Hugh W. Roberts

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Why Now Is The Time To Pull Up My ‘Big Boy’ Trousers’ About My Blog

Published on Mar 23, 2026Mar 23, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts68 Comments

Have you heard of the saying, ‘Don’t put off today what can be done tomorrow’? I should tell myself that more often because tomorrow becomes tomorrow, and that tomorrow becomes another tomorrow. Before you know it, weeks, months or even years have passed you by, and you still haven’t done what you were putting off until tomorrow.

Last week, after visiting some blogs, I asked myself, ‘Why haven’t I done what they have done yet?’ And the simple and truthful answer was ‘Because of me.’ But what am I referring to?

‘What if?’ moments. Do you ever have them?

A ‘What if’ moment is those moments in life when you believe something is holding you back from doing something you know needs to be done, but you have doubts about it. The problem is that it isn’t the doubts that are holding you back.

The ‘What if’ moment I’ve been having has lasted for the best part of two years.

‘What if changing the theme of my blog from Classic to Block causes problems?’

Given that thousands of other bloggers have done it, I know that, while problems may occur, they can be resolved!

When WordPress introduced the Block Editor, which now seems like many years ago, I disliked it and did everything I could to avoid giving it a chance. I fought myself, declaring I’ll never use it and that I hated the change. And there was my downfall – ‘change.’ I wasn’t willing to accept it.

Then another blogger said in one of her posts, ‘The Block Editor isn’t hard to use; it’s just different.’ That got me thinking, and it was not long before I realised that the reason I didn’t like the change was that I hadn’t set aside any time to read tutorials and watch them, and to give the Block editor a try.

It wasn’t long before I was telling myself that trying out the Block Editor was like switching up from black-and-white to colour television.

Why then has it taken me so long to begin the switch from a Classic to a Block theme? The answer to that question is ‘Me.’ What if something goes wrong? What if I break my blog? What if all my posts disappear? What if my blog disappears without a trace?’ Why if, what if, what if?

The problem with all those questions is that they are not problems. They are excuses. Excuses to stop myself from making changes. And I have found in life that change opens new doors and brings new opportunities. And that’s what switching to using the Block editor did.

But why fix what’s not broken?

I hear people say, ‘Why fix what’s not broken?’ But nobody is fixing anything. All websites have to keep up with technological changes; they would lose many paying customers if they didn’t adapt. It’s paying customers who keep companies alive by buying their products or services, allowing some users to use the site for free.

Now, replace the question ”Why fix what’s not broken?’ with, ‘Why update what is not broken?’ You now have your answer.

Not all WordPress users are lucky enough to have had a choice between a Classic and a Block editor. Many have never known anything but the Block Editor, and they all seem to be doing a great job. However, did you know that the Block editor includes a Classic block that allows users to use the Classic editor?

What’s about to happen on my blog?

Over the next few weeks, you may notice a few changes with my blog as I switch from a Classic to a Block theme. If you notice anything wrong, please let me know, so I can resolve it. There’s plenty of support available on WordPress when you take the time to find it. Part of the excitement for me is choosing a new theme, but another reason I am making the switch is that I gain access to many more blogging tools and options, many of which help users save time.

Finally, I’m pleased to say I’ve changed concerns into excitement. I’m no longer allowing change to stop me from moving ahead on my blogging journey. I want my blog to become part of today’s technology, rather than remain stuck in yesterday’s.

This is my final post using a Classic theme on my blog. Bear with me while I make the changes to a Block theme. Hopefully, it won’t be long before I see you on the other side.

A photo of a neat and tidy desk with a desktop computer, lamp, iPad, keyboard, printer and stationery items on it. — Where I blog from

Have you changed the theme of your WordPress blog from Classic to Block? Did you encounter any problems? What were they, and how did you resolve them?

The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

You can follow me at the following sites.

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Stay Updated: Follow Me on Mastodon and the Fediverse

Published on Mar 17, 2026Mar 28, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts12 Comments

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Hugh's Views & News

@hughsviewsandnews.com

WordPress & Blogging tips, flash fiction, photography and lots more!

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Unveiling ‘Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet’ – A Journey Through Fiction, Community, and Creativity!

Published on Mar 16, 2026Mar 17, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts24 Comments

Now in its fourth year, Story Chat began as a conversation between Marsha Ingaro and me when Marsha invited me to write a short story on her blog, Always Write.

Little did we know that over the coming years, the Story Chat community would expand, with writers, bloggers, and authors from around the world contributing new stories. Not only that, but the growing community would discuss each story in the comments of each post, creating a space where contributors could receive valuable feedback.

But the highlight has to be the publication of three Story Chat books.

I’m delighted to introduce you to the third book in the Story Chat series – ‘Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet,’ edited and compiled by Marsha Ingrao.

