A new "Today’s Trending" section
I added a new daily trending feature to the blog circle today. It actually comes built into the theme, so whether it’s especially useful there is another question entirely — but I put it in anyway, just to see how it feels.
The free access only lasts for a year, and I’ve already wasted three of those months, so for now it can stay another nine. After that, I’ll deal with it when it expires. Maybe I’ll renew it, maybe not.
On the homepage, it currently pulls in several lists: Baidu Hot Topics, WuAiPoJie, Bilibili, and "On This Day in History." If that’s not enough, there’s also a more button underneath for anyone who wants to browse further.
Thinking about Google Ads
While moving things around on the blog today, Google Ads suddenly came to mind. I figured I might as well test whether a personal blog can make this work at all. You know what I mean.
So I went ahead and applied. If the review passes, I’ll put the ads up and try it out. I’ve already left space for them, although the current placement doesn’t feel very sensible. I’m thinking the right sidebar would probably be a much better spot once everything gets approved.
Keeping the daily updates going
I went out drinking last night, and before that I was thinking about asking Xiaobao to help me publish an update. I can’t let the daily posting streak break, after all.
Xiaobao thought about it for a bit and agreed. Honestly, some people would probably rather read Xiaobao’s writing than mine anyway, wouldn’t they?
A small favor in the afternoon
My dad called this afternoon and said one of his old army comrades wanted to know whether I could ask around at the local police station about getting some kind of temporary residence permit handled.
The man is from the same town where I work, so I said yes and took him over to the station. After that, I just had him speak directly with the officers and let them sort it out.
Even though I know the people there pretty well, I honestly don’t really know the details of that permit myself. If it can be done, great. If it can’t, then it can’t be forced. Following the rules comes first either way.
I left while they were dealing with it, too. It’s easier for everyone that way. I was just the person who led him there, that’s all.
Nothing dramatic, just a normal day
That was basically the whole day. Nothing major happened, and everything was pretty routine.
Tomorrow I’m heading off for training, and it’ll last two days. That works out well enough — I should be back home Friday night.