formatting on my blog

Hi, folks - not sure if this is connected to the “new look” - but since it was installed - I don’t have a formatting bar on my blog posts anymore - and can’t get line feeds (carriage returns for us dinosaurs) to show up anymore. When I copied a poem from my AppleWorks word processor last night, all the lines ran together - and wouldn’t separate even when I tried various options like copying formatting from a previous blog, or adding lots of extra spaces at the end of each line.

I’m due for a JavaScript update on FireFox for my MacBookPro - I hope to install that tonight and see if it helps. Otherwise - I could really use help and ideas.

Thanks -

loving blessings -

Sylvia

Re: formatting on my blog

If you're not seeing the toolbar at the top of your editor, then it sounds to me like your javascript is turned off.  Not seeing carriage returns where you have them would be an indication of that too.  You can test this by adding some html, like <br /> <br /> and seeing if that causes returns to show up.  If it does, you would need to find where you can toggle your javascript and make sure that is turned on.

Hope this helps!
~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, Matthew - thanks for getting back to me - I apologize about the crossposting. Wasn’t sure where to best ask my question. I did check Java and JavaScript settings and they were both enabled - I turned them off, rebooted, and turned them back on again - the toolbar still doesn’t show up for me either with the blog or here with this post :-(. I also just downloaded the update for Java for my Mac this afternoon - but it doesn’t seem to have clicked in yet. Not sure if there’s some installation that I’ve missed doing. I did try the HTML formatting you suggested and that works - thank you. I’ll use that until I can figure out what else is going on.

love and blessings -

Sylvia

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, Sylvia-

I wasn't able to create this problem on my work Mac using Firefox. But java on or off, you don't have to even restart the program-it happens immediately. So I wonder if you're tried another browser. I used to have a heckuva time with Safari, but maybe it would work better for you, at least until they get this figured out.

Liz

Re: formatting on my blog

Hey, Liz - thank you for the feedback. The formatting problem is a bit of a pain - but I’m pretty sure it’s not worth going back to Safari. I’ll keep playing around with ideas as they come my way, and see what happens. In the meantime - the HTML that Matt gave me solved the immediate line feed problem.

take care -

Sylvia

Re: formatting on my blog

If the html is working then it means something is disabling the javascript.  And just to be clear, javascript is not the same as java.  You don't need to mess around with java, just javascript.  And you should be able to toggle that on and off from tools > options > “Enable Javascript”

There should be a check box for the “enable javascript” option (these directions are for firefox).

But it sounds like you've already done all that, so then I'm not sure what could be interferring. 

~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Right. I wasn't clear on javascript, sorry. I got lazy.

Re: formatting on my blog

The formatting toolbar has disappear on my ‘new blog entry.’
Nothing changed at my end.
I think there is a problem with the new look.
I never turn anything off or on on my computer.
I am very low tech and don’t fiddle with anything.

Re: formatting on my blog

Thanks for reporting, mimi.  Can you also list your browser with its version number?  Are you also having the same issue as Sylvia where none of your carriage returns show up after you post?  If so, do those html tags I gave to her work for you?

Thanks,
~Matthew

Re: formatting on my blog

Hey, Matthew - fyi - I use Firefox 3.03 on my MacBookPro with OS 10.4.11 - and as I mentioned, the HTML code did give me line feeds :-) - thanks.

peace -

Sylvia

Fixing glitches

Once I installed Firefox, the formatting toolbar came back and everything worked including making paragraphs where I  typed one.

All problems were fixed with the formatting section, except

 my  newest blog that had a video at the top–the video  disappeared, and a box said “new plugs in required” or something like that.  I clicked on the box and it sent me to the plug in site.  It said I needed a new flash player.  I installed it with some difficulty that I explained elsewhere here.

When Gaia makes changes, some of technically challenged shiver and  then swear.  Next time you make changes, please provide information on how to get to the page/site  that says what to do to fix –

It would save a lot of frustration and swearing.  

Re: formatting on my blog

Ok after a lot of swearing, firstly because I couldn't find the exact place to get info –support? FAQ? Help?
  So this is what I did (with a lot of swearing ) and fixed it;

First, it is  seems to have nothing to do with Java.  When you made changes before, I needed to download FIREFOX or I couldn't see all the stuff.  So i figured I had to do it again with the changes you mad recently.