In this volume, writers from around the world contributed short fiction and contemporary poetry inspired by the Story Chat community at AlwaysWrite.blog.

Each piece stands alone, yet together they create a tapestry of voices exploring memories, mysteries, resilience, humour, faith, family, and the quiet intricacies of everyday life — with a few science fiction stories woven in for imaginative contrast.

This anthology captures not only the stories themselves but also a selection of the connections that inspired them.

The book also offers tips for writing flash fiction, along with a fun ‘Green Bus’ challenge that writers can join in.

Without further ado, allow me to show you the book’s front cover.

An image showing the front cover of the book Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet. — Story Chat Digest: Where Stories Meet

My story in this new book is titled “Springtime in Paris.” You might think a television can only show you the world, but what if it could show you the past… the future… or somewhere you were never meant to go?”

The story starts with a very ordinary purchase: a television. But the man who installs it promises something unusual. He says it will take the owner to places he’s never imagined. Soon, the television develops a flickering screen, but then come the whispers in the night. And when the television starts calling the owner by name, it’s something that bends time, memory, and reality itself. Who could have thought a television could do that?

Although ‘Springtime in Paris‘ is classified as a science fiction story, it’s actually based on a true story that happened to me. After the installation of a new television that began switching itself on in the early hours of the morning, the story was born.

Interestingly, in the story’s comments section, some readers also mentioned weird happenings with other household objects. It seems it’s not only television sets that can cause a fear that makes you ask whether what’s happening is actually happening for real.

Story Chat is more than just a book club, writing, or reading challenge. It is a unique and proven online programme that fosters interaction between authors and readers. It’s part writers’ group, part beta readers, part fun fiction, and, most importantly, pure enjoyment.

Contributing Authors

This volume showcases work from an international group of established and emerging writers, each contributing a unique voice and perspective to the page.

HUGH W. ROBERTS – Co-Founder of Story Chat Digest, Wales
MARSHA INGRAO – Co-Founder of Story Chat Digest, U.S.
GARY A. WILSON, Editor, U.S.
DOUG JACQUIER, Editor, Australia
MARIANE ALLEN, U.S.
NIGEL BYNG, U.S.
CATHY CADE, UK
ROBERTA AND MICHAEL CHEADLE, S. Africa
ESTHER CHILTON UK
DIANA COOMBS, UK
PHILIP CUMBERLAND, UK
RICHARD DANIELS, U.S.
MIRIAM ELEN, New Zealand
GRANT FERGUSON, U.S.
AMANDA FORESTWOOD, Australia
DARLENE FOSTER, Spain
CINDY GEORGAKAS, U.S.
GEOFF LE PARD, UK
JULESPAIGE, U.S.
YVETTE PRIOR U.S.
SADJE, Pakistan
LAUREN SCOTT, U.S.
J.T. TWISSEL, U.S.
SMITHA VISHWANATH, Kenya
MAGGIE WATSON, UK

Story Chat Digest can be found on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk.

Story Chat Volumes 1 & 2

If you’ve never read the first two books in the series, I strongly recommend you give them a go.

Story Chat Vol: 1 features stories from 14 international authors, all inspired by a well of inspiration, life experiences, and unique perspectives, making the stories not just entertainment but also a means of connection, reflection, and understanding of our world.

An image of the book cover for Story Chat Vol: 2 — Story Chat Vol: 1

I have two stories in this book – ‘The People Under The Stairs‘ and ‘Puddles,’ both of which take you on a journey to the edge of your imagination. Is there really anything under the stairs that can talk to you, and when was the last time you encountered a puddle of water that can make people disappear?

Story Chat Vol 1 is available at Amazon.com and Amazon.UK.

Story Chat Vol: 2 – The second book features a diverse collection of original short stories by 20 authors from around the world. While most stories are dramas suitable for all ages, from children to older adults, this collection includes science fiction and comedy. Additionally, two non-fiction articles (one of which I authored) discussing the writing process are included. All selections are family-friendly, although the topics are aimed at adult readers.

An image of the book cover for Story Chat Vol:1 — Story Chat Vol: 2

My story in volume 2 is called ‘The Watcher,’ another mind-bending tale that will make you question whether what you’ve read actually happened to you! I won’t say more, as I don’t want to spoil the ending.

You can purchase the Story Chat Vol 2 by following these links. Amazon.uk and Amazon.com

If you enjoy reading any of the Story Chat books, please consider:

• Leaving a short review on Amazon or Goodreads
• Sharing this post with fellow readers
• Recommending the book to a friend or book club

Small actions help independent books find new readers — and help the Story Chat community continue to grow.

Do I have any favourite stories in the books?

Yes, but every story has a reason for its inclusion in the books, and behind each tale is a talented author and writer who has poured their heart and soul into crafting every word.

