VirusHead Updates and Tweaks
I’ve been trying to troubleshoot to find out what is making the blog take so long to load. In the process, I’ve been updating and optimizing the new design. Here’s what’s new:
- Imported the tag database from the Simple Tags Plug-in to the new native tags function of WordPress 2.3, deactivated the old plugin, and implemented the new Tag format in the template file.
- Installed the Technorati Tags and Related Posts for WordPress 2.3, and implemented them. Got rid of the old Related Posts plug I was using.
- Added the new sidebar code from Techorati.
- Got rid of the users online code that I was using and installed the Users Online plugin. Added a page so that you can how many guests, users and bots are on the blog.
- Updated the Text Links code, and added a “Feedvertise here” button on the sidebar.
- Deactivated the Twitter plugin, which doesn’t work with WordPress 2.3 and has not yet been updated.
- Deactivated the WP-Amazon plugin, which really really needs to be updated (get on that!). Also took off the context-sensitive ad because it was slowing things down.
- Deleted the Sociable plugin, since I prefer the AddThis Bookmark code.
- Deleted WP-PostRatings, just because it seems a bit silly.
- Deleted the Kill Preview plugin because the new version of WordPress doesn’t need it.
- Updated the All in One SEO pack plugin.
- Updated the WP-DB-Backup plugin.
Still to do
- See if there are updated options at Amazon.com.
- Find out when the Twitter update is expected.
- Change the styling of the “VirusHead” text header at the top of the left-hand column. I don’t like it.
- Research new anti-spam options. If nothing looks very good, consider updating Peter’s Custom Anti-Spam, and trying it again. I haven’t used it in a while, but I’m getting some leaks over Akismet again.
- Look at the css stylesheet and figure out why all the links are suddenly underlined. I want them bold in the post, and unstyled in the sidebar.
- Get rid of the space before the Related Posts are listed. It’s not in the template, so check the php file.
Any other suggestions? Is anyone still getting a script error?
7 thoughts on “VirusHead Updates and Tweaks”
Hi Heidi,
I was going to tell you that it appeared you have killed the script error, but then I got it when I clicked the link to leave this comment. I have been getting the script error pretty consistently since you made your big changes. Clicking yes to stop the script has always let things load, so I have been ignoring it. I did trying loading the html of your blog on a local file and run it there. I got the same error. Let me know if you would like me to do some half splitting on the problem.
I’ve tried everything I can think of. I’ve even taken some bits off, like the required Technorati badge, since it sometimes slows things down, and the text links, and got the same thing in IE, so I put them back. I took the Amazon ad off entirely, at least for now, but I don’t think that’s it. I traded the graphic links (some of which were hosted offsite) for text links. It should be loading fine.
So yes – if you have any script debugger or something that would help to identify the problem, I would be very grateful!
I do notice that in IE, the archive list isn’t showing. Also I get script error saying something about “ejoin” which doesn’t ring any bells. I’ve written a post at the WordPress site asking about this plugin. Maybe they can help. I’m determined to fix whatever the problem might be.
Thanks for the help, Vance. You were right – the problem was the archive plugin. The author posted to my question on the WordPress forum with a new download, updated for WP2.3 and with new scripting so it isn’t nearly as heavy in the first place.
The Blogging community badges are still updating a little bit slowly, but this is a big improvement.
Well, I thought I had it beat. Even with the updated plugin, it’s getting the same error in the IE that I am using. I’ll give the author one more chance, and then I’ll have to take it down.
I’ve taken off the badges for Blog Catalog and MyBlogLog. They were slowing things down.
Ok – the author says there is a problem with the javascript. It works fine on my work blog, though. Hmmm. Well, I’ve disabled it for now.
Instead, I’ve added a Random Posts plugin that might even be more fun.
Look how fast the blog loads now!
Much better loading time! I like the new look.