In updating my Blog Resource Page, all the information written moved here. It is still current and helpful, but things I recommend and why need revision. This post has more explanation of the why and wherefore for using certain choices than I think is best for a no-frills resource list.
If you are new to blogging, sort through the following advice for timesavers and tips.
Free Themes
I recommend the default WordPress themes to start out with, unless you are sure you know what you want. There are free child themes available for them. Between the choices that all have the name “Twentysomething” (series starting with ten, you should be able to find a theme that suits your blogging needs.
The Swift theme was one that I used on this site for awhile and warmed up to it.
Update I had to change the Swift theme to the PageLines since the hackers kept getting into the Swift theme, which shows that security is a big deal in choosing a theme.
I have always liked the typography of PageLines, though I did miss the bright colors of Swift. Plus, I don’t think there should be a free theme that only gets updated to work well, forcing you to buy the premium version. That is something to watch out for, although it is much less likely to happen now. Not a problem with the bigger theme developers who have a reputation to stake.
I did a test-drive of the default free themes on this site before deciding to use Divi.
Paid Themes
I use Elegant themes (Divi) in my garden sites, and one of the earlier ones on TrueGrit, a religion blog.
I switched from experimenting with their new themes to using mainly their pride production: the Divi theme. It has pros and cons. Although as time goes on the improvements are wiping out the negative opinions.
Pros
Divi is highly customizable and can do about anything you want it to.
It is responsive (extremely important, now).
Easy to work with.
Cons
The main thing I don’t like is one of the things I also do like: the pagebuilder.
The pagebuilder uses shortcode components that helps you build a page the way you want it. Making landing pages, etc is simple. But if you change from the Divi to another theme like the WordPress default, all the pages which you built show only the shortcode blocks .
This is highly inconvenient, to be locked into one theme.
Solution?
A plugin that helps to sort out the shortcodes coding on the site, or changes made by the ET developers to make all of the shortcode reside within a plugin that remains no matter what theme is chosen.
Looking For A Theme
Find features you need.
Pleasing layout and typography for readability.
Responsiveness now tops the list of needed features.
Support might be important for you, and regular updating certainly will be.
Now Using Fourteen Sixteen Theme
Further Update: WordPress made the good looking magazine theme for 2014 and I switched to it. I am very happy with so many of its features that I imagine staying with it for quite awhile.
Further, Further Update: I kept updating until the twentysixteen theme. It doesn’t have the customizing plugins, nor is it easy to change the look. I love it for its functionality, though.
It is a good beginning theme. However I will say that for a complex site like my Garden site, the Divi pro theme from Elegant Themes is better suited to what I ask from WordPress.
There are several good social sharing helps, right now I use Shareaholic, which includes related posts I used YARPP for years, and that worked well, too -especially with new improvements it has now.
Akismet to deal with Spam. Bruteprotect to deter hackers. These are in the Jetpack. Yes, I use it.
There is controversy about the Jetpack, but I used enough of its features to make it worthwhile. It disturbs me to know that some feel it bloats and greatly increases loadtime for the site.
I switched back to YARPP after Shareaholic made changes that I really didn’t like. I no longer recommend it and deleted the plugin from all my sites.
Disclosure: I use affiliate links for some of the resources. This in no way influences the opinions I post. Everything written is transparent and based on my experience.
What Are People Buying from this Web Entrepreneur?
(Written in 2017)
Sometimes it is helpful to see what’s happening in someone else’s business. Like many other online writers, I saw a shakeup in income during the past year (2016), so I am trying to see where “the cheese” has relocated.
I know a little of where the bloggers are going… they are giving webinars and making ebooks to sell, making paid membership sites and information to some extent. The content farm writers are trying their hand at their own blogs, and others are networking, speaking, and writing books.
It is quite the fruit salad of alternatives, but back to the point of this post, I am looking at what on sells Amazon for my sites, which designs at Zazzle are purchased, and other pertinent bits of information.
Web Entrepreneurs Affiliated with Amazon
(As of 2024, my Amazon income and orders has drastically dropped and stayed depressed. After Hubpages and their partners took over almost all Amazon affiliate links were removed or penalized, but you can view the former information recorded here) After the initial drop from the closing of Squidoo, I usually see between 7 and 20 orders which qualify for affiliate referral.
