A Quick Tutorial

Perhaps you are like us and had no idea what a blog was or how to use it until recently. Well, we are here to help you. Several have shared with me that they would like to comment but aren't sure how and other issues such as that. Consider yourself a student in today's class:

BLOG for DUMMIES!

The word "blog" gets it origin from two words: web log. Calling it a blog saves 2 key spaces and makes you appear computer savvy. It is basically an on line journal for anyone who doesn't mind their business being broadcast over the Internet.

Just like a written journal, the entries (posts) are listed from oldest to most recent. If you want to read the history on any blog just scroll down or click the archives link.

At the end of each post (if the owner of the blog chooses) there is a "comment" link. To share a thought, you simply click on the word "comment". If you have a pop-up blocker on your computer, you will need to temporarily allow pop-ups or turn it off because the comment page comes up as a new window. Now you can type your comment and sign in (if you have a blogger account) or sign as "anonymous" if you don't. Comments on our blog are moderated which means we see it first. This is where most people get tripped up. After you hit "submit" your comment will NOT automatically show up. I will receive it as an email and then post it or reject it. This is a safe guard just in case someone posts a crude or completely inflammatory remark. Anyone and everyone can view this blog but we don't want to provide a forum for nastiness.

Of course, we don't mind people disagreeing with us. BUT if you disagree so strongly that you find it necessary to be rude or disrespectful then you should probably just start you own "we think the Sexton's are idiots" blog and you can say whatever you want at that point. =)

On the side bar of our blog there are other features which you can access. The profile page simply tells you more about us. There is also a list of our favorite web sites and their links. Simply click the name and it will take you to that site. Speaking of links -anytime you see typing like this, it means you can click on that word or group of words to visit another related site. If you click the link I just typed, it will take you to craigslist.com (one of my frequently visited sites). You can just hit the "back" button on your browser to return to this page. Go ahead and try it. Are you back? See, it's not so hard!

Lastly, we added a guest book several weeks ago but few of you have signed it. What gives? All you have to do is click the link. It will open a smaller window and you can "pin" your location and add a short comment or introduce yourself.

I hope this helps someone out there and as we add features I will try to remember to explain them. And don't feel bad, I am right there with you so we'll learn together!

-Amie