After numerous requests, I finally created a video that shows you how I created the RSS subscription box on this blog.
Enjoy!
If you’re reading this via e-mail or an RSS reader that does not display YouTube videos, click this link to watch the video.
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Very good tutorial video. I learned a few things watching it. I usually go in and modify CSS files to move stuff around but never really created from scratch.
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Very informative as usual.
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I was seriously going to request that this video be made! Wow- too funny that you did this today! Great video.
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I actually do think your opt in box is great. But you don’t really need to build an email list do you? I mean, it’s just a hoax that building a subscriber list is really, really important, right? hehe.
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I only use that email function for Feedburner subscribers who don’t want to deal with RSS. My email list is over half the size of my RSS list so that shows you how many people still prefer to use email over RSS. I would highly recommend any blogger use both.
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Hmm, interesting. In my case, left than 5% of my subscribers are subscribed using e-mail, and that was even when I had the e-mail box as visible as you do. I’ve removed it exactly because I thought it was not used enough
Maybe it’s a matter of different readership?
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That’s a good point. A LOT of my readers are newbies and not familiar with RSS so I would guess that’s why a high percentage of them opt for the email box. I was shocked when I checked my stats and saw the count was up to 1600.
That’s interesting. As for me, I don’t like RSS. I stuck with Google Reader for a while but I prefer to just bookmark a page and read it in my browser like normal.
Great tutorial, btw!
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Great video, Lisa.
a really informative look inside the workings of CSS. You’ve made it look very easy, although I know that practice is what gets the proficiency rate up.
Thanks for sharing.
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Hi Lisa,
Thanks for a great video. But i was wondering, can I do this by using Thesis Open Hook? Instead of inserting every thing in the CSS document? I have no idea about coding & prefer not to touch the css document. What’s your take on this? Thanks.
Hi Sarah
Because of the custom CSS involved you still have to do the coding and update your custom.css file. You can paste the actual HTML code that calls up the box into OpenHook but you still have to do the stylesheet stuff. There’s no getting around that since you need CSS to drive the design.
It’s really not that bad. Just use that same code I used on my custom.css file and add it to yours. (The #subscriptionbox part in the video). Then open the appropriate section of OpenHook and paste the HTML code I used in my custom_functions.php file. You should only have to update 2 files: Your custom.css file and then the appropriate section in OpenHook.
Thanks Lisa, I guess I have to start learning more about css & just be brave…
I also have to say thank you for caring about your readers so much, updates, tutorials, quick replies… just to name a few of the things I always find in your blog. It is so refreshing to see people like you online, such a change from all the time-wasting sites that gets shoved in our faces everyday…
I wish you all the success….
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Thank you Lisa,
I’m one of those NEWBIES you mention & I can confirm that information like this is Immensely valuable & you deliver in such an easy to follow manner, assuming no previous knowledge which makes it clearly understandable.
Also the fact that you GIVE freely like this is a valuable lesson in itself.
Thanking you.
Rick.
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This is absolute GOLD! I have gone in and made cut and paste changes like many of the commenter before me. But I have never ever coded from scratch. This is really exciting information.
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I am really glad you made this tutorial. You did a great job with it. And I like how it proves that, unlike what the “gurus” want to tell you, that you DO have to know about web design.
There is NO way to succeed in business if you don’t have control over EVERYTHING on your website.
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Lisa,
Thank you for this one! You’re a terrific teacher, and what you’ve shared in this video will definitely help make our blogs more interactive and attractive to visitors.
Karen
This is off-topic, but, do you use nexus ads Lisa? And if so, do you actually make more than adsense?
Very cool, thanks Lisa.
I am considering making one for myself, it doesn’t look too hard!
Great tutorial. When I first got into web design, the first thing I learn was CSS. I was never a big fan with tables. That was so 1990’s. But I do use table on my forms and that’s about it.
Keep up the good work.
thank you lisa!! I just made my own subscription box with your help!! thank you so much..
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I just checked it out. Looks NIIIIIICE!! Way to go, Chakru.
Thank you lisa, it was only with your help, all the credits goes for you
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Thanks Lisa! Very nice video. I was messing around with my subscribe box and finally just decided to leave it alone for awhile. I changed the RSS icon but couldn’t get the wording from off the top of the new icon and below it where I wanted it.
Then I watched a video on html/css, learned a few things and realized how much more you can do if you know this kind of stuff. So your video was very timely and exciting.
I also think it might be time for a closer look at the Thesis theme and perhaps leave the land of the free (themes that is) forever.
Thanks again!
Michael
Nutrition and Physical Regeneration
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Hmm, I haven’t watched the video yet but I’m contemplating on whether removing my RSS icon in the above the fold area of my site. I haven’t started a email list yet but I may be confused, your email list just notifies us of the same thing that we would get had we used the RSS option right? It’s just through email right? I’m thinking email would be better because some people check their email more often than say an online rss feed and more forget about it.
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Right. Some people just don’t want to use or learn how to use RSS so they prefer email. So the post gets emailed to them instead of them having to read it on an RSS reader. It’s amazing how many people still prefer the email option so I’m glad I added it.
Hi Lisa!
OMG – Thank you SO much! You really have a gift for for explaining complicated topics and making them actually seem doable for a newbie like me. I have been debating on switching from Blogger to Wordpress. After watching this video, I have decided to take the plunge. I’m going for the Thesis theme. Thank you again for all you do to help us newbies!
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Hi. Very useful tutorial. Can you tell me how can i change the design of the default Email Subscriptions widget and make it like yours.
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Thank you thank you thankyou….I have been searching for WEEKS trying to find out how to do that!
Here was my first attempt! http://jodemetra.com
Nice job Rachael! Glad you found the help you needed.
I’m in China now. I cant see the video as youtube is blocked here. Any other ways for me to see it?
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I just love you for the simplicity you provide .. Amazingly easy to learn from you and feels like we can become world class CSS designers
Its like roaming around all the web and finally getting what you exactly wanted , the way you exactly wished for .
manish
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Lisa,
I stumbled across your Youtube video when I first started putting together my website, and have truly enjoyed all that you have had to share. Being new to blogging, this website has been a lifesaver. Thanks and do visit me at http://www.superheroesmom.com I am brand new, but would still love feedback from you. Thanks!
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Thanks for very useful information. I really need this.
Hi Lisa,
I appreciate you taking the time to do this tutorial. However, I am really having a hard time trying to figure out where to put the code so that it may appear in the second column of the sidebar for Thesis.
I know that you put a lot of work into this, but could you update this post and let those who have Thesis know exactly where to put the main code in order to achieve their desired outcome for this?
Besides, I’m sure it would make a great addition to Thesis Answers.
Thanks!
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I just want to say thanks again! It wasn’t an easy task, but I finally did it! My subscribe box looks 100 times better than it did before. I had to tap into a few more resources to get the desired outcome; But I now know more about coding as a result of it.
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Hi there, I’m glad you made this, but…I don’t know where exactly to put the codes, both of it. The first part and the codes. I’m using blogger.
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Wow! This is a very enlightning video! I´m glad you shared these tips with your readers. I´ll put it in practice right away.
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Fantastic tutorial Lisa. Congratulitions!
Just one question. Can you explain exactly how do you insert the div’s inside custom_functions.php file?
I mean, which is the code to put before and after of nnn ?
Thank you very much
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