> ~ Insights by SewCalGal ~

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

WANTED - Quilters that never win in a Giveaway

This post is one that will be updated periodically, as it is intended to share insights for non-bloggers and bloggers that enter to win giveaways & contests, but lack the ability to win as they can't be contacted.  There are also a little tutorial, with screen shots and steps, to help you those that need to fix their settings and/or learn how to leave a comment.

If you want to win giveaways on any blog, here are some tips:

If the giveaway is posted on a Wordpress or Typepad blog they will typically have a form for you to enter, which also captures your contact info.  For giveaways that you enter on blogger blogs (e.g. SewCalGal) there are a variety of options to leave a comment/entry, the best way to enter is to have a Google Account and be sure your settings show what blogs you follow (e.g. you follow "publicly") and that you can be contacted through an email reply to your comment/entry.

To create a Google Account, simply go to www.google.com and follow the steps to create an account.  This is recommended for anyone, including those with Wordpress & Typepad accounts, if you want to become a "public follower" for ANY Google/Blogger blog (e.g. *.blogspot.com).  You can still follow blogs without such an address, but you will not be a public follower without it, as Google's tools will not recognize you as a follower.

To verify your Google Account has appropriate settings, click the following link:

http://www.blogger.com/edit-profile.g to edit your profile and make sure your profile has the following boxes checked.


While this list is NOT complete, it does share insights on various people that have entered to win a giveaway at SewCalGal and did not qualify, as there was not a way to contact them via email.  At the bottom of this post you'll find insights on how you can make sure you can be contacted when you enter a giveaway and/or contest on SewCalGal, or other blogs. 

Here is my WANTED list of quilters that have entered to win a giveaway on SewCalGal, but their settings disqualified them, as I couldn't contact them. To clarify, this isn't a problem just for SewCalGal, but for most blog giveaways.  And, these individuals could easily resolve their problem by fixing their settings or embedding their email address when they leave a comment to enter a giveaway. 

Quilters that have visited SewCalGal that need to update their settings:


   
Abbigail    settings are fixed
Abby Van Buskirk 
Adam Yoeckel      
Addie    
 aggie   
-amy    
Anael     
 Anda W    
 anitaestes     
Angela  
Angie   
 Anna    
Anna Banana      
Anna Maria Quagliero     Anne      
Anne in the uk          
Anya    
Arlene    
 ArtyFarty      
 Ashlea Tenner    
Aymará        
 Autie
babiesdoc 
Barb     
Barbara 
Barkel22 
Becca     
 bernie     
Bertiesmommie    
Bethany     
Beth C       
 betty    
 Betty Kaufman  
 Becki
Beth H. 
Billye        
Bill Locke Designs
bluerosegoddessarts 
 bmayer     
BobbiD 
Bonnie Tucker       Bonnie58
c     
candy    
 Cantinho da Aracy       
Can't Stop Stitchin     
Carmen (Country Mouse)     
CandySueM 
Carole Kurth
Carolyn Sullivan       
cathy at 'thehappygreenfrog.wordpress.com 
cassi    
 Catherine       
Catherine Harnisch       
Cathy   
 Cathy (CathyC in Alberta)       
Caz        
Cecilia     
charlotte        
CharlotteB       
Charlotte T.       
Chabrowa Panienka     
Cher in Victoria     
Cheryl 
 Cindy P 
Cinzia   
 Claire in Ct.      
 Claire Jain    
 Claudia    
 CLaudine     
 cleomisty
Coffeequilts    
 cohenna 
Connie (in California)
Connie
ConnieB/CA   
 CopyrCowgirl      
cpup40    
 Crafting Today   
crowefan0517  
 Crystal  

D Smart
Danna BC
 DavKan      
Deanna
 deb
Debbi   
Debbie  
 deborah 
Deborah
Deborah George
Debra G 
 Dee's  
 Denisehyeong
dfoxb   
 Diana Maldonado    
 Diane  
 Diane  
Dianne      
Diane 
Deidra
Dinah    
 DinahT       
Dinkey7997     
Dixie Handmade  
Dona  
Donah   
 Donna 
Donna Baker  
 DonnaP
  Donna Taylor         DonnaRae      
 Dorothy Matheson       dorthac     
Dot
Doreen    
 Dragonfly Pond      
DuAnne
EatRightIdaho 

