Someone sent me an email about using HTML produced by the Rage Button Designer. I had to admit that I didn’t know much of anything about Rage Software. So it was a perfect opportunity to learn.

I figured rather than have a sceencast that’s perfect and manicured, I’d screencast a bit while I use the Rage software, bring in the HTML and use it in Blocks.

And just to top it off, I used the HTML to build a little smart block.

If you liked the video format, let me know. And if you have any questions that you think would make a simple little screencast, let me know.

Large (h.264 QuickTime): Watch
Small (h.264 QuickTime): Watch

Book Worm

We had a little bug in the Blocks 3.2.0 release. It seems that while fixing a problem in library reading we raised the bar a bit too high and eliminated not only problematic things, but also a few real working library blocks too. We’re releasing Blocks 3.2.1 today to correct that error. It’s the only change.

If you’re still using older versions of RapidWeaver, then you should visit our Plugin Archive. We keep older versions of our plugins there and have a set recommended specifically for RapidWeaver 3.

What's fixed?

• Library Blocks stored in internal bzip format (from Blocks 3.0) are no longer ignored.

How much?

Like most updates from YourHead Software this update is free.

How do I install it?

If you’ve been using the beta version then this version should come via automatic software update the next time you use Blocks.
If this is the first time you’ve seen Blocks 3.2 then you’ll still have to install this version manually, the easiest way to install it is to:

1. Open RapidWeaver
2. Close any open documents.
3. Download Blocks.
4. Double click on the Blocks plugin in the disk image window.
5. Quit and restart RapidWeaver

You'll need to republish pages before the new content (like the new Javascripts) gets to your server, but otherwise there should be no changes required.

How do I get it?

The most recent versions of Blocks are always available (with release dates and build numbers) on our Downloads page. Or you can just click right here: Blocks v3.2.1

If you’re still using older versions of RapidWeaver, then you should visit our Plugin Archive. We keep older versions of our plugins there and have a set recommended specifically for RapidWeaver 3.

Built for RapidWeaver 4

If you’ve been following along with the Blocks beta builds we’ve released a number of small fixes, most aimed at subtle changes just for RapidWeaver 4.
Just like our other plugins, we’re now compiling Blocks specifically for RapidWeaver 4. We think this change will allow us add newer RapidWeaver features more quickly and should also improve overall stability.
If you’re still using older versions of RapidWeaver, then you should visit our Plugin Archive. We keep older versions of our plugins there and have a set recommended specifically for RapidWeaver 3.

What's fixed?

• Fixed a possible crash when switching themes while in preview mode.
• Fixed a possible error while unzipping library items.
• Fixed a possible crash while opening files with Quicktime embedded in text blocks.
• The blocks, block borders, guides, and drag handles should all appear crisper and draw more accurately. This change is purely to the screen drawing code and will not have any affect on the exported HTML, CSS, or Javascript.
• Automatic plugin updating now works to update Blocks.
• Blocks is now built for the RapidWeaver 4 API. This means more stability, flexability, and new features.
• Fixed some undo behavior.
• Fixed a possible crash while searching for library items.
• Units are now always whole numbers.

How much?

Like most updates from YourHead Software this update is free.

How do I install it?

If you’ve been using the beta version then this version should come via automatic software update the next time you use Blocks.
If this is the first time you’ve seen Blocks 3.2 then you’ll still have to install this version manually, the easiest way to install it is to:

1. Open RapidWeaver
2. Close any open documents.
3. Download Blocks.
4. Double click on the Blocks plugin in the disk image window.
5. Quit and restart RapidWeaver

You'll need to republish pages before the new content (like the new Javascripts) gets to your server, but otherwise there should be no changes required.

How do I get it?

The most recent versions of Blocks are always available (with release dates and build numbers) on our Downloads page. Or you can just click right here: Blocks v3.2.0
If you’re still using older versions of RapidWeaver, then you should visit our Plugin Archive. We keep older versions of our plugins there and have a set recommended specifically for RapidWeaver 3.

Another Blocks beta is going out tonight. It will again be only for the auto-updater. So if you’re not seeing auto-updates, you’re missing out.

To get auto-updates you’ll need to download the Blocks 3.2 beta 1. Read all about it.

Again we’re squashing a few more bugs that have been outstanding for too long. Some cosmetic drawing bugs. See the release notes that come with the updater for more info.

Let me know if, when, and how the auto-update went. We’re still working out a few of the kinks.

Blocks 3.2.0 beta 2 was just pushed up to our update server. There is no difference to the beta 1 version that we published yesterday -- except that beta 2 is only being sent out via automatic update.

If you picked up the auto-update, let us know how it went. We’d like to know how things worked out for you.

What’s new?

1) It’s a beta.
2) It requires RapidWeaver 4.
3) It will automatically update itself when a new version is released.

It’s because of #3 that this is a beta. It’s the first plugin to have this feature and there are any number of things that might go wrong. So please download this one only:

1) If you don’t mind beta software.
2) You are using RapidWeaver 4
3) If you’d like to test out some auto updating.

