Ok folks so now that we got this indieVisual thing going (props to Maddy, indievisualjournal.tumblr.com) we got some basics that should be covered just in case. The main reason I wrote this up is because that some of you I probably can’t find and others are wondering why no one is following you….here are some tips
#1. Tag your posts!
When you post, look on your right and you will see a place for tags, use “indievisual” or “indieVisual” and when fellow indieVisual’s (or tumblr users hoping to see our wonderful artwork) search through tumblr they will be able to find your tumblr and follow you!
#2. Comments (optional)
Some of you I can see your blog and would like to say something but I can’t! Thanks to Maggie (maggiedraws.tumblr.com) who figured this out, setup an account at disqus.com and the rest is easy. Edit: Maggie also pointed out the following
“I have learned though, there’s another simple way to do it if disqus isn’t for you. You can type a question (though it doesn’t seem to be working on reblogs) or simply a question mark in your post, and right after you do so (or the option disappears), a check box on the sidebar will come up and ask if you want to let people answer your question. Check it, and people will be able to “answer” aka comment.
This does, however, mean that you’d have to do so every time you made a post. I’m just sticking with disqus. :)”
Now the reason I say this is optional is because if you want to set your tumblr up so that it can receive comments, you might need to change your theme and play around with the HTML a bit.
When you customize your blog, under the appearance tab there might be an area for your “disqus” shortname. If you do see it you follow the instructions and then just enter your shortname. Disqus should show up for you so you can comment on your own stuff as well, if you don’t see the box appear, there is a problem and read the rest of the instructions….
Set up Disqus (disqus.com). Make your own shortname or let disqus automatically squeeze it together for you. For example, I named my blog on disqus just like it is here as “with creativity outstretched” and the shortname was “withcreativityoutstretched,” you can change this as you please but make sure you remember your shortname. Once you have it, you enter and it may work properly. If not, you may have to play around with the HTML a bit using manual installation. To do this, erase your shortname from the appearance tab and click the tab again so it clears. Then log into disqus and under the top right overview menu/tab should be “installation instructions” and select the tumblr icon. Then go down to step 3 and click show manual instructions. Follow them and it might work. If you have problems with editing HTML, ask me or ask tumblr staff. You can reblog or comment to ask questions so I can see them.
#3. Endurance/Timing
Early on it appears that Charlie quit and a great number of people participating happen to be fans of Charlie that learned of this project mainly through him.
DON’T GIVE UP!
Even if you can’t upload something the day you are supposed to it is ok. As long as you find some time throughout the day to do some art, you can put it up later on. You are on your own time and no one is really pressuring you.
Maddy even proposed to upload weekly, and I agree that it’s a good idea to pace yourself. If you don’t post something for day X, no one will get mad at you….
As Izzy2010 from tumblr stated, it would be good to have “some form of reminder that this project exists,” such as an alarm or write on your calendar, etc. just anything to remember you should be thinking artistic/creatively.
#4. Facebook Integration (for those who have facebook)
Go to Notes, then on your right you will see import settings, here you will be able to import your blog for your friends to see!
If you need more direct instruction then visit here: http://www.insidefacebook.com/2009/02/22/how-to-import-your-blog-into-facebook/
ALSO! there is a facebook group, search indieVisual on facebook and we can link up and discuss! Right now there is only around 30 of us and yea….that is all.
Reblog this if you can, cheers!
