Guide to having a Popular Club on Stardoll

   In this post I will explain how you can achieve and maintain a popular club. I will start from the beginning, because a popular club can only be as strong as it's foundation. If you have any questions, post them in the comments. 

Step 1: Creating the Club

Note: If you have already created the club you wish to be popular, use this step as a reference, as you can edit most of the options I discuss here.

   This is arguably the most important step to having a popular club on Stardoll. Although there are many factors, the club name is something you can never change, which makes choosing the right one essential.

Choose a Club Name:

Before picking a name, check out the main "Clubs" page. Notice that the popular clubs in each category have these things in common:

1. In many titles, only the first letter of important words are capitalized. If you want to find out more about title capitalization, click here to automatically capitalize your title correctly. For example: SavetheAnimals, EatLovePray or TheStoryClub.
2. There are very few titles that include symbols or numbers. I suggest only using them when it's relevant to the club's name. For example: Love2Swim or X-RayClub. If the club name you want is already taken, don't use numbers or symbols to make it original, think of a whole new name. Be completely original, not just as original as you have to be.
3. All of the titles are easily understandable. When you look at the title of a popular club, you should know exactly what it is about. Don't use acronyms, unless it's a well known one like "LOL" or "DIY".  For example: Do "MilkDrinkers", Don't "MooClub". 

Membership Type: 

A popular private club is possible, but it's really hard. This will be the easiest part of creating a popular club. Make it "anyone can join."

Step 2: Designing the Club

Note: A club's design is never complete. As your club evolves, so should the aspects that make it presentable. So even if you think your club is good is this aspect, you could still benefit in this step.

   The club design is easily the second most important part of a club, behind the name. It is also the most complex aspect. Your design should depend on the atmosphere and features you want to offer at your club. You want your design to be attention grabbing and impressive. If people like the design, they will join.

Club Presentation:

Bonus: For tips and advice on creating club rules, click here to view a previous post.

Every club needs a good presentation. It's a chance to win over potential members, as well as share important information with current members. If you need help learning how to get a presentation, click here to visit a detailed "how to" post on the subject.

When choosing a presentation, consider the following...

• If you plan on including a long body of text (About the Club, Club Rules, etc.), then you should consider finding a scroll-box for your presentation. Scroll-boxes save space and are more appealing to potential members.
• Choose a color theme that suits the atmosphere of the club. Always make the text and background high contrast so it's easy to read. For example: If you have a club called "LoveYourself", then you might want an uplifting/bright color palette. To learn more about how colors go together, click here.
• If you want to emphasize a certain part of the presentation, consider a different background color or flashing text. I suggest keeping the amount of emphasized text to as little as possible, because the more you emphasize, the less each individual part stands out.

While using a colored background or scroll-box, use "Shift" + "Enter" to move down a line.

Here are some possible features for your club presentation...

• Club Title, Owner Name, Date of Creation, Managers' Usernames (The basics.)
• About the Club/ Club History (This is where you say why they should join.)
• Current Events/ Open Contests and Recent Winners (Great way to recognize members.)
• Club Rules (Say what's specific to your club only. Don't recite Stardoll rules.)
• Pictures of club events/winners (Including pictures is a great way to break up the mass of text.)

Don't forget to give credit to whomever created the presentation format. This is important.

Club Description:

My advice for the club description is keep it short and sweet. Don't be afraid to brag about the club. Include the main purpose of the club and summary of the things that make it great. Make sure it's appealing to the eyes and when saved, make sure it's balanced evenly. Use proper grammar and always try to appear professional but approachable.

Club Poll:

The club poll is not something to ignore, take it seriously. Make sure to always use proper grammar and spelling in your poll. Make sure the question is clear and the answers represent all the possible responses. You can use the poll to get feedback on club events. You can also use it as a way to spark discussion. My personal favorite is using the poll to advertise club contests by asking if the members have entered yet. It's not the most fun, but it gathers attention.

Cover Scenery:

There are a few things you could use the scenery on the homepage for.

1. Make a scenery to welcome new members.
2. Make a scenery to advertise current events and contests.
3. Have a scenery contest and put the winning scenery on the homepage.

Remember to always use quality sceneries on the front page. If you don't feel confident about your presentation skills, click here to learn more about how to pose.

