Great Plugin: Meteor Slides, part 2
Part 2 is a documentation of the tech and set up process.
I don't expect WAers to read this unless you are ready to use this plugin. But I am documenting it now for future users.
INSTALL: Plugins > Add New > type "slides" - install "Meteor Slides"
This one is compatible with my theme. After installing it, the first thing that struck me was the design of it. It was as if it was part of WordPress all along. It took a lot of stress away and got me to use it effortlessly. You won't believe how natural it looks inside WP.
The following is the order in which you should set it up after you install it.
1. Meteor will have its own section in the dashboard called "Slides"
-don't go to the general settings at the bottom of the dashboard and don't go into the plugins. Use this separate Slides section to do all your work.
2. Slides > Settings
-here you can adjust everything from the max quantity of slides to the speed and the height and width (I set mine to 940 width x 240 height) this looks good at the sidebar being short and long. Play with the other settings to get what you want.
3. Slides > Slideshow
-here, you set the subfolder. If you plan to have only ONE slideshow, you don't have to do this. But if you want to have different slideshows in different places, then you need to designate sub folders (called slideshow). So, give each slideshow a different name.
4. Slides > Add New
-this is where you add the new slides. Now, this plugin assumes you already created an image with the proper dimensions (i.e. 940x240). Create the image and if you put text on it, make sure the text is HUGE (i.e. size 60 font) because when it actually appears in the sidebar, it will shrink down and so you need it to be huge so that you can read it when it's in place. I add a number to each name of the slide as part of the name, such as "slider 1" and "slider 2". This helps in organizing and helping you see the sequential order.
-ADD the image and then add a link if you want. Then designate the subfolder (which you created in #3 above) and than "publish"
-then ADD NEW again if you want a series of slides into the same subfolder. And keep adding. Keep in mind that you did set the maximum number of slides
(skip #5 if you don't plan to put it into your page or post and go to #6)
5. Copy and paste the code your page or post.
Use [meteor_slideshow]
But make sure this is the right code for you. You will find the code on the settings page towards the bottom.
CAVEAT: There is a glitch when it is embedded into a post or page. Now, this may be a problem related specifically to my own theme, Espressionista. It may behave with your theme. The problem is that it plays ALL the slides from all your files. This means that the subfolder organization is not working. Now, it does work in the sidebar but not on my page or post. Let me know if it works for you. Actually, I'm ok with it not working on the page/post because it can be a distraction from reading the post/page. I think it works better in the sidebar. So, the problem is that a big deal to me.
6. Put it into your sidebar: Appearance > Widgets
-do the standard procedure of setting up a widget.
-find the Meteor Slide widget and drag it over to the right sidebar area and it will automatically drop down a menu. You can create a title or leave it blank. Then click the subfolder you want.
-then click "save"
7. Then go into your site and see it LIVE and make sure it is running properly
* let me know how it works. If you discover something new and helpful, please post a response below for others to benefit.
* if you want to see it in action, you can visit any of my sites below. I did go a little crazy and added a whole bunch of sliders to my sidebar. There is as reason for this that I may reveal later. But it's probably overkill for you. You should leave room for affiliate links and other things.
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Pastor Tae
* to see the overall inter-relationship of all the websites, click: http://pastortae.com/sponsor
www.oppositeparentingstyles.com
LIKE the green button. Thanks
Recent Comments
28
yeah. I could see this working on your wings of love site on the sidebar where you could slide inspirational links or verse links, etc. Just a thought
Kahlua, I thought there was an H in it! I have never been there, though I have had the Key Lime at the Cheesecake Factory!
I think the Cheesecake factory has the Kahlua cheesecake too! We better stop...this blog is turning into something else!
good info. I also use a slider... but no special coding is required. and the support is great and current.
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Hi There. Just got done reading this and part one. Sounds super useful! But do you know how these plugins affect mobile and tablet displays? Would be really interesting to know whether the the plugin is automatically optimized or not
Works well on all devices
Thanks. I've just installed it. Will have a fiddle tonight. But I'm also wondering now. Does it slow the site down at all? Will I have to do optimization in other areas to make room for this?
I did not see any decline in speed but keep an eye on it. It's like any plugin, you just have to take it for a test drive.