It is not just about telling a tale; it’s about the complex web of ideas, emotions, and experiences that come together in a narrative that touches readers on different levels. Favourites vary from person to person, and that’s why every story can be a favourite.

I’d like to conclude by thanking everyone who has contributed stories, poems, and writing tips to all three of the Story Chat books. But most of all, I’d like to thank Marsha Ingrao for all her hard work and the time she dedicated to putting together and publishing three books that have made publishing dreams come true for many writers.

If you have any inquiries regarding the Story Chat books or community, or if you want to learn how to become a Story Chat contributor, feel free to leave me a comment.

You can follow me at the following sites.

The featured image in this post is my own and was edited with photo-editing software. WordPress AI was used to check for spelling and grammar mistakes.

A man in a top hat and tails and a woman in a gown are dancing in a mirrored ballroom.

Reflections of Elegance: A Dance Beyond the Veil

Published on Mar 9, 2026Mar 9, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts34 Comments

“Welcome to this week’s dance class, everyone. For those first-timers, I’m Michael, your instructor. Let’s begin with introductions from the first-timers.”

They moved around the circle, nervous laughter flitting between strangers. more so when Tom, dressed in a top hat and tails, introduced himself. When they finished, Michael counted again.

Eleven. An odd number.

“Well,” he smiled, clapping once, “who’d like to partner with me? Maggie?”

“I’m with Emily, my wife,” announced Maggie.

“Tom?” Michael gestured. “You don’t mind dancing with another man, do you? After all, you’re dressed for the part.”

Tom looked horrified. “Why would I dance with a man? I’m here with my wife.”

There was a polite pause while everyone waited for Tom’s wife to reveal herself. A few people looked towards all the empty space around Tom.

“Of course,” Michael said casually as he broke the silence. “Right, take your positions, everyone. I’ve some hits of the eighties to dance to later, but first we’re going to do an old-fashioned waltz.”

Tom frowned before music filled the room, and shoes softly whispered over polished wood. Partners turned, stepped, and breathed together.

Tom moved carefully, one hand curved around an invisible waist, the other clasping fingers no one else could see. Every now and then, Michael and the other dancers watched Tom smile as he spoke to himself.

“Tom,” Michael said gently, as he approached the edge of the mirror. “Are you sure you’re all right? You’re dancing alone.”

“But she’s right here with me. We’ve been coming here for years,” he said as he faced Michael and the large, mirrored wall. “Tell him, Darling.”

In the room, the figure of a much younger woman in a ball gown appeared in Tom’s arms.

Maggie gasped. Emily staggered backwards while Michael felt the air leave his lungs.

The woman kissed Tom on the cheek, leaving lipstick on his face, and then lifted a hand and pressed it flat against the mirror.

Inside the mirror, Michael and the other dancers started to scream. Tom watched as their reflections shattered into tiny pieces along with the mirror before he and his wife left the room.

Outside the old music hall, where many from the past once danced, the ghostly figures of a man in a top hat and tails and a woman in a ball gown departed the hall once more. Tom hadn’t liked the glimpse of the future he had seen in the mirror.

Written in response to Esther Chilton’s Writing Prompt: Theme: Dance.

The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress AI Image Generator block. AI was also used for checking spelling and grammar mistakes.

You can follow me at the following sites.

How to Stop Appearing as Anonymous When Leaving Comments on WordPress

Published on Mar 2, 2026Mar 2, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts31 Comments

How do you stop showing up as ‘Anonymous’ when leaving comments on WordPress?

It can be frustrating not only for those leaving comments on blogs when they appear as ‘Anonymous’, but also for the blog host, who won’t know who left the comment unless there are clues to the person’s identity.

Are you ‘Anonymous’ when leaving comments?

I see many comments from ‘Anonymous’ on other blogs saying they don’t know why they are showing up as ‘Anonymous.’ Many go on to blame WordPress for it.

However, it’s not always WordPress’s fault!

What are the reasons for your comments showing as ‘Anonymous’

The most likely reason is that you are not logged into a WordPress.com account. But there are other reasons.

Here are the main reasons and fixes for appearing as ‘Anonymous’

Missing Gravatar: WordPress uses a service called Gravatar (Globally Recognised Avatar) to display your profile picture and name. If you haven’t set up a Gravatar with your email address, WordPress defaults to ‘Anonymous.’

How to fix it: – Set up a Gravatar account. You can create a free account at gravatar.com and associate your email and name with a profile picture. You must use the same email address for your Gravatar account as you use for your WordPress blog, so it connects to your blog.

Not Logged In: If you are not logged into your WordPress.com or WordPress-connected account, the site treats you as a guest, often defaulting to ‘Anonymous.’

How to fix it: Ensure you are logged into your WordPress account before commenting.

