Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy
@scarymommy
Latest posts by Jill Smokler, AKA Scary Mommy (see all)
- The Disney Reveal - May 14, 2013
- Met My Match At Disney… - May 13, 2013
- Sunday’s Baltimore Sun - May 11, 2013
It seems that lots of my Blogger friends are taking the leap into WordPress these days. My move was almost a year ago, and I am finally feeling at home in this little WordPress world. Since every week I am telling somebody else what theme or plug-ins I use, I thought it easiest to just dedicate a post to it all. I’ll be back to kids and snot tomorrow…
My theme is Thesis. Apparently, it’s search engine friendly, SEO optimized and all that, but I just like how clean and simple it is. What makes WordPress really fun are the endless plug-ins. I frequently add and remove them, because I’m crazy like that, but have some favorites that always stay put:
• CommentLuv: Links to a commenter’s last blog post. It’s a nice little bonus for commenting and I always appreciate it on other people’s sites.
• What Would Seth Godin Do: I love this one because it allows you to post a welcome message for two audiences– new visitors and return visitors. It’s great to be able to tell new people to subscribe or some basic info without bugging people who know you well.
• Sexy Bookmarks: I recently removed this, because it seemed like Twitter was the only option people ever used, but I do love this social bookmarking plug-in. It’s discreet and pretty and I always got compliments on it. Now I use Tweet This, but I’m sure I’ll go back to the other soon. You know, bring sexy back and all.
• Askiment: For decreasing spam comments, it’s a must. It’s a default in later versions of WP, but make sure to activate it. Also be sure to remove some of the standard spam words. I once wrote a post on potty training and had 20 comments that contained the word “penis” end up in spam. Whoops.
• Ozh’ Better Feed: Let’s you leave a message at the bottom of your feed. It could be anything from a copyright blurb to a secret message for a subscriber only contest entry.
Have I missed any of your favorite plug-ins? Please let me know. And, after blabbing on and on about WordPress, I would like to note that Blogger is perfectly fine. There are many fantastic templates to play around with and really make your blog unique. You can absolutely live a long and happy bloggy life over there. And it’s free! It just may not be quite as much fun.
{ 82 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been trying out different blogging sites the last few months, and while Blogger is easy to start and go, I have a feeling I’ll be happier with the finished product over at WordPress. Thank you for the tips about plug-ins — I’m definitely going to have to look into them (though CommentLuv hates me for some reason).
Hope you had a great weekend!
Blogger IS super easy. I had such a tough time when I switched over that I’m not sure I’d even do it again. They both have their pros and cons for sure.
Love this post. With all of my heart.
As for plugins – I love CommentLuv – but as I am sure I have scolded you before – It can really slow down your site. Just FYI.
Another great plugin: Scissors – you can crop and resize images as you upload them into your posts, etc.
More BAD ONES:
Statpress – any statistics plugin that you install ON YOUR BLOG – will totally slow your blog down. Use google analytics – it is more accurate anyway.
WP125 – great plugin for advertising buttons.
Stepping down from my wordpress soapbox now.
I know, I know. But I still like it. :) Yes! Scissors is a good one, too. Thank you, your greatness.
I haven’t really noticed a slowdown with either statpress or commentluv, although I don’t have that big a blog yet. I know the more plugins you have the slower the blog becomes. Hopefully I can get away with using them since they are so helpful – gotta love commentluv. :)
.-= Earth Friendly Goodies´s last blog ..PowerGenix NiZN Rechargeable AA Batteries Saved Me From Vampire Bats! =-.
You know I’m still a Blogger gal. That said, I’ve done SO many transfers to WordPress self hosted lately. It is a fun platform to work on:)
.-= Nap Warden´s last blog ..A Dash of This… =-.
Your site is fantastic, and you’d never know it was Blogger!
This is a great list! I’ve been on WP since the beginning of June and am using s few of these plug-ins already (just added CommentLuv last week), but there are two in your list that I will have to try out.
Thanks for this!!
.-= Michaela´s last blog ..Foto Friday – Pumpkin carving =-.
I have been thinking about the switch, but have been too scared!! I’m a wuss.
.-= Lee the Hot Flash Queen´s last blog ..Sunday Stealing =-.