Edzellinni aka Linda Edkins Wyatt 

Eileen 
 Elaine T       
Ellen     
Elli        
emmy   
erika    
 Erin     
 Estie   
Ελλάδα    
Felipe Caicedo
 FinoFiend    
Flaviabis     
Fran    
 Fran Wessel     
 Frederique      
 French 
funstitching75    

Gale      
 GA Quilter     
 Gerald     
Georgina     
Georgia Gonzales         
Gini Ewers       
 Gini     
Gloria    
Grace C.       grammie24cuties    
 gypsygg
happymrs 

Heather
helen-mary     
helenip
hilary
 hoemwork     HollowSquirrel
Hope   
Inge 
Irelle  

JaneB          settings fixed
 Jackie   
 Jackie T  
 Jacklynn
janie
 jaj   
 Jan 
 Jane     
Janet P         
Jane Smith     
 Janis    
Janice 
Janice Degraw aka thehappyquilter

Janita thegirlfriendgap        Januari Rhodes        Jane@Buzzmills     
janieg
jazzy      
Jeanne    
Jeanne Gwin
 Jeanne Holmes         
 jemfl    
Jennifer  
Jennie   
Jenny Larking 
 Jennifer D      
Jerimi
Jerry & Pat       
Jezebel
J.J.
Jill
Jo  
 Joan   
 Joan and Kevin      
 Joanna     
 Joannag      
Jocelyn   
JoanDeArc    
 Joannag        
Joanna (Unknown)
jody59 
Joyful Stitcher     
 josy26    
Josie Passell    
Joyce   
Joyce  
Joyful Stitcher
Joyfully Stitching in MN
jrwork
Judie   
 Judith   
Judy and Bob
Judy B
Julie    
 Just Plain Pam     
 Julie H in Mo      Julie
jh22
 Karen  
Karen Linton 
Karen M 
   Kathryn Knox      
Kathy   
 Kathy in GA     
Kathy M Boice      
 Kathy Schatt     
 katie   
Kaylene P
Kay Muraoka 
Kearstie Grenier    
Kellieann 
kfr14819
 Kim
Kimmyj...
Kirsten
 kitblu
Kittylet
 kjujik
klh

Knittingdancer on Ravelry  

Kearstie Grenier
K8   

 Kwilty Pleasures  

 Laceflower    
 Lady K   
ladyof2      
LIANE 
 llamitanan       
 Lauralee74       
 Laurie     
Lee Ann 
 lerusisik    
 Leslie C
Leslie Rose K 
Liberty   
 Lili      
Lilycreative      
 lil'monkeysmama   
Linda
 lindamid 
 Lisas Mom
  lizbet
Linda de Beaudrap   
lizzieslog
Lynne   

lcscottage  
lesizmo 
 Lori Bain
lori   
 Lora Martin     
Lotti
 Lynne      

Lynn In TX  
 Lyn  
 lynndianne
Luv2Create
Mallorie Anderson 
Mamabill   
Marcsi és Ági 
 Marilyn S     
 Margaret     
Marla Nelson 
Martha 
 marsha evans  
Mary Reed   
 Maureen     
Mary Ann
Mare      settings corrected   
Maria Kievit      settings corrected 
Marilyn in San Antonio, TX   
 Marla Nelson       
 maryc      
Mary     
Mary Ellen
 Margaret
Marjorie 
Maya
 mckittycat  
Meg in Albuquerque 
Melissa
Melissa Minke
Melody Shingler 
mewilbanks
Michael
 MicheleM 
 Michelle
 Michelle in Holly      
Michelle Harrison
Mika   
 Mike Pearson    
Milly Axling      
Mize Adventures
MJKasz 
 m murphy
 momhooten   
momssewingroom        monica     
Montseta      
moosecarol     
Mona in San Diego
motherbuzzard     
Mrs. Welshon 

Ms MoomMist   
muffster     mwhite
nakedk9 
Nan
Nancy 
Nancy Schlegel 
 Nancy H.      
Nancy in IN

Nell
 nena     Nichey
Nurseli
old hippy chick
otterdaughter
P.Piche 
 

Pamela   
Pam Gavin 
 Pat
Pat Hersl  
Pat S.    
Patti
PatQuilts
Patti     settings fixed   
PattyBYoung   settings fixed
patricia
 Paula
 Paula H   
pburketb
Peggy  
 Peter        
Petra
 Phyl 
 phyllis     
pixilatedtoo    
 Polly     
 Prairie ST Quilts 

