As some of you have been aware, Google has announced a few months ago that they will be retiring the Google Friend Connect (GFC) widget, also known as the Followers gadget for all non-Blogger sites. (see announcement) Which means, WordPress blogs (like The Arty Carty blog) and other sites that utilize this feature will no longer be able to.
I have done some research and found a few ways for you to continue following my blog:
1) Follow me using my RSS feed (it’s the link that says “RSS – post” on my sidebar)
- this is the closest alternative to the Follow me gadget. It allows you to subscribe to my post and stream them automatically to a variety of readers (including Google reader).
2) “Like” me using the Facebook Fan Box on my sidebar.
- This will allow my post to stream directly onto your facebook account and it also allows you to leave comments and interact with me much like Facebook. (ditto to Twitter , if you have a Twitter account)
3) Google recommends that in place of a GFC widget that Bloggers create a Google+ page and add a badge to their sidebar. (that’s the G+ button you see on my sidebar). The problem with this is that the features are completely different. Google+ is 100% a social network. It allows you to follow and interact with people and businesses much like Facebook, but its not a way to subscribe to a blog.
I look forward to your continued support on my RSS feed, Facebook/Twitter or G+.
Thanks my friends.
Steph

















































