Headed for the Xmas tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown Benicia, will be back in a while.  :-)

Marianne - don't be stymied by the HTML, I put links to each one so you could learn what they mean and what they do.  I was hoping that would help.  Last year I didn't know anything about HTML, just ask Mike Mueller, he was my HTML mentor.  We didn't have posts like this back then. :-)

Brett - awesome, thanks!  :-)

Julie - it's all still there, just some changes in what will work on posts now.  Thanks.

Richard - this is about as techy as I'll probably get.  I had many asking about this, had to do it!  LOL

Fred - brain transplants are on back order.  But if you click on the links that took me hours to add..(LOL) you'll find easy to understand explanations for all these widgets and HTML codes. 

Christine - that IS the coveted AR Widget Passport Card.  It's only a collectors item because Rich Jacobson (The Widget King) is on the cover with his posse!  :-)))

Marilyn - I have seen some postlets still working, not sure how the new HTML will affect the appearance of postlets.  I know they offer different formats, try them and then let me know ok? Thanks.

David - thanks my friend, and the very best to you and your family too.

Rich - is that the best you got?   Does this mean I've been served?   Last time I loaded your Blog, guess what....it didn't!!  haha.  I got something called a proxy error!!  ROFLMAO!! 

Rich Jacobson and his Wild West Widget Welcoming Posse!

After reading this post again just now, I realize this was enough info to make 3 posts, so I won't be posting again for a few days in lieu of the overload of info contained in this one!  LOL~ 

Matt - I think the auto save feature is very very cool.  I have lost posts by all 3 ways I mentioned here. LOL~

Vickie - try your postlets, see if they work.  They are not widgets or script, but I'm curious if there will be an issue due to the HTML changes. Let me know ok?  Thanks.

Jeannie - I know you loved your statcounter, trust me I know, but I also know you love your Blog and AR, and we don't want to do anything that would jeopardize either of those.  :-)  I know there are other programs you can use that do the same thing.  Sitemeter, Google analytics, etc.  Just do a google search and see what you come up with.  Here to help any way I can, you know that.  :-)

Candace - thanks for the compliment, do you think I'll fit in your suitcase??? 

LeoLinda - Thanks for the bookmark, the comment, and your nice compliment.  Very appreciated...

Matt - thanks for stepping in while I was out drinking egg nog and lighting Xmas trees.  You are the man!!  :-))  I'll send folks your way who have any questions about how to modify the postlets code.

Elizabeth - you don't have to learn all this stuff, that's why you have ME!  Tennis shoes are by the door!  LOL!  Love ya too!!  :-)

Hey Teresa - Not sure what "little spinny thing" you're referring to, I have nothing like that on my Blog or this page.  The additional plugin needed is probably because of the Mixpo video I have of you in SF on my sidebar.  My profile page, now that's a different story.  That's my ebook and may load slower than most.  Thanks for the heads up, I'm always looking to see how close I can come to crashing and breaking everything!  LOL~ 

BTW - Major Blog overhaul and facelift Makeover coming very soon.... 

Sharon - I'm like you, I write ALL my posts in ActiveRain now.  Love the draft save thingy.  Real Estate Shows works fine on AR as long as you are using the HTML embed codes.  We had a couple glitches last week, but we have since got all those corrected.

Not happy about the removal of statcounter. It was a very useful tool for me. : (

Sandra - I totally understand and can respect your disappointment.  Somehow deep down though, I know what you can be happy about, and that is we'll be here tomorrow, and the next day, and your Blog and it's contents will be safe and secured?!?  It's a sacrifice indeed, and one we feel that had to be made. 

There are other solutions than just statcounter out there, I will try and research to see what alternatives there are for you ok? :-)

Chris - that sounds great! Call me anytime next week and I'll walk you through the steps to make it really simple for you.  Looking forward to your call my friend.  Thanks. :-)

Linda - HTML isn't something you'll learn in a week, but with all the links I provided to the HTML tag definitions, you should be able to grasp a better understanding of what each allowable tag means and does.  You can always contact me if you need any assistance at all with this stuff.  I'm really inexpensive!  :-))

Jonathan and Corinne - I am a stat freak too!  LOL~  Maybe you can share what programs you are using to maximize and get stats for your Blog on AR?  I am using google analytics, site meter, clustermaps etc.  Any in particular you find useful in tracking your Blog stats here?  Would love if you could share...  thanks. :-)

Karen Monsour - with the number of members we have on AR these days, I know you'll agree we have a wide variety of levels of experience both technical and non-technical.  Some of my friends and readers here have been asking for this post as they have had issues with using their widgets, script codes, HTML etc. that come from other sources like Real Estate shows, vFlyer, postlets, statcounter, and the list goes on and on.  We have made some changes to the AR Network, and this is to inform members of what those changes are.