Quilter's Knot      quilterbell     QuilterLynn 
 Quilting Babcia    QuiltingCyclist
  quilt 'n piece 
Quilter
quilter1 
 Queenie Believe
Queen of Scraps
qwilltr   
 quiltsNtangles


Rachel   
Ramona settings fixed
rifai john
 readwater 
Regina

RhondaB, in Western Australia (wordpress account that understands need to embed email address)

 Rita2011 
ritainalaska
Rita
roadie 
 RobbieJoy
 Robbie  
Robyn of Robyns Nest   
 robinsews
Rosalind Barrett
 Rose  
 Rosemary
Roxanne  
Roz  
 rutigt
RSHudson
RustyAvenger

 
sao in Midlothian, VA (still not fixed)
Sally Johnson    
 Sally in WA   
Samarra        
Sandy     
Sandra Visser     
Sangeetha    
 sandrab    
sandgroper14
savvyquilter    

Sewgirl       settings fixed
sewgratefulquilts
sh
Sharmond  
Sharon
Sharon S, central Oregon 
 Shellie  
shelly  
 Shelly Tiefenthaler 

Shelley (https://openid.aol.com/opaque/0f22f590-82f2-11e0-af9a-000bcdcb471e

shenyon
Sherrill
sherry       settings fixed
Sheryl McLeroy   
Shirley
Silvia 
SJSM   
 Skiver 
Sooli  settings fixed
Sorka    
 SpartanBabe 
Sqkrchik
Stella Nemeth
Stephanie    
 Stephanie Pettengell
Stevii  settings fixed
Stitchee
squiggle   
Sue 
Susan S
Sue in Belton TX     settings fixed
sue in NZ     
 suecfrank
susie
Suzanne Neuhaus
 Sunny   
 susan
    susan isaacson       
Susan S    
Susan Vaughn  
Susanne    
 Susie
Suzanne    settings fixed    
SuzMont
swakins   
 swissmad



Taffin 
Танюшка  
Tanichiwa
Teje      
 Teresa   
Teri    

 Terry      
 territhegirl  
txquilter    
Texana
The Jewel's Quilter
 The Quilted Dog     settings fixed
The Quiltwhinny     Thriftyideastoday       thimble
 tipe55       
Tracy   
treadlemusic   
Trish    
troglau
 u keep sewing 
Ullan tilkut    
 Uli Day

Unknown 

 
Valerie 
 Velody Dark
velveteena
 Veronica
 yarngoddess         Yvonne

 Wabbit 
 wanda      
Wendy     
 Wheeler Family

 
99designs
VS DesignCrowd

 Zuzan 

N/A

  


Also, if you are a blogger leaving a comment on another platform, be aware that your account information may let you leave a comment, but does not automatically allow you to be contacted.  To clarify, if you are a blogger with a WordPress or Typepad account, or you have an Open ID, your settings do not transfer to a Google/Blogger blog and when you leave a comment you should embed your email address in your comment/entry for a giveaway.


NOTE:  These instructions were written along time ago and Google may have changed things with G+.  I'll investigate and try to update these shortly.  Or, if someone else has a recommendation please email me.
If you use a Google/Blogger account to leave comments, you can verify your settings and fix them, if needed, by:
If you have a blogger account, to check your settings:
a) go to https://www.google.com/accounts/ManageAccount
b) click on Blogger Settings
c) be sure the box for "Show my email address" is checked.
d) click Save Profile

While I can't guarantee anything, I believe if you have your settings updated to where you can be contacted, you can really increase your chances of winning in giveaways.  And, I'd really like to see you win big time!

Still not sure what you need to do ?  Below is additional information that I previously had posted on my giveaway page to share "Tips on how to win at giveaways":

{below} example of a no reply blogger that left a comment, where they could also be entered to win a prize via one of my giveaways.












Sad that Brenda didn't have her settings to allow me to reply to her, if she wins a prize!  While I appreciate her leaving a comment (and voting for her favorite nominees in the Golden Quilter Awards) the fact that she can't be contacted typically will disqualify someone from winning a contest or giveaway hosted by any blogger.