Step 3: Getting Popular

Getting New Members:

• Send Broadcasts - It's the most expensive method, but it usually has the best results.
• Ask your Friends - It's the fastest way, but the results are limited.
• Post in Guestbooks - It takes the most time, but it's free.

   I suggest posting in guestbooks. I have personally used this method and I find it most effective. You can post in any guestbook, but I suggest posting in the guestbooks of people who just broadcasted. Their pages are the most visited. To save time, copy and paste the same message each time. Add a symbol to the end to make sure the message can be posted repeatedly.

• Get Sponsored - Find popular Stardoll members to join your club. They can get your club more attention.
• Get Featured on Blogs - Find Stardoll blogs who are willing to feature your club in a post.

Keeping Current Members Active:

The following tips are from a previous blogpost. Click here for the complete list of tips to "Keeping Club Members Active".

1. Set a Good Example: The owner should be as nice, friendly and active as they want the members to be. Don't be afraid to add your members as friends, because if they like the owner then they'll want to do active things for their club!
2. Don't let them Forget: Don't be afraid to remind your members. Posting in their guestbook is easy. Remind them to continue a story or role play, tell them about a cool for event, or ask them if they've contributed to a topic yet.
3. Use Spot Topics Wisely: Lots of people say they visit a club by clicking on Spot Topics. That doesn't mean make random ones, it means make new Spot Topics they're be interested in, as often as possible. I also suggest delete old Spot Topics or moving them to normal topics.
4. Have Stuff for Members to do: Have lots of things for members to do when they come. If there are only 3 topics, they can't stay long. Make fun games, contests and encourage members to make topics too.

Bonus: For a secret trick to getting active members, click here to view a previous post.

Thank you for Reading!

If you have any questions or additional suggestions, post them in the comments below.

Official Stardoll Update Sneak Peaks

   Today, I came across a very exciting photo on Stardoll's Official Tumblr page relating to the update rumors that (I) have been circulating. If you haven't noticed, lately I've been obsessed with finding out what Stardoll has planned next for us. I've made speculations with the "Stardoll City" idea, but this picture proves me wrong.

  What's so special about this picture? Well, take a closer look. You can see potential changes to Beauty Parlor, Starplaza, and Suite. These changes have nothing to do with an overall site map as I originally thought. I'm happy I was wrong, but these look like some major changes. Let's discuss.

 Beauty Parlor Changes

    

- Color Wheel : Select your doll's eye color using a color wheel at the bottom left of Beauty Parlor.

- Separate Makeup/Jewelry into Boxes : Previewing makeup and jewelry in more structured boxes (like we currently view face features and hair.). No more shelves.

Starplaza Changes

- Cart is Transparent : View the items in your cart while still being able to see your doll in the dressing room. No more white pop up list.

- Item list on Bottom : See the items in the catalog and on the mannequins at the same time. Scroll sideways to view more.

Suite Changes

- Black Sidebar : Replacing the large white bar with a smaller black sidebar. This bar fits the current theme Stardoll has already begun to change to. 

- Options in the upper left : There are little icons in the upper left, including a medoll with dropdown arrow, house, (?), and giftbox. What do you think they do?

   What do you think about these potential changes? Do you think Stardoll has completed it's changes or are one of these options above going to become reality? Did you see something I didn't? Share your opinion in the comments.

Thank you for Reading!

Stardoll's Updating Today!

  I haven't come across a page like this in a long time, and it's been like this for several minutes. All of Stardoll is currently unavailable. Maybe staff is finally updating the new website format so everyone can enjoy it- for the good and the bad.

   Here's a link to my previous post on the Stardoll Updates: click here!

In the previous post I discussed the pros and cons of the update. My Stardoll has been like the photo above for a few months now. I think it's overall a good change from the previous layout.

Thank you for Reading!

Talking Stardoll Graphics with BarbieSubhi

BarbieSubhi made this graphic of my medoll and I think it's wonderful. Thank you BarbieSubhi!

    If you're interested in Stardoll graphics, than you and BarbieSubhi have something in common. This Stardoll user has being creating Stardoll graphics for over a year now. In this post, you will learn from a rising star, as she shares her insight on the world of Stardoll graphics. I hope you learn something and are inspired by BarbieSubhi, to visit her on Stardoll, click here.

