I finally said goodbye to Internet Explorer today. :) All because I've found the love of my life Mozilla Firefox 3, yey!

Well, at first I just want to download Firefox 3 because this supports the Entrecard toolbar (that I am enjoying now yeyeye!) But after I checked what's with MF3, I was finally convinced to use this browser in my other blogging activities.

Download is a breeze. You just need to follow four simple instructions and you're done. :)

What I initially like about Mozilla Firefox 3 browser:

  • This browser imports my saved favorite sites and passwords in their own library
  • You can assign tags to some sites, yes, you read it right, multiple tags for as another way for you to remember the sites
  • Instant integration with your anti-virus software
  • Website ID for easier site identity overview
  • Built in spell checker (no need to copy and paste text on MS Word)
  • Session restore (relief from unexpected closure of your search or download session)
I have yet to enjoy the rest of what's new with Mozilla Firefox 3. But if you still have IE on your PC, why not try MF3 now? Let me know your experience with MF3 and if this is also your best alternative to online browsing.

Lovin' the Gmail Themes

Posted by Nhil | 11/22/2008 02:00:00 PM






Have you ever wished there's another layout for your Gmail accounts? Well, I guess Google finally heard other Gmail users like me who wants a newer look on their email inbox.

That's why I was thrilled when I read the message that I can finally change Gmail's themes. I really took time to check which one will best fit the overall look of my inbox.

Here's how you can customize your Gmail inbox:

  1. Login on your Gmail account


  2. Once you're in, click the Settings link located on the upper left hand corner of the screen, next to your Gmail address


  3. On the settings page, click on Themes, that's the last tab on the page


  4. Then you'll see the 31 lovely themes to choose from. Go ahead, (double) click the theme that you want to load on your inbox.


  5. Then be amazed as it automatically loads on your page. ;)


  6. If you want to change the theme then repeat steps 1-5. If you're happy with the theme you've chosen then go back to inbox and you're done.

See, that's easy. ;)

Comments on my Favorite Gmail Themes



Desk

I love the way it looks on my screen. It creates the mood of you just writing your usual stuff like reminders and to do's, more than composing emails.

Beach


When I tried this theme, a pop out window states that the theme will change according on my location. There was a drop down box that states the country you're in, then a blank box where you should type your location. Well I tried it and I love the look it gave me. Since the look varies per location, then why not go ahead and try it now?

Tree


As for this theme, you would really have to scroll down to check if you got it correctly ;) Yes, the 'tree' is located at the bottom part of the screen.


Mountains


It's like seeing that mountain in one sunny afternoon.


Pebbles


It's like composing your emails while sitting on these real like pebbles on the riverside.


Summer Ocean


I'd recommend that you try this for a more 'beach like' look.


On Other Gmail Themes


I leave it for you to try other themes and check how it appeals to you. Also, let me know if you also loved the themes I mentioned here. Who knows, the 'Google people' might consider to leave all these themes for good, since it's still on Beta.



Here are some things that bloggers do to decrease their blog traffic (if that's what they want).



Do:

  • Post nonsense stuff
  • Ignore fellow bloggers request for link exchange(s)
  • Use striking color combinations on your blog template
  • Fill your blog's empty space with too much clutter
  • Use the smallest and or the biggest font on your posts
  • Spam people as you invite them to read your blog
  • Bore you and your readers to death with your post
  • Mention all your points in one paragraph
  • Use too much jargon, deadwood phrases and gobbledygook terms
  • Pass the idea of coming up with a pillar post

Don't:

  • Submit your blog to blog directories and feedreaders
  • Post your blogroll
  • Interact with fellow bloggers (online and offline)
  • Think about your blog's theme
  • Leave a message on their CBOX and or ShoutMix
  • Think of doing guest posts on other related blogs
  • Use Plurk and Twitter to promote your blogging activities
  • Use keywords to mirror your blog's theme
  • Claim your blogs in Technorati
  • Check your Alexa blog traffic stats
  • Join Entrecard
  • Look for Blog Carnival Projects
If you have some more to add to the list, feel free to leave a comment here. ;)


If you're an Entrecarder like me who finds it hard to drop cards at times because of connection or server problems, I have a suggestion for you.


Drop your ECs when America is asleep ;)


I already tested this weeks ago and I found out that it is better to do all these dropping activities during my local (day) time here in the Philippines.


I would like to hear the best time(s) that you can drop all these ECs to promote your blog. Maybe we can try your tip as well and benefit from what you know, fellow Entrecarders ;)

Another month has passed and I would like to thank all bloggers who visited this blog. Well, the greetings go most specially to my top droppers for October.

