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My Advanced CSS Dropped Dead - PLEASE READ!

Okay, so yesterday, while doing nothing but staring and reminiscing about making some possible changes on my network, RIGHT BEFORE MY EYES, my screen changed. The colors and special tweaks of my beautifully designed site went "KaPoof", and just like that my hard work of unique creativity dissipated into thin air.

I wasn't working in the Custom Code Box or Advanced CSS, or anything of the like, just simply adding an RSS box to the main page. I couldn't understand how something like that could happen, but the disheartening fact was that .... IT DID!

OMGosh, I went straight into panic mode, as you can imagine, and I couldn't type fast enough in the subject line: EMERGENCY JEN. No sooner, did I receive a reply (thank God she was available - bless her heart), when I read the gentle intro of the email to take a deep breathe and remain calm. It'll all work out once its figured out. Taking a deep breathe and remaining calm was the very first thing I needed to accomplish before I could really start seeing clearly enough in order to take the bull by its horns and handle my business. Similar to life, eh? Bad news and we often times panic.

Anywayzzz, despite my wobbly beginning, I had some roots and a good foundation to stand on being a member of this aHmazing site. I had done my homework, taken notes, and paid extra attention to my NingTor (mentor) and those special reminders to the MAKE SURE YOU BACK UP YOUR CSS TO TEXT FILE warnings. Well, I had and it was only a few days ago that I had only updated it. Whew!

As I went straight to my text file to pull up my backup codes, when I opened up my CSS/Advanced Box, much to my surprise, I found that the CSS had been completely wiped out. There was absolutely nothing but an empty space. Seriously, not a tittle or a tot of an alphabet or special character. Nothing but a blank white page that stared right back at me.

I hadn't realized just how much I have truly "matured" being a part of Jen's Social until this point. I mean, I've gained a lot of knowledge and have been able to implement what I've learned from this network with trial and error being part of the process. And I have had my challenges trust me. But one thing I have caught early in life is that the path that I may be walking on others before me have helped to pave it. So, it's best to take the advice to avoid and circumvent the many pitfalls.

It didn't take very long before I was back up and running things again but it was only because I had my back up files to work with. I can't even begin to imagine the nightmare I'd have to outlive if I hadn't.

This discussion is to serve as a friendly reminder to Pa-leeze back up ALL your Custom Code & Advanced CSS to a text file to avoid losing your hard work and the pain of having to start over. I have emailed, copy to file, and saved on flash drive to stay safe. One other special thing I've done is to copy any special HTML from Left Column, Middle Column, & Right Column for the just in case scenarios. You just never know when something odd will happen in NingLand.

All the best to each of you.

~Narda Goodson

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Permalink Reply by Tips by Alex/JenSocial on June 30, 2011 at 9:44am

If you switch to Design Studio, you don't need to worry about this. Because Design Studio backups every code at every time you save and publish it. It's time to move on to the new age. Maybe there will be a painful duration but I think it will gone so fast. In Chinese we say: 夜長夢多, the night is so long and you will have a lot of dreams and nightmares. And someone translated to " if a problem or an issue is not settled promptly, twists and obstacles will arise". You can google this Chinese phrase see how they translate. :)

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Permalink Reply by Predestined by God on June 30, 2011 at 9:51am

Hi Alex and thanks for the advice. To be quite honest, I am very comfortable and satisfied with the Old Ning. Plus, I've heard of some of the "dramas" and code-tech issues and limitations with the new Design Studio. Not quite ready to tackle the adventures of new turf. I'm one for progression and change but I'll stick this one out and hang out in the blocks of old neighborhood =)...

You are much appreciated, my friend!

~Narda

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Permalink Reply by Tips by Alex/JenSocial on June 30, 2011 at 10:50am

Ok, Narda. Do what you think best for you. Why you always have so many interesting images. I'm jealous. :P

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Permalink Reply by Predestined by God on June 30, 2011 at 12:26pm

LOL ... Awww. thank you. Honestly, I'm a big kid =).... glad you enjoy them...

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Permalink Reply by GirlRiders on June 30, 2011 at 11:52am

That's very scary, just from an RSS box? Weird. Glad you had your backups.

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Permalink Reply by Predestined by God on June 30, 2011 at 12:32pm

Girrrrrrrrrrrllllllllllllllll, that was all I was doing; simply adding in the features layout some RSS. Then "poof" .... gone! I am sooooooo glad that I had my backups too. I would've been in some serious trouble and a long haul to recover, redo, and refresh. LOL! It pays to listen sometimes. =). Thanks for sharing, glad to know ya', and love the pink bike!

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Permalink Reply by GirlRiders on June 30, 2011 at 7:02pm

haha thanks :) For my real bikes I have one blue and one red.

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Permalink Reply by Mujer de vanguardia on June 30, 2011 at 12:54pm

Wow! I'm copy paste muy css just now, after to read it. I don't want "KaPoof"

Thank you! ☺

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Permalink Reply by Predestined by God on June 30, 2011 at 2:07pm

KaPoof is no good ... glad to help =)...

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Permalink Reply by JenSocial on June 30, 2011 at 1:07pm

Thanks Narda! This is fantastic advice. I agree with Alex on new Design Studio somewhat, but not. I still think it's best to backup our own CSS, Custom Code Box, Text Boxes, and HTML pages.

Great creativity - - I LOVE that creative flair you have.

Thanks again,

Jen

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Permalink Reply by Predestined by God on June 30, 2011 at 2:02pm

LOL ... Thanks, Jen! Hopefully, many will heed the precautions before it's too late. I, too, like the idea of backing up my own CSS, Custom Codes, TB's (sounds like a disease ... LOL), and HTML. One just never knows and internet glitches happen all the time.

Happy to Help!

~Narda