Tuesday, October 5, 2010

The Wise Old Owl has changed its feathers and colours.

After 3 long years, I'm still very fond of my previous Blog layout, colours and background.
I was blogging under the old Blogger format with its easy to use and easy to understand edits
and controls.
It was not as exciting and as glitzzy as the new format I'm right now trying for the 1st time this week.
However, one reason I love the old format is the basically hassle-free experience I had each time I
prepared to do a blogpost.
When I taught seniors and retirees ( FOC) how to start a blog, I always recommend that they use
Blogger Com...for the same reasons mentioned.
So the question is what prompted me into making this new change. Ask any senior out there...we normally don't like changes ! Most seniors and oldies prefer things the "old way". It's not a joke.
Why is this so ? I'm no sociologist nor psychologist so can't give a definitive answer.
Perhaps, we were all brought up in an era which believe in that cryptic American slang," if it ain't broken...it ain't need fixing " [ grammar errors notwithstanding ].
The saying was made more popular when it was used in a scene in the great War Blockbuster movie..
" The Longest Day ".
Anyone recall this scene?  It was 'D'  Day on Omaha Beach on the coast of France, June 6 1944. The Allied forces
had landed and trying to push the Germans back inland. The push, led by American tanks stalled because one tank suddenly refused to crank its engine...and blocked the path of those behind.
Along came an officer who took the initiative of clearing the jam up by uttering those cute words and
adding " my good grandmother used to tell me, if it ain't broken just give it a good WHACK ! ".
And that's how the bottleneck jam was cleared when the tank restarted after that officer gave the
tank a spanking.

But my old Blogger format did not break down so why have I abandoned  it for something still unproven?
Good question. But first thing is I have not abandoned the previous format totally. I have saved the template as insurance. I may yet returned to it if this "new, better" format proved otherwise. Many users of this new format have complained of all sorts of problems with the post editor at Blogger Forums since they made the change. Include Unk Dicko this week !
But, I also do believe that we must not fear new and improved technology as this new format is supposed to be.
In trying out anything that's new, we need to give it time to iron out the wrinkles and folds.
So, I'll do just that for now.
But if picture images cannot be uploaded at all in this new format...no choice then, I'll migrate back
to my ordinary but comfortable "home" with all its warmth, simplicity and worldly charm.

9 comments:

fr said...

I have been trying the new templates for quite a while. I think after some time you will find that it is not too difficult to edit your blog's looks.

For me, there is no problem about uploading pictures yet.

I think one reason for older people's preference for the "old way" is that the "old way" gives them security and comfort while changes mean uncertainty and apprehension.

Unk Dicko said...

Thanks for the feedback Fr. Much appreciated indeed.
This morning, on its own, the "Add image" box started functioning. But as soon as I tried uploading a photo from my saved Files ( not Picasa ) the picture did appear in the box BUT WITH A "SERVER REJECTED" status stamped on it !!
Then PICASA window opens inviting me to download the new version 3.8.
But when I click download...Google popped up to WARN me that it has Blocked this programme..for some possible dangerous reasons.
I rechecked the many posts by fellow bloggers at BLOGGER Forum.
Many said their computer systems malfunctioned or went haywire AFTER downloading Picasa version 3.8 !!!
I hope other bloggers out there can share your experience here.
Are you using Picasa for your photo storage Fr ??

jlow said...

I like the new look, up it up!

By the way did you received any photos from anyone at the jaming session at lantern festival?

jlow said...

I like the new look, keep it up!

By the way did you received any photos from anyone at the jaming session at lantern festival?

fr said...

No, unk Dicko, I don't use Picasa. I just use the 'add image'.

Afraid I'm unable to offer you any help. Hope Blogger will solve the problem soon.

Unk Dicko said...

Hi J,
Thanks a lot. Just received 3 cute pics from JY. Will put them up as a blogpost soon as this technical problem is sorted out by Blogger com.
Btw, I'll also send you some details of my ukulele teaching format soon.

Unk Dicko said...

Fr, Thanks again. No worry. I'll work on overcoming the problem.

Lam Chun See said...

I like this new look better than the old one. I think the reason why we need to change regulary is not so much for ourselves but for the sake of our readers. But being conservative, I prefer to let others take the lead; esp. when it comes to IT matters.

Unk Dicko said...

I like my new feathers too...but having a problem with the new post editor " Add image" function.
Read through many comments and complaints at Blogger Forum about this particular issue.
Blogger ADMIN is silent ! ?
Think I'll have to solve it myself, somehow !