Hughs Views & News – Hugh's Views & News

An image of Father Christmas with the words 'Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Hugh's Views and News

A Heartfelt Thank You and Warm Wishes for the Festive Season

Published on Dec 22, 2025Dec 22, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts64 Comments

As we celebrate this festive season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my wonderful readers. Your support throughout this year has been invaluable, and it means the world to me.

A special shoutout to the following top five commentators on Hugh’s News and Views this year. Click the links to view their latest posts at the time of publication of this post.

Terri – Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

Erika – Share Your Light

Liesbet – Roaming About

Marsha – Marsha Ingrao Always Write

Esther – Esther Chilton

These bloggers always leave me genuine, thought-out comments that inspire discussion, and you know how much I enjoy engagement and discussion on any blog.

But a big thank you to all of you for being a part of Hugh’s Views and News. Whether you have left one comment, only read a few of my posts, read them all without commenting, or read them all and commented, know that I appreciate you taking your valuable time to read them.

Wishing you all a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with warmth and happiness, no matter how you choose to celebrate. Here’s to a prosperous and inspiring New Year ahead!

Warm wishes,
Hugh

I’m taking a little blogging break and will be back on Monday, January 5th, with my first post of 2026.

You can follow me at the following sites.

The featured image in this post was created using the free version of Canva. WordPress AI was used for checking spelling and grammar mistakes.

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November 2025 – This is a first! But I Have Good Reasons

Published on Nov 30, 2025Nov 30, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts16 Comments

The past three months have been busy outside the world of blogging, so much so that I didn’t get the chance to write and publish monthly round-up posts for September or October.

Did I feel bad? Did I apologise? No. Sometimes life gets in the way of schedules, and my blogging routine was thrown off course, but it happens to everyone, and nobody needs to apologise. From what I saw, my posts from September, October and November continued to receive engagement, and for me, it’s all about interacting with other bloggers, writers, and readers.

Better late than never. Without further ado, here is the monthly round-up for the past three months on Hugh’s Views and News.

WordPress has introduced a new blog recommendation feature that displays recommended blogs on your Gravatar profile, improving visibility. My post details how to add the blogs you love the most.

This New WordPress Feature Helps Promote The Blogs You Love

Here’s a fresh writing challenge that everyone is encouraged to try. Can you write a story using only 101 words (no more, no less) based on a featured image?

Bloggers/Authors: Are You Ready For A Writing Challenge?

Where do the images and photos in your blog posts originate? Are you certain you’re not infringing the law by using copyrighted images?

Where To Legally Source Amazing Images For Your Blog Posts

How easy do you make it for visitors to share your blog posts and boost the visibility of your blog? Take action: These nine options are easy to find and activate.

9 Important Options on Your WordPress Blog to Check Now!

This is why you should never forget to put the clocks back before going to bed.

When The Clocks Go Back

Springtime in Paris! Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? Think again!

Experience the Magic of Spring in Paris! But not as you know it!

Are photography blog posts worth commenting on? Why I Decided to Stop Publishing My Photography.

4 Never Before Seen Photos And Why You Need To See Them

This post outlines various scams affecting bloggers, including voicemail scams and email phishing claims that appear to come from WordPress. Don’t become a victim of a scam or fined for downloading copyrighted material.

The Latest Blogging and Publishing Scams You Need to Be Aware Of Now

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

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August 2025 – Something strange happened on my blog!

Published on Aug 31, 2025Aug 31, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts29 Comments

Something strange happened this month. For the first time since I’ve been blogging, one of my blog posts received more engagement on social media (Mastodon) than on the actual post. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but could it be that claims of real engagement in the world of blogging are on the decline?

However, August turned out to be a bumper month for me. Although I only published three blog posts, four if you include this one, my stats soared. August 2025 was the highest month for views of any August since I started blogging in 2014. And to top it all off, engagement remained high.

How was your August blogging-wise?

Here’s your opportunity to catch up on my three blog posts from August 2025.

Did you know that keeping old, outdated blog posts can damage your blog? What do you do with your old blog posts? Join the discussion.

The Ultimate Guide to Updating, Deleting, or Republishing Old Blog Posts

Warning: If you spot a small pod similar to this, do not go near it.

Flash Fiction – A Small Invasion

How easy do you make it for visitors to your blog to contact you without attracting the spammers and spambots?

5 Reasons Why Every Blogger Should Have a Contact Page and How to Build One

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Don’t forget to add a BlueSky sharing button to your blog.

Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – July 2025

Published on Jul 31, 2025Jul 31, 2025 by Hugh W. Roberts7 Comments

I’ve always believed that the summer months are quieter in the blogging world because many of us are off doing better things and making the most of the weather, provided it’s not too hot and humid. Yet, I have been proved wrong this summer, with my stats for June being significantly higher compared to June 2024, and they remained much the same for July. But how are your stats doing for the year so far?

