Blogger: Label Summary with Thumbnails Widget

Maximize Blogger Labels with Thumbnail Summaries

A common complaint I've read from many Bloggers is how the lack of 'Categories' is a real sore spot. Blogger contends 'Labels' are equivalent, but objectors heartily disagree. For some time now I've contended the problem isn't so much a distinction between the two, but rather a lack of robust tools to exploit labels to their fullest.

I decided to address the Label problem by learning as much as possible about Google Gadgets, widgets and Blogger Feeds. After some time experimenting and working on demonstration code I built a pretty good understanding of the concepts their limitations and capabilities. I now have the ability to generate and process post feeds based on multiple Labels, the results mimic a Category and tag system. I am now ready to release a Widget script to leverage this ability.

Label Summaries with Thumbnails Widget

I have constructed an easy to use and highly customizable Widget script to generate post summaries and a thumbnail, when available. You may choose from Five layouts all of which may be customized through CSS. I've created a Configuration Form for your convenience. I even included an Add Widget button to make things super easy. I wanted to include the form in this post body, but instead here are a couple live demonstrations from one of my more media rich blogs.

Conclusion

I hope you find this widget useful and easy to use. If you're comfortable with CSS, the look of the widget may be highly customized and altered to fit many needs. At a future date I will include more information on advanced topics, but for now I think this basic configuration form should do well. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

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