Site Configuration: The blog owner may have set up their site to permit comments without requiring a name or email address. This is because not everyone wishes to disclose their name or identity. I respect my readers’ privacy, so I have configured my blog to allow comments without revealing commenters’ identities.

How to fix it: Ensure you are logged into your WordPress account before commenting.

Browser Issues: Cache/Cookies: Old cache or cookies can prevent your credentials from being recognised.

How to fix it: Clearing your browser’s cache and cookies often solves this problem. I’ve noticed this method works whenever I encounter issues with any website, not just WordPress. I clear the cache and cookies on my desktop computer at least once every few months, but the frequency depends on how often you use a device. If the problem persists, try a different browser or open a new window in your current browser in ‘incognito‘ mode to see if that resolves it.

App Glitches: Like everything else, the WordPress Jetpack app will cause problems if you don’t update it.

How to fix it: Try updating it, logging out and back in, or reinstalling the app. If your device is not set to automatically update apps, consider changing the settings so you don’t have to remember to update them. If you don’t have the latest updates, you’re likely to encounter problems.

Outdated themes: When WordPress retires a theme, it ceases support for it. This means that any bugs, including those affecting how your comments appear, will not be fixed.

How to fix it: Switch to a current WordPress-supported theme.

Privacy Settings: If your browser is blocking third-party cookies, it may prevent your profile from appearing correctly on other people’s blogs.

How to fix it: Change your browser’s settings to enable cookies.

Theme bugs: Some bugs may only affect certain WordPress themes. ‘Anonymous’ comments are one such bug.

How to fix it: If you have tried everything else and your comments are still showing as ‘Anonymous’, report the bug to WordPress, and ensure you inform them of the device you are using and the name of your blog’s theme.

Summary:

Create a free Gravatar account at gravatar.com and associate your email and name with a profile picture. Ensure you use the same email address so that your Gravatar account connects to your blog.
Always ensure you are logged into your WordPress account before leaving comments.
Clear the cache and cookies in the browser on the device you use to browse the internet.
Try using a different browser or leaving a comment while in ‘incognito’ mode.
The blog’s host may have set it up to allow comments without requiring a name, email address, or WordPress login. Therefore, ensure you are logged into your WordPress account.
Ensure the WordPress/Jetpack app is up to date by downloading its latest software.
Change your blog’s theme if WordPress have retired it.
Change your browser’s settings to allow third-party cookies.
Tried everything in the above list, but still encountering the problem. Report the bug to WordPress.

Have you encountered issues with your comments appearing as ‘Anonymous’? What steps did you take to resolve your ‘Anonymous’ comment problems? Did any particular solution work best for you? Have you ever come across a blog that required you to log in to leave a comment? Did this affect your willingness to engage? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

The image in this post was created using the WordPress image generator.

You can follow me at the following sites.

Blogging – Is It All That You Want It To Be?

Published on Feb 16, 2026Feb 16, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts107 Comments

On February 12th 2026, I passed a blogging milestone. WordPress informed me that I’d been blogging for 12 years! But that notification made me ask myself questions as I looked back on those 12 years.

I know bloggers who have been blogging longer than I and who continue to write and publish posts full of interesting, high-quality content. Not only do they care deeply about what they write, but also about what they publish. That makes all the difference.

I’ve seen thousands of bloggers come and go in those 12 years. Some disappeared without a trace, while others hung up their blogging gloves and announced their departure. The ones I felt the sorriest for were those who stopped blogging because they couldn’t get the engagement, hits, or followers they craved. Many went about it the wrong way.

Some came here solely to make money, while others came more for collecting numbers than for engagement. They don’t last long and end up cluttering the World Wide Web with abandoned blogs in the blog graveyard. It’s a sad sight. I hope you never end up there.

From the beginning

I can count on one hand the number of bloggers who have been with me since that first year. I often ask myself why they’re still reading my posts and leaving comments, but I won’t dwell on that lack of confidence here. All I will say is that I must be doing something right.

Unfollowing blogs

Unfollowing blogs is something I see many shy away from discussing. It’s as if it’s a ‘hush-hush’ subject. Something that gets swept under the carpet. But not me, no. I’ve written about it and had great discussions about it in the comments section of posts, but hardly ever on other blogs. Perhaps I’m looking in the wrong places?

I’ll be honest: I’ve unfollowed many blogs over the years. Why do some bloggers not like talking about unfollowing blogs?

Why do I unfollow blogs?

For many reasons, but mainly when I lose interest in the content.

One of the biggest mysteries is why I stop hearing from many of the bloggers I unfollow. I probably stopped following them because I was no longer interested in their content. But why do they go silent? Surely not for the same reason? Or was it a coincidence that we simultaneously lost interest in each other’s content?

