FAQ: Modules and Settings
Hints and tips for using our modules
There's a module for every lens, we like to say! Here are our most frequently asked questions about putting them to good use.
If you were directed here by Tisha, our awesome bug sorter outer, and you still weren't able to find an answer, reply to Tisha's email, and she'll take a further look.
Modules are the building blocks of Squidoo lenses. This image is courtesy of Creative Commons and Darren Hester.
If you were directed here by Tisha, our awesome bug sorter outer, and you still weren't able to find an answer, reply to Tisha's email, and she'll take a further look.
Modules are the building blocks of Squidoo lenses. This image is courtesy of Creative Commons and Darren Hester.
How do I jazz up my modules with HTML?
For modules that support it, and not all do, visit these links below to learn how to add links, in-text photos, and other HTML effects.
Note: we don't offer tech support for DIY HTML, but you can find lots of helpful advice at our peer-driven forum: SquidU.
Note: we don't offer tech support for DIY HTML, but you can find lots of helpful advice at our peer-driven forum: SquidU.
- Basic HTML
- Adding basic HTML codes to your lens.
- HTML Tips for Color
- Using basic color palettes on your lens.
- Advanced HTML
- More HTML tricks for your lenses.
- Super Advanced HTML Tricks
- More HTML than you could possibly use on one lens.
- Simple HTML Tricks
- More simple HTML to jazz up your lens.
- CSS Tricks
- CSS code you can use on your lens to create visual effects.
- Advanced CSS
- Advanced CSS code you can test on your lens for super unique effects.
- Creating HTML Numeric Symbols
- How to create those weird looking symbols like tildes and umlauts using numeric codes.
- Squidoo Lens Styling
- Change background and other colors.
Setting up the RSS Module
RSS stands for Really Simple Syndicate, and allows you to display headlines from blogs. You can use this to display your own blog, or someone else's blog.
Start using the RSS module by typing in a title for the module (like "New Entries from My Blog"). You can also add a subtitle and a description for the module by entering text in those respective fields.
Paste in the URL of the RSS feed you'd like to feature. You can also paste in the URL of a web site with a feed. If that site only offers one feed on the page you used, it'll automatically determine the feed's address.
Indicate how many headlines you'd like to include. Do you want to include just the headline, a 100-word excerpt or everything available from the feed?
Indicate how often you'd like the RSS module updated. If you'd like to feature more links than just the headline, indicate that you want to display HTML. Saying yes here will also occasionally pull in images from blog entries.
When you're done, hit the Save button.
To get help with your RSS module, visit our peer-driven forum at SquidU.com/forum.
Start using the RSS module by typing in a title for the module (like "New Entries from My Blog"). You can also add a subtitle and a description for the module by entering text in those respective fields.
Paste in the URL of the RSS feed you'd like to feature. You can also paste in the URL of a web site with a feed. If that site only offers one feed on the page you used, it'll automatically determine the feed's address.
Indicate how many headlines you'd like to include. Do you want to include just the headline, a 100-word excerpt or everything available from the feed?
Indicate how often you'd like the RSS module updated. If you'd like to feature more links than just the headline, indicate that you want to display HTML. Saying yes here will also occasionally pull in images from blog entries.
When you're done, hit the Save button.
To get help with your RSS module, visit our peer-driven forum at SquidU.com/forum.
G-Rated Content on YouTube, CafePress, etc.
Many modules have the ability to display content that may not fit the rating of your lens. If your lens if family friendly and you're looking to only display G-rated content, you'll need to hand-pick what you want to display.
I get R and X-rated results in blog modules
Many lensmasters have questions about the results that come up from the Google Blogs module on their lens. What this module does is pulls blog posts that have the keyword you set, like "bubble gum." This can do all sorts of great things for your lens, like pull up blogs about the topic of your choice.
However, just because someone is talking about something you like, it doesn't mean they're not also talking about something you DON'T like. So you can end up with posts that include your keyword but are off topic from your intention.
When you're using someone else's content, there's no way to 100% control what shows up. What it sounds like you're looking for is the RSS module that you need to format for your own handpicked, personally approved blogs.
However, just because someone is talking about something you like, it doesn't mean they're not also talking about something you DON'T like. So you can end up with posts that include your keyword but are off topic from your intention.
When you're using someone else's content, there's no way to 100% control what shows up. What it sounds like you're looking for is the RSS module that you need to format for your own handpicked, personally approved blogs.
Still not finding the answer?
If your question isn't due to a glitch on your lens, you can ask for help at our peer-driven forum.
SquidU Forum
If you still can't find the answer, or your lens is glitchy, file a bug report.
SquidU Forum
If you still can't find the answer, or your lens is glitchy, file a bug report.
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SquidooKimberly
SquidooKimberly
I'm Kimberly, your Community Organizer on Squidoo. These official lenses will help you be more successful on your favorite internet service - Squidoo!... more »
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