This quarter some of the items were books (mainly from my garden site), but also:
Since Hubpages has radically reduced the number of Amazon products (to zero in some cases) allowed on my pages, I may well see less of the hair careall orders in the future.
Hubpages was taken over by another company and has dwindled down to almost no income for me, and for most web entrepreneurs like me, now. For years the forums on Hubpages had complaints about effects of Google updates. In 2024, this has benefitted my own hosted websites, but the content farms continue to struggle for small-scale writers who are not employed directly.
Zazzle Web Entrepreneur
In 2024 I have to update my findings on this web entrepreneur avenue. My stores there have become one of my main sources of online income. Everyone at Zazzle forums complains of changes leading to less income, but I don’t know the overview. For me, last year was a struggle, and this year is variable. While it seems that I am making progress at times, the orders are often small and for products that have little commission. I don’t make consequential referral income.
As I have worked harder in this sector of web entrepreneurship, I have seen much more success in my Zazzle efforts.
The sectors that are known to sell, for web entrepreneurs on Zazzle, have been the invitation areas of Wedding, Shower, and Birthday. let it be known that these are so highly competitive and saturated that it pays to find your own niche within those areas.
A more complete picture of what sells on this POD, for me, can be seen from postings on my art Facebook page.
When I began monetizing, in the early 2000’s, Google ads, affiliate advertising -including Amazon- were the main sources of income. These were incorporated into blogging for web entrepreneurs. Then came the rise and changes inside Social Media platforms, i.e. Facebook/Instagram, Twitter/Now X, et al.
I did not ever enter the Etsy platform as a store, and from Youtube tutorials this has changed and become much more challenging. I have not attempted to create my own stores with Shopify or WooCommerce. Facebook has wasted restricted its platform for commerce, etc. So, I don’t have anything helpful to say about these resources.
Youtube long ago changed so that I had no income from that platform, either.
Since becoming a designer for Zazzle, I discovered that this Print on Demand company has an extensive offering of all things “Wedding”. They are a wonderful source for ideas, but especially for getting exactly the wedding invitations and stationary needs you envision. Because there are so many choices, and because this is one of the choices of highest priority in your plans, this article gives some FAQ and general information to help make the process easy.
Easy FAQ Guide to Wedding Stationary
Who prints and ships your orders? Zazzle handles all aspects of customer fulfillment. A designer creates the artwork designs and usually puts it into template form; although you can usually change most things on an invitation, et.al, the personalization is most often in the text used within the design
Who Do I Contact if I Make a Mistake? As a designer, I often receive questions about orders. I always have to let inquirers know that only the staff at Zazzle can help them. If you initially make a mistake and know you want to change something, cancel your order and begin again with the design process. For more complicated issues, contact Zazzle help.
How Do I Cancel or Modify My Order? Here is the help page for guiding you in the process of correcting mistakes, a list of Zazzleterms and conditions
Tips to Simplify Success for Your Wedding Invitations
Ordering just one invitation gives you the best way to see exactly how your finished product will look. It is an economical way to make the best choice- each invite costs just a few dollars usually.
If you need immediate help- the site has chat and staff available to answer your questions and even guide you through the process. Plus, Zazzle offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Have an idea of the theme you wish to choose your designs from- there are literally thousands of possibilities in each theme. Rustic? Traditional? Watercolor? Seasonal? Colors?
Besides the decisions on a design, several shape variations, papers and finishes, even touches such as foils, are available.
Steps for Making the Most from Wedding Stationary Purchases
One purpose for choosing and organizing the invitation process early-on is to give your guest plenty of advance time to schedule their attendance. For this, “Save the Date” cards are sent a year in advance. This ensures that long-distance guests can make their travel plans, etc. These cards range from postcards (a popular, easy choice) to magnets, or any number of creative ideas that signal
Another purpose is setting the tone for your event. The colors and setting of your celebration, as well as the level of formality can all be presented by this first communication. The suite of stationary gives a follow-through glimpse of how special and anticipated the wedding day will be. I’m including some examples from the Zazzle site to illustrate some of the products available to the bride.
