People - I need your help.
Again.
I know. I am a needy bitch.
I will tell you that this is a technical issues (two, actually) - but please, don’t go running off just yet because you might know of someone who can help even if you can’t. We are resorting to networking here people!!!
Issue Numero Uno (God, I am so worldly.):
I get an average of three emails a day from people telling me they can’t comment here. I finally figured out that it might not be because IT departments hate me. (That would be why the entire site is blocked at many workplaces - but this guy is OK. WTF?!?!)
Apparently, when some people click on the comment section the entire site - and sometimes the entire computer - just… dies. Freezes. Locks up and goes no more!! Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to replicate this problem so I am totally lost on how to fix it.
I am just sick at the idea that there are people out there wanting to comment who can’t. What if Prada has been trying to reach me via my comments?!?!?!?!?
Anyone know where I should start looking? Or who I can pay beg plead flash for help?
Issue Numero Dos:
I am trying to find a program that will automatically generate a zoomed in/cropped thumbnail and/or display said thumnail in my sidebar as a link to a photoblog. The TRICK is - I want the thumbnail to automatically update with the most recent picture of the day.
Confused?
Bored?
Unsubscribing in droves?
Shit.
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Clearly, Hitler is okay but losing tampons in your vagina is verboten.
May 12th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I used to know someone who could help, as did we all, but… not anymore.
Did anyone check with whall?
May 13th, 2008 at 12:13 am
PS - The problem you mention never happens to me, but I’m using a Mac and Firefox. Ask those people what operating system and web browser they’re using, that might narrow down the problem.
(And… maybe it’s the smilies.)
May 13th, 2008 at 12:14 am
(or, and I’m not being a jackass… the ads.)
May 13th, 2008 at 12:15 am
It’s entirely possible that there are a number of people who just can’t handle the simple task of leaving a comment. Since it’s a small number of people it’s probably their problem and not yours. Maybe they are using an old computer or really old version of IE or Firefox and they haven’t updated and whatever. Okay, so I don’t really have any idea.
As for number dos, uh .. I don’t have any idea about that one either.
Hope I was helpful. ;-)
May 13th, 2008 at 12:32 am
Umm … is this where you want me to re-hash all the info I emailed you ! :-) Just Checkin’
May 13th, 2008 at 1:39 am
leaving a comment, so I can take a screenshot of what happens to me…
May 13th, 2008 at 1:50 am
AND… of course it didn’t happen this time… fuck!
May 13th, 2008 at 1:51 am
I don’t have a problem leaving comments but am technically challenged, so I have no idea what’s causing the problem. However, I think Jay may be onto something with the old browsers. They can stop you performing certain functions. Maybe commenting is one of them. Good luck.
May 13th, 2008 at 2:51 am
I’m willing to put money those people are using IE. I get the same complaint… and I am happy to say I am no longer the only slow loading blog out there.
I looked for something that would do that already… but image archives in thumbnail form show the entire thumbnail. You may need to do it manually using the Optional Exceptions lines below the post in your dashboard.
May 13th, 2008 at 5:59 am
Outdated and/or compromised operating system software is usually the cause of the types of freeze-up problems you described and can generally be avoided (especially on MS Windows computers) by doing the following:
Download the Spybot 1.5.2 from Download.com, keep it updated, and do periodic scans - it will remove the spyware/adware parasites that cause a lot of browser problems and general performance issues.
Maintain a fully updated Antivirus/Firewall product on the computer and do periodic scans. For instance, some ISPs (like Comcast or AOL) provide McAfee Security products at no charge. Be sure to download the latest updates before running a scan.
If operating MS Windows based computer, use the Windows Update or Microsoft Update utilities to keep the system software fully maintained and secure. Use the custom rather than express option to see all updates that are available. Set Windows Update to automatically download critical updates as they are released.
Download and install Mozilla Firefox from Mozilla.com and either set it as the default browser or have it handy for use when encountering a problem with IE.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:32 am
I have a couple of techie questions myself, dealing with the email address I have linked to my Wordpress blog. Perhaps you could host a tech forum for us! What? No? Oh well, it was worth a try.
Wish I could help with your questions, but alas, that would be like the blind leading the blind.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:35 am
My guess is the ads.
