That New Blog Format!!!!

I've been complaining about how difficult it is to input pictures and text in the new blog interface.

It's taken me a few weeks of trial and error to figure this much out.

Here's some of the hoops I have to go through to make the pages. 

First thing you have to do is go to HTML and get rid of the two paragraph command symbols. 

Otherwise, you get double spacing (shown above) every time you hit the ENTER key

Now return to the COMPOSE view.

Add some pictures, size and temporarily position them on the left or right sides.

Now, try to add copy to the side of the first picture:

If there isn't much copy needed, the software sticks in a big space gap before the next picture is seen. I usually try to close it up for a better visual flow.

I set the cursor to the last word of copy, in this case, it's the word "flow". 

Hit delete a few times and the next picture should walk up below this  copy. Like this:

But, the cursor and the next copy block ends up below, down here, not at the right side of the second picture. You can't place the cursor and set copy to the side of the picture.

So . . . go back up to the second picture, click on it and move it to the right side (shown below). 

I

(The "I" above represents the cursor - you can now add copy.) 

We have fooled the software!

After all the new text is entered, 

Click on the picture again and shift it to the left, which is where I wanted it in the first place, the result shown below:

"The "I" above represents the cursor - you can now add copy.

After all the new text is entered, 

Click on the picture again and shift it to the left, which is where I wanted it in the first place."

Now the copy from the previous step should shift to the right side and the picture will be on the left.

These are the steps I now have to go through to input every single picture and text.

Sure, I could go the easier route - Center every picture and center all text underneath each picture. Letting the blog software handle all the spacing leaves a lot of open gaps.

I like it to be more visually interesting. I find myself swearing at the software a little too often.

SAVE often, check the PREVIEW to see what it looks like - 

Then make more adjustments - What You See Is Not What You Get.

Setting up a blog page before wasn't simple, but now it's stupid.

I almost forgot - 

After everything is on the page, go into HTML again and delete all the "Div" commands at the end of your text. If you don't you'll have another big gap at the bottom before the Labels and Comment areas.

New Blog Format???!!!

Why do they want to change things - When everything worked pretty well before? 

The Blogger folks are changing the format for posting blog pages.

I like the copy and pictures to alternate, to be set to opposite sides of the page.

The new format dictates spacing. It's not as easy to make the pages visually interesting.

Most blogs are posting something like this, a centered picture followed by centered copy

Here's my 3/4 size Centuri alien encounter Flying Saucer at a schoolyard launch. Copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, blah, blah, blah.

I'd much rather see something like this:

Just in time for Halloween . . . 

Copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, blah, blah, blah. Copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, blah, blah, blah. Copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, blah, blah, blah. Copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, copy, blah, blah, blah.

Another problem is trying to "stack" pictures on opposite sides of the page. In the old format you could (sort-of) slide things around and make use of a lot of empty space. NOT NOW!

I do center some larger pictures, but don't want to be locked into a generic format.

I can't spend an hour on each post editing in HTML. You now seem to be locked into paragraph spacing that is set too wide.

WYSIWYG! Well, What You See Is Not What You Get!

Before posting a page, you always check the look in "Preview". Adjustments are then made to make the page more attractive. With the new format, things are really wacky! 

I have sent an email with feedback.
UPDATE: I tried again to use the new format. Very difficult, frustrating.
For the time being you can switch back to the old "Legacy" format, but I have a feeling that soon you won't have a choice.

Navigating The SEARCH Function

How you ever been frustrated using the SEARCH function on the Blog?

I'm often asked for construction information in emails.
It's fairly easy for me to find things - BUT- The blog has evolved over the past 11 years and 6,500 posts.

When I first started out, I'd simply type the kit name in the label box. The problem is, different manufacturers use the same kit name on different rockets sizes and designs!
Let's say you were looking for the Semroc V2.

