My work here is done!!  LOL!  Glad you were able to get this. As you can see, your email request came at a perfect time.  There are many who benefited from your request.  Thanks for being so patient to get this, the only thing I ask in return is that you "Pay It Forward" to another member some how or some way!  That's what we do in the "Rain". Thanks Seth.  B-) Have a great week...

Brad this one got a big 5 rating and has been bookmarked.  Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom!

Great post!  Thanks for sharing! I think the widgets are fun!

Brad, Thanks for the follow up. I think it's just a glitch with Vista and Firefox. Your blog loads fine in IE7 and Vista. On firefox, it loads everything but the sidebar and then waits for a while before it unfreezes. I did some Google searching and found other people also referencing the Vista/Firefox issue.

This is great!  Thank you so much. Bookmarked.

Hi Brad,

Wish I had this back when I was trying to figure it out.  Here's a question:  How do we set the columns across?  Never could figure that out.  Thanks for sharing.

Thanks, Brad.  I know who da man is to ask!