Your site has never been a problem for me on the Macs.
May 13th, 2008 at 6:52 am
ummmm, i got nuttin for ya. remember that i am the one who is lucky to get her computer turned on. sorry.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:24 am
I haven’t had a problem with comments, but then I click over from your feed so it goes direct to your post and comment section instead of starting from the homepage. Maybe coming in that way is the trick. But I’ve seriously never had a problem save for your site being listed as profane and adult content. ;-)
May 13th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Problem #1: rcm-images.amazon.com is stuck (sidebar ad?) — That could be one issue. Usually, things that hang in IE are javascript related - that one hung for over 30 seconds so it could cause IE to give up.
The nextgen gallery plugin auto generates square/cropped thumbs, and you can call it into the sidebar via a widget. You might like that one.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:38 am
#1- Haven’t noticed it here (yet) but I have on another blog, which happens to be hosted on my server so I really need to look into it further. I think it’s a wordpress issue myself as it started with WP2.5. I use AdBlock+ in Firefox so it’s not an ad issue on that other blog.
#2- Been looking for the same thing. I’ve found some plugins for wordpress that might work, but I want something that I can send pics to from my cellphone.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:50 am
Also, if you’re using lightbox - that causes IE to crash in the latest WP version as well.
May 13th, 2008 at 7:59 am
I have intermitten problems commenting. My computer doesn’t freeze, but the comment disappears as soon as I hit submit.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:29 am
I have IE and I have no problem loading or commenting on anyone’s site…..yet….now that I jinxed myself…..dammit!
May 13th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Ask Wayne (www.whall.org) for help. He fixes everything!
May 13th, 2008 at 9:06 am
I had a problem when you first switched over to this template. I could read you in my feed reader, but when I clicked over here I would get an “access forbidden” error. That lasted for about a month, and then I could come over here but I couldn’t read the comments.
Within a week or so it subsided.
Perhaps an automatic update on my end did it, but I’m using the same computer I have all along so I tend to think it has more to do with the template and not so much “user error.”
May 13th, 2008 at 9:09 am
I didn’t understand any of that, so I am going to rely on my homerun swing here:
You’re pretty.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Flashing me always helps.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:27 am
No idea on the first thing. On the second thing, I know I told you to ask Dooce, did she ignore you?
May 13th, 2008 at 10:53 am
OK, just so you don’t think I’ve unsubscribed… I can’t help you with either problem. I know for me, when my computer freezes at your site, it’s a problem with my BellSouth DSL connection. Fuckers put us too far from the DSL hub and won’t build another closer to us. So, maybe that’s the problem? And the second issue? Maybe e-mail Dooce?
OK, promise not to kill me?
May 13th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Sorry hun. I can not help you with either. I am computer retarded.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:23 am
Oh yea! That makes perfect sense! However, I have NO clue how to help. I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I would resort to the same tactics you are using. FLASHING! lol
May 13th, 2008 at 11:33 am
By the way, I use IE on my work computer, and Firefox on my laptop. Both are entirely different systems, models, set ups, etc, and I have never had a problem with either one. Maybe my luck is turning around??
May 13th, 2008 at 11:37 am
This is all very easily handled I’m sure.
Just… not by me cuz I have no idea. Chao!
May 13th, 2008 at 11:53 am
I can’t help but can you just flash us anyway?
May 13th, 2008 at 11:55 am
I have never had that problem. Unfortunately I know no uber computer geeks anymore.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:57 am
I had the problem the other day. Everything froze up and I couldn’t click submit. I finally closed out of the window and re-opened your blog and was able to comment. Another thing I encountered the other day was really weird. If I clicked some where on the page the comments disappeared but I could scroll the window and they came back. (It had me completely entertained for about 15 minutes.) I think it all has to do with the computer I use to view. It is older and has a few problems.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
There’s got to be a plugin available that’ll let you do what you want. I’ve never had trouble with your site or commenting. Using XP and Firefox.
May 13th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I got nothign for you, but mine does wonky things to some people too. Don’t know why…
May 13th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
I’m too lazy to read the comments already above, so i’ll just throw in what i think:
for the browser blowing up i’m 99% sure that it’s IE that’s doing that. IE with vista I bet. Meesh had the same issue when she visited my site, she would get a dialogue box that said “so sorry, IE blowed up.” well it might not have been that exactly, but close. But yeah IE with vista.
