TypePad for Dummies
March 23, 2010
In 2008 we were approached by some TypePad bloggers about the possibility of writing a "For Dummies" book for TypePad. Naturally we said - YES! Absolutely. If they were prepared to take on the gargantuan task of capturing all the secrets of this little application onto the printed page then who were we to stop them? We were pleased to offer the technical (and moral) support.
To our delight Shannon Lowe and Melanie Nelson announced the arrival of the book on Amazon a few weeks ago. TypePad for Dummies is a comprehensive, up to the minute run through of all the great functionality TypePad offers.
The book also covers some of the practical blogging strategies that have served the authors so well, and some fine examples that will inspire even the most seasoned blogger. I enjoyed reading this book, and I confess to learning a trick or two myself.
So, if...
1) You are thinking about starting a blog
2) You know someone else who is starting a blog who might feel more comfortable with the instruction manual in their hand or
3) You have a nagging feeling your blog is not benefiting from everything TypePad has to offer
...then you can go here to buy this book.
Giveaway Time!
Alternatively, tell us what you would write your own "For Dummies" book about in the comments and we'll send our favorite responses a FREE COPY of TypePad for Dummies in the mail! We have 5 to give away.
Inspiration
Yes - if you spotted this contest on Facebook a few weeks - this is a re-run. It was so fun seeing everyone's ideas we decided to run it on Everything TypePad as well. Here are some of our favorites for inspiration
- Driving for Dummies from Isabel Ginsberg of xoisabel
- Cocktail Party Conversation for Dummies and the socially awkward from Karen Richter of the big 3 blog
- Being a Superstar Mom and Still Looking Hot for Dummies from Keri Ann Berga of OutNumberedmomma
- Building groovy sandcastles from Angela Walters.
We'll announce the winners on Friday.
How to turn your numb thumb into a green thumb for dummies :)
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 24, 2010 at 09:55 PM
"Communicating With Teenagers" for Dummies
Thanks for this chance to win the book.
Posted by: Kat's Place | March 24, 2010 at 10:01 PM
I have a few:
1 - LOST for Dummies
2 - The Twilight Saga for Dummies
3 - LinkedIn for Dummies
4 - Indie Rock for Dummies
5 - Sustainability for Dummies
6 - Voice mail and Email etiquette for Dummies
Posted by: A Twitter User | March 24, 2010 at 10:07 PM
Opening your mouth and not biting your tongue "For Dummies"
Posted by: Jeni-B's-Attic | March 24, 2010 at 10:07 PM
I would write "Republicans for Dummies". Actually that could pretty much write itself.
Brian
www.northshoredad.com
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 24, 2010 at 10:23 PM
How white haired old ladies create a sexy blogs for dummies.
Posted by: Marrianna Dougherty | March 24, 2010 at 10:51 PM
I would do detoxing for dummies- everyone loves the buzzword detox, but not too many people really know how to detox properly!
Posted by: Carlin Saldanha | March 24, 2010 at 11:26 PM
How to Write a Dummies Book for Dummies
Posted by: Leslie R. Lee | March 24, 2010 at 11:35 PM
As a 50-something, crazy busy mom of six and wanting to be a better blogger, I would write a "Learning to say NO" for Dummies because until I say "no" to some of the requests and demands in my life, I won't have time to get to my happy blogging place!
Posted by: Helen | March 25, 2010 at 12:01 AM
Texting while driving for dum(lost transmission)
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 25, 2010 at 12:04 AM
Obstructing Health Insurance Reform for Dummies, Republicans, Whatever.
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 25, 2010 at 12:08 AM
Alcaholishm for Zshummies
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 25, 2010 at 12:11 AM
politics for dummys because being dumb about polictics has been the problem for over 30 years. most people either don't vote or they just ignorant about who to vote for.
another would be understanding the constitution for dummys. if we had this one maybe we would not need the first one suggested
Posted by: Ron Starnes | March 25, 2010 at 12:14 AM
Bongs for Duuuuuuuude, what was I saying?