Order of the ceremony, on paper or printed on fans
Welcome sign or banner
Personalized candles
Items for the rehearsal dinner and reception:
A separate invitation
Napkins
Photo backdrops
Table signs and table numbers
Seating charts
Seating cards
Menu cards
Zazzle’s Paper Choices
The default types are their Standard Matte and Semi-Gloss.
The Signature collection composed of
Signature Felt Ecru
Signature Columned
Signature Laid
Signature Felt White
Finally, consider The Premium collection. These special options are:
Premium Kraft
Premium Linen
Premium Thick
Premium Pearl Shimmer
Premium Champagne Shimmer
Premium Metallic Silver
Complete descriptions and close-up photos relating to each of these types of papers are found in through following the link below,”How to Create the Perfect Invitation”.
Using proper wording and knowing what type of information to include is an art! There are many sources of information on this topic, but start with this one.
I'm just starting out on Society6, which is a POD site for artists ( much like Zazzle). Anyway, while seeking to discover how to use the site and create designs that fit its demographic and products I came across some sute Corgi designs.
I like the Corgi breed of dog ever since seeing a cousins absolutely adorable pup. I am thinking of getting one sometime in the next year.
It seemed like a good idea to share my discoveries with the world ( both the Corgi design and my newfound affection for the breed.
Here is a pattern on a mug:
Why do I like the Corgi breed? Cuteness factor is quite high, it is friendly without being too needy. Intelligent and good watch dogs.
They are said to be stubborn and need training, as well as prone to bark. Those downsides need to be taken into account, but isn't different from the other dog I just love: Great Pyrenees.Â
However... the difference in size between the two means a smaller dog like a corgi will be much easier to manage.Â
We Need To See More Corgi Designs
Okay... take a look at this:
Coming Soon: My Own Designs
I have loads of design elements to play with and intend to make some work (hopefully including patterns) for Society6 site. It has bedspreads and wall papers, along with many other products that aren't found elsewhere. I'm hoping to do as well as I have on my Zazzle stores.
In the meantime, I have a watercolor of a cute Corgi that is available in Amazon Merch and on Zazzle:
Making the Switch from Desktop PC to Mac Pro Laptop
Why Start with a PC?
It was once thought that Microsoft products were best for businesses. Perhaps that is still the opinion of many today. It was the reasoning behind the purchase of our first computer.
Years and years ago when first wanting to use a computer, I desired a Mac computer. But as fate would have it, my husband bought our first computer for his business. On the advice of one of those computer professionals who set up businesses with a computer and a manual of unintelligible instructions on “what to do” we became the owners of a Desktop PC.
I say “we”, when it was my husband’s business machine. However, we all (me, my husband, and my kids) learned to use the PC, Windows, and various types of computer software on that rather prehistoric computer with dial-up internet connection.
Five Years Later
Fast forward about five years and my husband stayed locked into the elementary levels of computer usage (whichmay or may not consist of banging on the keyboard repeatedly in frustration), I journeyed my way to a fair amount of computer literacy, and my sons- well, they are computer professionals today, well respected in their field.
Apple Products, Re-introduced
It was those sons who started using Mac laptops as their main computer of choice, and then several years ago with not a little trepidation, I started using Apple products which were completely unfamiliar territory for me. I did not have an iPod, I did not have an iPhone, I did not collect any money, and I did not pass “Go”. I simply went to an Apple store and bought my Macbook Pro.
And anyone who uses the computer a lot, without having any natural facility for it, knows that that takes a lot of courage. Or foolhardiness. Or both.
Anyway, it appears that I had plenty of both, and a couple years ago I bought my long desired Mac Laptop.
I decided on the Macbook Pro version of an Apple computer because more than portability I wanted the requisite hardware to run graphic software (which I have not yet purchased for my Mac). But I was thinking ahead, you see.
Now that tablets have taken the technological world by storm, I’m glad I have this for my main computer work, and later I also bought an iPad for traveling.
IPad vs. Pro
On that topic, would I still start out with a fullsize Macbook Pro versus a tablet?
Yes. It depends on your needs. If you need the power to run programs and will essentially replace using a desktop, then a fullsize laptop is the right choice. If you need computing on the go that is easy to carry, then an iPad is more practical. Or like me, you might find both is the right answer.
