1. Are The EUCantina Blogs free? How do I create a blog?

The EUCantina Blogs are absolutely free! Anyone can read the blogs, and if you would like to create your own, click here.

2. How do I edit my blog?

Once you have logged in, you will be taken to your Blog Dashboard. Below is a list of your options in the dashboard, and what each does.

Dashboard- The dashboard  gives you  links to:
Your blog
Update your profile or change your password
Add a bookmark to your blogroll
Change your site’s look or theme

It also offers some of your blog statistics.

Posts- This tab contains the options used to create/edit a post or a page. It also allows you to upload or manage media and manage comments.

Appearence – This is one of the most interesting sections. It gives you all of the customizable options that are currently offered (more to come). Under the Theme Options section, you can choose your banner, change the colors of certain parts of your blog, add sidebars, manage widgets, and much more. Just head into this section and discover for yourself all of the great things that you can customize. The other sections are Widgets (things like calendars and search bars that can be added to your sidebars) and the README.

3. What is my address/URL?

To have your own personalized blog URL, your first step will be to choose a folder name. Your chosen name will be permanent, so choose wisely. Please make sure that your folder name is appropriate under our guidelines (i.e. no profanity) and does not include the name of a person you are not (i.e. George Lucas).

4. How do I change the name of my blog or its description?

To begin, you’ll need a well-thought out title for your blog in a whole. This can be changed by typing in the title in your Blog Title box. Your chosen blog name is not permanent and can be changed at any time. In addition to your title, you will also have to write a short description of your blog about what readers will find while reading it. Please try to keep descriptions brief, as it is no more than a summery of your blog.

5. Once I create a blog, how do I post an entry?

After you have set up your blog, you’ll want to create your first entry. To start, give your new entry a title and then type in the post itself. You will also be asked to pick a category that your entry best falls in so readers can search for blogs easier. You may also add images to your entry, along with links. After you are finished, click the Preview option to make sure your blog is exactly how you want it. Once you are satisfied, click the “Publish” button to publish your new post.

6. How do I make text bold, italic, or underlined?

When you are writing your entry in the “write a new blog entry” page, you have the options to make text bold, italicized or underlined. Simply highlight the text you wish to change, and click the button in the text tools box. When you are finished typing your entry, make sure to press the Preview blog link to be sure the words you highlighted have changed correctly.

7. How do I link to another website?

First highlight the text that you would like to turn into a link. If you do not select any text before using the link button, your link will be created but without anything to click on. A pop-up window will appear prompting you for a URL you’d like to link to. Type the URL in the text box. (Don’t forget to type http:// before the domain name!)

8. What is a blog entry category? What if I don’t pick a category?

When you select a category for your blog, you are providing the readers with information on what your entry will be about. It also makes it easier to search for your entry. Once you select a category, it will be added to the “Browse by category” section.

9. What’s an Entry Introduction? How long should it be?

An entry introduction is a short description (maximum of two lines) of what your entry is about. The introduction text is shown with your blog title in various places of the site, including the front page. The main purpose of the introduction is to tell the readers what they should expect while reading your entry.

10. What is a Sidebar Widget? How do I get one?

A Sidebar Widget is a feature that allows you to add on to your sidebar. With it, you can add a calendar, links to your pages, countdowns, and much more. To add a Sidebar Widget to your blog, go to the Widgets tab under the Appearance section in your Blog Dashboard. Then drag and drop the Widgets from the Available Widgets category in the Sidebar 1 section.

11. How do I delete all my entries without deleting my account?

Even if you delete all of your entries, your blog account will not be deleted. It will appear blank accept for your blog title and description.

12. What is (are) the difference(s) between posting a thread on the EUCantina Message Boards and writing a blog entry on the EUCantina Blogs?

Well, think of it this way: When you’re writing a blog entry, you’re writing a mini article for a newspaper, magazine, etc. It’s meant to invoke thoughts and discussion, but mostly just to be pondered over and quickly commented on. A thread topic, however, is meant for deep discussion. An example of a thread topic could be: Your top Five favorite Jedi, while a blog entry would be My Top Five Favorite Jedi and Why. If there’s ever a doubt about which should be used, just ask a forum/blog moderator. Basically, a blog is meant to be read and commented on, while a thread is meant to be read and discussed heavily.

If you have any further questions or concerns please contact us at blogs@eucantina.net

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