If in doubt, remember to leave an email address or insight on how you can be contacted when you post a comment on a blog to enter a giveaway or contest.
2.  Read the rules unique to the blogger.  Not every contest or giveaway has the same rules.  Follow the rules as posted.  For example, don't just post a comment about blah, blah, blah if the rules show that you are to post insights about lah, lah, lah.  Some bloggers use random number generators to select winners, yet other bloggers select people that leave creative comments and appropriate respond to questions that the blogger asked participants to answer, in order to qualify for entering.

3. Enter. LOL! Very obvious, if you don't enter you can't win!
4. Many blogs will require that you have some form of a google account to leave a comment. You can go to http://www.google.com/ and create an account for free. I actually prefer to use a google email account when posting on the internet, while retaining my house email (e.g. roadrunner) for regular email. I view this helps with spam control, or at least it has helped in my case.
5.  Remember that the blogger hosting the giveaway or contest is busy and can receive hundreds of emails daily, as well as comments on their posts.  Don't expect to always receive a response to comments you post or emails you send. 
6.  Frequently bloggers that hold a giveaway, not only have interesting blogs, but may also have other contests.  Thus, you may want to consider following these blogs.  I like Google/Reader.  Very easy tool, far better than tracking via Favorites.  Simply go to www.google.com/reader   You'll see a button where you can ADD a subscription. You simply need to paste the url to the blog that you want to follow into the add a subsciption box.  And, when you visit Google/Reader it will show you a list of blogs that you want to follow that have been updated (have posted since the last time you've read their blog).
7.  Some bloggers will contact you win you win their contest or giveaway, where others will not. Thus, following these bloggers via Google/Reader can be helpful.  You might actually find out, when you read their blog, that you won one of their giveaways!  Another reason to follow a blog.

8.  To actually enter, most blogger giveaways or contests will require you to post comments to be able to enter.  Be sure to follow their instructions. At the bottom of their post, where they provide insight on their giveaway, there should be a button or hyperlink text that says something like POST A COMMENT. 










Click on this to open open a comments box.
Type your comments {what is appropropriate for the giveaway you are entering} inside of the comment box.

Many blogs have a security setting to prohibit spammers leaving comments.  If you are prompted for a word verification type in the word displayed into the word verification box.








Typically, the comment box will also require you to choose an identify.  This is where you can enter your username and password from your google account (your password is not shared with the bloggger, only used to allow the Google software to validate your account). 

There are also other security ID options for google and other blogging software applications.  But if you select ANONYMOUS on any of these accounts, remember the blogger has no way of contacting you unless you leave your email and/or other contact info.



Upon typing in all of this required information you will press a button than says something like PUBLISH YOUR COMMENT.  Frequently, the mouse may pop you back to the top of the screen leaving you thinking your comment was published.  But use the scroll bar to scroll back down to verify.  Sometimes I've had to press this button, or a similar type of button, 3-4 times before my comments actually were posted to the blog. 




Some bloggers will have settings to instantly allow you to see your comments posted on their site, whereas some will not display until the blogger has approved it.  In either of these cases you will most likely see a message that reflects that your comments has been accepted. 

To those new to leaving comments on blogs, these steps sound time consuming and can appear confusing.  But truly, once you get the hang of it they are quite easy.  And, definitely offer rewards of winning a wonderful prize from a generous blogger (and maybe their sponsors). 

Another aspect to watch is if your login is with WordPress and you are posting comments on a blog hosted by BLOGGER (or reverse).  Not all blogs allow both email and Worpress Open ID, thus you may end up leaving comments with a no-reply setting under these conditions.  Thus, for safety sake, when entering a contest under these conditions consider leaving a way you can be contacted (e.g. email address or website) in your comment.

Don't forget

  •  being a Public Follower is also a great way to increase your chances of winning a giveaway, as many blogs host giveaways for their followers.  Click here for more info on Public Followers.
  • my list of giveaways is updated 2-3 times a week to help you find giveaways.  If you don't enter a giveaway, you can't win.  And, with proper profile settings, you have better odds of winning a giveaway on a blog than a Lotto!




48 comments:

Happy Scrappy said...

Thanks for this post. I have fiddled with my settings a bit and hope i am not a no-reply blogger any more. Wud appreciate it if u cud let me know. Thanks. tinakatwal @ gmail . com

Teje said...

