A Brief Time Out

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I’ve been thinking for some time of taking a little time out from my blog. The last time was in January 2023 when my father died, and since I returned from that I have posted three times a week – sometimes more – without fail. But I now feel in need of a short spell to recharge the batteries. This won’t be a long break, I’m thinking maybe just a week, which means that the Tuesday Tunes post I was planning for tomorrow will have to wait a bit, and there definitely won’t be a midweek post either. I may return for next weekend’s Song Lyric Sunday, as the theme intrigues me. But, we’ll see. And I might just be tempted to reprise an old post if WordPress reminds me of one I like from days of yore. But that will be all, while I take a rest.

I won’t be disappearing anywhere. I’ll still be reading, liking and commenting on your posts: I just won’t be adding anything of my own for a short while. Why now, you may ask. I was tipped over into this by yesterday’s experience. A couple of regular blogging friends said that my page took a long while to load my new post, another couldn’t at first find a way to comment on it, and then when I tried to respond to one of those comments WordPress wouldn’t allow me to do so, even though I had already posted another comment on that same blog earlier in the day!

I suspect that WP was having one of its hissy fit days, but taking a short break will give me time to check everything to ensure that I haven’t got any settings that might be getting in the reader’s way. I only have the free plan (cheapskate) so I may not be able to do much, but I think it is worth the effort: I don’t like the idea of people finding obstacles to reading my blog. I did actually test it out yesterday: I went into Incognito mode on Chrome and entered my blog address, and it loaded instantly, so I don’t think there are any major issues. But, as I say, I’d like to feel sure that I have done all I can to make my blog an enjoyable place to visit (apart from all the crap and waffle you find when you get here, of course!).

I’m keeping this post short, with no images or videos to slow the loading time down, as I hope that will make it a speedy result for you when you open it up. I’d be interested to know how this one is for you, please, and also whether you have been having WordPress issues with my site, your own, or others that you visit. Although I won’t be posting I will read and respond to comments, so please feel free!

See you again soon, and thank you for being there 👍

48 thoughts on “A Brief Time Out”

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  3. I haven’t ever had issues with your site and I hope it stays that way. I hope you can get things straightened out while you take a break and enjoy relaxing as well. WP definitely has its quirks, but I am thankful for it, or I wouldn’t have met so many wonderful people, like you. Even if you don’t like salted caramel lattes. LOL!

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    • That’s good to know, thank you. I’ve just changed to a paid plan to remove adverts, and may make some other changes – a new theme, perhaps, as the one I use is defunct. Time away was needed, I think. Thank you for your nice words – likewise 😊

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  4. Hi Clive, I have no issues loading your posts. I can also access most of the YouTube links. The odd one is unavailable in this country at the bottom of Africa which is not totally unexpected to me 😉. Usually slow loading is a problem from the reader’s side and concerns their internet connection. Commenting, well WP has its days when commenting is suddenly challenging. I never have issues with the free blogs. The problems are always with the paid for blogs. I wouldn’t upgrade if I were you. It’s more trouble than it’s worth to have a paid one. I only did it because I post a lot of photographs and wanted more space.

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    • Hi Robbie. Thank you for this very comprehensive response. I’m glad you don’t have problems loading my posts, and I’m sorry you occasionally have trouble with videos: I put every one I play through a region checker and don’t ever recall S Africa being a blocked country!

      You’re not the first to say that slow loading is usually at the reader’s end, and I’m intrigued that you have only found problems commenting on paid blogs. I’ve been looking at what it would mean to go that route and the only advantage I can see would be the removal of ads. It sounds like a lot of hassle just for that, so I may stay as I am. I don’t think it’s broken, so there’s no point trying to fix it 🤣

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  11. I may take a break soon, too. But more to catch my breath than WP issues.

    I haven’t noticed any issues with your blog. Might be the ads that your free service inflicts? Even with paid, any and every digital service these days constantly tinkers, changing and adding gewgaws when totally unnecessary. All of this has to impede things. Frustrating, but that’s our society now: quantity over quality, style over substance!

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    • I think many are on the same wavelength!

      Thanks for that confirmation. You’re the second to mention the ads so I may take a look at paid plans. It’s all about money, though, isn’t it!

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  12. I understand your feelings completely. I kinda feel the same way, and recently decided to “skimp” on leaving comments (that are repetitive in a way, and so time-consuming!). Sometimes we have to break the rut :-). Enjoy!

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  13. I had no trouble with this post loading or any other lately. Hope things with WP gets straightened out or you finding any odd things to fix will work out soon. I just have the WP problem of making the photos I post normally, they are making them gigantic size, which I have no idea why. Anyway, enjoy some time off! 🙂

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  14. I hear you loud and clear, my friend! Taking a break is something I’ve thought about for over a year, just when all the trouble with my hand started. I’m long overdue for some “me time” and may follow suit. Take good care and enjoy your time off. See you on the flip side. 😎

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  18. I think it’s a good idea Clive; quite frankly I don’t know how you manage to do so many each week, particularly with the research and finding the videos. A week will probably feel like a long time for you! I’m always having quirks and inconsistencies with WordPress, but I have to say yours always loads up fine. I always have to scroll all the way down to make a comment when clicking on comment took me to it automatically, but that’s the same with all blogs. Enjoy your brief break.

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  19. I would just switch off from it for a week in the knowledge that it will have sorted itself out by the time you get back (although, this being WordPress, something else will undoubtedly have gone wrong)) Enjoy your break.

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  20. Enjoy your time away, Clive. (For the record (no pun intended) I have not experienced any issues with loading your blog, or commenting on it. But I do have full-fibre broadband which is very fast)

    Best wishes, Pete.

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  21. Have a great break. I’m going to Scotland for the annual writers retreat so will be away for about ten days anyway! Good timing on my part. Keep in mind the problem is often at the other end. (The commenter’s equipment, not your site)

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