Since Blogger launched the Gadget directory, I've been keeping track of new submissions and developing several gadgets of my own. While Blogger's directory is searchable, I realised that many bloggers would find descriptive reviews, screenshots, developer details and installation instructions a useful addition to the brief descriptions offered in the directory listings.So I decided to create Gadgets for Blogger - a searchable directory of gadgets which have been developed specifically for the Blogger platform.
Each gadget listed in this directory features:
- The gadget title
- A full description of the gadget
- Screenshot of the gadget in action
- Details of ads included in the gadget (where applicable)
- Contact/website details of the gadget developer (where possible)
- Quick install link, to add the gadget to your blog without having to navigate to your Blogger dashboard and through various menus to locate the installation link.
Featured Gadgets
The very best gadgets are assigned to the "Featured" category. These gadgets are all of exceptional quality in terms of coding, appearance and usefulness. The most recent additions to this category are highlighted above the main listings in the Featured posts showcase:
You can also find all Featured Gadgets by viewing the Featured gallery.
Submit Your Own Gadgets
If you have developed any gadgets of your own, feel free to fill in this form to submit your gadget for inclusion in the directory once they meet the following requirements:- Your gadget must have been developed for use with Blogger powered blogs
- The gadget should be tested and working
- Spam and malware gadgets will not be included. If your gadget contains ads, this will be described in the listing page.
- Include the URL where your gadget is hosted. This enables us to create a link for readers to add the gadget directly from this site.
Here are some useful resources for Blogger gadget developers:
- Blogger Gadget Developer's Guide
- Google Gadget Developer's Guide
- Best UI Practises for Blogger Gadgets
- Google Code (for hosting your gadgets and associated scripts)
- Submit your gadgets to Blogger for inclusion in the official directory
Regular Updates
I'll be updating Gadgets for Blogger on a weekly basis (at least) to include any new submissions to the official Gadget directory in addition to any direct submissions on the site.Feel free to suggest any gadgets I may have missed and I'll try to get these included as soon as possinle.
See also...
If you're searching for Blogger gadgets and plugins, you should also check out Aneesh's sites:- Blogger Widgets, which offers tutorials and articles to help install widgets, gadgets and other add-ons in Blogger templates
- Blogger Gadgets - a similar, searchable directory of Gadgets for the Blogger platform.
Your Thoughts?
Do you think Gadgets for Blogger will be a useful resource for the Blogger community? Do you have any suggestions for how it may be improved?Please feel free to let me know your thoughts about this new project by leaving your comments below.
15 comments:
It would be nice to have a complete list of all the gadgets on the site without having to look at all the previous entries, and maybe even have them listed by category.
Thanks, it will be very usefull
Thanks for the suggestion, Rebecca. That would definitely be possible :) I'll work on this tomorrow, and will make a link to the list from the main menu.
I've just started playing around with Blogger and I think this is not only a great resource but a much needed one.
Regards,
Karl
Amanda, Good work. I'm sure you'll get it close to perfection.
Ey this is a nice post! I really hated Blogger because of its limitations in customizations but this may finally change my mind!
I think the type information you have available should be linked DIRECTLY into the Blogger gadget gallery. The ratings should be extractable so you can build a list of gadgets in order of feedback/ratings! Gadget developers also need one spot where they can get feedback and support their customers.
I wish Blogger would make a clear gadget support statement like you do!!
A very good idea. Regards
thanks
http://maryjanemarkets.blogspot.com/
Thank you amanda. I like all of your activity.
aR
Bangla Hacks
I still have no idea how you figure out what the new gadgets are, it is soo hard to figure out within the Blogger gadget gallery (any tips?).
You also need to keep track of the ones blogger deletes (ex. the GFC comments gadget has FINALLY been removed).
I have been waiting a long time for something like this! I have implemented a lot of things that you suggest into my ebook blog. Check it out http://omgebook.blogspot.com/
Thanks for all your great advice
You should check the Blogger/GFC help forums before you pick your featured gadgets:
"These gadgets are all of exceptional quality in terms of coding, appearance and usefulness."
The "Get Answers" gadget has different results on IE and FF and a couple of others have Blogger specific installation issues. These were reported directly to your friends at Blogger at the beginning of July, yet they are still there!!
The Google event gadget also has some issues and the screenshot/description that you got from the gadget is NOT accurate for the blogger version.
Yes, it absolutely will be. Even if it's just to see what's available and what you can actually do. It may just encourage more developers to develop gagets to showcase.
Gadgets For Blogger is a another awesome site from you.. great to see the network growing!
Thanks for the links :P
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