With all due respect, this may be a bit over some peoples heads, I understand that, this is why I spent hours creating the links to help members like yourself learn and understand this stuff.  I even went in and added a couple extra links just for YOU.  Here is a site that teaches the basics of HTML and it was shared with me by a 12 year old 7th grader.  No sense in me re-creating what others have already done for you.

              Beginners: What Is HTML?          What are HTML <tags>      Still Lost or Confused?  Click Here

WEB3SCHOOLS (the best things in life are free) is a great place for you to start getting your arms around this stuff and start learning.  I do hope you'll take the time to advance your knowledge, it's not going away and is to your benefit to invest a small amount of your time to research and expand your level of knowledge and expertise.  (like all of us have to do at some point) I can try to teach you, but I can't make you do it, and I can't do it for you.  :-)

If all else fails, you know where to find me, and I am available for hire as your coach or consultant.  There's FREE, then there's ME!  707 718-6773

Dan - LOL~  It is a pretty short list I know, but at least it's a list that's been approved and won't be a threat to us or the network.  This post took me literally hours to create, so I'm glad the list and links are short!!!  :-))))

Steve - 3 weeks should be plenty of time.  The beauty of AR is that members can learn in weeks what took other members months or even years to learn.  It's the sharing of information and experience that makes this place soooo powerful.  "People Helping People" that's my motto.  :-)) 

Charles - I'll go back into this post and add a link for you now.  I'm sure there are many others who don't know or understand what a widget is as well.  Thanks, I hope it will help.  :-)

Ann - yes, I saw Rich's comment, he's a funny guy and may even be partially correct in his assesment, but if that's the only way I can get him off the computer to get his chores done, then so be it!!  :-)

I am experimenting with some different facelifts and makeovers for my AR Blog.  I will be remodeling after the first of the year, so stay tuned...

Lisa - I'm glad everything is working for you nicely.  All video embed codes should be working from Youtube, Zipvo, Mixpo, Viddler, Slide.com, REShows, WellcomeMat, Seesmic etc.  If not, be sure to let me know so we can get them corrected.  Thanks.

Lisa - the entrecard widget, we did that just for you!!  :-O

Marlene - I want what you're having!! 

• WOOOOOOPEEEEEE!

• WAAAAHOOOO!
  

• This is FABULOUS FABULOUS FABULOUS! 

• HOORAY!!!!!

There's nothing better than a happy AR member!!!  Thanks.  :-))

Joan - this post WAS a lot of work, thanks for noticing.  Yes, Slide.com should be working just fine, if not, let me know. 

Stephen - glad it's all working again for you.  You asked who else you should be thanking?  I'll tell you:

• First: Jon Washburn for creating and founding AR.

• Second: Bob Stewart for hiring me! LOL~

• Third: Rich Jacobson, for having too many widgets and causing all the ruckus..  hehehe..
  (Love ya Rich)

• Fourth: Claire Cruver, for keeping us all in line, paying the bills,  and for keeping the ship afloat

• Fifth: Jeff Corbett, for his great looks, kharisma, experience, and knowledge
  

• Sixth:... and in this case most importantly...

***Jorgen Hahn***

Credit should be given where credit is due.  Jorgen is the man who makes all these things work on AR.  He is behind the scenes mostly, but without him, much of these upgrades and enhancements would not be possible.  Be sure to thank Jorgen and the entire team anytime you get the chance, in fact....I think we all have paypal accounts!!  LOL~  :-)))

Rebecca - google analytics is working on my Blog so I feel it's safe to assume it should work on yours too. :)

Morgan - awesome!  That's good to know, thanks.

Rob - we are always trying to make things better on AR, this is just the beginning.

Rita - these updates and approved widgets and codes should also help keep things running smoothly here.

Margaret - that auto-save really is a cool feature, this was an unexpected surprise from the wonderful tech and programming team.  They get all the kudos on that one.  I love it, it will make a huge difference for ALL our members.