The different faces of bloggers

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some bloggers face-to-face. For me, that’s been one of the highs of blogging. However, I know that some bloggers like to remain anonymous. And they’ve every right to remain anonymous. Being behind a screen can feel safe, but it isn’t always. I won’t talk about the trolls here because trolls like being talked about.

Ups and downs

I’ve had my ups and I had my downs with blogging. It’s like being on a rollercoaster that some bloggers can’t get off. I’ve alighted from the blogging rollercoaster a few times during blogging breaks.

Some of those breaks lasted months, while others lasted a few weeks. But they all had something in common. They helped me step back, take a look at what I was doing and how I was doing it, and, most importantly, change the way I blogged. I always came back refreshed, and, despite what some say, readers do not stop following you when you take a break.

Like everything else in life, blogging changes. It would be a very dull place if it didn’t change. Can you imagine what life would be like if it never changed?

Changes

Since I first started blogging, things have changed massively. I’m talking about the WordPress platform here. I was never a fan of change, but I’m confident that the changes I’ve seen here on WordPress have made blogging much more fun. Blogging has moved into the 21st century.

Those changes helped propel my blog to an even wider audience. Unfortunately, some bloggers got left behind, but I never wanted to be one of them. There’s too much at stake when remaining stagnant.

At first, the changes looked like they would cause problems, but rather than complain about what I believed were problems, I adjusted to them and saw vast improvements for me, other bloggers, and readers. It’s like climbing a ladder. The higher you get, the more you see and learn, and the more you can make a difference.

Change can make some problems frustrating, but you become stale by taking no action or hoping others will tackle your issues. Don’t allow your sparkle to dim by not adapting to change. I’ve seen too many blogs fade away because they refused to change. I miss many of those blogs.

The two biggest blogging traps to look out for

Most of the people I have encountered in the blogging world are friendly. However, not all help themselves. By this, I mean that some bloggers seem to believe they have to be everywhere at all times. It’s one of the biggest blogging traps bloggers fall into, one that can turn their blogging world upside down and inside out, and leave them feeling stressed or guilty. It’s a horrible place, yet it is easy to escape – if you allow it.

Spreading yourself too thin doesn’t make you more popular. It only makes you less interesting.

Some bloggers apologise for dealing with life outside of the blogging world. Some apologise for not visiting your blog. I recently witnessed a blogger apologising for being late in leaving a comment. The post had only been published the day before she left the comment. I don’t know why they believe they need to apologise. Nobody needs to apologise for dealing with life outside of blogging or for not visiting a blog. And if the comments section of a post is open, you are not too late in commenting.

That’s my quick look at the last 12 years. But, before I end this post, I want to thank everyone who visits my blog, reads my posts, and, most of all, engages with me in a way that sparks discussion.

How long have you been blogging? Is blogging all that you want it to be? Let me know in the comments section.

You can follow me at the following sites.

An image showing lots of colourful photos and images

5 More ‘Questionable’ Photos That Allow You to Say Who You Are

Published on Feb 9, 2026Feb 9, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts41 Comments

I want to thank everyone who engaged with me (and other bloggers) on my previous photography post. If you missed it, ‘5 ‘Questionable’ Photos That Give You The Chance To Say Who You Are‘ was slightly different from my first photography post in this series, as it asked you questions based on the photos.

I had fun with it! I hope you did.

This month, I’m showcasing five photographs (all of which feature me), so all were taken by somebody else. I am also highlighting another WordPress gallery block you can use to display your photos.

Feel free to leave a comment or write your own post with your responses. If you decide to create a post, you’re welcome to link back to mine so other bloggers can join the discussion.

1. What is the oldest photo in your photo collection?

A photo of a woman pinning something onto a man's t-shirt, with writing across the front. The man is looking up towards the ceiling. — Photo taken 23rd February 2006

2006 must have been the year I started an online photo library. I do recall the event when this photo was taken, which was a staggering 20 years ago! Doesn’t time fly?

The photo was taken at my ‘Sten’ party. What’s a ‘Sten’ party? It’s similar to a stag or hen night, but it’s for both men and women. This was a gathering organised by my work colleagues, a few days before my partner and I had our civil partnership.

Civil partnerships for same-sex couples became law in the UK when the Civil Partnership Act 2004 came into force on the 5th December 2005. Elton John and his partner, David Furnish, were among the first to have a Civil Partnership in the UK.

The first couples were able to formally register their partnerships in Northern Ireland on 19 December 2005, followed by the rest of the UK on 21 December 2005.

Do I remember anything from that night apart from having various slogans pinned to my T-shirt? Yes, quite a lot, but far too much to publish here. I could probably produce a mini-series for Netflix about what happened that evening, but that would only mean a second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth season.

2. Are you a tourist or a stay-at-home type of person?

A photo of a man standing next to a gap in a wall that used to have a door. — What happened to the door?

