blogHowTo

Download and Install a Client

There are many weblog clients available on the Internet, some for free, some you must pay for. In this example I am using w.bloggar V4 which is free to download here . A copy is also available from the GOCC site here .

Configure an Account

Access to sites from the client is controlled by creating accounts. Each account allows you to post to a different site.

We will create an account called GOCC. When you first start w.bloggar it will enter the dialog to create an account. If not, pull down the file menu and select Add Account....

Select Yes, I want to add it as a new account and click on Next>.

On the next screen select Custom in the first drop-down item, type "GOCC" in the next, leave the other options unselected and click Next>.

Select "metaWeblog API" in the Posts field and leave the other fields at their defaults. Click on Next>.

Enter "www.gocc.gov" in the Host field, "/portal_weblog" in the Path field and make sure HTTPS is NOT selected (which should automatically set the Port to "80"). Click on Next>.

Enter your username and password from the GOCC web site, and check the Save Password box (unless you want to enter your password manually each time). When you click Next> w.bloggar will attempt to test the connection. If it works you move move to the main screen ready to enter a posting.

Posting A Message

Posting a message is very simple.

1. If you have multiple accounts to post to more than one site you must make sure you have selected the GOCC one (the status line at the bottom of the window should say "GOCC").
2. Type in your title and the text you wish to post (note that you can insert HTML directly or using the pull-down menu).
3. Use the Preview tab to see what your post will look like.
4. Click on Post & Publish when you are ready to submit it.

Updating A Message

It is possible to update a message that you have already posted.

1. Click on the down arrow next to Posts. Select an item to retrieve the posted message you want.
2. Using the same method described above, amend the post and then submit it again.