The WordPress Customizing Series, Part 1!

Welcome Back!! 

Here is the class recording from 4/16:

Assignment #10 – > (details below)

This week in CT101 we will be focusing on getting everyone set-up with their new websites! The coupon code that you need was shared last week in class and or to your York college e-mail address by request (please e-mail me if you still need it).

By now, many of you got started, you have a new domain name, a web hosting account, and a blank / default website framework ready to be customized and stylized!

I’ll be helping here with the customizing process of WordPress. This part will have multiple aspects to it.

There is a lot to share, create, experiment with and test!

The process is fun and will take a few weeks as you make several aesthetic and functionality decisions about how you would like your website to look.

This will all play out in context to “how” you plan to use your new website. Not only as a new site owner, but looking into the future as well.

So, how will you be using your new website?

Assignment #10 –

This week let’s dig into some of the customizing features that WordPress offers as we begin to design our new websites.

What will you work on first? Will you create a series of new pages? Will you remove default content from your theme? Customize the home page? Publish a blog post? Will you create a category or two? Add plug-ins? Changes colors?

Let’s publish a NEW blog post that shares a narrative statement about your process and discoveries, as well as HOW you will be using your new website as we go forward. You can publish this post on the CT101 class site. Please don’t forget to embed various pieces of media (images, screenshots, gifs, hyperlinks) and also share contextual content to help expand your post. 

**For example, there are many video tutorials on YouTube that share “how-to” videos for beginners, or customizing videos for the theme that you will be using, this is context 🙂

I will continue to make and record class videos and also share some helpful curated content from the Internet. We will be discussing HOW we will all be using our websites individually, just to mention again 🙂

But WAIT! You cant do anything above unless you have done this: -> Domain Name Registration, Hosting Set Up & WordPress Installation! <— Please read this important post to get started! (from last week)

WordPress themes are extremely versatile and are great for WordPress newbies and beginners. I highly suggest that you consider using the theme that I share. All themes are different, and many of them out there promoted on the Internet are not free (plus, its always helpful to start with a theme that has a good amount of video documentation that already exists.)

More to come!

PLEASE E-MAIL me and say hello, let me know how I can help you! [email protected]

In everyday life, one of the most used words I hear in today’s society is the word passion. Passion could be associated with anything you love committing your time to or even doing on your spare time.

https://www.embracepossibility.com/blog/real-meaning-passion/

The thing I am passionate about is technology. We live in  age where technology is advancing every year but I honestly feel like it’s advancing everyday. I will be honest, at times I be feeling overwhelmed because of how big the field is and at times feeling lost.

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/science-maths-technology/engineering-technology/what-technology

The history of technology goes back to millions of years ago dating back to when humans first came into existence. I honestly thought it was more recent than this but we learn something new everyday.

https://www.britannica.com/story/history-of-technology-timeline

I am a computer science major but have recently been looking into Information technology because this field have been capturing my interest as well. I am currently experimenting with these two options but as time go on, I will know which field to lean more toward to or even have the option of combining both.

https://www.mtu.edu/cs/what/

The message I tell myself everyday is that knowing the more I am invested in this field along with practice, the higher the chance I will get to getting my dream job.

Thanks for tuning in🙏

Experimenting with Domain names and finally speaking and finally ending with “Threads and Headlines”. For those of you who didn’t see my the explanation behind it, the reason is it’s the name of my page on Instagram. Since I’m doing a journalism internship I wanted to share my passion for both fashion and journalism.

Threads, like the threads and needles used in sewing, and headlines, like the large font used in newspapers to indicate the subject matter of each article.

I think it would best suit for the type of content I want to post. Some ideas I was thinking about including is trending fashion item, fashion tips, fashion do’s and don’ts, and many more.

As far as the process of creating the account it was fairly easy. At some point in class I was following as the professor displayed it on the screens and then I left the rest to do at home.

I ran into some issues accessing and installing Word Press. Here are some screenshots of the process along with some GIFS to see how I felt.

Assignment #9

First we went on the website reclaim hosting to be able to test if our domain names were even available to begin with.

