Feb 08 2007
Ms. Q Joins MyBlogLog
If you keep scrolling, you’ll notice that I have a new sidebox called “Recent Readers.”
It’s provided by MyBlogLog. I learned about this nifty widget by reading this post by John Chow.
The widget allows me to see who reads my blog. It also allows you to see other readers. The idea behind MyBlogLog is to create communities of like-minded readers.
If you’re interested in bringing more readers to your blog, joining MyBlogLog may be one more method. I’ve certainly begun visiting more blogs after joining and I think it’s because I can put a face to a name. Even an avatar gives some indication of a reader’s personality.
How do you get the Recent Reader’s widget?
You first have to register. You give your Screen Name, Email and Password and optional blog address. Some members are only readers. You can then upload your photo or avatar. John Chow writes about a MyAvatar WordPress plugin for MyBlogLog if you’re interested.
Once you’re registered you can now access your My Home tab. From there you can get the Recent Readers and Top Links widgets.
You must have either a WordPress self-hosted blog or a TypePad-hosted blog.
The MyBlogLog widget is currently not available for blogs hosted on WordPress.com.
You can read the instructions as well as get the WordPress MyBlogLog Widget for WordPress here.
I found the setup easy. You can configure the widget colors to coordinate with your blog.
In addition to making it easy to create a blog Community, MyBlogLog offers statistics. They have 2 versions: Free or Pro. The Pro version tracks what links readers are clicking on in realtime. They offer the Pro version to new users free for 3 days. My free trial will expire soon, but here’s a screenshot of what information I am currently receiving. It’s pretty nice!
I use Google Analytics for statistical information. I admit that the information MyBlogLog provides is much easier for me to understand and navigate. According to MyBlogLog it is not a replacement for any existing statistical software you may be using.
I found the MyBlogLog site counter-intuitive with respect to navigation. The best information was presented under HELP and not somewhere obvious on the main page. The site feels a bit hokey but that’s also part of its charm.
Update: According to HMTKSteve, the widgets will work on any site. I could’ve sworn I read somewhere that you had to have a self-hosted WordPress or TypePad blog, but…can’t find the reference. Glad I’m mistaken – means more people can use it!
He also describes a flaw in the plugin.
The widgets will work on any site.
If you are talking about the Avatars widget and not the generic “MyBlogLog” widgets than it may be limited in the fashion you describe.
However, the Avatars widget has a problem in that it grabs an image based on the URL provided in the comments. This means you can easily impersonate a different MyBlogLog member.
Hey, HMTKSteve – thanks for pointing it out. I updated my post to lead readers to your posting on the flaw.