So I downloaded the free Firefox thing. That made the formatting toolbar come back.  But it made my video postings disappear.  In the blog video space it said I had to install some plug ins. I downloaded the new flash player.  That was a bit confusing.  It put an icon on my desktop, but I had to double click on the desktop icon to activate the stupid thing.
And make sure you close all tabs when doing this.

Then I had to import all my stored info from Explorer to Firefox.  It prompts/asks you if if you want to do it.  I phoned my local computer geeks and they said it was ok to do, so you have everything in one place, –your stored passwords, your bookmarks.

I had to reset some of my passwords - like for Gaia, and re-log in, or you won't be able to see your friends, etc. 

 And I see that the notifications for friends blogs all have to be reset - either added again,  and change how delivered “daily digest” or “individually”.

I found that Firefox won't let you cut and paste unless you do some elaborate things that I couldn't even understand.  I put out an SOS, and someone told me how to cut and paste on Firefox

“to cut and paste, click to COPY, then place cursor where you want it to go, hit CONTROL, keep your finger on CONTROL - then hit “V” at the same time.  This will PASTE what you have copied.

This is what worked for me.  Try it and see if it works for you.

But try not to swear ;>)

Hope this info will help some of you.

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, Mimi - thanks for the info. :-) Since I have a Mac - I tried using the Apple browser - Safari - on the suggestion of both my Mac tech and folks here - and the toolbar did come up there. So instead of going through the hassle of reinstalling Firefox I’ll probably just use Safari when I write a blog unless something better presents itself.

And hey - occasionally swearing is helpful seasoning for whatever’s going on - cooking certainly wouldn’t be the same without it … and neither would sermon writing .

peace and blessings

Sylvia

Re: formatting on my blog

I think the main problem created with changes made by Gaia is that it requires you to use a different browser than Explorer . = like Foxfire or an alternative (I have no idea what they are - did not even know what a Foxfire was till I came to Gaia - in fact hardly even knew how to turn on the computer 8 years ago after suffering several brain attacks.
I have the most recent version of Explorer and it does not work with the changes made recently by Gaia.  Any explanation? Can this be prevented next time you make changes?

Clear concise instructions are needed - with consideration given to wording for people who have little technical knowledge. I already asked for a big HELP button that appears  on every page you're on. 

I have no idea
  

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi mimi,

I really hear you about the frustration when technology doesn't work as it should.  I feel that same frustration when I run into glitches.  The swearing… totally understandable.

Also, this site should work fine with IE 7 and Firefox.  There shouldn't be a need to reinstall anything.  So, I have no idea why you had to do that or what could have caused it.  Before we ever deploy a release, we always check all of our changes on all the browsers we support, including Internet Explorer and Firefox.  It's part of our QA (quality assurance) process.  And if the glitches don't show up for us, then we have no way of anticipating them for others.

Because re-installing Firefox fixed your issue, the only explanation I have is that some setting was different between your former copy and the newer default copy of the browser.  If we knew what that difference was, then we could point to it for others who are having the same issue.  The only thing I know of that can disable our toolbar is if javascript (not java) is turned off or not working for some reason.  But just because it's the only thing I can think of doesn't mean it's the only way for something to shut down our rich text editor.

Also, reinstalling a browser should in no way affect your gaia settings.  So, that phenomenon is a puzzler to me.

Regarding Internet Explorer:  We've tested this site on IE and we haven't found any issues.  So, when you say this site doesn't work on Internet Explorer, we need to know what that means.  Please be specific.

You also said you have the most recent version of Explorer.  I would guess that that means you have version 7.  But it might mean that you have the beta 2 release of version 8.  We need to know for sure.  You can check by clicking “help” in your browser's toolbar, then clicking “about”.

Again, I recognize that it can be frustrating.  But I am here to help.

~M

Re: formatting on my blog

I don’t have formating or rich text either for composing on my blog or responding to posts on other threads. Java box is checked in IE.

I’m using Microsoft Wndows XP Professional v5.1.2600, media center edition 2002, service pack 3.