   Q: What program does she use to make Stardoll Graphics?

   BarbieSubhi uses a program called "Photoshop" to make her Stardoll graphics, because it came installed on her laptop. She's been using this program since the beginning. If you're considering downloading "Photoshop", remember to pick a site that's safe and secure. Sometimes the downloads are free for a reason.

      Q: How did she learn how to make Stardoll Graphics?

      BarbieSubhi's friend kcv183 taught her to make Stardoll graphics through e-mail. She is thankful to her for teaching her. She asked a lot of graphic designers to teach her, but kcv183 was the only one to accept her as a student. The good news is, one good teacher is all it takes. To visit kcv183, click here.

    Q: What advice does she have for making a good Stardoll Graphic?

      BarbieSubhi considers herself a beginner, but she shared some great advice with me. She said, "The most important things you need while making a graphic are: Google, Photoshop, Skills and Models." BarbieSubhi finds her models in clubs and party chats. Her favorite model is Justyannalove, to visit her on Stardoll click here. She finds inspiration for poses by searching in Google and changing them into a Stardoll graphic. 

Thank you for Reading!

To visit Subhi's blog click the image above.

Replicating Real Spring Fashion on Stardoll

   Today, I'm here to talk about the latest Spring fashion styles and how you can make them on Stardoll. We're focusing on skirts, but almost any outfit can be replicated on your medoll. Let this post be your inspiration and guide to do so. 

 

Pastel tube 12sd
Royal Magenta Maxi Skirt 12sd

Style 1: Maxi Skirts

I recommend a Maxi Skirt. They are very popular this year and Stardoll has a lot of them. I suggest a matching top. Try to pick similar looking fabrics that are light, airy and flowy. 

In the photo to the left, user E-mazing replicates a Spring outfit shown right, using "Pastel tube 12sd" and "Royal Magenta Maxi Skirt 12 sd". You can do the same for a total of 24sd. Check the starplaza and you'll see that there are many more Maxi inspired outfit combinations!

Style 2: White Lace

I recommend a white laced skater skirt. It's basic color and unique texture makes it very versatile and look good with a lot. Stardoll has lots of white skirts, but only a few quite like a white laced skater skirt. No matter, it's still a must-have this Spring.

Clean Cut Shirt 19sd
Woven Copper Belt 42sc
Klara Skirt 14sd

In the photo to the left, you can see how user E-mazing replicated this real outfit on her medoll using:

• Clean cut shirt 19sd 
• Woven Copper belt 42sc
• Klara skirt 14sd 

You can have this look for a total of 33sd and 42sc. I'm sure this would look good on all you beautiful ladies!

Bonus Style: In Spring everyone loves flowers, and this season they're definitely in. Try to include floral patterns and accessories in your Spring wardrobe this year. Usually one floral item is enough to make the whole outfit a success.

Thanks for Reading!

Post revised with help from E-mazing.

About Stardoll's New Look 2014

  Just a few minutes ago I refreshed my page and to my surprise, Stardoll has a new look. This is quite a big change, in my opinion, the biggest since the 2010 makeover. In this post, I'll explain the good things and the bad things about this change. Feel free to share your opinion the comments.

   Let's start with the tabs bar. 

• It's black now! - Everyone knows that black is always in, so this color change is a timeless and sophisticated choice. I think the black kind of clashes with the rest of the page which is all light colors, but who knows, maybe that means there's another update coming? I had always enjoyed the light, bright feel of the old look, it added to the kid friendly atmosphere, but that's just my two cents. 
• Everything's centered! - Getting rid of the borders and individual tabs in exchange for this centered look was wise. I think it's more sleek and definitely modern. It saves room on the side for the gift-o-meter and hopefully space for exciting new tabs in the future...
• No more Help tab? - One of the first things you'll notice is they're minus a tab, but don't worry. They moved this button to the top of the page (we'll talk about that in a bit). I think that's a good choice, because most older members don't need that big button all the time. Now it's smaller, but just as accessible for new members who need a hand.