If you’re still using RapidWeaver 3, are working on a production web site, or just don’t feel like testing beta software. Stick with Blocks 3.1.4.

Requirements?

To get the auto-update feature you’ll need the very latest and greatest RapidWeaver: RapidWeaver 4.1.3. Nothing earlier will do -- although version back to 4.0 will work, but without auto-updating.

How do you get the auto-updating to work?

1) Make sure that you have enabled automatic updates in RapidWeaver.
2) Open a file with a blocks page and select the page.
3) If an update is available, then the rest should be the familiar series confirmations, downloads, and a rapidweaver relaunch.

OK, still interested?

Here’s what you need to do to get the beta:
1) Repeat after me, “I will send bug reports to support@yourhead.com. I will not post them on the forum.” OK. Good.
I WILL NOT respond to forum posts about beta bugs. I WILL NOT!
Email. Please. Really! Thanks.
2) Download it here: Blocks 3.2.0 beta 1
3) Make sure to use the update feature and report back to me how it works.

The next version will come automatically Monday morning (Sept 2, 08). Please let me know (via email!) how the auto update went and if there’s anything I can do to make it even better.

Bug Squashing

This version of Blocks fixes one nasty bug and also optimizes a change that was introduced a couple releases ago. It's recommended for everyone, especially folks that are using RapidWeaver 4, but this release works just fine with RapidWeaver 3 too.

What's fixed?

There are no new features in this version of Blocks. It's just the bug fixes:

• RW4 Only: Page Blocks imported from Styled Text pages no longer hang RW on export.
• RW3+: Changing the folder name of a Blocks page no longer causes page blocks to import poorly.
• RW3+: JPEG images no longer call the PNG fix script on mouseover events.

What isn't fixed?

There is still a known bug when importing Photo Albums in a Page Block. This bug is near and dear to me and affects the publishing of this very website -- so my motivation to fix this bug is even more keen than usual. However, after a few days of research I've come to the conclusion that this is likely a race condition that exists in Photo Album page publishing. Blocks exacerbates that Race Condition making it fail much of the time.
It's quite possible there is a change to Blocks that could correct this problem, however we need to spend more time working with the RapidWeaver developers before we can mutually make changes to correct the problem.
Usually we would not publish Blocks with any known bugs -- especially ones that were as serious as this one. However there are three mitigating factors that force the decision:
1) The bug that was fixed was critical and needed to be fixed ASAP to get people back on track.
2) The photo album bug may take time to fix and may not result in any changes to Blocks.
3) The RapidWeaver devs have their hands full with lots of support issues, it may be a few days before this issue gets the time it needs to be resolved.
If you are experiencing this error, which is likely (although not guaranteed) if you are importing a photo album in a Page Block, then I would recommend temporarily removing that page block or pointing it to a static image until this is resolved.
On my site both my photo album alone and my page block importing the photo album generated a hang while exporting. The only workaround was to (hopefully temporarily) remove both.
I expect that this bug should be resolved sometime this week, check back soon for more info.

How much?

Like most updates from YourHead Software this update is free.

How do I install it?

The easiest way to install it is to:

1. Open RapidWeaver
2. Close any open documents.
3. Download Blocks.
4. Double click on the Blocks plugin in the disk image window.
5. Quit and restart RapidWeaver

You'll need to republish pages before the new content (like the new Javascripts) gets to your server, but otherwise there should be no changes required.

How do I get it?

The most recent versions of Blocks are always available (with release dates and build numbers) on our Downloads page. Or you can just click right here: Blocks v3.1.4

Getting Ready
Like a lot of other folks we’ve been busy having fun with the RapidWeaver 4 private beta. If you’re on the private beta list (lucky you!) then you may have noticed a few problems in Blocks. A lot has changed behind the scenes and Blocks had a few minor glitches. We also took the opportunity to fix a couple of small bugs that have been around forever.

What's Fixed
There are no new features in this version of Blocks. It's just the bug fixes:

• RW4 Only: Dragging a selection area in edit mode works well again.
• RW4 Only: New icons.
• RW3+: Images saved as PNG with transparency that also have rollovers display correctly in IE
• RW3+: Images with rollovers can be saved and published without a primary image (the primary image can be deleted to produce an image that is only visible when the mouse is over the block).

How much?
Like most updates from YourHead Software this update is free.

How do I install it?
The easiest way to install it is to:

1. Open RapidWeaver
2. Close any open documents.
3. Download the Blocks disk image here.
4. Double click on the Blocks plugin in the disk image window.
5. Quit and restart RapidWeaver

You'll need to republish pages before the new content (like the new Javascripts) gets to your server, but otherwise there should be no changes required.

How do I get it?
The most recent versions of Blocks are always available (with release dates and build numbers) on our Downloads page. Or you can just click right here: Blocks v3.1.2