Photoblogs.org FAQ
From PhotoblogsWiki
These are the most frequently asked questions regarding Photoblogs.org. We also have a Photoblogs.org Known Issues page that may help to answer any additional questions.
The Basics
What is a blog?
The word "blog" is derived from the words "web log". In simplest terms a blog is just a log that is on the web. Blogs generally have a reverse-chronological structure, which allows readers to quickly see the most recent content at the top. This chronological structure also makes it easy for readers to see how frequently content is added to the blog. Blogs can take many different forms and can have content that covers any number of subjects.
If you'd like to learn more about blogs, you can check out the Wikipedia's definition of a weblog.
What is a photoblog?
This answer has it's own page: What is a Photoblog
What is the purpose of Photoblogs.org?
The mission of Photoblogs.org is to connect the audience to the photoblog, and to help the photoblogging community grow and evolve.
What is the future of Photoblogs.org?
The goal is to keep this site as straightforward, focused, and useful as possible. There won't be any annoying banner ads, popups, or useless clutter to get in the way of your user experience. It sucks when sites do that.
Does Photoblogs.org host all the sites and photos that are listed here?
No. Photoblogs.org currently doesn't provide website hosting or photo storage services. We act as a directory by linking to thousands of photoblogs that exist on the web. Basically, we help people find photoblogs that interest them. If you'd like to find a photoblog hosting service, you can check out the Photoblog Hosting page.
Can I use the photos here for a project that I'm working on?
All photos shown on any of the sites listed on Photoblogs.org are copyright the photographer, unless otherwise noted. Photoblogs.org is not responsible for the content of the photoblogs listed, and we can't give permission to use the photos on those sites. If you're interested in using, or even better, purchasing, any photo you see on a site listed here, please contact the photographer.
Using Photoblogs.org
How much does it cost to become a member of Photoblogs.org?
You will always be able to join Photoblogs.org for free. Although, we're working on advanced services that will only be available to paying members.
Will you add my site to Photoblogs.org?
You are able to add your own site to Photoblogs.org by using the add/update page.
Why can't I add my site to Photoblogs.org?
This could be caused by one of the following reasons:
- You don't have an RSS or Atom feed. Blogs are required to have feeds in order to be added to Photoblogs.org. If you don't have a feed, you can't add your site.
- Photoblogs.org can't find your feed. If we can't find your feed, it's pretty much the same as not having one. If your site has Feed Autodiscovery properly implemented, then we should be able to find it. We're also working better ways to automatically discover your feeds.
- Your feed is broken. If we've found your feed but we can't read it, then there's not much we can do with it. If your feed validates properly, then Photoblogs.org should be able to read it. Photoblogs.org can also read many feeds that aren't properly formed... and we're doing what we can to constantly improve this.
How can I "claim" my blog and link it to my username?
We've gotten rid of the old method of claiming blogs. The new method will require you to place a small bit of JavaScript code on your site. Right now, this isn't fully built, so you won't be able to claim your blog for a while still. You can visit the Photoblogs.org Roadmap to read more about when this will be implemented.
How do I bookmark a photoblog?
Every time a photoblog's name is listed, you'll see a small circle with an arrow in it just to the right of that name. You can click on that circle and it will bring up the site's profile. If you are logged in you will see an option on this page called "Create a Bookmark." Simply click that link and follow the instructions.
Getting Your Own Photoblog
How do I make my own photoblog? What photoblogging services or systems are available?
Please see our Photoblog Hosting or Photoblog Software pages.
Which photoblogging system should I use to make my own photoblog?
We suggest that you look at the services listed on the Photoblog Hosting or Photoblog Software pages and see which one works best for you.
Your Photoblog and Your Profile
Why can't I add my photoblog if there is another site under the same domain?
There is a limitation on Photoblogs.org that only allows one site per domain. We had to implement this to stop people from spamming the index with several sites from the same domain. Now that Photoblogs.org requires RSS/Atom feeds we will get rid of this limitation. You can read the Photoblogs.org Roadmap for information about when this will be implemented.
How do I get my site to show up in the referrers list?
First, add your site to Photoblogs.org. Next, create a hyperlink to the www.photoblogs.org homepage from your site. Every time someone follows the link from your site to Photoblogs.org, your site will show up at the top of our referrers list. (Many people choose to use our link buttons to create the hyperlink from their site to Photoblogs.org.)
Why won't my site show up in the referrers list?
If you've done everything in the previous question and you still can't get referrers to work, I could be caused by any of the following problems:
- If your site uses URL redirection or if you're hiding a different URL within a frameset, then Photoblogs.org won't know that the referrer is coming from your site. Our suggestion is to avoid using URL redirection and to avoid hiding URLs within framesets.
- It is also possible that your computer is blocking referrer information. Some people have mentioned that Norton AntiVirus has caused this problem for them. The Kerio firewall and the alternative browsers Opera and FireFox lets you disable referer sending too. You may be able to fix the problem by enabling referer sending in these programs. Also note that this setting effects your computer only, so if you prefer not to send referrer information to websites, other visitors can still click on the photoblogs link on your site, and if they didn't disable referrer sending, your site will show up in the referrers list.
How do I claim ownership of my photoblog profile? How do I "link" my photoblog to my username?
See the next question.
How do I change the title/country/keywords/etc. for my blog listing?
The old method of claiming blogs has been disabled and is being replaced by the new method which will require you to place a small bit of Javascript code on your site. Please see the Photoblogs.org Roadmap for details on when this will be implemented.
How do I change my URL?
See the Changing Your URL page.
I followed all the instructions in the Add/Update Photoblog area, but I still can't link my photoblog to my username. Why?
If your site uses URL redirection or if you're hiding a different URL within a frameset, then Photoblogs.org won't be able to find your authentication meta tag. For security reasons Photoblogs.org only looks at the URL in your photoblog profile for the authentication meta tag and won't follow URL redirects or look deeper into frames. Our suggestion is to avoid using URL redirection and to avoid hiding URLs within framesets.
I have registered but I still don't know how to add photos to my photoblog. Can you help on how to do it?
It's highly recommended that you have a functional photoblog (and know how to use it) before registering it with Photoblogs.org. Photoblogs.org does not host images or allow you to create a blog... It is a directory of existing photoblogs.
To learn more about creating your own photoblog, see the Photoblog Hosting or Photoblog Software pages.
Can you please add my photoblog?
To add your photoblog, go to the Add/Update page and follow the instructions.
How do I change the name of my photoblog in the photoblogs.org database?
This information is taken straight from your RSS/Atom feed. If your feed is up to date, then your title on Photoblogs.org should be. You can force Photoblogs.org to grab the most recent information from your feed by using the Add/Update page.
How do I change my user name on photoblogs.org?
At the moment it's not possible to do that. Sorry.
How do I change my email address?
You currently cannot change the email address that is associated with your account. Although, this is coming soon.
How can I delete my photoblog?
If you delete your photoblog from your website, Photoblogs.org will eventually find out and remove it from our listings.
How can I remove an old, broken, or nonexistent blog?
Photoblogs.org should take care of this automatically. For example, if a site repeatedly returns a 404 Not Found error, then Photoblogs.org will automatically remove it.
I have a question that isn't in this FAQ. What should I do?
The Photoblogs.org Known Issues page may also be of help. If that still doesn't answer your question, feel free to ask us directly.