Operating on an Inspiron 6000

Internet Explorer v 7.0.5730.13

Can you help?

Re: formatting on my blog

We're working on it Davidu.  Thanks for the browser and OS information.

~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Matthew,

I have IE6 and am experiencing the same problems. None of my formatting tools are showing up and I’ve taken to formatting my blogs using html tags. And since I’m using my work computer (shhhhhh), I won’t be able to upgrade to IE7 or install Firefox to fix the problem…

Re: formatting on my blog

thx for the info, Joey.

Re: formatting on my blog

I mentioned my OS above…

Don’t know if this helps, but when I go on the Yahoo mail site, and on to “compose mail”, I do have the full editing bar and rich text.

So it seems it’s a problem particular to this site.

Re: formatting on my blog

Odd thing, I posted a comment on my latest blog and the edit block appeared. But posting this post on this support page it did not show up, neither has it showed, up as of yet, on my blog edit page.

Probably these bits of info don’t help much…but just in case…!?

Thanks for your efforts.
D

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, folks - as I type this message - the toolbar has reappeared at the top of my reply - as it did in the other pod message I just posted.  Haven't tried my blog yet - but am hopeful - it's good to see it again.  Thanks for whatever you've been doing behind the scenes to restore it.


peace and blessings -


Sylvia


1:15 eastern time 10/13/08

Re: formatting on my blog

I still can’t format my Blog or posts, and I don’t know how to use html tags. Hope you find a fix soon. It’s no fun sitting on the sidelines.

Appreciate your efforts.
D

Re: formatting on my blog

When I try to upload pictures on my blog, the pop-up for browsing and selecting my photo shows up underneath the top, purple “Gaia Community” bar, so I can't actually use it.  For now, I've gotten around this by copying and pasting photos in, but I would prefer to be able to upload them.

Thank you,

Bruce

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi Bruce,

I think this is a different issue than the formatting one.  But can you list your browser along with its version number, so we can test and figure out a fix?

Thanks,
~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Yeah, Davidu, a ticket is in for this.  I haven't heard back on any progress yet.  In the meantime, have you tried a different browser?

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi Mathew,

I suppose I could download another browser. What browser and version would you suggest for my OS ??

Appreciate the help Mathew :-)

Re: formatting on my blog

Either Firefox or Safari would be what I would try first.  I've heard good things about Chrome loading our site at lightning speed, but I think it also blocks our editor, so probably not that one for this issue.

~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, Matthew and David - When I was having trouble with the editor in Firefox - the toolbar did show up in Safari - so that might be a better choice for this issue.  Also - I think it's possibly smaller and may download faster.


best wishes -


Sylvia

Re: formatting on my blog

Thanks Mathew and Sylvia,

Re: formatting on my blog

I checked Balder's problem to see whether I had it, and am I glad I did !!!!

First, when I click on Browse, the popup is from my own OS, and it shows up wherever I last put it on the page. So, Balder, perhaps you can grab the top and move it? But not if it's under something. Perhaps a reboot would move it to a default location? Just my Dummy thoughts.

Why I am glad I did this is something has changed !!! The type, access, and comments options are all strung out vertically on the right and NONE OF THEM FUNCTION AS LINKS any longer. No click can be accmplished to select anything but the default public, comments on, blog. YIKES !!!

There are 8 items in the Properties column: 3 types, 3 privacy settings and 2 re comments. No click on any of them has any effect.

My last blog entry was October 7. I did not try to change any Properties for that one, so don't know whether the links worked then or not. Let's see – yeah, my last private blog was Sept. 15.

Heeeeelllllpppp!

Gratefully, OM Bastet

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi,

I posted a copple of days ago on under ‘blogs’, I know the team is working on it but I still don’t have a tool bar and still the same problems with formatting the blog.

I also have a new problem, I don’t seem to be able to copy and paste pictures anymore on blogs like I used to do before. I’m not sure if these things have anything to do with each other, I thought I’d just mention them.

Look forward to some news on this issue.

I have IE 7 and my javascript is enabled.

Re: formatting on my blog

Yep, it is related.  Because you don't have the rich text editor, you can't paste pictures in.  If you know how to use html, you could do it that way though…

Still working on the underlying issue though.