I ended up making my domain name ComicVerseUnleashed.com, finding it best suited out of the 10 I came up with in the last assignment.

I chose this as my domain name since I would have the website being about a variety of comics, pratically a place to see a multiverse of comic book runs or discuss which you would consider or suggest to others.

The experience making these were interesting as this is the first time I ever taken part in something like domain name creation with website building. The plus side as well……………….ITS FREE 😀

I’m an avid fan of analog horror, occult, ARGs, and creepypasta so the website names I’ve come up with all have to do with some horror stories I’ve come up with.

1. TheDescartesProtocol.com
2. CANTTRUSTYOUREYES.com
3. SisyphusPhenonoma.com
4. PhoenixUnRise.com
5. ReverseMagnumOpus.com

I think these names are good because they tie into the ideas for creations I want to write while also being either scary, foreboding, or unnatural but not explanatory.

I think this site would be about posting niche projects I make, like fictional stories, homemade horror videos, art, and other stuff that I created.

Assignment #6: Midterm Recap

Over the last few weeks, I have been completing assignments to the point that I did not even realize it was around the time that midterms were being given. I guess that’s what happens when your mind is focused on due dates. Anyway, throughout the semester so far, I learned how to create an effective blog post, create a GIF, and create memes. With this knowledge, I was given the opportunity to try and put all of it together to talk about my passions.

How am I doing in CT101?

I believe I am doing ok in the class so far. I have no reason to think otherwise as I always get positive feedback for my posts, however, one thing I am working on is telling more of a story with my posts.

What have I learned and retained the most?

The things I learned and retained the most would be the basics of what makes a good post. Throughout the semester, I made sure each post I had contained a good number of hyperlinks, Gifs, and I made sure to keep my paragraphs short in order to not lose the readers.

What new skills have I developed, cultivated and displayed regularly in my weekly posts?

Yes . . . As stated before, it has become a usual thing for me to include Gifs, memes, and hyperlinks in every post I use.  This is a skill that has been developed with each assignment that was given to the point that it seems strange if I don’t see a moving picture before I write something.

What do I know now that I did not know before taking this class?

Something I know now that I didn’t know before taking the class was how easy it could be to create your own Gif or Meme.

While many people may already know how to do this, making memes and Gifs were not something I did. I usually took part in enjoying them once they were already created, which I would only see them because my friends sent them to me through our group chat.

What grade do I believe I am maintaining and why do I deserve that grade? 

Personally, I believe I am maintaining an A- grade, if not a B, because I feel like my posts are good, however, there are some assignments that I am currently missing.

Do I see my weekly blogging work expanding creatively? If so, please explain why – or am I stuck in a loop where my posts seem to look the same most of the time, how will I change that?

I do believe I am stuck in a loop because I developed a system for making posts, having a checklist in my head in order to meet certain requirements for a good blog post.

This is why I felt that working on creating a story in my posts, and trying to lighten the mood with humor will improve my posts so that they are more enjoyable to the readers.

Are there any assignments that you are missing? 

Currently I am missing Assignment 5, and assignment 7.

Are you commenting regularly on your classmates posts? Are you responding back to comments given to you by the professor & your classmates?

Recently we were called out by the professor for not utilizing lab time effectively in order to comment on posts. It was only after this that I began to comment to my classmates more. I use lab time after class to read posts and leave comments or reply to comments. However, I have not replied to comments by the professor.

Are you participating during the class time?

I have not been participating during the class time.

The whole-time during class, I’ve been paying attention to the steps needed for the next assignment or reading through the assignment blog. I also have been looking through the different hyperlinks used in the blog by the professor.

How will you make needed improvements?

In order to do better, I will try to incorporate more humor and more of a story into my blog posts. I started doing this with Assignment 4, however, I will try to do it more often to liven up my posts. In addition, I will try to participate and be more engaged in class. Lastly, I will try to catch up on the missing blogs that I still have to do.

What are memes?