Hi! This was a great post! At least in the beginning of blogging all these things are difficult and cunfusing. It took me a long time to learn that I was no-reply - didn't know anything about that. I have wordpress and now I'm reply to most of the blogs but still there are some blogs that I don't receive the reply?! I would love to learn how that is possible.
Merry Christmas from Greece! x Teje

Teje said...

Hi again! Just wanted to say that I have learnt from other bloggers that if you like to avoid spams you can add your e-mail like this: nerospostatgmaildotcom

Anonymous said...

Well, I never win giveaways but I don't think I fall into any of those categories. Just unlucky I guess LOL...
Great info though :)

Lynne said...

Thanks for the info. I had no idea, but have now changed that after reading your blog.

Happy Tuesday!

Purl Buttons said...

Thanks for the great information. I have entered a slew of contests in the past 3 weeks. Some sweet blogger contacted me and told me I needed to fix my email option in my profile. I did it! I am very grateful for today's tech tutorial.Thanks!

Snoodles said...

Thanks for a great post! (I didn't know that way back when, before I blogged, I was a no-reply when using the OpenID!)
I have two giveaways going right now, and I have had many that I can't reply to...some I have tracked down and gotten a message to them about their settings, some I can't. May I link to this on my sidebar for folks to come and look at?
I'm glad that you mentioned that sometimes we get hundreds of emails a day, and can't always answer, too. I'm in that boat now! LOL

Lesly said...

All my settings are correct and I don't show up on any of your lists - any other reason for this invisible force-field that keeps my number from coming up on the Random Number Generator? I just keep telling myself that my destiny is to win the Big One - it makes my perpetual bad luck at quilting giveaways more bearable - lol!

Robbie said...

Great post filled with lots of organized, easy to understand detail.

Toko Jati Mebel Jepara Berkualitas said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Karen said...

Ok, I am pretty sure I am the Karen listed above. So here's my email...k_ely@bellsouth.net

I do not have a blog, but I do enter the giveaways all the time. So is not having a blog a determent to winning??

Cat Herder said...

Thanks so much for such an informative post! I have all the right settings, but I still never win. Just not good luck, I guess! LOL!:) I'll keep on trying, though, because of great sites like yours and others who are so generous with their giveaways! Besides, they're fun, and we get to meet lots of nice quilters & see their lovely quilts!
Vickie in Cleveland

Irelle said...

Good information. Thanks.

regan said...

Just wanted to say that you are awesome for giving all this information. I've won several giveaways, so I know I don't have any issues, but I can bet there are tons of bloggers out there, trying their little hearts out to win something.....just for not! This should really help them!

Hope you have a great Christmas!

Denise :) said...

GREAT post!!! You did a terrific job in explaining this and laid it on the line! :)

Marcia - Crafty Sewing and Quilting said...

Great Post! You said it all! Thanks for sharing! I have a message in my side bar that says: "if I haven't replied to your comment with in a day or two then you are probably a non reply blogger. I want to reply to your comment and thank you for leaving it. "
Thanks!

Sheila said...

This post was very generous of you!!

jemfl said...

Thanks for the info.Hope I'm in.

Angie in SoCal said...

Thanks for this post. I've had this problem when I have a giveaway also. I checked my blogger settings on google and I'm sharing my email address, so I hope I win next time I enter.

Patti said...

Thank you so much. I had no clue I was doing it wrong.

Barb Neiwert said...

So surprised to see my name in there. I've tried to add the email link to my blog. If you have a moment, can you (or someone else) check it out and see if it works? Thanks, and happy, happy holidays to everyone!

Anonymous said...

I stumbled across your place today while blog surfing for art inspiration. Just wanted to say thank you for the information about entering gives away even though I rarely enter any.

http://anitaestes.wordpress.com

Sharon B said...

Thanks for taking the time to do this! It will help all of use

Anonymous said...

Yikes! I had no idea I was a no-reply blogger so I'm glad I always include my e-mail address. I've tried to fix it in Wordpress. If you've got time, do you mind trying to reply to this to see if my fix worked? Thanks so much!
Sheryl aka Quilting Tizzy

Jan Alexander said...

Good grief! I was quite shocked to see my name in your list of no-reply bloggers. I have edited my blog profile, and hopefully solved the problem. Thank you for your advice.

rifai john said...

yes, i like this.....
So surprised to see my name in there. I've tried to add the email link to my blog. If you have a moment, can you (or someone else) check it out and see if it works? Thanks, and happy, happy holidays to everyone!

