A couple of people have asked me if setting up a syndicated feed is "easy" and I will say that it's not easy if you're not familiar with setting up your own WordPress blog but it's easy enough that I can do it!! This tutorial is a brief overview of how I do it, this is not the only way to set up a feed, but it works.
What you need to set up a feed:
1. A domain name.
You can buy a domain name at any reputable domain name registrar or register one as part of a hosting package deal. Many hosts now offers a "free domain name" with some type of hosting plan.
2. Select a hosting company (for your domain).
I went with BlueHost because they offer unlimited disk storage, gigs of site transfer (really important if you're running a feed), and a lot of other scripts that you'll need to set up the site. The cost of running a feed is minimal compared to the time that you will be dedicating to maintaining it. If you can afford hosting for 1 blog site, you can afford hosting for a 'feed' site.
3. Install WordPress.
WordPress installation is very easy. Most hosting companies now make it easier than ever to install WordPress, and other popular scripts to make your life easier! With BlueHost, I was able to set it all up without ever needing to upload the files on my own.
One thing that I think might be tricky for people who haven't done this before is setting up the MySQL database. But, anything you don't know how to do, you should refer to the Help section of hosting company or use google!!
4. Install the FeedWordPress plug-in by RadGeek.
Everyone that is running a feed on WordPress uses this plug-in to syndicate other websites.
How long will this take?
Assuming that you already have the domain + hosting all set up, it will take less than an hour to set up the feed.
Helpful hints….
– Find a WordPress theme with a wide blog column.
– Make sure your links are pointing back to the original source of the post and turn off comments on syndicated posts.
– When things break, use Google (the answer is out there, really!!)
– Don't use your feed to punish others.
If you haven't been to Avanista.com, it is a syndicated feed that I've set up using all the scripts mentioned above.
I hope this helps point you to the right direction, if you're planning on setting up a feed using WordPress. There are other, more powerful scripts out there (such as PlanetPlanet) but I can't help you with those since I don't have a clue how to install them 😀
Feel free to send me questions if you need help! I'll answer them if I know what you're talking about.
(The picture above has nothing to do with this tutorial, but I'm in a beachy mood today.)
Ha! Who would have guessed I would be a top commenter, lol.
I enjoy your blog because it introduces me to aspects of Second Life I may have otherwise missed out on. You are an inspiration to me and I love your style.
I really do love your blog, like I’ve always said your avi is the most beautiful I’ve seen and since I use your shapes it’s good to see what you’re wearing so I know what works for me too!
I get so excited when a new post comes out, hehe. Keep up the amazing work, you are much loved by us all here who read you :]
Truly amazing, and something of which you should be extremely proud. Even though I don’t always agree with your opinions, they are always a breath of fresh air. Congratulations!
Woot! May 13 is my birthday! And I definitely visited your blog then, too 😀
ooh and I’m one of the top commenter 2nd time running…
Kind of wonder if I aughtn’t shut my trap…
Do you like comments on your posts?
Yes! I love comments <3 Blogging is like talking to myself, if nobody responds! 🙂 Thank you for making it less awkward hahaha!
Even with 840K visitors you are doing better than the majority. Now stop starting drama for the attention and hits. LOL ♥
Congrats Gogo! I confess that I always read your blog without making any comments but I really like how you not only shows the best quality outfits but also help people with news and suggestions! I wish you even more sucess in this new year that is coming!♥
grats on the well-deserved report! one thing i kinda use this blog for is quality assessment. you don’t use photoshop to disguise the clothing or accessories, which is fine if you’re going for the art, but it definitely helps me out when i’m looking for a new outfit to put together. i just think, well if gogo has it here lookin fly, it might look fly on me too! haha
I check your blog and Strawberry’s regularly, at least 4 x’s a week. It’s simple to check out, the new posts are right there at the top, usually have the latest thing going on, indicate an expertise with SL, and are pictorially well done and tasteful. Some blogs, although nicely done, have a more complicated approach and I lose interest quickly with that. I also appreciate that you state an opinion. I’ve been to some blogs, then bought the item posted, and been very dissatisfied with the fit or something and wondered what the blogger was thinking, but that doesn’t happen often. There’s really so many very talented and dedicated bloggers out there. But anyway, congratulations on a great year, keep on posting. 🙂