   Now let's talk about the medoll box thingy:

• The Stardoll Logo remains! - It's moved a bit, but the logo is still there and it hasn't changed visually. It's a little bit smaller now though. I think it's presence complete's the new look quite nicely. 
• A Username mistake? - I don't know if it's just mine, but Stardoll's new look as broken up my username. They need to widen the margins where the username goes, so all the characters can fit on one line. As a perfectionist, this little awkward username mistake will drive me crazy, especially since there's a giant line where it could fit! 
• More things to click! - Before, this box was just for our currency, starpoint level and to log out, but we have a new addition. As I mentioned above, the help button (previously a tab) has moved to the medoll box. The buttons below the username are as follows, from left to right: Daily tasks, account settings, help and log out. 
• It moves with us! - Previously, we had to scroll up to see our pretty faces, but now the bar moves when we do. Just like the bottom broadcasting/chat bar, it will always be there now. I think that's a handy new feature I look forward to taking advantage of. 
• Bigger Currency Trackers! - Now we can see how broke we are in bigger font! It looks we've got a new twist on our stardollar and starcoin tracker. Also, we aren't being asked to add more stardollars anymore, as I see the button for that has been removed. That's interesting...

   Again, I'd like to encourage you to share your opinion about Stardoll's new look for 2014. Do you like the new changes? Is your medoll broken up like E-mazing's? What do you think is coming next? Tell me in the comments.

Thank you for Reading!

Inside the World of Stardoll Modeling (ft stargazl_04)

Click on any username or club name in the text below
to visit that person or place on Stardoll.com

   

I interviewed stargazl_04 to get an inside look at the world of Stardoll modeling. 

Since joining in November 2012, she has had over 35 modeling jobs and opportunities.

 

Q: What is a Stardoll model and what do they do?

A: A stardoll model is a user that joins modeling clubs and competes in cycles. They fill out a sign up sheet, and wait for the first task. If they get in, then they complete a series of tasks using sceneries and posing skills. One by one, they'll be eliminated. Whoever is the last one standing, wins a cycle. You don't have to join a club to be one. You just need to learn how to round joints, make your poses realistic and have fun with it.

Q: How do you become a model on Stardoll?

A: It's simple, just sign up in clubs. I don't know which one I joined first, KiwiModels or StardollBiffles. If it was StardollBiffles, this was my first cycle I won.

"Don't give up just because you may be/are an amateur. Everybody starts out like that. Just, keep on modelling." -stargazl_04

Q: Who are your favorite models and why?

A: There are so many, so it's a tie between three people; issysmileyface, OrangeHerb, and Jodierox10. All of them are actually very nice. We go to parties together, we chat. We just like having fun.

Q: What makes models successful in your opinion?

A: To some girls, it's obvious; winning, doing amazing poses, being accepted into high professional clubs, etc. Really, it's just the effort. You can obviously see a love for modeling in people's sceneries. That's the most important part.

Q: What common mistake do you see models make?

A: There are many, but mostly it's either they don't have a floor, or they don't have a link for glitches. One website a model needs is Imgur. It's a safe and virus-free website where you can screenshot before you save your sceneries, save it on your sceneries, and post the link. If anybody needs more info, just message me.

Q: How hard is modeling/becoming a model?

A: Once you learn, it's easy. It's just that people don't know how to do it. 

Thank you for Reading!

Checklist for a Great Blog Post

     I've made a lot of Blog posts in my time. I've also seen a lot of Blog posts and I know how many ways they can go wrong. Everyone has good ideas, but not everyone knows how to put together a post. Then there are those who do, but don't take the time. No matter what kind of blogger you are, your readers are looking for the same thing. Catch their eye, earn their comments and keep them coming back. All you need to do is follow the Checklist below.

    Visual Checklist:

 I indented and separated my text into paragraphs

 The main body of my text is aligned "justify" (never center)

 Titles, headers and closings are aligned "center"

 Titles, headers and closings are bolded and/or enlarged

 There are small spaces before and after photos

 Some parts of my text are bolded, italicized or underlined

 I have at least 1 photo that is relevant to my post

 Lists and steps have been numbered or bulleted appropriately

 There is enough visual interest (not too much blank space)

    Content Checklist:

 I do not use the same adjective more then twice

 I explain things clearly and in detail (use numbered lists when necessary)

 I state facts that are backed up by research

 If I include my opinion, I am honest, but not offensive

 I stay on topic for the entire post (or title the post accordingly)

 I have read my post thoroughly before publishing 

 My post is 100% free of spelling/grammar errors

 I include links to sites I talk about in my post

 I credit my sources

Thank you for Reading!