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 25, 2010 at 12:16 AM
you should write dumbass liberal or socialst or progressive or whatever you might call yourself to fool dummies
Posted by: Ron Starnes | March 25, 2010 at 12:21 AM
Denial for Dummies
Posted by: Christy | March 25, 2010 at 12:41 AM
Whew! Thats Fuuuuuuuny. Man, hold on while I catch my breath!
Wait I got an other one:
Socialism for Republicans (because they dont seem to actually know what it is!)
Fox News for Dummies (Nah, thats just redundant)
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 25, 2010 at 12:41 AM
I'd like to write Becoming a Better Human Being for Dummies. Contents to include "how to manage your nervous system to control anger and stress," "learning that it's not all about me," "having different points of view and still having something to say to each other," "taking personal responsibility in a world that blames," and "how to evolve as a species." Probably not terribly funny, but hopefully it would attract some readers!
Posted by: Anne Hoff | March 25, 2010 at 12:47 AM
Procrastination for...I'll just post this tomorrow.
Posted by: Brian Dann | March 25, 2010 at 12:47 AM
"Social Skills For Dummies: How to Engage IRL After Living Online"
Posted by: souris | March 25, 2010 at 01:02 AM
did i hit a nerve. i am a right wing conservative constitutionalist(clinging to my guns and my religion) not a republican. the liberals and the rhinos have screwed this country up. you are on the titantic and the progressives havehit the iceburg and this ship will sink soonand you and others like you areprobably to stupid to know it. keep your shit i am notopening attachments.
have a nice day
To: ronstarnes@msn.com
Posted by: Ron Starnes | March 25, 2010 at 01:05 AM
How to Zone Out in the presence of a Narcissist for Dummies! Hey they won't even notice. LOL
Posted by: Janet | March 25, 2010 at 02:19 AM
"Choosing a Mate for Dummies: How to Spot a 'Bad Boy' a Mile Away"
"What's Up Doc for Dummies: How to Know When Your Doc Doesn't Know What Ta Heck He's (She's) Talking About - And How to Say "No" to Drugs, Radiation and Mutilation"
Posted by: | March 25, 2010 at 02:32 AM
"Opening Your Mouth Without Inserting Foot for Dummies"
Posted by: | March 25, 2010 at 02:36 AM
In line at the checkout for Dummies!! Too many idiots!!
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 02:58 AM
How to make it to retirement without going insane due to the stupidity of your boss and co-workers.
Posted by: Lois Schuerman | March 25, 2010 at 05:27 AM
With the recent news reports on the up-tick in gun sales I am sure we are going to need a "How not to accidentally shoot yourself or your loved ones for Dummies".
Posted by: fogg | March 25, 2010 at 05:45 AM
Patience for Dummies!!! I think I need a lot of tips in keeping my patience with people lately but mostly with my kids.
Posted by: Laura Pinto-Nguyen | March 25, 2010 at 07:12 AM
Or maybe, "Keeping Your Pecker in Your Pants for Congressmen Dummies."
(Forgive me, I couldn't resist.)
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 07:17 AM
I should have said, ". . . For Congressmen and Athletes . . .".
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 07:21 AM
LOL! That's a good one.
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 07:44 AM
Hey, how'd you do that?
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 07:51 AM
"What to say when your kids ask why you are always on the laptop for Dummies"
Posted by: Cavalier92 | March 25, 2010 at 08:20 AM
How to survive driving in Riyadh, KSA
Posted by: JCK | March 25, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Bowel Regularity for Dummies.
Posted by: Shane Schneider | March 25, 2010 at 08:37 AM
. . .not that there's anything wrong with that.
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 08:40 AM
How about:
"Digestion for Dummies" (with a tip of the hat to friends with Colitis and Crohn's disease)
Or ....
"How To Enhance Your intelligence for Dummies"
Or ....
