How to Subscribe to this Blog

A reader just told me she hadn't realised there were such things as jewelry blogs and I am pleased to hear she is now a fan. So if you are new to blogs, there are a couple of ways to subscribe to this blog absolutely free and not miss a post. For a list of what this blog is about, check here.

SUBSCRIBE BY EMAIL

Not every blog offers this service but it is useful for those who prefer email delivery. Click on the link below to be taken to an easy form and enter your email address and follow the instructions. (There is also a subscription box on the right sidebar). You must confirm with another click on the link in the confirmation email that is sent to you. Please check your spam box if you don't get the notice. Contact me if you have any trouble. Rest assured your privacy is important to me - your email will never be given to others.

Subscribe to THE BEADING GEM'S JOURNAL by Email

SUBSCRIBE BY FEEDS /READER

Subscribe in a reader

What are feeds?

Feeds are blog posts delivered to your "doorstep" just like real newspapers. You can subscribe to as many of your favourite blogs as you like at no cost. Yep, free. You read them only when you want. As all your feeds arrive in one spot, this saves you having to check all the blogs individually to see if a new blog post has been added. No email clutter either. If the blogger hasn't updated, it won't show. Total convenience. Isn't that cool?

How do I read feeds?

First you need a reader. The clever folks at Google have one called, you guessed it, Google Reader. It is very easy to use, there is no software to install and it is free. I highly recommend it if you've never used a feed reader before.

Click to get an account at Google Reader. Once you join, you'll have your own Reader page where you can add as many subscriptions to as many blogs as you want.

Here is where you find out what the orange feed logo you see on various websites and blogs do. Click on the feed logo here or on my main page. Copy the feed URL you see at the top of your browser. Click on "Add Subscription" in your Google Reader. Paste it in the empty bar and hit "Add" and you're done! Alternatively just copy or type in my URL (http://www.beadinggem.com/) in the "Add Subscription" box and it will do the same thing.

Every time you log into your Google Reader account, you will see all the new posts to your favourite blogs that you haven't read yet.

Click on whatever subscription you want to read on the left. All unread posts from that blog will display. Use the scroll button on the right to see all the posts. Once past the post, that post will be automatically marked as read and will disappear. If you need to go to the website itself, just click on the post title and you will automatically be taken there.

Here is an excellent 1 minute video called Google Reader in Plain English :



Already a Google Reader Subscriber?

Once you have clicked on the feed logo, click on the Add to Google button you see there amongst all the available feed readers offered. My blog will be automatically added to your Google Reader account. Very easy as no copying or pasting is required.

Any tips when using Google Reader?

1. Manage and organise your feeds by using the tab called Feed Settings on the top right.

2. Uncheck the Mark As Read box if you still want to keep a particular post in your Reader.

3. Select the Email box if you want to email the post to your friends.

4. Click on the post title if you want to be taken to the actual blog to comment or to see the rest of the main page. Feeds only show individual posts not what is currently on the main page.

Enjoy!
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The Beading Gem's Journal