Mr. Harb - I think you can still make your Blog posts look very cool.  Many of the HTML codes that allowed you to create color and backgrounds and frames are still there.  Using the HTML Tags that are approved and working, you can still create your masterpieces.  :-) 

Mara - yes we are, and we're doing it for you!!  Why, because we love our members and are looking out for their bests interests here.  Thanks for the sweet comment.  :-)

Alexander - too funny, we were both typing at the same time.  haha.  Sorry, but I respond to comments first come first serve, I was not that far down on the list yet before you replied again, so stop that sniffling, pick your chin up, and get out there and have a blessed day.  :-))   Or, go create a colorful beautiful masterpiece of a post!!

Rebecca - I agree, this may be alot for newbies, but the nice thing is, they won't always be newbies, and this post will still be here for them when they're ready.  A time will come when they'll need this info.  It's just Future planning no??  :-) 

Vickie - font sizes will work in both WYSIWYG and HTML.  It's the <H1 thru H6> tags for HTML, and the CTRL+1 thru CTRL+6 when in the WYSIWYG mode.  Works great for those who want to use it.  :-)

Just curious how long it took to write such a detailed post with links. My head hurts just looking at all that information! Thank you for the update!

Katharine - truth be told?  About 4 hours.  I had to go back and edit the post after the upgrade to make sure each link opened in a new window.  That was the most time consuming part.  It was worth it just to know that this will help some of our friends who have been having some issues with widgets and their HTML.  :-)

Katerina - I totally understand.  It was great talking with you the other day about this stuff, it will just keep getting better from here on out.  I'm glad I was able to share the CTRL+ Keys with you, I hope it helps make a difference on your posts.  Happy Holidays to you and Nestor.  :-)

Sharon - I'm totally laughing out loud!  Yes, you have come such a long way. No head spinning, and no accusations of "There you go again Brad" makes me happy, and it confirms that you are growing and getting more comfortable here on AR.  AWESOME!  We need to celebrate this milestone!!!  LOL~  Thanks.  :-)

Terry - real quick, what favorite widgets do you feel you will have to live without? Let me know ok?

Kathryn - you'll need to login to ActiveRain first, before the "Bookmark" icon or button will appear.  I can tell by the signature in your comment that you were not logged in at the time you tried to bookmark this post.  Login, then try, then let me know it worked for you.  Thanks.

Elizabeth - yes...very busy! Whew.  You have been most helpful to me this past week, thanks is not nearly enough.  Maybe a little holiday surprise coming your way!  :-)  Call me, let me know how you were accomplishing your task, and I will show you an easy way to continue with it.  Ve Hav Vays!!  You got my number in your speed dial, but no more 2:00am calls ok?  LOL~  :-)))

Robert - we're always trying to make the network faster, better, more secure, more stable for more people to do more business and build more relationships so that we all have a more significant result from our time here.  Message here?  Always do more...    :-)

Eileen - thanks for subscribing. 

Thom - alot of those you mention shouldn't be affected by these changes and updates. If so, let me know.

Roland - great to hear from you. Yeah, that's happened to me more than once!! I'm ashamed the new feature wasn't my idea! LOL

Bob and Carolin - it's definitely a good start, I'm as guilty as anyone for having too many.  That'll change. :-)

Ryan - if you need any help, just let me know.

Michelle - It is a great little tip, and the fact that you understood it, makes me feel I wrote it out correctly.  Thanks, and from the rest of the AR staff, they thank you in return.  :-))

Sandra - I'll do my best, in the meantime, try google and see what comes up, I'm trying to catch up with calls and emails right now. Thanks.

Alexander - "Mr Sniffle" LOL~  Have you tried using the <span style="color"> there?  Let me know if that works, otherwise, when I get a chance, I'll investigate this for you further.  Just backed up a bit right now. Thanks for your patience, and stop that sniffeling!!  :-))))

Alexander - I still have not had time to try working on that for you, get off the computer and disconnect man!!!  LOL~  Try applying it to the page, I'll get you an answer as soon as I can, but I think you'll probably figure it out before I can get to it.  It may have something to do with closing the tag, but I'll have to experiment to be sure, just can't do it now buddy!  :-)

Karen - We took a closer look at StatCounter, and we won't be able to allow it on the network in its current state. Here's why:

<!-- Start of StatCounter Code -->
<script type="text/javascript">
var sc_project=4258968;
var sc_invisible=1;
var sc_partition=34;
var sc_click_stat=1;
var sc_security="27a515aa";
</script>

It relies on the execution of arbitrary javascript, which we do not allow any longer. This is why StatCounter was removed  from the list of allowed <script> widgets.  Sorry you are annoyed by our decision, but I think you would be even more annoyed by some of the results and problems these types of scripts could cause us ALL in the future.  I'm sure with some effort from us both, we can find an alternate solution.

