This post is not about politics! It has nothing to do with a divided nation or anything like that. This is about you and me and how we can better talk with each other. Recently I’ve received a few notes from you, my dear readers that leaving comments can be a bit confusing. And sometimes you can’t find my newsletter in your inbox. I love reading what you have to say, and I definitely want you to enjoy the newsletter each week, so I’ve whipped up this handy guide to walk you through it all.

Let’s get started with comments!

Step 1: To locate the comment section, scroll to the bottom of the blog post. You’ll notice a “Join the Discussion” box. If you’re already logged in, you will see your profile picture, but if you’re not logged in, your avatar will be a gray silhouette.

Step 2: Type your comment in the “Join the discussion” box. I so enjoy your perspective, so please, type away!

If you have an account with Disqus (the system I use for comments), you can log in by clicking the icons on the left; log in with Disqus, Facebook, Twitter or your Google account. If you want to create a Disqus account, click “Name” and a few additional text boxes will appear. Fill those out, and you’ve got yourself an account.

If you don’t want to create an account, there is an option that says “I’d rather post as a guest.” It’s the third check box. You will still need to leave a name and email address. And whether you have an account or not, you’ll need to agree to the terms of service and the processing of email and IP addresses. You may also see a reCaptcha box asking if you’re a robot. I hope you’re not. I’m not ready for that revolution, yet.

Step 3: Hit the grey arrow button to send your comment into the vast internet universe! Your comment is now living on my blog post, and I can read all your thoughtful insights.

Moving on to the newsletter!

Some readers have also asked where they can find my newsletter. If you have’t subscribed, there’s a button in my top navigation bar that will show you the way. If you are subscribed, but you can’t seem the find my posts in your inbox, it could be because my newsletters are landing in your Promotions Folder. To find that in your Gmail account, look to the top right.

If you would rather my newsletter appear in your Primary section of your Gmail, you’ll need to go into Settings (the little gear to the top right). From there, click “Create a New Filter.”

When you click “Create a new filter” a new dialogue box will appear. You’ll want to add my email address in the “From” box. Then select “Create filter.”

Next, select “Categorize as” and then choose “Primary” from the drop down. This tells Gmail that anytime I send an email, it should go into your Primary folder. Once you click the blue button to create the filter, you’ll be all set!

If you don’t see my newsletter in your Primary or Promotions folder, it could be in your Spam folder. No matter the kind of email you’re using, you should have a Spam or Junk folder. Sometimes email systems get confused and send quality content to the Spam/Junk folder on accident. If this happens, visit your Spam folder. It’s on the left side of your screen. You may not see it right away. Select “More,” which will show a drop down of additional email categories.

Either manually search for the Bubble Joy newsletter or use your search bar to find it. If it’s there, you can open the email and either select “Not Spam” at the very top or “Report Not Spam.” This will send your email back to your inbox to one of the three main categories based on the type of email it is. My newsletter is typically filed under “Promotional.”

Hopefully that settles any newsletter woes you’re having. If not, click here to send me an email with your phone number and I will walk you through this over the phone. Thank you for sticking with me every week!

Photo by Alexis Chloe on Unsplash