Q&A for curious lensmasters
It’s been a big week! We got new lens designs, met the SquidAngels, and are seeing tons of first-timers making cool new lenses.
There are a lot of questions kicking about these days, so I’m doing things a little differently and am using the bulk of this newsletter to answer a few for you. Hope this comes in handy.
Happy friday!
Kimberly Dawn Wells
Editor of the SquidU Review
Q: What are SquidAngels, and how does this affect me?
A: SquidAngels are a team of some of our best lensmasters. They’re floating around checking out lenses and “blessing” the ones that really stand out. Could you get your lens blessed? Read more here: http://www.squidoo.com/groups/squidangels.
Q: When I have a problem should I file a bug report or ask in the SquidU forum?
A: Deciding where to go for answers to your burning questions can be tricky. If you’re having a fishy technical problem, like a feature that is not working right, file a bug report. Squidoo’s bug tracker will get it to the right person quickly.
If you’re trying to do something that you suspect someone else has already done: visit SquidU. This includes, but is not limited to, using modules, promoting lenses, setting up groups, and other lens development techniques.
Q: How should you file a bug report?
A: Just click the bug report link at the bottom of your screen. Follow the steps and be really, painfully specific. Provide the following information:
1. what you were doing when the problem occurred
2. what should have happened
3. what happened instead
Please be patient when awaiting your bug report response. Many times the bug squashing team has to go in search of the sneaky problem, which takes some time. And remember, there are only THREE full time Squidoo employees. And about 70,000 Squidoo members. Holy moly!
Q: How can I find previously answered questions on the SquidU forum?
A: If you would like to see if someone has already answered your question at the SquidU forum, a simple search will tell you! To access the forum, go to http://www.squidu.com/forum. You can view messages at the forum without logging in, but to post a comment you’ll need to log in using your username (not your full email address) and Squidoo password. Click the tab at the top of the page titled “Search”. You can look for articles that include a specific word or phrase, or that were written by a specific lensmaster. If you are looking for a conversation you previously read, try one or two keywords and the username of someone involved in the thread. This can help you find those discussions that you kind of glanced at but want to go back and reference.
The SquidU forums are a wealth of knowledge, and the content expands every day. A quick search can often help you find want you want, fast.
Q: I have lenses that I’m no longer interested in maintaining. What can I do with them?
A:No problem! There are four main things you can do with lenses (and groups) you no longer want.
1. Give it away!
One great feature of Squidoo is your ability to transfer a lens to someone else. You can post a notice on the forum to gather requests or give it to someone you know.
2. Sell it… (you little entrepreneur you)
Marti Lawrence made history by offering the first lens for sale on the SquidU Forums. Her Bette Davis Eyes lens was purchased by Jeffry Vance. Since then, several lenses have been auctioned or sold flat out. Lenses about celebrities and moneymakers are good candidates for this, though if you’re lucky, a few lensmasters are taking or buying lenses on nearly any topic.
3. Create a contest for someone to win your lens.
A fun little contest is sure to generate interest. What better to win than a pre-made lens that’s already getting traffic and earning royalties?
4. Delete it. Sniff.
While we’re often sad to see them go, all you need to do to delete your lens is click on the X to the far right of the lens title on your dashboard. Remember this is permanent! But I’m sure someone somewhere will be happy to see the lens URL go back up for grabs.
Q: What are the coolest, easiest, most powerful things I can do RIGHT NOW to help promote my lens?
A:Once your lens is in good shape and you’re proud to have people checking it out, try these 4 things:
1. Add it to StumbleUpon or del.icio.us.
2. Drop a note to someone who runs a blog on your topic and ask (politely) for their feedback on your lens.
3. Stop by Yahoo Answers. Did someone ask a question that your lens has the answer to? Post it. Lenses are amazing formats for sharing info fast.
4. Invite your friends to check it out and pass it on!
Have a great weekend, everyone.