"Passive Aggression for Dummies"
Posted by: Colleen Proctor | March 25, 2010 at 09:08 AM
"Chair Exercises for Dummies," written for the avid Typepad Blogger.
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:18 AM
"How to keep your word after saying, 'I'll be off the computer in a minute' for Dummies."
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:19 AM
"Skills for Making the Person Next to You Look Guilty When Your Cell Phone Rings During a Church Service for Dummies."
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:22 AM
Yodeling for Fun and Profit for Dummies"
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:23 AM
"Eat Food from My Kitchen and Still Go On to Live a Long, Productive Life for Dummies."
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:24 AM
"Just Because I Don't Agree with You Doesn't Mean I'm Stupid for Dummies"
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:27 AM
"Enduring Chinese Torture for Dummies" - How to get along with your in-laws.
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:28 AM
"Pretending You have a Huge Blog Following When You Only Average Three Comments Per Post for Dummies."
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:30 AM
"Get Out of Bed in the Morning Even When Your iPhone, iPad, and iBook are within an arm's reach for Dummies" (For all us Mac Dummies)
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:34 AM
Tackling for Dummies.
Posted by: Shane Schneider | March 25, 2010 at 09:49 AM
"How to REALLY Read the 'Terms of Agreement' before clicking 'Accept' for Dummies."
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:54 AM
"REALLY Read and Understand the 'Terms of Agreement' before clicking 'Accept' Without Hiring a Lawyer for Dummies"
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 09:57 AM
How to be the mom to 6 boys and NOT lose your mind... on most days.
Posted by: Christina Manning | March 25, 2010 at 10:05 AM
Oops, didn't mean to post it twice. But I should have said, ". . . without a Lawyer or a Nap!"
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 10:05 AM
www.fliptext.net ;-)
Posted by: The Diet Guy | March 25, 2010 at 10:12 AM
I think the book we need most is, "How not to be a Dummy for Dummies", that should sum it up right there, lol..
Posted by: | March 25, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Wow, thanks!
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 10:21 AM
"How to Follow Written Instruction for Dummies"
Posted by: Maggie | March 25, 2010 at 10:21 AM
"Can You Tell I Really Want to Win this Book by the Number of Entries I've Offered for Dummies"???
Posted by: Sallyt | March 25, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Relocating from the South to Vermont for Dummies, 'cuz you would have to be a dummy like us to do such a thing! Excellent idea for a blog and if I win the book, I'll do just that on Typepad which is an incredible challenge for me to use. And, of course, I will have to WIN because now that I live in Vermont, I'm broke!!!
Posted by: Linens and Laurel | March 25, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Hi Krista,
You should check out Amazon for iPhone For Dummies, 3rd Edition, Facebook For Dummies, 2nd Edition, Social Media Marketing For Dummies, and Parenting For Dummies. I am so glad we are hitting the mark with titles that people need. Thank you!
Amy Fandrei
Wiley Publishing
Posted by: Amy | March 25, 2010 at 11:26 AM
And there's nothing quite like knowing that you don't know it all.
Posted by: Claire Alcock | March 25, 2010 at 11:50 AM
How to post a comment for Dummies
who are trying to get a free book from Typepad
Posted by: Ron Starnes | March 25, 2010 at 11:52 AM
That's OK Sinead - you can see you are not the only mommy/mummy in this thread - check out some of the profiles - clearly mommy's are a wise bunch with a ton of ideas they are keen to share.
Posted by: Claire Alcock | March 25, 2010 at 11:52 AM
Have you seen we can help with this too?
http://www.sixapart.com/advertising/solutions-for-bloggers/
Thanks for the comment
Posted by: Claire Alcock | March 25, 2010 at 11:59 AM
How about "Understanding U.S. Politics for Dummies"?
Posted by: Loren Bliss | March 25, 2010 at 12:04 PM
Litter Prevention for Dummies...........