~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Same with me. I don’t have it either, and at least two others I know have the same scenario. In fact, I just sent someone over here to get the “secret formula” to put paragraphs in his blog. If you try typing the secret formula to someone else, it just shows up blank. Like invisible ink.

Hope it all gets fixed soon! Kathy

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi Mathew
I did download Safari to use while you are all working on the problem of the missing editing and rich text features.

Problem is, while I have editing in Safari, when I visit a blog that embedded a video clip I can’t see it. An error message pops up from Apple saying I don’t have mime add-on.

Looking through Safari preferences I don’t see a way to add-on things like mime. What’s up with that?

D

Re: formatting on my blog

Good question, David.  I actually don't use Safari, so I'm not sure what you would need to do.  But a quick Google search brings up some stuff.  Here's one link:  http://www.evilgeniuschronicles.org/wordpress/2004/01/04/mime-types-in-mac-os-x-and-safari/

Not sure if it will provide the exact right solution, but it's a place to start.

~M

Re: formatting on my blog

UPDATE:

None of us on the dev team were able to duplicate the issue, but we did find an html error in the blog section, which Ryan fixed.  Please check now and see if you have your toolbar / rich text editor back, and let me know!

Thanks,
~M

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi Matthew,

I just checked but i still don’t have a toolbar. BTW is it supposed to show up in the same place as before or the position changed
(just making sure my check was ok).

I’m sorry for all of us, I wish I could have shouted yippeee!!

What if we do a ‘manifestation tool bar prayer’ Lol!

Good luck!

Re: formatting on my blog

I think a 'manifestation toolbar prayer' would be a fine idea.  And yes, it should be in the same place.  Thanks for letting me know this didn't work.  I'll let Ryan know.

Re: formatting on my blog

I'm not sure if it's permanent….too scared to say “for sure”….but it's looking like there was a toolbar on my last blog….and paragraphs!!!

Dancing happily away with great thanks for whatever has happened, and hoping it's not just a temporary fix.

Kathy

Re: formatting on my blog

I see above that Alluvja is using IE7.  What browser/version combo are you using, Centria?

Re: formatting on my blog

The same as Ms. Alluvja.  IE7.

I was going to suggest Gaia flies one of us with our computers to Colorado.  Then you could see what's happening.  (and I was gonna volunteer.)  But maybe everyone else has their scenarios fixed?  

Oh, by the way, earlier, I tested on another computer at work with IE7. The same problem existed on that one, as well. 

Re: formatting on my blog

Thanks for the info on Safari Mathew, I’ll pursue that.

Regarding the edit block, it’s still a no-show on my blog or this response for that matter. Hope you all keep trying.

Best
David

Re: formatting on my blog

K, thanks.  I'll inform the devs of your updates.

Re: formatting on my blog

Hey Hey!!

Whatever you did it worked!  Thank you!  Can you say what caused this annoying little bug, or would my eyes glaze over in a haze of “what the…?”

Best
David

Re: formatting on my blog

Yippee!   I got my toolbar back!  I'm so Happy!

And I didn't even get around to the manifestation prayer yet, so you guys did all the MAGIC!

HOW I LOVE YOU! THANK YOU FOR THE GOOD WORKS !

                                  

Re: formatting on my blog

Glad it's working for you!

Is anyone still having issues with it?

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, Matthew - the blog gremlin just struck again - no toolbar - and when I posted my reply - it gave me a tinyMCI undefined error - Mac OS 10.4.11 - Firefox 3.03

It’s been working well for several days now so the reappearance of the gremlin was an unpleasant surprise.

I appreciate all you folks do around here -

thank you -

Sylvia

Re: formatting on my blog

Is it consistently not working for you again, Sylvia?  Sometimes Tiny just misbehaves momentarily.  Crossing my fingers….

Re: formatting on my blog

Hi, Matthew - it was actually a comment on a photo where I had the problem - and just now the reply window showed the toolbar so I trust it's ok.  If not, I'll let you all know.


I just had a bad moment on this post when the toolbar wasn't there - but I waited, and sure enough, pop!  there it was :-).



Thanks!


Sylvia