Including this post, I’ve published 31 posts so far this year, which is significantly fewer than I’ve ever done, except for 2014, my first year of blogging. My blogging tips posts remain popular, although I’m pleased that both my flash fiction posts received much more engagement than previous flash fiction posts.

When was the last time you backed up your blog? Don’t need to back it up? Think again. I’d recommend reading the last post on the following list.

Here’s your opportunity to catch up on my four blog posts from July 2025.

Bill faces a crucial decision at a crossroads, ultimately choosing a hidden path that leads to complicated consequences for him and his wife.

Flash Fiction – Crossroads Of Desire

Why this new WordPress feature functions as a backdoor for verifying that everything is working as intended on your blog.

Now This Is Why Keeping Your WordPress Site Updated Matters

An empty house. Brightly coloured feathers on the stairs. But where do they lead, and what do they mean? Adrian is about to find out.

Flash Fiction – Follow The Feathers

Would you know what to do if your blog vanished without explanation? My post describes how you can prevent the nightmare of losing all your blog’s content.

How to Prevent This Horrible Blogging Nightmare From Happening

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – October 2024

Published on Oct 31, 2024Oct 31, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Here’s your chance to catch up on the nine blog posts published in October 2024.

Hugh’s Views and News is at the heart of great conversations and engagement. Did you join the debates and conversations? If not, why not jump in and let us know what you think?

Question: Do you know the name of this strange-looking fruit on this tree?

What Type Of Tree Is This? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Do you have a life-changing event you’re proud of?

Flash Fiction – How To Ice A Cake And Change Your Life

Question: Have you spotted a rare double?

Are You Seeing Double? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Are you seeing too much spam on your blog? How To activate Akismet’s spam setting in WordPress to significantly reduce spam comments and streamline your blogging experience.

Turn This Setting On To Stop Seeing Too Much Spam On Your WordPress Blog

Do you use excerpts in your WordPress blog posts? If so, there’s an ongoing issue with them. WordPress has now fixed this problem. Read on for more details.

Is This WordPress Problem Affecting You? It’s Been Reported

Question: Have you ever seen more than one ghost simultaneously?

Are You Ready For Halloween? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Do you use excerpts in your WordPress blog posts? If so, there has been an ongoing issue with them that has now been fixed. However, for the fix to work, you must take action. Read on for more details.

WordPress: Excerpts Are Working Again!

Question: Could you beat me at this game?

Do You Play This Game? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Question: When did you last see something eerie looking out from a window at you?

Halloween #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – August 2024

Published on Sep 1, 2024Oct 6, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you see these nine blog posts that got readers talking, asking questions and wondering? If you haven’t joined the conversation yet, why not jump in and let us know what you think!

I don’t write book reviews. But this book has helped me change my mind. Read on for more details.

Book Review: Borrowed Time by Russell Dean @RussDeanWrites

Question: Did you watch the closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games?

Olympics – London 2012 – Closing Ceremony #WordlessWednesday #Photography

WordPress users often face problems, but they may not always be caused by their blogging platform. Device issues, internet browsers, poor blog housekeeping and retired themes can all contribute to problems. My post outlines what to do if you’re experiencing issues with using WordPress.

WordPress Problems: Don’t Panic! How To Solve Issues Quickly

Question: Do you grow fruit or vegetables in your garden or allotment?

Homegrown #WordlessWednesday #Photography

He’d been promised gold, but he only found a dusty trail. But where did it lead?

Flash Fiction – Gold

Are you following too many blogs? 7 common mistakes to look out for before following a blog.

7 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Deciding Whether To Follow A Blog

Question: What strange garden objects have you found?

Strange Garden Objects #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Question: What are the signs in your part of the world that summer or winter is ending?

End Of Summer #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Are you following too many WordPress blogs? This is how easy it is to unsubscribe from those you want to unfollow.

5 Easy Ways To Unfollow A WordPress Blog

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – July 2024

Published on Aug 1, 2024Aug 1, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you see these nine blog posts that got readers talking, asking questions and wondering? If you haven’t joined the conversation yet, why not jump in and let us know what you think!

After a decade of crafting short stories and flash fiction on my blog, I’ve learned valuable storytelling techniques, which I shared in a guest post. But what helped me write better stories that many readers love? Read on for more details.

How To Write Fantastic Stories That Will Impact Readers

Question: Would you swim to the boat or wait by the lamppost for somebody to bring it to you?

An Interesting View #WordlessWednesday #Photography

WordPress has relocated the ‘Discussion’ setting to a more visible and accessible position, simplifying the control of comments and pingbacks. My post outlines where to find the ‘discussion setting’ and when you should consider turning comments off on specific posts.

WordPress: How To Close Comments: What You Need To Know

Question: What would you have liked to have been behind the shutters?

Behind The Shutters #WordlessWednesday #Photography

You can now add images to WordPress posts directly from your phone using the Jetpack app, with simple resizing options. Read my posts for all the details.