Memes are considered the idea of the replication, selection and ideas that are  working themselves in the proving ground. For example, instead of explaining how you feel in words,  it may be easier to express yourself and others  using something visual which are memes.

some potential names I would consider using for my website would be ,MISS WORLDWIDE , Too icy,  Get in with me ,SSJ 101, NAVIGATE THREW THE STORM, beauty with In ,West Indi ,ME VS ME ,LIPGLOSS AND GLOW  ,these would be good for my website names since my website would be a girly world that’s all about me , from the activates I like to do, such as makeup, hair , fashion ,  gossip  and just be a  girly girl in general my page will help if you don’t know what to wear to a party or if you want to try something new our out of your comfort zone.  It would also feature a store where ill put links to some new hairstylist you may want to try food places around the city and or clothes.

                                                                                                                         some social media apps I will feature on my website are tic Tok , instagram and Pinterest , I feel as though these are what I use the most and where the main portion of my ideas will come from , then make it my own .

Here is the photoੈ♡˳

The photo had the location in the caption of the photo ✿

Then I opened the app Picsart which I have been using since middle school, I love the simplicity of this software it is super easy to use ✿

Using the tools in the app ✿

So I used the free crop tool and did it as similar as I could to the assignment poster example ✿

Then I picked a free font, some fonts you have to subscribe and added into the photo the location of the image ✿

Using the stroke tool I added a green border around the text. I didn’t like the greens so I used the eyedropper tool to find a green I liked ✿

I wanted to add some more text so I looked up public reviews of the pond and decided between these two ✿

THE FINAL DESTINATION POSTER ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･

After attending class last Tuesday I was excited to play around with domain names. A domain name is basically a name that can be either suited for a business account or even for a fun website you’re making.

This is how I felt in my mind when the professor gave the assignment announcement during class. Also since it’s spring now I want to make this post more spring inspired. With the addition of pastel colors being added.

Some potential names I was thinking for a domain name include

• Threads and Headlines.org: This is my Instagram page, where I share material related to my internship. Threads, like the threads and needles used in sewing, and headlines, like the large font used in newspapers to indicate the subject matter of each article.
• TheJoiExperience.com:This one just so happens to incorporate my name. I believe that life is an experience, and I want to share it with all of you.
• JOI NOT JOY.net:The funny thing about this name is that, despite the fact that it ends with an i, some people mistakenly believe that my name is spelled like “joy”. It’s almost like a parody of my real name.
• TheFashionChronicle.com: I follow the Queens Chronicle newspaper, and I thought it would be cool to add my love for fashion in it as if I’m apart of it.
• Just That Girl. org: I sometimes catch myself saying “I’m just a girl” and in reality I am.

These five domain names randomly came to my mind while typing this at 12:43 in the morning. I got these ideas for my passion for fashion and journalism. I combined what both of them meant to me and here is what you see.

I would like my website to be almost similar to a Pinterest board on the app Pinterest. Pinterest is an app that has everything you could possibly image in real life, even down to the hair, makeup, and nail inso. Don’t worry it’s also male friendly as well. It one of my favorite apps.

Depop is also one of my favorite websites as well. It’s basically an online thrift store where you could sell your clothes to people all around the world. You could also buy things from vintage y2k to a piece nobody else has.

w

Domain Name Registration, Hosting Set Up & WordPress Installation!

**Please read through this post carefully – it contains several steps and pieces of information.

***Here is the class recording from 4/9/24 – please watch – 

“The Journey Begins!”

*Individual student Coupon Codes for the domain name & web hosting set up will be shared in class on 4/9 – if you miss class, it will be e-mailed to you- be sure to check your York college e-mail address to get the code if you miss class (if you do not receive the code on the day that your class meets this week please e-mail me to let me know) – 

The coupon code can only be used 1 time – please do not attempt to use it twice.

We began talking about Domain Names and what role they play in creating a digital identity on the web (and as a part of this class.) If you missed that post, please be sure to check out our course schedule page under week #9 as it has context and will help make this next step a bit smoother. 

This week we are going to get started!