Thank you for writing this post and please HELP! I just switched over to WordPress and have no clue what I’m doing… How do you add plug ins? I don’t have a place for it above or below Appearance and I can not find out why. I also keep downloading themes but they never appear under my Appearance tab and again, I can’t figure it out. I’m about to go back to blogger because googling this has done me no good. I’ve been working on this for 3 days and I’m tearing my hair out. Any help, advice, thoughts would be super appreciated!!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving y’all! =-.
P.S. I’m following you on twitter now.
:)
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Happy Thanksgiving y’all! =-.
There should be a separate section for them near Appearance? They’re all by themselves… E-mail me if you still don’t see it!
I’ve come to love Blogger and its versatility so much. I created a WordPress, took one look at the Dashboard and said “Umm, no.” I don’t even know where to start! :(
.-= The Wifey´s last blog ..Secretive Sunday— Flaming Heterosexual! =-.
I am on WP now and getting used to it. I love the way it looks, I also chose Thesis.
If I go to WordPress, will I be able to move alllll of my previous posts over from Blogger without losing anything? I’ve thought about it, but I’m scared!
Does Google Adsense work with WordPress?
Thank you, Oh Oracle.
.-= Nan´s last blog ..Trini Christmas in Surrey, in November….. =-.
No, you can import all of your posts & comments, and yes, Adsense will still work.
P.S. I luuurve Comment Luv.
.-= Nan´s last blog ..Trini Christmas in Surrey, in November….. =-.
I agree with Nan: I love Comment Luv! It’s such a great way to find new blogs to read!
.-= Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last blog ..These cats aren’t dogs. =-.
I think I’m sticking with blogger, but mostly because it’s FREE.
Justine :o )
.-= Justine´s last blog ..What the Hell is THAT? Answers Revealed! =-.
Yes, free is good. :)
How do you find the time to write, social network, test plug ins, work and raise your children?
.-= Jillian´s last blog ..The High Activity Level of Boys =-.
1. I don’t work
2. I don’t sleep
3. I neglect my husband
This is my favorite comment.
You are hysterical!
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..High Hopes =-.
:-) I sleep, there’s my problem! HAHAHAH
I’ve got the other 2 down for the most part though!
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Use Your Words =-.
Love wordpress and thesis. One of my favorite plugins is Yet Another Related Post. I think it encourage people to stay on my site and explore. Plus, the related posts for my chocolate recipes make my mouth water ;-)
.-= Tiffany´s last blog ..Menu, Grocery List, Recipes – Week 18 =-.
I love wordpress and I use Thesis as well. I’m pretty happy with it, except for the comment issue. If you have comments that spill over to a second page, that second page of comments is numbered beginning at #1 again, so you get duplicate comment numbers. It’s just a nightmare if you’re running a contest, as I found out this past weekend. I really wish they would fix that feature.
I love Akismet – it’s simply awesome for spam! I also love widget logic, which allows you to specify the pages that a widget appears in your sidebar. Oh, and Thesis open hook plugin rocks as well.
.-= Creative Junkie´s last blog ..Ears are going to be hyperventilating all over the place! LOTS of winners! =-.
I’m sure I’ll never switch – I don’t even know what a plug in IS! ha! I’m so not tech savy – and I love my designer who has made my blogger template so me and so pretty! Your header is awesome and it’s so cool that you designed it yourself!!!
Love this post. Love that me and my clumsiness with WP helped inspire it lol
Shauna is awesome- heart her. She helped me with my feeds… wish I would have just had her make the whole switch over for me. If funds are there for that- I HIGHLY recommend it.
On that note- my WordPress tip (tho not a plug in) is make sure your FEEDBURNER is set up right before the move.
I love the sexy bookmarks and I havent figured out how to work comment luv correctly just yet— but i do love it on other peoples sites.
I will have to check out what would seth Goldin do and ohz better feed.
This was great timing for me, since my blog will be moving over to WordPress in the next day or so. Ahem. :)
.-= Lolli´s last blog ..Top Ten Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers =-.
oh momma I am so in need of a blogover. still haven’t found the right dot com name yet, still. yes I know I could be slower right?
.-= dawn´s last blog ..toffee-bacon scones =-.
WordPress huh? I might want to look into it, but have no idea where to get the time.
PS followed Vodka’s link to you. Hello.
.-= Pseudo´s last blog ..Holiday Letters and Snarky Advice =-.
