The guano stare of vacuity.
As I remember it, that's a line from a poem called Tuscan Villa. It's a work that we were forced to study in English in my final year of high school — back in 1735 — so I may not be remembering correctly. However, I use it here to reference some images that are missing from my template today, for I am forced to endure a minor irritant in blogland today. It has to do with my web host, with which I park images that go in headers or my current silly portrait photo to the side. That's right, if you're visiting on Wednesday or even partway through Thursday, neither is there.
My web host has screwed up. Without warning, they billed my credit card for my annual fee last Friday, and, without warning, they discontinued my service sometime on Tuesday evening. I guess the left hand wasn't communicating with the right hand, and neither of their hands were communicating with me — the loyal customer.
After a few phone calls and a few holds and trying to communicate effectively with someone whose first language is not English, they promised that they would renew my domain license and restore my service in 24 hours, which is certainly big of them. I didn't seem to get much of an apology either!
It's okay, I suppose. I'm not a business; my livelihood won't suffer. Besides, it's more or less a discount host; the price is right, and the service is pretty reliable, so I can't complain too much.
But I thought that I'd let you know about the somewhat vacuous look.
It keeps life interesting, doesn't it, when things don't always work the way you expect them to.
ReplyDeleteFor what it's worth, I just keep my header image in a draft post in blogger. That way it's likely to be available so long as blogger itself isn't down... incidentally I can see your profile image although the header post is missing.
ReplyDeleteOften I have had to remind myself that it is only a hobby and not let myself get too upset when troubles with my webhost arise (which they invariably do). But.. I must admit to understanding how upsetting it all can be.
ReplyDeleteJust a simple suggestion here. If you have your own webspace and domain.. have you ever considered using WordPress. It is relatively easy to use and you would be able to use your creative talents much more than Blogger allows. I use WordPress and I love it. The webhost I use offers WordPress as one of their Cpanel fantastico options. Very easy to install this way.
Soooooo, a lesson in minimalism. I hope you get all your systems up and running to your satisfaction.
ReplyDeleteThe phrase 'the guano stare of vacuity' caused me to just sit here and chuckle - I'm not exactly sure why. :) Maybe that's what I have and didn't realize it. Bonita mentioned minimalism and my own blog seems to be defined by that word. I feel so defined. :) ec
ReplyDeleteFunny how being the customer sometimes feels more like being the culprit??
ReplyDeleteHere's hoping it works out well soon...