Chris said...

Thank you so much for posting this. I know you have run a similar reminder in the past - and we all need to check our settings periodically. LOVE your blog. Always helpful!

Laurel said...

Thank you so much for taking the time to educate us (especially ME!) who aren't "fluent" in the language and nuances of Blog-speak! I'm usually impatient and, while I always leave a comment that reflects what the blog hoster had asked about, I've had no formal training and have muddled my way through the process of making my comment count. Today I took the time, found this post, and read ALL the way through. I made the necessary changes to my Google account. I'm happy to say that I already use Google/Reader and your blog is included! I like the idea of having a gmail account to use for the purpose of leaving comments to blogs.
Before I ramble too much I want to thank you again for this. You could title it "Blog Commenting for Dummies"!

AnnaPeng said...

May I update here or
『2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge Tutorial for February』Use the new link blog data?
Because only a little English I know,I need help.
Thank you!!!

My google blog:About Annapeng's quilt word
URL:http://wichwent.blogspot.com/

AnnaPeng said...

May I update here or
『2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge Tutorial for February』Use the new link blog data?
Because only a little English I know,I need help.
Thank you!!!

By Anna

My google blog:About Annapeng's quilt word
URL:http://wichwent.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

HIi SewCal,

I live in Canada so I rarely win things-not sure if it is the problem you described or not. HOping to win some free fabric.

ruthq@rogers.com

Anonymous said...

HI there,

I live in Canada and am constantly looking at quilt websites but not winning anything. Hoping the problem is not what you described.

Ruth@rogers.com

Brenda said...

I go by Abbigail and found my name on your list! I didn't know! I think I have it fixed now. Thanks for this info. Maybe now my winnings will go through! Thanks!

Ramona said...

Thanks for posting this list! I was posting with my google account and assumed the email connection was working. I think I now have it fixed.

Listed as "Ramona"

drafter29 said...

Thank you for posting this. I hope I have mine fixed.

Thanks again,
Jane

SewCalGal said...

Sorry Jane - your settings still show you as a no reply blogger

Sewgirl said...

Thanks for posting this. I found my screen name there:sewgirl. When I try to go into blogger settings, I can't find a box to show email. It only shows my current subscriptions. I am not a blogger myself, so not sure if that's the problem?Any suggestions?Thanks for a great blog!

nancy.sumner@comcast.net

cathy s said...

i found my name catherine not sure if im that one but im anew quilter and trying to win on some of your blgs and not doing so hot but i do love to sew and having a great time cathyschantz@yahoo.com thankyou

cathy s said...

test remain having trouble cant find the show button cathyschantz@yahoo.com thankyou

cathy s said...

TEST I hoping that I have this fixed not cathys @cathyschantz@yahoo.com and thank you for your help

cathy s said...

thank you for your help now Id love to win something and start blogging cathys....cathyschantz@yahoo.com

otterdaughter said...

Even though I had mine set for replies to be enabled, and never changed anything, Cat Patches told me that I'm a reply-able follower now. Oh, the weirdness of the interwebs!

Sandi D said...

The blog-follower information was great. I created my Goggle blogger account, and I'm learning. Thank you.

susan718 said...

Hi, I fixed it, I think. thanks

Judy MacLeod said...

ACK! I'm on your Wanted List!
I'm Judy & Bob on the list.

I believe I've fixed my settings, I'm now just plain Judy MacLeod, because Bob isn't my horse anymore.
Show my email is checked
Show blogs I follow is checked
I think I'm fixed?
Also, my identity is a Google Account.

Teresa Quilts said...

Thank you for this post. I found my name, but it was spelled incorrectly. It said Theresa Nance, but it is Teresa Nance. I worked on it today, so I think my no reply blogger status is fixed. I sure hope so.

Pat S. said...

Thank you sew much for this info. It was such a simple fix I feel silly!!! :-D

Carli The Quilter said...

I don't have that page on blogger anymore. I think it has to do with having joined Google + when it first came out. I've been trying to solve this issue for almost a year now. I'm not getting any help from Google other than the pages of questions that might be my problem. I'm quite frustrated with this and contemplating moving to wordpress because of it. Any other assistance on this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for this great article.