So, instead of reinstalling SMF, I decided to give a shot to bbPress. For those who are not aware, bbPress is forum software from the creators of WordPress. bbPress includes complete support for integration into WordPress. However, I haven’t utilized that feature since I don’t have registrations on this blog.

bbPress allows you to create new themes (something that I may work on in the future) as well as extend its functionality with plugins. I’ve installed a few that I thought were essential.

I’ve created two support forums, viz. for themes and plugins that I have authored. You will need to register at the forum in order to make any posts. You can also subscribe to the recent forum posts feed.

I also offer support via email and / instant messenger.

Cosmetic Changes

I got rid of the header. With the new theme, the header looked totally out of place and occupied a good amount of surface area. The cosmetic changes have also worked well for adsense, which has doubled, but again not as much as what most others are making!

However, for those interested in advertising on this blog, you’ll now have you ads well above the fold!

New Comment Feed

I’ve been asked by many to include a comments feed. I added the comment feed about a month and half back and already have around fifty subscribers.

All those interested can subscribe to the feed at http://ajaydsouza.com/comments/feed/ or http://feeds.feedburner.com/ajaydsouza/comments. The former, which redirects to the latter is recommended.

For those you prefer the traditional method of email subscriptions, that is also available.

The Comments feed is the best way for you to keep track of any or all comments on this blog. You can also subscribe to receive comments from individual posts via email while commenting.

More Pages Available for Advertisement

I have put up more pages for sponsorship via TLA (aff.). You can check them out on the Sponsorship Program page.

You can also buy ads via BlogAds. Thilak has been kind enough to give me an invite for the same.

Talking about advertisements, the Sponsors list to the right is now displayed sitewide, that is over 1000 pages of this blog several of which are PR4-PR6. And it’s only $65 a month.

Listen to my posts

I was pondering this a while and thought of using Talkr, but Ted from Botcast Network offered to this for me for free! I’ve signed up with Amazon’s S3 to ensure that I don’t trouble him too much.

I must mention that working with Ted was amazing. He’s a patient and professional person and was quick at getting his job done. I’m the one who took a lot of time to get this post up and thank him

Before I forget, the URL of the Podcast is http://feeds.feedburner.com/ajaydsouza/podcast

Plugins

Plugins Removed

I bought Angsuman’s Translator Pro as Everton says its got him some traffic.

I didn’t see the same on this blog, but what I did see is increased CPU usage, infact it was the reason my VPS went offline on Feb 4th. Even with WP-Cache, the CPU usage is well over 6%. It had to go. Angsuman offers free upgrades, so I am hoping when he does improve this, I’ll get an upgrade and it will be back out here.

I’ve also knocked off Popularity Contest and Share This. The former is a great plugin, but it doesn’t work with WP-Cache. Share This is good as well, but I’m trying to cut down on plugins.

Plugins Replaced

I replaced UTW with http://sw-guide.de/wordpress/wordpress-plugins/simple-tagging-plugin/. I like the ease of use of Simple Tagging and the autofill that it offers. The tags are also easier to manage and I got reports of it being lighter.

Peter’s Custom Anti-Spam has also been removed, because my blog visitors weren’t too happy with the Captcha. It’s place has been taken by Math Comment Spam Protection.

WP-ContactForm III has replaced PXS Mail Form as I started getting email spam via it.

Plugins Added

I’ve also added WP-Cache again. The real purpose was Translator Pro, but have decided to continue using the same, until I run into problems. Few hacks for WP-Cache and my pages are now being gzipped before being served

Dean’s Code Highlighter now lets me post my code very well. I don’t post much code, but it makes the little I do look good!

I added Show Top Commentators today to display all the top commenters on this blog. It shall display in the sidebar all across this site. I’ve set it to list the top 10 commenters and their links are also displayed. This is really fantastic for all of you who comment because you’re getting free links from a PR6 site. All you have to do is comment!

That’s all that comes to mind right now. What have you to say about the changes? Has it made it easier for you to browse this blog?
Are you facing any problems? Do comment and let me know.

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Thilak suggested that I get hold of the Subscribe to Comments plugin.

But, I am reluctant because of only one reason.

I had the plugin running on this blog a few months back for a good deal of time. However, I realized that I was getting comments from a lot of users giving incorrect email addresses.

I don’t really understand why users would do that, because your email address is completely safe with me (except if someone hacks this blog).

As a result, I used to get a good number of bounced email notifications everytime the Comments Added email was sent. This meant me manually “unsubscribing” these incorrect email address.

But, I am game to adding this plugin to my blog once again subject to feedback from readers, i.e. YOU!

Would you like to subscribe to comments on this blog? Your email address will not be disclosed and you will be able to unsubscribe and anytime.

Do comment below and let me know.

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