Here's the list:

SimplyWP is celebrating her 3rd month Blogoversary and she came up with a contest. Although my blog is just new I decided to sponsor and join this contest. I hope 24x7 Online Diva will win. ;)

Here are the prizes for the lucky winners:

Prize #1: ( $15, 15000 EC Credits, ad spots )
$10 from BlipBit
$5 from My Life’s Adventure
5000 EC Credits from Wiehanne Lounge
5000 EC Credits from Wiehanne Contest
1000 EC Credits from Random Detoxification
1000 EC Credits from Michael Aulia’s Tech Blog
1000 EC Credits from dramas of my life
1000 EC Credits from Momiespace
1000 EC Credits from LupuSurvivor
125×125 ad spot for 2 months at Pastel Corner
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Call Center Gal
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at 24×7 Online Diva
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Love Is A Precious Gift
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at A Message From My Heart
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at The Journey
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Only in Silence
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Hit-or-Miss

Prize #2: ( $10, 12000 EC Credits, ad spots )
3000 EC Credits and $10 from My Own Utopia, Sasha says, Sasha’s Corner
3000 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 1 month from Serradinho.com
1000 EC Credits from Life Together Starts
1000 EC Credits from A Housewife’s Journal
1000 EC Credits from Make Money Online
1000 EC Credits from ThemeLib
500 EC Credits from All Healthy Tips
500 EC Credits from All Blogspot Templates
500 EC Credits from The Joy Of Life Forever
500 EC Credits from The Fountain Of Happiness
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Call Center Gal
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at A Simple Married Life
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Pinay Freelancer
125×125 ad spot for 2 weeks at 24patrol

Prize #3: ( $5, 9000 EC Credits, ad spots )
$5 from Earning Money Online
3000 EC Credits from Medan Daily
1000 EC Credits from Gettin’ Personal
1000 EC Credits from I Love Nice
1000 EC Credits from Erikson’s Home
1000 EC Credits from Multiply Themes
500 EC Credits from Heart random
500 EC Credits from Name Sherry
500 EC Credits from Days of My Life
500 EC Credits from Thomas Travel Tales
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at A Simple Married Life
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at 24×7 Online Diva
125×125 ad spot for 1 month at Pinay Freelancer

Prize #4: ( 5500 EC Credits, ad spots )
2000 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 1 month from Night Clicks
500 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 1 month from Genrya.com
500 EC Credits from Nita’s Random Thoughts
500 EC Credits from Nita’s Corner
500 Entrecard Credits from Healthy Living and Lifestyle
500 Entrecard Credits from Arts and Entertainment Center
500 Entrecard Credits from CompTechGadgets.com
500 Entrecard Credits from Erlinda’s Wandering Thoughts

Prize #5: ( 3000 EC Credits, ad spot)
1000 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 1 month from atenean1011000 EC Credits from The Couch Potato
500 Entrecard Credits from Filipino Online Community
500 Entrecard Credits from Great Finds and Deals
Prize #6:
500 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 1 month from Wonderful Things In Life

Prize #7:
500 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 1 month from Kahpeng.com

Prize #8:
500 EC Credits and 125×125 ad spot for 2 weeks from Contest For Bloggers

Prize #9:
500 EC Credits from Thomas Web Links
125×125 ad spot for 2 weeks at Journal of Journey

Prize #10:
500 EC Credits from maldita.us
125×125 ad spot for 2 weeks at i-heart-contest.com

SPECIAL PRIZE:
1 year webhosting from Benghan.com
1 year domain name of your choice from SimplyWP
Custom theme design for Wordpress from SimplyWP

You can check out SimplyWP
for the contest mechanics. Good Luck!




I've been using the classic templates of Entrecard for the look of my card. I've also been active in my blogging activities and yes, dropping ECs.
But I noticed that I only receive a few organic clicks from the Entrecard site going here. I know I still have to fill this with much useful content but I also thought of another reason for the click turnout.

My card looks boring.

I'd have to admit that because it really is boring. I'm challenged to use photoshop that's why I never get to replace the face of my entrecard blog card.

That's bad especially if you want to make money online. That can also affect your blog's traffic. Internet is still a visual medium. That's why you should always keep up with something pleasing to the eyes when you promote your blog so they'll notice and check it out.

Just like your entrecard blog face.

Well, good thing I stumbled upon free125cards. I only spent around five minutes (because I still have to compare the font types to use) and then I already got a new card face for this blog.

I got so amazed on how easy it was to personalize your 125x125 banner that I'll go back on that site later today to create another banner for my blogging awards. ;)

How about you? Are you contented with your entrecard blog face?