After the first year of blogging I started adding initial before the kit name.
FK = Fliskits, S = Semroc, C = Centuri, S = Sirius and so on.

"S" is for Semroc so a search of "S V2" should bring up just that kit.
You might also get some V2 launch reports along with the build steps.

You will have to scroll down and find a build step for the model variant you want to build.
At the bottom of every build step is the LABEL listings.
Click on the S V2 label, shown in the picture (on the right) with the red box. That should bring up just the Semroc V2 build.

The build will be in reverse order - from finish to start.
It's a blog - I wish there was a function to reverse the build order!
Searching this way isn't perfect, but the extra step at the bottom in the LABELs could narrow your search.

Odd'l Cutaway Motor On Display

From Richard Holmes Rich's Rockets Blog:

"Today was the Saturday before Thanksgiving, which meant Walt’s HobbyTown’s Secret Santa Sale and Open House, which meant Syracuse Rocket Club on display.

This is exactly how I hoped to see the Cutaway Engine used.
To visit the Rich Holmes "Born-Again Rocketeer Tells All" Blog, CLICK HERE 

Patreon members can email me at: 
oddrockets@bellsouth.net and ask for the Cutaway Engine PDF  
The cutaway engine is not a true 3D relief model, it's a flat print that wraps around half of a BT-60 tube.

Daniel The Rocket N00b, Sanding Block Tip

I love my Great Planes Easy Touch sanding block.
Problem #1, Great Planes is owned by Hobbico, recently bankrupt. I hope somebody picks up and produces this sanding block. It is the best available. There are still a few blocks for sale on Ebay. I do recommend picking one up. (I have two in use and two more unopened extras.)

Problem #2, Great Planes doesn't sell adhesive backed 400 grit sandpaper rolls for it. The only sell 80, 150 and 220 grit sandpaper rolls.

Daniel (The Rocket N00b) told me about some 400 grit adhesive backed sandpaper imported by Klingspoor. CLICK HERE It is a very fine 400 grit.
Problem #3, the Klingspor adhesive sticks too well! It's difficult to peel off and leaves sticky gunk on the block.
Daniel suggested peeling off the sticky sandpaper under running water, making removal much easier. You might have to use a little Goo Gone after the paper is peeled off.

Here's the best solution as suggested by The Rocket N00b.
For a more detailed description of this tip stop by his blog: CLICK HERE

Some 3" wide masking tape is placed (sticky side up) onto the bottom base of the sanding block.

The 400 grit Klingspor sandpaper is then stuck onto the bottom of the block, onto the masking tape.
The Klingspor sandpaper is now stuck onto the masking tape, not directly on the flat aluminum base of the sanding block.

To remove the sandpaper, just lift and peel!
Both the Klingspor sandpaper and masking tape layer come off together.

TIP: Extend the life of your sandpaper many times over by removing off any loaded up gunk with a soft brass brush under running water. Use a circular motion when cleaning off accumulated glues and sealers.

Bill Cook's Engine Test Stand

Bill Cooke built his own engine test stand.
Check out the great article on his blog - Rocketeer's Corner,
CLICK HERE

He got some pretty interesting results on his first tests using A8-3 engines.

Now This Is Clever . . .

At the Rich's Rockets blog 
CLICK HERE
Rich Holmes has made the full sized R13 Clarinet Rocket.
(The rocket is on the left, the real clarinet is on the right)

Cone stabilized with a LOT of time spent cutting Monokote trim.
I didn't understand the name R13 until Rich finally added: "Oh by the way, "Rxiiiab" = "R13 Ab". Now it can be told.
This is a very clever design, I'm looking forward to the launch reports!

Vintage Rocket Retrospective Blog

Here's a great blog from Zurich, Switzerland -

VINTAGE ROCKETRY RETROSPECTION

"Incoherent reminiscences and images of building and flying A to N motor powered model rockets in Switzerland and elsewhere since 1975."

Lots of pictures and history. To check it out, CLICK HERE