Really? Are things around here so complicated that you need a tutorial to use this blog? Gee, I hope not. I spend a fair amount of time trying to write a post with a clear point or two. I keep the clutter on the sidebars under control (I think).
At the same time there are always new folks finding Satisfying Retirement. A mention in Google+ or or on Facebook might peak someone's interest enough to click over to read that article. But, like anything new, that visitor might not know what he or she can do next.
Even long time readers might not realize all that this blog has to offer. So, how about a quick tour around my blogging home.
The key to readership is the three times a week post. It sits dead center on the page and is hard to miss. Below that are the four most recent posts. So, if you keep scrolling down you might find something else that you want to read. On the right side (called the right sidebar) are two important sections. The things I have written over the past three plus years that have been clicked and read most often are under the Most Read heading. They are actually arranged in order, with the #1 read post first, all the way down to #10. If you have never read one of them, you can click on the title to see what others have deemed some of my best content. Even though a particular post may be a year or two old, feel free to leave comment. I respond to all comments and new readers are checking out posts and comments every day.
Next is a Google+ link. If you haven't joined me yet on this important social media please consider clicking the link so we can communicate more directly.
Just below that are the Blog Archives. Here are links to every post that has ever appeared on the blog. The current year shows the total number of posts appearing so far this year. Under that is a listing of the most recent posts for the current month. If you missed one, click on it to be taken directly to that post. Then you see the other months and years that can be expanded by clicking the arrows.
Ways to subscribe to e-mail or reader updates to the blog follow the archives. If you'd rather find the latest post in your e-mailbox or on your reader instead of having to navigate to this web site, click your preference and sign up.
Note: I do not attempt to sell anything using with my e-mail subscriber list, or allow others to do so. if you sign up you will receive the blog and that is all you will receive from me.
Further down the right sidebar is an ever-changing list of blogs I enjoy and read on a regular basis. You can visit any of them simply by clicking that blog's name.
Looking at the left side of the blog page, you will find a direct link to my latest book. If you are in the market for an excellent overview of how to build your own satisfying retirement, click the advertisement.
Just below that is a link to my Facebook page for this blog. If you have a Facebook account I would sincerely appreciate a "like" on that page. You will find the latest blog post and other information I think you may find interesting and helpful.
A little further down the left sidebar is the g+ "voting" button. Since Google is critical to this blog's readership and influence, if you simply click that button you help me. Thanks!
To keep things from looking cluttered, I have very little advertising on Satisfying Retirement. If you plan on buying anything from Amazon, click the ad on the left side. You don't have to buy one of the listed products. Use the search box on the Amazon page to search for anything. If you end up ordering something, Amazon sends me a few pennies. Over time it adds up to enough to pay the Internet charges for this blog.
There is a link that says "Annuity Information" on the right sidebar. That is a paid advertisement. If you are in the market for annuity information I'd appreciate you clicking that link and see what those folks have to offer.
So, that's it: a simple user guide. Even if you have been a long time reader (bless you!) I hope there is something in the explanation that helps you make the most of the time you spend here.
A final request: is there anything I don't have on the blog that you'd wish I would add? Is there something I could do that would improve your retirement lifestyle? If so, leave a comment below or drop me an email.
Thanks for the tour Bob. There were a few things I was not aware of. I humbly see that the article about me is still in the top ten even after all these months.
ReplyDeleteYou have got to watch out with feature requests; that is how you end up getting blotted apps. Don't want to turn into another Microsoft (ha)
I have been having a problem with commenting here for a few weeks now. If I want to do that I must open Google Chrome; it no longer works with Safari (Apple). Don't know what the problem is?
Your story, RJ, and your attitude seem to resonate with a lot of people. Last time I looked almost 4,000 people had read that post.
DeleteI don't have an answer to the Safari problem. 14% of my readers are using Safari and I have to assume some of them comment using that browser. I haven't changed any settings to make that happen. It is rather obvious that Google is slowly moving to a position where they reward those who stay with "the family," so maybe they are doing something that urges people towards Chrome. I am sorry you are having the problem but I am happy you have found a work-around.
With your blog I have had to use a different e-mail address than my usual one or WordPress won't accept what I have written. I am afraid the open Internet is starting to show its capability to push users in one direction or another.
Always enjoy reading about your thoughts, perspectives and adventures. From a topic standpoint, going to toss out want that may be a bit challenging and/or personal:
ReplyDelete"How do you deal with your mortality"
Know for me it becomes a bit more relevant with each passing day.
As always, thanks for sharing.
Curt
I have written about mortality in terms of dealing with the loss of a spouse or partner, and the increased importance of spirituality in my life. I understand I am much closer to the finish line than the starting block.
DeleteBut, this is not a subject I have addressed head on, and maybe I should. Dying is part of living, but the part we'd rather forget. Let me think about where I'd go with our own mortality as a subject and see what happens.
Thanks, Curt.