Are you ready to make the change?
I am glad I made the change from PC’s since I do like this laptop better than the Toshiba Satellite I had as my laptop before. Apple has a better interface and is easier to use in many ways. It is a little challenging to change what you have become used to with a PC.
I still don’t know how to locate things on the inside of the MAC system, but I haven’t needed to (troubleshoot) as much as I did with the PC.
Adding and deleting software is simple. Many cool utilities, Synced with iPhone ( I own one now)
Several Years Later With My Mac Pro – Would I choose it again?
The Pros Of A Pro
I would. No question, I would choose the newest version of my Mac Pro 17 inch laptop. I like the size for working on at home. It works without glitches, and I have gotten the knack of a Mac, so that now I prefer it.
I still use my PC desktop, but not as often.
The battery life is not as long as I might have hoped, and I usually keep the laptop connected to its cord, but it is longer than anything I was used to with the old Toshiba.
The screen and graphics are clear and beautiful.
I love the usability of Apple apps and feel. The design of a MAC is outstanding, and that is important when you spend lots of time on a computer. Mostly I prefer the software of the MAC, its utilities, etc.
There was quite a learning curve for me. I don’t think that would be an issue if I hadn’t used PC’s for so long. I had to relearn how to do things I wanted to do.
Overall, it is a good choice and I am happy to have made the switch, even though I can’t say I am fanatical about Apple products, but are most people nowadays?
The Longevity Of PC Laptops Vs Apple
My husband and youngest son were sold on the Acer Tablet, after my husbands friend, an electrical engineer raved on about it. I still have sort of an elitist bias against Acer, I guess, but I’m trying to stay open minded about it. Maybe that will be my next electronic expenditure.
Five years down the pike, I still have my Mac and although it has signs of needing a new battery, it works well for my needs.
The PCs? They had to be replaced.
Reasons To Switch, Mac Or PC?
Still thinking about a PC?
We’ve used Dells, HPs, Acers, and Toshibas in this family. Of the PC brands the Toshiba has been the best in my experience. It was a hand me down from one of my computer professional sons. Lasting through lots of use, it served well and was trouble free until it died the death that all computers seem to come to eventually- but not until lots of years of service had been put in.
Get A Protector, Like The Speck Case
An investment that made me happy.
It was my daughters idea. I had bought her a Mac Pro computer for her new working life after she graduated from college. It was her graduation present from me. She wanted a protective cover in pink and I went ahead a sprung for mine in black.
Of course, that was before I started designing some of the customizable electronic products over at Zazzle. At some point I will buy one for myself from there that I customize… to replace the plain black. But I am very happy with its practicality and worry-free way it keeps the case looking like new. It has a nice feel to it, too.
Find many cases for all sorts of electronics on Zazzle (including your laptop!)
update: Zazzle now offers only sleeves for laptops and only up to 15″. They no longer have Speck brand cases.
Get Some Protection
I was very happy with my Speck case, it lasted in good condition for many years. It became slightly scuffed over time, but overall retained its good looks and more importantly, protected the finish of my laptop.
Nothing really new for me to say except to add my opinion to the many. The primary thing I like about Apple, including the Macbook Pro, is that they are designed well. The features fit well, work well, and everything is solid and nicely made. Those things are increasingly important to me, and I think that is what made the Apple company. I hope they keep that aesthetic even though Steve Jobs is not around to helm the company ship.
I like that I can sync together the products, although I don’t understand it very well. but I do know that when I take pictures with my iPhone I can hook it right up and easily transfer everything to my computer. Done and done.
I am thinking of getting an iPad for taking with me when I travel … although my husband is a strong voice for the Acer product ( the money factor weighs heavily for him). I really like my iPhone, after resisting the change form my very old, very basic Nokia for so long. I like the idea that I can use the Sync feature.
So all this means that I made the switch to Mac in more ways than just the laptop, and looking forward to working more efficiently in the future.
Are You A Dummie? – Never fear- we all start out that way. Numerous times.
I use my Mac Pro laptop almost all the time, but in the interim I also replaced my old Dell desktop with another HP “All in One”. Many people are no longer using the larger laptops, but rigging up their other portable devices to do everything a laptop does. I can understand that, since it is cumbersome to lug a laptop around when traveling.