This photo captures the moment a medieval ruin briefly considered becoming a holiday cottage before immediately changing its mind. The stone walls whisper stories of sieges, monks, and mysterious drafts, while I, casually leaning against it, wonder, “Yes, but does it get Wi-Fi?” The contrast is striking: centuries of hardship versus sandals that have clearly never known true suffering. No, I don’t wear sandals like that anymore, and I’ve never worn socks with them!

I love history, but there’s also something heroic about that pose. One foot crossed, arms relaxed, expression calmly confident—like a travel brochure model for Accidental Time Travel Monthly. Can you imagine ‘Time Travel’ holidays? Something for the not-too-distant future, perhaps? You half-expect a guide to announce to the other tourists, “And here we see the rare British Tourist in its natural habitat, pausing to rest after conquering a mildly uneven cobblestone.”

My favourite part of this old building is the doorway beside me, which perfectly frames the scene: step through it, and you’re in the 14th century; step back out, and you’re searching for a café, gift shop and the nearest toilets! It’s a vivid reminder that while history may be ancient and awe-inspiring, it still serves as a perfect backdrop for a relaxed lean and a very modern sense of comfort.

3. What’s your most memorable moment of the 21st century?

A photo of a man standing in the Olympic Park for the 2012 Olympic Games held in London. — What were you doing in 2012?

With the Winter Olympic Games underway at the time of publishing this post, I am privileged to have attended the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

The Olympic Park entrance looms behind me as the crowd shuffles forward with the quiet determination of people who’ve accepted they will queue, and they will like it. Yes, we British do seem to enjoy queuing a lot!

That smile says, “I’ve beaten the queues, the weather, and possibly public transport.” The Adidas shirt is doing some serious international diplomacy—it’s covered in flags, symbolising unity and global harmony, all before the first race. It’s the kind of outfit that silently reassures everyone nearby that yes, this is a special day and nobody should be grumpy.

Meanwhile, my background extras are showing peak Olympic spectator behaviour: backpacks adjusted for the 400th time, sunglasses on despite the sun’s best efforts being “meh,” and that universal look of someone thinking, “Did I bring the tickets?” It’s a perfect snapshot of optimism, mild chaos, and the unmistakable feeling that something memorable is about to happen.

4. Which television show would you like to appear on?

A photo of a man and woman who have just stepped out of Doctor Who's TARDIS onto a strange planet. — Where are we?

Those of you who know me well know how much I love science fiction, especially anything related to time travel. So when I had the opportunity to star in an episode of ‘Doctor Who’ with my niece, I jumped at it.

I have no idea where we landed, but luckily, there were no signs of the Weeping Angels, Daleks, or Cybermen. Those of you with a keen eye will notice that half of my left foot is missing, which suggests this is an edited photo, though I had nothing to do with those edits.

This all happened in Cardiff, before the pandemic, when the ‘Doctor Who Experience’ arrived in town. My niece was quite upset by it all, as she scars easily and couldn’t wait to leave, while I was sad to have to say goodbye to the TARDIS.

If you ever hear that familiar whirring noise the TARDIS makes, you might be quite surprised when I step out of the blue police box.

5. Do you believe in aliens?

A photo of a man standing behind a large billboard that has a picture of aliens doing an autopsy on a human. The man has stuck his head through a hole, so the human is him. — Have you found a cheese sandwich in there?

Talking of aliens, have you ever met any? Well, as you’ll see in the photo above, I have.

This is what happens when roadside art, aliens, and questionable life choices collide. One moment you’re minding your own business at the ‘Arizona Last Stop,’ the next you’re being casually abducted mid-nap by long-armed extraterrestrials with very flexible elbows.

My expression says, “I did not have this on today’s itinerary,” while the aliens look like they’re just checking the seatbelt before take-off. It’s less ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and more Close Encounters of the Mildly Inconvenient Kind.

Honestly, if aliens are real, this feels exactly like how they’d introduce themselves to me—confusing, slightly rude, and searching me for proof that I’d eaten that last cheese sandwich.

The Cover Block

This month, I am displaying and featuring the ‘Cover’ block. Here’s one of my featured photos in the Cover block.

Doctor Who

The Day the TARDIS Was Stolen

Hugh W. Roberts

I’ve always dreamt of writing an episode of Doctor Who, so I came up with a title for the photo I have used.

The WordPress Cover block offers many possibilities. It’s a versatile, visually appealing block that lets users create engaging sections on their pages and posts. It serves as a powerful tool for showcasing images, photos or videos with overlay text, enabling content creators to combine striking visuals with compelling messages.

By using the Cover block, you can add an engaging background image or video that complements your content, while overlaying text to share information, tell a story, or boost your branding. This block is especially useful for creating call-to-action areas, or unique segment dividers that attract attention to key announcements or highlights on your blog.