I still can’t figure out Blogger…WordPress would eat me for dinner!
.-= TheKitchenWitch´s last blog ..Screw the Turkey =-.
Thank you for this. I’m thinking of switching, but I’m worried I’ll lose all my lovely readers somehow. I know I could make sure I don’t, but I tend to crap up when it comes to technology. I would like to have commentluv and embedded comments, though. Very sexy.
.-= Mwa´s last blog ..Everything looks prettier without cynicism =-.
this is all very interesting. I got a lot of thinking to do.
.-= Jen, buried with children´s last blog ..Think of Me =-.
I love WordPress! Especially for stuff other than blogging even. I use it for my photography website even! http://www.alifecondensed.com.
It’s so versatile and wonderful! WordPress and Google – top two inventions for the century!
.-= Mrs Soup´s last blog ..You Capture – Food =-.
I will keep this post in mind, because one of these days annrants needs a major overhaul.
Thanks for the shout-out, sweetie!
.-= Ann’s Rants´s last blog ..Potential Blog Taglines: =-.
Love WP! I made the switch really early on, because I wanted the control & the ownership of my content. But really the plug-ins out there are great, I’m constantly discovering new things.
Another Plug-in I am all about is wp-Typography. It can really just provide a polished look to your blog. For example, automatic hyphenating, space control, smart handling of characters (so your fractions or trademark symbol look right).
I think Thesis is a beautiful looking theme, very clean.
.-= beth aka confusedhomemaker´s last blog ..Le Creuset Giveaway: Food Made in Love =-.
You forgot to mention how pretty I look today, but I suppose that’s a post of it’s own.
Great tips!
.-= Mama Kat´s last blog ..Tiny Tidbits: Dance Attack, Trees, And Victor E. =-.
I’m a WordPress and Thesis girl, too. I’ve only been blogging for two months, so I don’t know any differently. But when I did my research about what blog format to use, WordPress and Thesis kept popping up.
On another note, I like your format a lot. It’s very clean and well-organized without being too busy. Well-done!
.-= Aimee @ Ain’t Yo Mama’s Blog´s last blog ..Mental Monday: Teens and Parents as Friends? Only on Facebook. =-.
We like and use a lot of the same stuff! I haven’t heard of the Ozh Better Feed and will go get that one. Thanks for the tip!
It sounds like you’re happy with your current theme, but if you ever want to try something new, I recommend the Theme Test Drive plugin. It lets the blog admin test new themes (and make any necessary adjustments) before officially making the switch. It’s a really helpful plugin for people who like to tweak the look/functionality of their new themes, but don’t want readers to have to suffer through their experiments on the live site.
.-= Nancy´s last blog ..Recruit Relatives to Help You Research Family Names =-.
A while back I started a blog in WordPress, just to see what it was all about. I didn’t love it. It didn’t feel as intuitive to me as Blogger, but then I’ve been playing around with Blogger a lot longer, so I’m pretty biased. At some point I might jump ship, but for now, I’m pretty happy with Blogger.
.-= Cara´s last blog ..Bubbles =-.
Yes, I was terrified. And something with my feed fucked up (which was just a total fluke) and I lost all of my subscribers. It was a really bad few weeks, but it was worth it. Pretty much.
Thanks for this post – I love finding new things to try out. I’ve always been a WordPress user – I tried to make the switch to blogger awhile ago and failed miserably. I figure I’ll stick with what I know now. I also use Thesis and love it! Just so simple and easy to navigate. And I love my flickr plugin – it’s nice for sharing a few random pictures along the way.
- Carrie
My “family” blog is set up on WP.com, thinking of making the switch to WP.org….but I’ve never self hosted a blog. Websites I’m good with, blogs…I’m clueless. I am looking forward to the project though (if I ever find the time). If all goes well, I CANNOT WAIT for all the plugin fun!
.-= Amber´s last blog ..Use Your Words =-.
As you know, I recently made the move to WordPress and so far I’m SO HAPPY! Thesis is a big part of that, for sure.
I just installed CommentLuv, as I too love seeing it on other’s sites. You talked about customizing the list of words it flags as spam. Where does one do this? Is it buried in the .php file?
.-= badassdadblog´s last blog ..when to intervene? =-.