The desktop still is useful for the heavy duty work of a full graphics program like Photoshop, etc. And it is better to sit up straight at the desk than slouch around on the couch when doing long periods of computer work.
When comparing the two, PC and Mac, neither wins out definitively. PC still has more of the programs that I find important , while the Mac still remains more secure from problems like viruses. It is easier to use, especially given the difficulty of the newer Windows OS.
I also like the idea of touchscreens; but again, switching over to new habits has proven to be a hassle, when it was supposed to have been more effective.
I think the best way to decide which machine is best is to know which one fits your work style and software best. And today everyone needs some sort of portable device, but phones are incredibly powerful, an innovation not foreseen (by me, anyway) several years ago when I first purchased my Mac laptop.
Buy the power and memory you need to accomplish your end results for work or gaming.
I went For a Mac the Second Time Around
After giving me almost ten years of service, my Mac Pro laptop was exhibiting problems. There was a choice of refurbishing with a new battery or buying a replacement. I decided to buy a replacement.
The Macbook Pro 2017 is much lighter and very sleek. It no longer has a CD slot and the charger has changed. I’ve been very happy with it and it works very powerfully even with big Adobe graphics programs.
I personally am very, very happy with Apple’s design and quality. My daughter decided she was ready to switch, however. She chose a PC laptop and switched from an iPhone to another kind. She seems equally happy with her choice.
I do believe that the best choice remains in the arena of what works best for you in terms of software and what you use your machine for. For me, blogging and Adobe software makes Apple the ideal choice.
With a wireless, you can print from your laptop, which is a real convenience.
Hardware equipment that goes both ways:
I am not happy when a printer or scanner can only be used by one type of machine, are you? Look for those which can be used by as many of your machines as possible.
I recently added a dog breed design that is made for the holidays, with its wreath and Christmas colors. It is a fun watercolor style that highlights fans of the Vizsla dog breed.
The "Faith" tshirt remains live because it made one sale. This is the criteria for designs to have longevity on Amazon Merch. Then, I bought one for myself- got many compliments on the shirt and people really liked the design. I will say it runs slightly small, so order one size up unless you like a slim fit. The length was really nice, and I liked the overall quality.
Details About Merch by Amazon
we are limiting the number of t-shirts a content creator can make based on tiers of designs.
The Merch by Amazon team will be hand-selecting content creators who have sold the same amount of t-shirts as the number of the tier they are in. For example: to move up from the 10 tier, a content creator will need to sell at least 10 shirts from those they have created to move up to the 25 tier.
Admission to these tiers are based not only on sales, but the quality of the products being sold by the content creator as well.
Tier levels include: 10 25 100 500 Pro (by invitation)
Learning Curve
I have to confess that Merch by Amazon has a big learning curve when it comes to creating on the site. Now that many changes have been made to the system, it is frustrating to have a short timeline to sell designs and then have them removed.
If a design does not sell, it is removed. It cannot be automatically renewed, and there is a limit to the number of designs that can be uploaded each day.
These are not unreasonable restrictions, but quite different from other sites like Zazzle or Redbubble, etc.
Comparing Merch with Other Similar Sites
I have worked on Zazzle since 2011, and that site had a similar slow start for me. It produces regular, if not large, pocket money now. I expect that Redbubble and Merch are similar. From others comments some of them have greater success on Redbubble and all who comment on their stores say that each one differs and it is helpful to diversify.
Producing content for each POD type of store is different. In Amazon Merch each product is produced individually, from the upload to writing the descriptions and tagwords to the publishing. Zazzle, while now similar in that they encourage single rather than batch operations of publishing, have the transfer feature. This helps reduce time. Redbubble and Society6 automate the designs to their products, after which it is wise to size and edit each one to look good on that particular one.
I will report on the comparisons in a more definitive way in about a year. I think that is enough time to observe sales and see the trend.
What are your experiences? Do you like one site better than another for making sales? Which one is best for your designs and style?
My family also uses Amazon Prime often, which saves us money on shipping and more.
Please support my site by using my links, thank you. This Page may contain affiliate links. “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases”