Talking Fashion with AlexxSpark

Q's and A's

Talking Fashion with 4x NCG winner AlexSpark

Thank you for Reading!

Starplaza Welcomes back the Rares (+Tips for Collectors)

   I've seen Stardoll bring back rare items before and it looks like they're doing it again. While bringing back old items seems cool to some people, it can have a big effect on collectors. 

   If you've visited the Starbazaar, you'll notice that rare items can go for hundreds of Stardollars. The older and more limited the items become, the higher the price seems to go. (To learn how much a Stardollar is worth in real dollars, click here.)

   In order to be a collector, you have to invest a lot of money in your collection. Stardoll is full of many dedicated collectors who hunt for rare items in Starbazaar. Buying and selling exclusive items can be a lot of fun, but in times like these, a collector could be ruined. Normally, a collector could resell their items and make the money they paid for it back, but not if the item isn't worth as much anymore. A rare items value usually only goes up with time, but when old items return to the Starplaza, the value of the items go way down. The reason an item is no longer worth as much when it's brought back is because there is no demand for that item anymore. There's no reason to pay a lot for it, because now anyone can own it, and for a cheaper price. 

   

   To be honest, because of Stardoll bringing back these rare items, the collectors are screwed. They are stuck with items that they paid way too much for and now it's not even a rare item anymore, because Stardoll wiped the slate clean. I feel bad for the collectors, I really do. I also am frustrated with Stardoll for this, because they have to know what they're doing. The question is, why are they doing this?

    I have a theory. 

    Every purchase made in Starbazaar and in Starplaza profits Stardoll, but I believe that the profits from Starplaza are much greater then in Starbazaar. Because Stardoll can get profits from 500 Stardollar purchases in Starbazaar, that must mean even more profit lies in the smaller 36 Stardollar purchases added together. Since many members have been on Stardoll for a long time, they're starting to witness Stardolls plan. It's a cycle, from which Stardoll benefits and the collectors suffer. 

     Take the Faith Hill Dress for example. A few years ago, this dress was in the Starplaza store Archive for 16 Stardollars. When it was removed from Starplaza, it's value slowly rose. I've seen it priced at over 400 Stardollars and others say the lowest they've seen it is 60 Stardollars. Either way, that's a big jump from 16. Just this week the dress returned to Starplaza, after all these years. It's now being sold for 36 Stardollars. All the collectors who potentially paid hundreds of Stardollars, will have to wait years before the value is high enough to earn their money back. 

    Another example of a rare item that lost it's value is the Evil Panda Black/Brown/Dark Blonde Plait. These items were originally in Starplaza years ago, being sold for 3-4 Stardollars. Their value shot up to 300-500 Stardollars over the years. They were a hot item. Now they're in Starplaza for only 60 Starcoins. They're value couldn't get much lower. I don't think there's any hope for collectors of the first edition of this braid to ever earn their money back.

     It's my mission to help collectors avoid being stuck with overpriced items. Before you become a collector, or if you're already a collector, before you make your next purchase, consider the following:

Tips for Collectors

• Never settle for high prices - No matter how long you've been searching, don't settle for paying maximum value. Keep searching Starbazaar for the lowest price you can find. If you're having trouble, try to find an owner of that item directly. You can locate collectors by spreading your wishlist in guestbooks, clubs and on Stardoll Blogs like this one.
• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is - There comes a time in every Stardoll users life, that someone asks if they want to trade items. The deal can be tempting and the person can seem genuine, but the chances are, it's going to end badly for one of you. Trading is against Stardoll rules for a good reason. Paying for an item the right way is worth the safety of your items and your Stardollars. 
• Buying limited edition items ensures the value - Stardoll will never bring back items that were sold in limited amounts. Some brands that sell limited edition items are: LE, Antidote, Pet-a-Porter, LE Decor, Super Supreme, etc. There are other rare and valuable items, but I think items from these stores, and stores like these, are more guaranteed to keep their value over time.
• Research before you buy - Before you buy an item, figure out how much it's really worth. You can find out by asking other collectors or reading about the item online. Always double check your research. Doing your research can ensure you don't overpay.