Alternative actions to ridding yourself of stinky, smelly butts (& other unwanted items) without flicking, flinging, or dropping.
Posted by: Museum of Litter | March 25, 2010 at 12:15 PM
LOL! Love this!
Posted by: Claire Alcock | March 25, 2010 at 12:20 PM
"Introducing Yourself to Your Neighbors Even Though You've Lived Next Door to Them for Going On Three Years and Have Said All But 10 Words To Them In Total ... for Dummies"
"Is The Creepy Guy At Work Who Stares At You Over The Cubicle Wall and Stands To Close To You In The Breakroom a Valid Prospect or a Potential Stalker ... for Dummies"
"Do These Pants Make My Fat A*s Look Fatter ... For Dummies"
"Feigning Ditziness in an Effort To Keep The Peace as an Alternative To Screaming "ARE YOU SERIOUSLY RETARDED YOU FLIPPING IDIOT?!" ... for Dummies"
"My Eight Year Old Just Told Me She Wants To Be Little Kim When She Grows Up; Should I Be Concerned? ... for Dummies"
and of course
"Tweeting for Twits"
Posted by: glamazini | March 25, 2010 at 01:20 PM
Asperger's for Dummies.
Posted by: Chichi Labamba | March 25, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Also - Facebook Etiquette for Dummies
Posted by: Hyndsy | March 25, 2010 at 02:09 PM
How to remain young at heart FOR DUMMIES!!!
Posted by: The Boot-Obsessed Eccentric | March 25, 2010 at 02:28 PM
Well, I bought it as I like the Dummies format. I was hoping for more on widgets, especially shop/retail.
Nice resource to have all in all.
Thanks,
Nancy Peden, Monterey, CA
Posted by: NPeden | March 25, 2010 at 03:06 PM
I would write my Dummies book about
How to Get Work Done While Entertaining your Indoor Cat for Dummies
I have three of four cats attached to me at the hip. They keep following me wherever I go in the house. We seem to have a team that goes to the laundry room, back to the bedroom to fold it and put it away (and pull it out to play with it), into the library to pull out the computer (but they don't walk on the keyboard, that's one rule I've taught them), back to the kitchen for FOOD, into the living room to watch TV (they prefer Animal Planet). Plus I have to vacuum every other day to pick up all the fur. Perhaps I should change my book..
De-Furring your Home for Dummies
I would love a copy of the book. It is different to be able to see it in print than on the screen. How many times have we done something on the screen that when printed looks totally different? Perhaps it really should be:
How not to Make a Fool of Yourself on Facebook for Dummies
or Typepad for that matter. I'm going now.
Posted by: Sandie H | March 25, 2010 at 03:14 PM
Abstract Multivariate Topological Dynamic Quantum Analysis for Dummies
Posted by: JohnnyM | March 25, 2010 at 03:21 PM
Health care for Dummies
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 03:24 PM
I'd go for "Women for Dummies" -- I just get tickled thinking about the 'Dummies' attachment on that. My first thought was "Men for Dummies" - but guess what that would make me? LOL
Rachael
Posted by: Rachael Sak | March 25, 2010 at 03:26 PM
How to Unite a nation for Dummies - man
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 03:31 PM
Husband housecleaning for Dummies
Posted by: Vanessa Smith, Wellness Coach & Intuitive | March 25, 2010 at 04:41 PM
Hi dategirl! I work with the Publisher Services Team here at Six Apart Media. I can help get you set up in the Ad Program so you can start running ads on your blog and answer any questions you may have.
Let me know how I can help!
Posted by: Angela | March 25, 2010 at 06:43 PM
"How to Text for Dummies"...I'm just no good at it...my daughter is always texting me..
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 07:03 PM
I'm really happy to hear that you wrote this book; but I wish you would have had it out sooner. I had to pay someone to build my blog for me! Pretty sad, I know!!! I think I deserve the book...
"How to Do it Yourself for Dummies"...lol
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 07:07 PM
How about "Facebook for Dummies"! They keep changing their site...it drives me crazy!
