Moving from Blogger to WordPress?

Photo courtesy: Search Engine People Blog.

The last couple of days, I've spent considerable time researching WordPress using Genesis Framework's custom themes. Since I am currently using Blogger, the move to WordPress is somewhat intimidating involving the transferring of my old blogs to WordPress platform.

The new web hosting service had me change the name server addresses to theirs and unfortunately the wait time is 2 to 48 hours to propagate. So I am in holding status and can't continue until my domain name appears at HostGator.

I spent the last day or so, researching the web on moving from Blogger to WordPress. During that time, I've considered canning the process entirely- a half-dozen times. Too many questions and it seems I keep coming up with more questions, once each previous question is resolved.

Blogger and WP doesn't cross communicate easily due to different formats so this becomes a large problem. Copying and pasting my blogs from Blogger to WordPress isn't an option I choose. There are many tutorials through YouTube and articles, however; a majority are outdated or assume the end-user is familiar with knowing where to perform the steps.

 Backing up your code from Blogger is imperative before you begin the process and not having anyone to  rely on for help if something fails doesn't make me breathe easier. It appears you must retain your old Blogger site or risk losing the old blog photos. Another option is to manually reload your old photos into WordPress, but that is too time consuming with nearly 100 old blogs.

Loss of Google page rankings has my concern as well.

It would be far easier to outsource the conversion, but it appears to be expensive and I haven't found many sources.

Then while writing this blog, I stumbled across this link. Problem solved? Pretty cool-eh?

 I realized "the lizard brain" (fear) had invaded my thinking. It's easier to stay on Blogger. It's less challenging to learn how to navigate a new software format.We are not accustomed to having to  wait for results. We want it done now.

 I must look at each step as a slow process. Rome wasn't built in a day and anything worth doing correct- takes time. WordPress, StudioPress and Genesis have some really cool plugins and themes, so it's just a matter of  learning some new techniques and navigational tools.

So for me this will be a side-project. No reason to stop the world until it happens or obsess. Just go with the flow and make the transition smooth.  Do the necessary researching, finding sources to answer questions as needed, forget the fear factor and pull the trigger when the time is right.

Anything less is not an option!

Until We Meet Again,
 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.

 

The Art of Self-Publishing

Ever Consider Writing and Self-Publishing?

Note: I am revisiting and updating my blog from July 2010 on self-publishing to offer some advice from one of my readers. Enjoy!

First, consider learning everything you can about the publishing business. There are many companies who will attempt to take advantage of your lack of knowledge concerning the book industry and publishing. These “sharks” will have you paying a large sum of money to print, store and sell your book. They will ask you to sign a contract, which will give them the rights to your book and this will prohibit you from earning money. In the end, the disappointment will likely lead you to never write another book again.

I began my quest to write the first book without any experience. I asked questions, scoured the internet for best solutions and became knowledgeable to self-publish my book. I started my own publishing company and will soon launch the book. I am using the POD (print on demand) method. My printer will print the quantity of books, I choose; based on my need.

Sometimes decisions regarding business details were based on my situation financially or my audience. Self-publishing has some limitations, but when you choose to self-publish a book; you remain the author and sole decision maker.

If it sounds easy and someone promises to provide a simple solution for several thousand dollars to publish a book for you- walk away!

For those of you wishing to self-publish, here are a few items to consider:

· Purchasing a domain name

· Searching for the lowest cost solution in creating an attractive webpage

· Blog topics for a blog

· Website content

· Joining social network sites

· Writing press releases

· Creating advertisement flyers

· Choosing an editor

· Graphics person

· Printer company

· Shipping method

· Postal rates

· Pricing

· Taxes

· eBook solutions

· eCommerce shopping carts

· Payment gateways

· Photo releases

· Scanning Photos

· Purchasing an ISBN and copyright registration

· Creating a PDF file specific to the printing company in Adobe Acrobat

Did I mention writing 10- 12 hours a day of writing during weekends?

(Photo created by: gilles chiroleu.)

Yes, writing a book can be a tedious task. But the educational aspect is priceless and the next book will be easier to publish, given your vast experience and knowledge! Don’t allow any company to take advantage of you.

 The 10 Best Secrets of Self-Publishing

1. You don't need anyones permission to self-publish.
2. You become a writer once you decide to write.
3. Don't worry about mistakes, hire a good editor.
4. Pre-plan the layout of the chapters in the book.
5. Realize a book can be self-published cheaply as an ebook through online resources.
6. Income from the ebook could help fund the hard copy book or vice-versa.
7. Self-publishing and marketing are two separate aspects. Write first- worry about a website later.
8. Take advantage of using books, community forums and YouTube for ideas and assistance.
9. Perserverance is the biggest challenge in writing.
10. Start today!

 Until We Meet Again,

 Jim Carver

Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School “Band of Gold”

Something Meaningful that Matters!

www.successthroughmusic.com

http://jimcarver.blogspot.com/

Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and 3^rd party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.