     I've said enough negativity, so let me get to the positive side of all of this.

    

     Bringing back old items is a great way to allow newer members to own beautiful items. Although it's not good for everyone, that doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy it for yourself. Callie's Picks is a great new store for you to explore. Who knows, maybe someday you'll own one of these items when they become rare again!

Thank you for Reading!

What do you think about Stardoll bringing back rare items?

Share your thoughts in the comments.

Time Zones: Find out when your Friends are Online

  We meet amazing people on Stardoll from all across the globe. We love talking to them in chat, but in order to do so, we have to figure out when they're online. Everybody seems to live in a different time zone and two people getting on Stardoll at noon can mean two totally different times. I hope this little post can help you and your friends keep in touch, on Stardoll or elsewhere.

How to Find out when your Friends are Online

• 1 : Find out what Country they live in. You can find out what Country a Stardoll member lives in by visiting their page. When you're on their page, just look below their suite to the left and you should see a little flag. Hover your mouse over the flag and the name of a country should appear.

If you're having trouble finding a flag on their page, just look below their medoll on the members search page.

DID YOU KNOW - If you don't see a flag, that means the person has decided not to share their country.

• 2 : Find the Column that passes through their Country. Find their country on the World Map below. Then find it on the Time Zone Map. When you find it on the Time Zone Map, see what column passes through their country. Each column has a number that is either positive or negative. For example, Madagascar is in the column labeled +3.

The World Map is Below

After you find the country on the map above, find it on the map below and remember what column it's in.
If you can't read the map above, click here to see it bigger.

The Time Zone Map is Below

 To visit this interactive map on the official site, click here.

• 3 - Do the Math. Add their column number to the current UTC time. Then you can find the difference between your time and theirs. To find out the current UTC time click on this sentence. If you're confused, here's an example:

My friend lives in Sweden. Sweden is in the column labeled +1.
The current UTC time right now is 3:19am (January 26th).

3:19am + 1 = 4:19am

It's 7:19pm on January 25th right now where I live.
It's 4:19am on January 26th right now in Sweden.

Sweden is 9 hours ahead of where I live.

   After you do the math once, you'll always know how many hours ahead or behind your friend is. Then you can start getting online when your friend is online. Instead of guessing what time it is where they live, you'll know. This will keep you from waiting for them to log on or wondering where they are.

Thank you for Reading!

Please do not use what I just taught you to be a creepy stalker.

Exclusive Hairstyle inspired by Scarlett Johansson

   This advertisement should have recently appeared in your Stardoll Messages. It says that now until Thursday the 23rd, you can receive this exclusive hairstyle with any purchase of stardollars or superstar membership. Personally, I am a fan of Stardoll hairstyles, especially this one. Not only is it super exclusive, but it seems inspired.

   I can't say for sure, but this exclusive hairstyle (and the medoll it appears on in the advertisement) seems to resemble Scarlett Johansson. In case you don't know, Scarlett Johansson, is an american actress, model and singer. She and this medoll share the same full lips, small nose and- of course- long wavy locks.

Take a look for yourself and decide if you see the resemblance.

Leave your opinion in the comments!

Click here to visit the Scarlett Johansson Wikipedia page.

Thank you for Reading!

How to Celebrate on Stardoll

Congratulations to mybeau69 on winning the "Happy Birthday to Me" scenery contest in E-mazingstories.

  I recently celebrated my 15th birthday, not just in real life, but on Stardoll too. Celebrating online made me feel closer to my online friends. It was also a lot of fun. In this post I'll give you some ideas about you can make your special event ever more special. These will work for all kinds of events, not just Birthdays!

Ideas for Celebrating on Stardoll

• Write about the event in your presentation
• Dress up your doll/suite to fit the theme of the event
• Create a contest in your club in honor of the event (ex: scenery contest)
• Blog about it in your Stardoll blog/on blogger
• Make a scenery depicting the event in real life

  Try at least one of these ideas next time you have an event in real life worth celebrating on Stardoll. Before I conclude this post, I want to say a few things. I hope you keep these things in mind as you use the ideas...