It’s in Askimet’s settings. There are a couple hundred words listed and some, ie boobs, frequent my comments. You can just take out or add what you want…
Oh, and I’m also digging “Find Me On” (social networking widget for your sidebar to help folks find you elsewhere) and “WPTouch” (makes an iPhone/Touch friendly version of your site when accessed with touch device.
.-= badassdadblog´s last blog ..when to intervene? =-.
Oh you know I love WordPress and Thesis! I have been working on my post for awhile and I think I am going to do it in parts because I have WAY too much to say!
I do have the WP Thread comments plugin, which I love. I can reply to people’s comments and it send a little email! I also use the recent comments plugin and I am thinking about using the popular posts one so that people can easily see my DIY posts which are by far my biggest hits (by the thousands!) and the visitors who come for that want to see it easily.
Most functionality that there is a plugin for I try to code in manually using help from the Thesis Forums. I don;t want to use too many and slow the site or complicate the simplicity of Thesis.
I’ll let you know when I finish my post!
Great advice!
The same guy who made CommentLuv also made a plugin that inserts an extra field for your twitter account. Awesome!
.-= witchypoo´s last blog ..Not on the first date =-.
Now THIS is a useful blogging post! My blog is only a month old and I went with WordPress and Thesis from the start (Chris Brogan’s blog convinced me). I’m extra picky as a marketer and pseudo-designer.
I just installed CommentLuv last night– I’ve always loved that about your site! I didn’t know about the others so I’ll be busy on my blog this week!
Not that you need another social bookmarking plug-in to consider, but I really enjoy Socialable. I can pick and chose which sites to show which I like.
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..I’m Still Thankful… Even Though It’s Monday =-.
Awesome!!
I used to have Socialable and did like it, but it seemed like all anybody ever used was Twitter- do you find that or is it just me?
You know what’s sad? I haven’t even been tracking it, just been watching overall site stats in Google. Now that you mention it, I don’t see where I can even check stats who’s bookmarking to what!
.-= Melissa´s last blog ..Less Words Wednesday: Let the Wild (Leaf) Rumpus Start! =-.
Just want you to know that I figured it out! I’m having so much fun with WP now.
.-= Sarah´s last blog ..Menu Plan Monday – November 30th =-.
I have been searching for weeks trying to get my hands on the latest trading software, I finally found a great blog full of information.
Been using blogger for 5.5 but I think that I might finally make the move to wordpress. I like what I see.
.-= Jack´s last blog ..The People We Miss =-.
Dude, thank you! I’m so behind… forgive me….
I love it when people list what WP plugins they use. Samantha (@temptingmama) my genius blog designer has a page on her personal blog where she lists all her plugins, active and inactive. I don’t know why more people don’t do it, I think it’s fascinating.
Anyway. :)
xo
.-= maggie, dammit´s last blog ..The tiniest pain =-.
I just laughed and laughed about your little disclaimer at the end that it is ok if you use blogger : ) So sweet. Would people get mad if you didn’t write that? I say whatever makes you happy! Blog away!
.-= Life with Kaishon´s last blog ..3,900 Saturdays =-.
CommentLuv simply must be on every WordPress list as it is such a great plugin. SexyBookmarks is another top notch plugin and, I have to say, I really like the look and feel of it over the similar plugins on the market.
Regards,
Karl
.-= Karl Foxley´s last blog ..The Really Sneaky CommentLuv Trick For Better Blog Marketing And Promotion! =-.
I am definitely bookmarking this page and sharing it with my friends.
:)
Thanks for these!! We’re seriously considering making the leap!
Thanks for the tips. I am new to WP and have been struggling a little. I think many of these things will help a ton. I’m having tons of spam, so I’m going to go find the Aksiment plug-in right now!!
Visiting from MBC.
Can you tel me what you are using for your comments – so that you can reply to them? And the twitter name -is that a plugin too? Care to share?
Thank you! Love your site!
Sarah, Ohana Mama
.-= Sarah, Ohana Mama´s last blog ..Aloha Friday! Snow Bunny or Beach Bunny? =-.
Sure! The twitter one is “Twitterlink Comments” (http://comluv.com/download/twitterlink-comments/)
and the comment one is “WordPress Thread Comment” http://blog.2i2j.com/plugins/wordpress-thread-comment (It’s in Chinese, don’t freak out!)
I read this post when it posted and found it great. Then today, I’m playing around with learning to install, yadda, yadda….