Judy - thanks for pointing out an alternate solution for StatCounter using the "HTML Only" version.  I hope this will be a good alternative to the javescript widget.  I appreciate you looking out for our members like Karen and others.  You're the bomb.  :-)

Brad, this post is a keeper!!!  Thanks so much for explaining it all...I didn't know what html was about 2 months ago, hoping to follow in your footsteps and have the hang of it within the year...LOL!  Many many thanks!!!

Amy - way to stick with it.  I still am learning HTML to this day, and I too hope to be better off in the future due to research and all the learning efforts. Thanks for commenting, just kno you're not alone.  :-)

I noticed the auto save earlier tonight and was very excited.  I get some of the rest of the stuff, which is very exciting as 6 months ago I would've been totally lost instead of somewhat lost.

Christine - in time, it does all start making sense, but you do have to apply yourself and have the desire to want to learn. You have come a long way, I still remember our first phone call, yes, you have come a long way!  :-)

Jesse - growing pains?  LOL~  Thanks buddy!  :-)

Marcia - "Security is the highest priority so I appreciate the effort"  I sure appreciate your comment and I'm glad that you agree.  All is for not if we're not secure.  Thanks for supporting our efforts like the many others here.  :-)

Brian - "Seems like some much needed updates.  Glad to see AR is looking at the bigger pictures."  Thanks!

Brad I didn't even know what a widget was/is?  So thank you I'll goggle it and find out more to get up to speed,  I'm trying !   I think I can, I think I can !   Jane

Jane - I have a link in this post that will define a widget.  It's actually a video that will help explain a widget, how it works, and their purpose.  You can also Google it, you'll find a great deal of information that you'll find helpful in dealing with these little gadgets and gizmos.  -  I know you can, I know you can!  (wink wink)  :-)

Karen - Thanks for your reply, and believe me, I really do understand and recognize the value of this widget.

You have made it very clear the value it brings to you and your blog.  We get that.  I am very sympathetic and wish there was more I could do, but by the same token, I hope you understand our position on this, and the risk we take by using these javascripts widgets as I explained above in an earlier comment to you.  This final decision to the best of my knowledge, is not a negotiable one. I apologize.

Thanks for understanding, and I say this with the utmost respect and confidence, we can and will find a widget or tool at some point that will get you the results you desire.  We are a very diverse community and network with many intelligent staff and resourceful members.  So have faith in the netowrk that you have entrusted all this time and up to this point. 

In our search together, we can find solutions, let's try to move forward now and find resolve.  :-)

BTW - I like your idea, and maybe this is something our programmers can implement in the future: "What would be really helpful is if AR would implement stats like Wordpress.com has - on Wordpress your own visits to the blog are not counted when you are logged in, and it will tell you what search terms were used to find the blog, and it will give referrers. Then I wouldn't care about Statcounter being lost."

HI Brad, just wanted to let you know that I tried loading Google Analytics in my settings and I get an error that says I've exceeded 100 words...yikes :-)

Kris - here's why, you already have the max allowed text in that area of your my settings page.  You can move that text to another area, like to the other description box or to your profile, this will free up the space you'll need. 

I just looked at your Blog and noticed all the text you have placed there.  Any HTML you add to your side bar does NOT count as text.  This should resolve your problem.  :-)  Let me know if you need some help.  :-)

Brad,

Thanks for putting mine back but quite frankly sometimes I'll go to someones blog and it takes forever to load the page...by the time it does...I'm gone...too many cause my PC to lock up...I think it is nice to have some as long as it is in moderation.

Neal - great point and I agree, mine I'm sure is one to include, and you're just being nice by putting it that way! LOL~  Moderation is the key, but value to your readers and visitors should be equally as important. 

Thanks for waiting the time it took to load my blog so you could leave this comment.  You're a good man! :-)