Blogging Simplified: Adding Images From Your Phone To A WordPress Post

Question: Have you seen signs of nature fighting back?

When Nature Takes Over #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Time is the enemy for all of us, especially Mr Kingston, who needs to frantically clean his house before time runs out and his visitors arrive. But why the panic?

Flash Fiction – Has Anyone Seen Felix?

Question: What kind of creature is this?

The Nighttime Visitor #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Question: Have you ever attended the Olympic games?

Olympic Rings – London 2012 #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – June 2024

Published on Jun 30, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you check out these nine blog posts that got everyone talking and wondering? If you haven’t joined the conversation yet, why not jump in and let us know what you think!

Categorising and tagging your blog posts correctly is one of the most powerful way of getting your blog posts noticed. My post will show you how to add categories and tag words correctly, resulting in more visitors to your blog.

How To Make Categorising And Tagging Blog Posts Powerful

Do you enjoy home baking? What do you bake?

Homemade: What Would You Serve With This Pie? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

A man deeply connected to the city loses his job and believes the city needs change. This culminates in drastic action. Can he save the city?

Flash Fiction – Life And Death In The City

Do you own any strange works of art?

Strange Works Of Art #WordlessWednesday #Photography

How do you engage with your readers and other bloggers? Are you taking full advantage of the comments you leave?

Blogging Simplified: Engagement. Am I Doing It Right?

A difficult choice of lip colour, comfortable purple shoes, a new green dress, and nostalgic gold nail varnish set the stage for an unexpected encounter.

Flash Fiction – Colours Behind The Mask

Question: Do you prefer sunrises or sunsets? Why?

Summer Solstice #WordlessWednesday #Photography

The first Gay Pride march in London in 1972 marked a pivotal moment in LGBTQ+ history, paving the way for rights and acceptance. Pride events continue to celebrate progress and advocate for equality, but have changed considerably over the years. Have you ever attended a pride event? Share your Pride stories here.

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Pride

Question: Do you enjoy a daily walk? If so, where do you usually walk?

Captivating Visuals: #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – May 2024

Published on May 31, 2024May 29, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you see these 9 blog posts that got people talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you joined the conversation, but if not, jump in and let us know what you think!

Do you have a favourite place to eat?

Would You Eat Here? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Do you like talking about blogging? I do, and I’ve lots to say about it. What about you?

Blogging Simplified: It’s Easy, Isn’t It? Things I’ve Learned

Are you in this photo? If so, let me know in the comments. If not, have you ever met a group of bloggers?

What Do You Call A Group Of Bloggers? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Where’s your favourite place to daydream?

Flash Fiction – Life On The Edge Of Dreams

Can you guess which famous writer used to live in the house in this photo?

Which Famous Writer Lived Here? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

I’m terrified of water. But the swimming instructor had other ideas.

Flash Fiction – Swimming Lessons

Can you guess how old my antique vase is and how much it’s worth?

Antiques: Do You Own Any? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Three contrasting nights out reveal the challenges and joys of a gay man’s life. Incidents highlight the struggle for acceptance as well as a changing societal attitude towards the LGBT community in the 1980s and 1990s. You may laugh, you may cry, but these three true stories about gay nightlife are very different.

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Nightlife

Savoury or sweet? What’s your preference?

Do You Have A Sweet Tooth? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

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Did You Miss Any Of These? Monthly Round-Up – April 2024

Published on Apr 30, 2024Apr 30, 2024 by Hugh W. Roberts

Did you catch these 9 blog posts that got everyone talking, discussing, and wondering? Maybe you were part of the conversation, but if not, jump in and share your thoughts!

Have weddings changed much over the years?

What Is The Best Time Of The Year For A Wedding? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

What can you see in the blink of an eye? You may be surprised.

Flash Fiction – In The Blink Of An Eye

Are you making use of your old blog posts? My three quick and easy tips to bring old blog posts alive again are easy to follow and will deliver results.

3 Quick And Easy Ways To Promote Your Old Blog Posts

Two window views, but which one do you prefer?

Which Window View Do You Prefer? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

This new WordPress dashboard feature includes settings like privacy, site tools, and domain management for your blog. My post tells you where to find it and how to use it.

How To Use This New Easy Feature For Your Blog’s Settings On WordPress.

A standing ovation and a round of applause, but can you guess who’s on stage?

When Was The Last Time You Gave A Standing Ovation And A Round Of Applause? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Pick a door, any door, and tell me which one you like the most and why.

Beach Huts #ThursdayDoors #Photography

Do you have a favourite view of planet Earth?

What’s Your Favourite View Of Planet Earth? #WordlessWednesday #Photography

Where would we be without friends in our lives? We all need them, don’t we? As a gay man, I’ve had my fair share of both male and female friends over the years, but some of those friendships were not what I thought the true meaning of friendship was all about. Meet Tasmin, Neville and Janet. Which one would you like to be friends with?

True Stories: Confessions Of A Gay Man – Friends

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