Anyway, just wanted to give more props to Shauna. She’s a wp dreamboat.
Love your blog ScaryMommy – love the layout, content, the works. kudos.
Hey, great blog…but I don’t understand how to add your site in my rss reader. Can you Help me, please :)
Hey, I found your blog while searching on Google your post looks very interesting for me. Keep up the good work!
-Robert Shumake Paul Nicoletti
Love your blog. I switched over to wordpress recently. I found the plugin for comments you are using, but had a question. On yours it has an option to Notify me of followup comments via email, is that part of the plug in?
.-= Heather´s last blog ..Inaugural Spin =-.
Thanks!! And, nope- I use both of these: http://txfx.net/wordpress-plugins/subscribe-to-comments/ & http://www.poradnik-webmastera.com/projekty/subscribe_to_comments_now/
The second allows readers to subscribe without ever even commenting. :)
Thanks for listing your favorite plug-ins. I’m always looking to find some great ones!
I also just enlisted Shauna to help me with a new header…I just love her designs! GREAT to see you love her too!
.-= Kasey @ All Things Mamma´s last blog ..FEATURE FRIDAY – WANT A POLISHED PRE-SCHOOLER? It starts with you! =-.
Thanks to you I made the leap over to wordpress today. It was a bit of a learning curve, but nothing a few hours and a couple of google searches couldn’t fix. I ended up going with Headway for my theme. Clay was incredible, answering all my questions and helping me get set up. Thanks for inspiring me to make the switch, I look forward to adding some of your favorite plugins.
.-= Rachael´s last blog ..Spring Mini Session Dates Announced! =-.
Are you on wordpress.org or .com?
Im currently at the .com version and it doesn’t allow plugins, but I keep hearing they’re all the rage. Hmph.
.-= Stacey´s last blog ..The Neelys Famous Beef and Pork Chili =-.
.org. The plug-ins are pretty fun. :)
Great advice and I am looking into an upgrade at wordpress. I hope you will help me out when the time comes!
.-= Michelle @ Italian Mama Chef´s last blog ..Compliments and accolades =-.
You have rocked my world. I thot I knew what I was doing, of course that was on Blog Spot. Really appreciate the way you are out there, honest and smacked me upside the head with real details on how to blog. You know, the nuts and bolts, the mechanics of blogging that we don’t really talk about in Polite Society.
Missed Baltimore. Hoping you are going to be at Phoenix! Until then, Blog On Sister!
Thanks for the great tips – you Rock! I’m just starting my blogging life and have chosen WordPress so I love your plug in tips! (Especially the Seth Godin and comment tips). And thanks to you I will be changing my (new) name to begin with an A. I’m a fan!
All the Best, Lori
There’s something real about that your blog post was on my birthday. I’m into Numerical Synchonicity (like, when you constantly see your favorite number on a digital clock). It sounds more quacky and whacko than it is. I take this moment to laud you for a 2nd time in about 1 minute…re: your design, blog’s look and feel, blah blah blah. I think that my design heroes, Charles and Ray Eames, would be so proud of your design.
.-= Rachel Molly´s last blog ..Haim = Life or Home? =-.
Thanks for the helpful tips on wordpress. I have been using blogger and debating if I should switch over, and you may have convinced me. Also, I love the feature you recommended on linking guest’s comments to their last post. I do think that’s a great incentive to get people to interact more.
My site is on wordpress and I have not been able to figure out how to add comment luv-any tips for a place I can go with easy instructions on how to make this work?
Thank you!
.-= Amy Mayfield´s last blog ..No, I’ve never hired a hitman-shockingly. =-.
Can you add other plugins? The guy would created commentluv is actually super nice and helpful– you could just leave a question on his blog and he’ll totally get back to you!
.-= Scary Mommy´s last blog ..Desperately Seeking… Something =-.
Thanks for the post! So helpful. I’ve been going plug-in crazy lately. I really need to edit it down. I got sexybookmars because if you and now you ditched it. Still love it though. I love your blog’s new look too.
.-= Enya´s last blog ..Make Your Own Gummies Kit =-.
I made the move from blogger a few months back and am now trying to figure out how to move to wordpress.org so that I can use all the great plugins…but I am relatively clueless and need to start researching web hosts. I appreciate all your ideas!