As for number 2, Yeah I’ve been looking for some good thumbnailing software, but i’m wagering you want something that works on the web server in the background. I’ve been looking for the same exact thing, but not aggressively. I guess i’ll look more aggressively now (or just get off my lazy ass and read the comments since someone already has an idea for that.)
May 13th, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I am clueless and as of no help here!
May 13th, 2008 at 2:23 pm
My eyes glazed over at the word “technical”. I’m sorry. There was a reason I majored in English and not, say, something that would result in making more than minimum wage.
May 13th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I checked on my brother’s windowy computer and it wasn’t happy on your site (he is a Firefox/XP-er). I can’t get near your site at work and you are so very banned… but at least I get to read you there on Bloglines!
The thumbnail affair - have not a clue - there must be a plugin out there somewhere!
May 13th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
Sorry can’t help… But we’ve got XP and use IE at work and XP and Firefox at home and have no problems.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Sorry I can’t help you. I can hardly post on my own blog. Computer stupid I am.
May 13th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
And here I thought I’d been banned from leaving comments!
May 13th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
I’ve had trouble leaving comments. Sometimes I show up (as “anonymous”) sometimes it makes everything go all crazy.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
And look at that! It worked.
May 13th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Hi Britt
As I have mentioned before (but will leave it here as well in case it helps someone else figure it out) I can comment from WinXP without a problem. However, I am unable to from Windows Vista Ultimate(SP1) using either IE7 or Firefox. I have tried turning of the Phishing Filter, changing security settings as well as adding you to the Trusted Sites list. All to no avail. Your site seems to be the only one I have trouble with. Ouch .. sorry ! :-)
Cheers
Charlie
May 13th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
I’ve been thinking on this issue and I think there’s gotta be some plugin that analyzes your comments or whatever, that is erroring out IE on vista.
I’d almost bet on anything that uses improper javascript, but it’s really hard to say. Of course the stock answer is to “disable all your plugins” but honestly, that’s not so easy to do!
Silly vista and IE7 make my head hurt. I’d check your plugins myself. Of course, you probably have already figured this out by now hahaha.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
If you are the same Miss Britt that posted in the Orlando Sentinel today about her husband being able to do laundry and cook dinner….you are blocked by the filters in my office. We use Websense and they have you on a blacklist of “offensive” sites.
Used to read Fab’s blog…now read Shelli’s and thought your handle sounded familar.
May 13th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
The browser locking up and timing out is one thing and it’s an entirely different thing if the browser locks, and the whole computer is frozen to the point where you have to Ctrl-Alt-Del and End Task and/or reboot. The browser locking is probably an IE user… or someone with a slow connect, or spyware issues. The whole machine locking up could be spyware related but could also be someone with application conflicts or low system resources.
No clue on #2. I just Google that shit or make sheep’s eyes at Jester.
I would say, however, that if only a few people are having an issue with your comments, and 90% of the people coming here aren’t… it’s something on their end, not yours.
May 14th, 2008 at 12:34 am
I’m one of “those people” who used to have to email me you about not being able to comment.
One day I could comment. Then I couldn’t. Then all of the sudden, I could again.
I run on windows 98 at work (which is the only place I had trouble commenting) and I know it’s not our IT department because we don’t have one. I did go through the windows updates and defrag the computer and then it started working again. Not sure if that was a fluke or what but that is my long drawn out rambling two cents.
Good luck with number two….I didn’t even understand the question so I can’t help you there.
May 14th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
You don’t want too much DO you? Jeez….im going to start using your methods. I could have saved myself some money when my laptop started doing strange shit….just kidding Britt. Thanks for the inspiration to become a real Yenta and kvetch about what i need, want and demand…really. I think Im a Jew masquerading as a Catholic (My team teacher and best friend -who is Jewish by the way-before you guys jump in my shit- likes to say. Im taking Chutzpah lessons from her….
May 14th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
http://miss-britt.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/lmao.gif
:lol:http://miss-britt.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/eyebrow.gif
May 19th, 2008 at 12:51 pm