RED Blogs

What is a RED Blog?

"RED Blogs" is a web log or online journal created especially for the AOL RED audience. It's a place where you can come to post your thoughts, pictures and pretty much anything else you would like. You can keep private blogs for your eyes only or public blogs that may be shared with your friends.

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How do I create a blog?

To create a new blog, log in to AOL using your screen name and password. You can use Sign in links in the header or in the intro. Then click the Create new< blog button on the homepage.

Fill out your preferences on the next page and click Save. Don't forget to select the blog type that you need. If you select semi-private blog type, then only people invited by you will be able to read it. Private blogs are only accessible to their owners. Only public blogs are open to everybody.
That's it, you are done! You will be taken right to your blog.

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How do I delete a blog?

You can delete a blog that you no longer need in the Blog Preferences controls above the blog title. Click on Delete Blog link at the bottom of the controls module. Click here for a screenshot of the control box.
  1. Click on the the "Edit Preferences" tab
  2. Click the "Delete Blog" link under "Entries"


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How many blogs can I create?

You can create as many blogs as you would like, but do you really need more than five or even ten? Will you be able to update all of them regularly? Think about it. Blogs that are not updated will become inactive (see below).

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What is a tag?

Tags allow the blog to be grouped into a category. It's a way of organizing your content and making your blog searchable. When you tag an entry, other users are able to search for that tag and find your blog (if it's public). Example: If you wrote a blog about the new car your parents just got, your tag may be the word "cars."

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How do I edit the skin or manipulate modules?

Use the top navigation to make changes to your blog:

Blog Preferences under Edit Preferences allows you to edit your blog's type and visibility. It is very similar to the form when you created your blog. However there are few new settings controlling comments and the number of entries on the page. There is also an option to delete a current blog if you don't need it any longer.
The Module Preferences tab gives you quick access to update your modules. Click on the title of the module and you will get to the form to edit the module's content. However, you don't have to use these links; you can just scroll down and click on the Edit button above the modules. When you are done updating your module, don't forget to save it.
Edit Layout allows you to change your modules' layout with respect to other modules. You can also change the width and number of columns. To add new modules click on any highlighted modules in the list on the right side and drag it down. Drop the module where you want to keep it. Don't worry if you missed the place, just click on the bar above the module and drag it again. Some of the modules, like "Profile" or "Visitors," you can only once on the page, and others you can add as many as you like, e.g., "Poll" or "Ticker".
Blog Style under Edit Styles gives you a wide selection of different skins to choose from. Your current skin is displayed on the right side. Click on any skin in the list to preview it in your blog. Try it out; you will see instantly how it changes the styles. Once you pick the one you like, just click save.
Module Styles Click on any module title (or again, just scroll down and click Style buttons above the modules) and customize the styles of any element in the module. Here you can change backgrounds, fonts, sizes and many more styles. Settings depend on the module element you selected to customize at the top of the form.

Improvise, be creative, and make your blog unique, just like you are.

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How do I add or edit an entry in my blog?

To add an entry, simply click Add Entry above the blog title:

You are the only one who can see this button. Friends viewing your blog cannot see this button.

After you have created your entry and saved, you have the ability to modify or delete that entry by clicking the edit button to the write of the entry headline.

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How do I invite a friend to read my blog?

From the top navigation on your blog, click on the Invite link.
You can then add your friends' screen names or email addresses in the boxes provided.
Remember to click Send to send your invitation out.

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Can my friends who do not have AOL read my blog?

Yes, anyone can read your blog or post comments to entries if your blog is set to be public. However to create a new blog, users need a free AIM screenname (SN).

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How do I know if someone has added a comment to my blog?

When you add an entry, you can choose to get an email by clicking the Receive comments in email checkbox. Select it to receive all comments for this entry in your inbox.
You can also subscribe to the RSS feed of comments using link right above the entry's permalink page. You can use the free My AOL service to keep track of your RSS subscriptions.

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How can I get updates when someone posts to their blog?

You can subscribe to get updates in your AOL inbox by clicking Get updates above the blog title. You can also add a blog that you like to your friends and follow all of your friends' blogs on the My Friend's blogs page. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed of the blog by using link above the blog title. You can use free My AOL service to keep track of your RSS subscriptions.

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How do I search for RED Blogs?

When on RED Main, type a search term or screen name in the search input box on the top right of the screen.
If you're within a blog, click the Search link in the top navigation bar.
Type in a search term or screen name in the input box. You have the additional ability to narrow your search by type by choosing specific search criteria in the second drop box.

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What do I do when I find an inappropriate blog?

If you find a blog that you believe has inappropriate material, click on the Notify AOL link on the right side of the Top Navigation bar.


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What is a "unique" visitor? What is a "returning" visitor? Do I count as a visitor to my blog?

  • A "visitor" to your blog is anyone who chances upon your blog from the Internet.
  • "Unique visitors" is the number of people who have read your blog.
  • "Returning visitors" is the number of people who have read your blog and have come back to read it again.
  • Visits are the number of times your blog has been read.
You yourself count as a visitor to your blog, both unique and returning (that is, if you visit your blog more than once).

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What is a ticker?

The "ticker" is a module that counts down to a blogger-specified time. To create a ticker:
  1. Click on Edit Layout in the top navigation.
  2. Click and drag the module to wherever on your page you'd like to see it.
  3. Click Edit Preferences next to Edit Layout, then click Edit on the top right of the ticker module you just placed on your blog.


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How do I create a quiz?

You can create a quiz by doing the following:
  1. Click on "Edit Layout" in the top navigation.
  2. Click and drag the module to wherever on your page you'd like to see it.
  3. Click Edit Preferences next to Edit Layout, then click Edit on the top right of the ticker module you just placed on your blog.


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What happens if I don't update my blog?

If a blog is not updated for 45 days, a reminder mail to update the blog will be sent.

If the blog is not updated within the next 15 days a second reminder is sent along with a notification that the blog will be deactivated if the blog isn't updated within 15 days.

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How do I change the time on the clock module on my blog?

To modify the clock's time, go to:
  1. the "Edit Preferences" tab
  2. "Module Preferences" (which appears right under the "Edit Preferences" button you pressed in Step 1)
  3. Then click on "Clock" (note that the position of the "Clock" link will be relative to where it actually is on the page, i.e., if it is at the top left hand corner of the page, it will be the top left hand link in the "Module Preferences" list)


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How do I remove a module?

To delete or remove a module, go to "Edit Preferences" » "Module Preferences". Click on the title of the module and you will get to the form to edit the module's content. However, you don't have to use these links; you can just scroll down and click on the Edit button above the modules. When you are done updating your module, don't forget to save it.

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