• Don't go overboard. You can go overboard by letting the event take over your page. If you keep it simple, you will probably get better responses.
• Be modest. Nobody likes a person who's self absorbed, especially online. Make sure you stay modest. Don't make it all about you and don't use a lot of words that compliment yourself. People might get mad at you, even if it's true.
• Prepare for the worst. When we celebrate, we can set our expectations really high. We might expect 20 birthday comments in our guestbook, but we have to play it cool. Use this as a chance to figure out who your real friends are. You can't take it personally if you don't get the responses you were hoping for. 

  I know those last three bullet points were kind of negative, but I think they were necessary. If it makes you feel any better, I got great feedback during my birthday week. I played it cool, went simple and used the ideas above. You're event will go great too, I just know it!

Thank you for Reading!

If you have any more ideas for celebrating on Stardoll, share them in the comments.

How to Format a Blog Post

  I've been making posts on Blogger for a year and a half now. In that time, I've learned a lot about what gathers the most attention. It all depends on the post layout. This post is designed to help you with your own blog posts, so they can gain the most readers possible.

  Question:
  Why does post Format matter?

  Answer: Format is the way in which something is arranged or set out. Taking extra time to format your posts effectively is important. Without proper formatting your posts can look unorganized, unprofessional and uninteresting. If you arrange your posts just right, you can get more readers and potentially more comments and followers. Any good blogger needs to learn to format.

Shortcuts to make your Life Easier

Hold down the following keys at once to get the desired result.

Ctrl + C = Copy

Ctrl + X = Cut

Ctrl + V = Paste

Ctrl + Z = Undo

Ctrl + A = Select All

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   Formatting Basics:

    Use these basics to improve your blog posts and get more readers.

1. Use the justify alignment on a majority of your text, especially large paragraphs. This is the same alignment newspapers and magazine use for their articles. It makes the pages balanced and appear more organized. 
2. Bold and/or enlarge your headings. It draws more attention to them. Also remember to choose a heading that best draws the reader in. Example; if your paragraph is about how to win national covergirl, don't title it "national covergirl", call it "winning NCG in 5 easy steps".
3. Center when necessary. Use your best judgement to decide when to center things. I usually center large photos or important headings. Don't center small photos or large paragraphs. Centering is another great way to catch the reader's attention.
4. Wrap text around small photos to save space. To wrap text around photos, align photos either left or right. Text should be able to be typed to the side of the photo as shown above.
5. Paragraph and indent your text. Avoid one solid block of text at all costs. Create blank space by indenting (usually 2-3 characters) and breaking up the text into multiple paragraphs. Nobody wants to read a big block of boring text. Add photos and effects to text, because it creates interest. 

Thank you for Reading!

What is the value of Stardollar?

   I have always been curious about what the value of a Stardollar really is and today I decided to do a little math. In this post I'll explain how much a Stardollar is worth in real money and help you figure out how much your next purchase is really going to cost you. This is an easy way to save your money and make wiser choices when it comes to shopping with "virtual" dollars.

  If you don't buy Stardollars using American dollars, you can translate these amounts to your form of currency using this safe online currency converter: click here.

  The answer to "What is the value of a Stardollar" doesn't have just one answer. Because we can purchase Stardollars in a lot of different ways, the value varies. This means, there is a best way to buy Stardollars. If you pick the right way, you can get more Stardollars at a cheaper price. The values below may seem about the same, but when you start adding up your purchases, even a few tenths of a cent can make a big difference. If it doesn't make sense right now, it will soon, I promise.

The offers above are for when you buy Stardollars only. If you're interested in finding out the value of a Stardollar when you buy Superstar + Stardollars, tell me in the comments.

  To find out the actual cost in real dollars of your next purchase, use this simple formula below. Remember to use the value of 1sd that corresponds with the way you bought your Stardollars. If you don't know how you bought your Stardollars or you got them for free, use the average value of 1sd instead. 

Value of 1sd x Cost of items in Stardollars = Real dollar amount

Example: $0.0285 x 14sd = $0.40

  Let's take a look at the cost of this item in real dollars, using the different values of 1 Stardollar. This is what I was talking about earlier. Even though the values look very similar, they can make a big difference on the actual cost of an item.

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. I'd be happy to answer them.

Thank you for Reading!