We are going to begin the process of registering a domain name and also setting up web hosting, which will allow you to put files up online that will be discoverable through your new domain name! We are going to use a form of ‘shared hosting’ where you get a portion of a server – think of it as having an apartment in a building. With this shared hosting you will be able to do a lot of things including installing your own instance of WordPress (**remember, this is NOT wordpress.com but the open source version of wordpress.org) so that you can start building your website for your domain name. I will walk you through the steps that are needed, please follow my exact steps.

We use a company called Reclaim Hosting, with which we have a contract with so you will enter a coupon code and start your account for free.

We chose this hosting company because they have a lot of experience working with students just like you, that are likely getting their first domain name and web hosting account. You will be creating an account just like you would with any online vendor with which you want to purchase something. So it’s not a ‘CUNY’ account, we’re just giving you the coupon code to pay for the year’s service. The service will last for 1 year.

You do not need to pay for anything, so please reach out if you have questions – [email protected]

With that said, you will need to provide a name, address, and phone number. Lets go to this sign-up page <— to get started with the domain name selection process.

1. First you will need to pick your domain name, make sure that it is available and make your selection to proceed. (I suggest sticking with the .com or .net extensions)

2. On the next page, check the ‘add ID protection box.’

3. On the next page you should see two items in your cart and a price of $45 with ID protection, you will then enter the needed information for your new account and provided the coupon code and validate it. (you will NOT be charged for this, its already included in the course.)

After you fill in your personal information, and select the payment “Invoice Only” option. (again, you will not be charged anything.)

6. Click the “Complete Order” button and allow for the transaction to go through. Please check your e-mail for your account information and a verification of your e-mail link. With your new account information, log-on to Reclaiming Hosting.

Shortly after setting up your account and registering your domain you must verify your account via e-mail by clicking on the link they send to you. (be on the look out for a series of e-mails from Reclaim Hosting)

7. YOU ARE NOW ALL SET AND READY TO START WORKING WITH YOUR NEW DOMAIN NAME AND WEB HOSTING ACCOUNT!

8. It’s now TIME TO INSTALL WORDPRESS. – I will begin the set up installation – You can refer to the video recording posted after class and follow the step by step guide to install WordPress correctly. 

**********************************

**********************************

Assignment #9 – (you must complete part 1 before moving on to part 2 – After following along in our class this week and reregistering your domain name, setting up your web hosting account & installing WordPress – please publish a detailed blog post about the overall experience of registering your own domain, and setting up your web hosting account. Be sure to include screenshots, images, videos and hyperlinks for context. (as always)

Assignment #7 Domain Names

Domain names are names that you have ownership to that is suppose to represent yourself online.

Considering me personally, I’m not that great at thinking of multiple names that could be used. So with the help of Chatgpt to provide 10 examples of domain names I would consider.

1. ComicVerseUnleashed.com
2. HeroicPanel.com
3. InkedAdventures.com
4. GraphicNovelRealm.com
5. ComicChronicleHub.com
6. WhimsicalInkTales.com
7. ComicSagaJunction.com
8. IllustratedFableDomain.com
9. ComicRealmChronicles.com
10. DynamicPanelTales.com

Now that the names are out of the way. The idea I have behind this website are based on my enjoyment of comic books. So really sharing off comics that would be a good read and reviews all the ones I haven’t had a start on yet.

I was already very passionate about superhero films, which of course are mostly based on or referenced to comic that came prior. Doesn’t stop at hero comics though as many popular shows and movies have tons of comicbooks behind it.

One comicBook I finished recently was Daredevil: Yellow, it’s very entertaining and not as long of a run as many others.

Recently I’ve been on TikTok a lot on this one creator page he’s been depicting different scenarios with his mom and how his mom acts. It makes me laugh because I realized that everybody has the same mom my mom is actually exactly the same way and sometimes I show her these videos to see what she says. His name on tiktok is zzzachariah and he is absolutely hilarious.

Here’s the link to one of my favorite videos:

@zzzachariah

She bought the @Five Below amethyst eye patches. ? Self care in the name of Gigi! ? #fivebelowparter #mom #momsoftiktok #momsbelike #relateable #comedy #fivebelow

♬ original sound – Zachariah