With options such as text alignment, colour overlays, and the ability to adjust your background image’s focal point, the Cover block enhances your blog’s visual appeal and readability, making it an important component of effective storytelling and design in WordPress.

Click the following link for more information about the Cover block.

How to make a photographer’s day.

Next time you leave a comment on a photography post, instead of saying ‘Great photo,’ describe what about the picture made you think it was great. Was it the subject, the lighting, the scenery, the angle it was taken from, or the emotion it evoked when you saw it?

It only needs to be a few lines, but the people you leave the comment for will appreciate the feedback much more than when all you say, time after time, is that it’s a great photo.

Remember that one genuine, thoughtful comment once in a while is worth thousands of short, non-engaging comments that only prove you visited and that you don’t have the time.

What is the oldest photo in your photo collection, and what is it of? Are you a tourist or a stay-at-home type of person? What’s your most memorable moment of the 21st century? Which television show would you like to appear on? Do you believe in aliens?

The featured image in this blog post is taken from Pixabay. AI checked spelling and grammar mistakes.

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How to add a blogroll to a widget bar.

On your blog’s dashboard, navigate to Appearance – Widgets and click the ‘+‘ symbol in the top right corner.

An image highlighting where to find 'Appearance' and 'Widgets' on the dashboard of a WordPress blog. — Click Appearance – Widgets

Find the Blogroll block by typing ‘Blogroll’ in the search bar. Click on the Blogroll block to add it to your widget bar.

An image showing where and how to find the Blogroll Block on WordPress. — Add the ‘Blogroll’ block

For some reason, when you add a Blogroll block, it automatically populates with several blogs, some of which you may not recognise. I found this quite odd, but it’s simple to remove any unwanted ones.

To delete a blog, select the blog you wish to remove, then click the three vertical dots (kebab menu) and choose Delete.

An image highlighting the kebab menu and delete button when deleting blogs from a Blogroll on WordPress. — Deleting blogs from a Blogroll is easy

To add blogs, click on the ‘+‘ symbol and select from the list that appears or use the search bar to find the blogs you wish to add.

An image highlighting the 'plus' button and a list of blogs when creating a blogroll on WordPress — Add or search for the blogs you want to add to your blogroll.

To change the name of your blogroll, click next to ‘Blogroll‘ and add your own description.

An image highlighting how to change the name of a Blogroll on WordPress — Rename your blogroll

Click the Update button in the top right corner to publish the Blogroll in the widget bar.

Check your blog to ensure the Blogroll widget is visible. You can see the blogroll I created towards the bottom of the widget bar on the right side of my blog. It contains the blogs I read the most.

How to add a blog roll to a page or post.

Add the Blogroll block anywhere on a page or post.

To add or remove blogs from your blogroll list, follow the instructions above.

Remember that you can change the name of your blogroll. However, be aware that if your blogroll contains many blogs, it will take up a lot of space on the post or page.

You can also convert your blogroll into a reusable block, now called a Pattern, by clicking on the block, then selecting the three dots (kebab menu) and choosing ‘Create Pattern.’

An image showing how to turn a Blogroll into a 'Reusable Block.' — Turn your blogroll into a reusable block

A reusable block on WordPress, now often called a Synced Pattern, is a feature that allows you to save a specific block or group of blocks for use across multiple posts or pages. This is particularly helpful for those selling items on their blog, such as books. For example, if a link to your books needs updating or the price changes, the updates are automatically reflected everywhere the block appears. Clever stuff!

To answer the question I raised in the title of this post, what happens when you add a blog roll to your site? Well, that’s straightforward. It means you promote the blogs you enjoy reading most. In doing so, you help foster a community and bring its members closer together. In turn, you’ll be supporting them in developing their blogs and community. What better way to say ‘thank you’ to those special people?

I’m looking forward to seeing your blogrolls as I’m looking for some new blogs to follow. If you have a blogroll on your blog, let me know.

Note: Widget bars only show when viewing posts and pages on a desktop computer. When viewing posts on a tablet or mobile phone, click the menu button to see them.

Have you ever created a blogroll on your own blog? Which blogs or websites did you include? How do you think a blogroll can improve the reader’s experience on a blog? How often do you update your blogroll or the blogs you follow? Have you come across any new blogs from fellow bloggers’ blogrolls? If so, which ones?

The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

Layout, content, settings, and format might differ on self-hosted blogs.

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Reasons to Act Immediately If You Receive This WordPress Email

Published on Jan 26, 2026Jan 26, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts54 Comments

Back in November 20025, I published a post, ‘The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now,‘ which outlined a number of scams aimed at bloggers, writers, and authors.

This week, I received an email that appeared to be from WordPress, but which raised my suspicions.

Firstly, I was fortunate that my email system identified the message as spam and moved it to my spam folder. However, it made me consider other WordPress bloggers who might have received or will receive the email, but whose antivirus or email security software does not recognise it as spam or a scam.