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 07:11 PM
Jeff, thanks for your review. I'll call it "Deciding (if you want) to Buy TypePad for Dummies Made EZ" Claire, thanks for recommending we read.
Posted by: Karen McMillan,ACC, | YINpreneur | March 25, 2010 at 07:11 PM
Is there an "Eating Out as Much as Humanly Possible Without Gaining Weight for Dummies"? LOL
Posted by: Karen McMillan,ACC, | YINpreneur | March 25, 2010 at 07:12 PM
How to Survive a Tech Support call for Dummies.
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 25, 2010 at 07:24 PM
Dog raising for "Dummies"
Posted by: Carmen Gillis | March 25, 2010 at 07:46 PM
funny... I don't have cable and never had, and you wouldn't believe how many people think that's impossible.
Posted by: Lynn Fisher - Write Where I Am | March 25, 2010 at 08:16 PM
LOL...or, Lake on Left.
Posted by: Lynn Fisher - Write Where I Am | March 25, 2010 at 08:20 PM
Wow...didn't know you could do that!
Posted by: Lynn Fisher - Write Where I Am | March 25, 2010 at 08:24 PM
Oh this one should SO win!
Posted by: Lynn Fisher - Write Where I Am | March 25, 2010 at 08:30 PM
Extreme Political Rhetoric for Dummies.
Posted by: BigMatty | March 25, 2010 at 08:38 PM
We got it! We got it!
EVERYBODY on TYPEPAD needs this book!
It would have made things SO much easier back at the begining!
Thank you to everyone who made this gem possible!
Thank you
Thank you!
Posted by: Erik HOMEMADE | March 25, 2010 at 09:10 PM
Typepad for Dummies? I don't know much about coding or CSS, but I have to say that I've learned a lot about CSS since using Typepad a few years ago -- a valuable skill that shouldn't be underestimated.
While the book may certainly help some, I have to say that Typepad is so easy to use (compared with the complex coding and customizations required for Wordpress or Blogger) that one hardly needs a book, just a bit of trial and error, and it works.
Posted by: Werner Patels | March 25, 2010 at 10:47 PM
Online Dating for Dummies
Posted by: Gabrielle | March 25, 2010 at 10:55 PM
How to Put Make-Up on an 8 Year Old without Making Her Look Like a Hooker for Dummies
Posted by: Lisa | March 25, 2010 at 11:43 PM
Lying about your technical expertise in order to get a book deal, for dummies
Posted by: Bradley Gardner | March 26, 2010 at 12:26 AM
Knifemaking for Dummies
Posted by: Drbills | March 26, 2010 at 01:01 AM
Be great assistance in blogging better.
Posted by: Beth Russell | March 26, 2010 at 04:56 AM
Talking With Your Teen for Dummies: a handbook about listening ... and patience ... and breathing slooooowly.
(really helpful if you are the (loving) parent of a daughter (no matter how wonderful) in the high-hormone years) :-)
Posted by: Karen McMillan,ACC, | YINpreneur | March 26, 2010 at 05:54 AM
not quite blank. i see finger prints, torn pages (probably all over a room), crayon marks across your just-finished-hand-written-pages since they wanted to color it and make it pretty for you) ... LOL
Posted by: Karen McMillan,ACC, | YINpreneur | March 26, 2010 at 05:56 AM
big and beautiful book, but the blog world out of control I'm afraid of what
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 26, 2010 at 09:28 AM
Consisting of tuition and classroom environment to prevent these negative consequences will be. All necessary equipment is provided for teaching too much information in a short time job can be expected. With private lessons and private lessons BogaziciDers families who want to take the most successful runs educational counseling to the group attending private lessons. Math tutor, physics tutor, chemistry tutor and English teacher for private lessons can be found in BogaziciDers.com group
Posted by: Account Deleted | March 26, 2010 at 09:57 AM