Here are two images of the email’s contents. I’ve highlighted some areas which I encourage you all to check before clicking on any link and risking becoming a victim of a scammer.

An image of a scam email that appears to be from WordPress about a problem with a WordPress account. There is a button to click to access the WordPress account's billing centre. — An image of a scam WordPress email

The image above may seem fine, but one clue indicates it’s not a genuine WordPress email. What is that clue?

Not being addressed by name in any company email is a strong clue that the email is not genuine.
The scammer simply said ‘Hello,’ which is a tactic used because addressing everyone by name is too time-consuming.
Scammers send these emails to thousands of recipients hoping that some will respond.
All the scammer needs is for one person to click the link to obtain login and username details.
Once they have that information, they can lock you out of your blog and wreak havoc.
Scammers are often more interested in obtaining any credit or debit card details you have on your account. If they obtain those details, they could go on a spending spree.

Here’s the next image.

An image of the email details from a scammer pretending to be WordPress. The email address has been sent from a completely different email to that of WordPress — Look for the clues when suspicious of emails

The scammer couldn’t even get the correct format for ‘WordPress’.
The ‘P’ in ‘WordPress’ is always capitalised; the scammer missed this detail.
The details after the first part of the email don’t match WordPress.
The email address hidden behind what appears to be a WordPress email does not contain any WordPress information.

I was worried that somewhere out there, a scammer either has a list of email addresses for WordPress bloggers or has taken a chance, sending emails to addresses on a list, probably from the dark web. This email did not go to my private email address, but to the email address I use for my blog. I hate to think of my email address on a scammers’ list anywhere, but unfortunately, it can happen.

I contacted WordPress regarding the scam email, and they requested me to forward it so they could investigate.

If you receive a suspicious email from WordPress, the best way to report it is to forward it to phishing@automattic.com so their security team can investigate and act against the scammers.

As a quick tip:

Legitimate WordPress.com emails always come from @wordpress.com or @automattic.com addresses. Note that any mention of WordPress before the ‘@’ will be the correct format of WordPress.
They will never ask for passwords or payment info via email or a text message.

In the unlikely event that you click on any links or enter any information from a scam email that claims to be from WordPress, change your WordPress.com password as a precaution by visiting your ‘Profile‘ settings and selecting the ‘Security‘ tab.

If you are not sure or are suspicious of any email, always contact the company the email claims to be from before clicking any links or providing any information.

Summary:

Always be aware of suspicious emails, not just from WordPress but from any company, especially if they include links and do not address you by name.
Look for spelling mistakes, especially in the sender’s email address.
Send any suspicious emails to the company they claim to come from. All reputable companies will have a dedicated email address for scam emails.
Companies will never ask you for your passwords or payment information in an email or text message.
If you click any suspicious links, change your password immediately.

Have you ever received a suspicious email claiming to be from WordPress or another service? What was your initial reaction? What steps do you take to verify the authenticity of an email before clicking on any links? Can you share any personal experiences with online scams you have encountered?

The featured image on this blog post is sourced from Pixabay. AI reviewed spelling and grammar errors.

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An AI generated image of some small, blood-red snacks

The Secret of Homolastic Delights

Published on Jan 19, 2026Jan 19, 2026 by Hugh W. Roberts56 Comments

“Which do you prefer? Snack 8816CAO coloured what we now call light red, or snack 10345HBX coloured what we now call deep red? Which one tastes the best and why?

“The second one, definitely the second one. And I love the colour.”

“But why?”

“Makes it look much more mouthwatering. Tastes better. Reminds me of a place I was once told about. A far-off place whose name I can’t recall.”

“Congratulations, you’ve chosen the best. It’s our own brand and is less expensive than the market leader you also tried. Can I tempt you to receive a few packets as payment?”

“Yes, please, but I have to ask. What’s the flavour and what makes it that…what did you call it, deep red colour?”

“Homolastic.’ It was discovered on a planet in the Malleable system. The dominant species on that planet is homo sapiens. They refer to it as a substance called plastic, something they think they created themselves, but unknown to them, did not. We planted it there.”

“Planted?”

“Yes, we found it on the red planet that neighbours them. That planet is now uninhabitable, although they believe that one day they can inhabit it.”

“And the colour?”

“Their blood, which, unlike ours, is liquid-form. When mixed with homolastic and the other ingredients, the majority of our testers agree it’s the best flavour. There are just under 8 billion homosapiens, and most are infested with homolastic, so we’ll never run out during our lifetime. And when their planet becomes uninhabitable, we’ll have a new home.”

Written in response to Esther Chilton’s Writing Prompt: Theme: Red.

The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress AI Image Generator block. AI was also used for checking spelling and grammar mistakes.

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