What Happened to BlackBerry? Do you remember when almost everyone was carrying a BlackBerry? Even Barack Obama, the former U.S. President, was known for being a loyal BlackBerry user. People didn’t just admire his speeches they also thought it was cool that he refused to give up his BlackBerry.

Back then, having a BlackBerry felt like you were part of something important. It was smart, classy, and super practical. But now… where did it go? Why don’t we see BlackBerry phones anymore?

Let’s rewind a bit and see what really happened.

The Phone Everyone Wanted
There was a time when BlackBerry was the phone to have. It had that tiny screen and the famous QWERTY keyboard. It was simple, secure, and perfect for sending emails or messages. If you had a BlackBerry, people knew you meant business.

Things started to change when Apple launched the iPhone. It had a full touchscreen, was fun to use, and just looked super modern. Soon, everyone else followed. Phones became all about big screens, swiping, and apps. Meanwhile, BlackBerry didn’t evolve fast enough. It stayed the same while everyone else moved forward.

People wanted more they wanted music, games, social media, and fun apps. BlackBerry tried to catch up later, but by that time, most users had already switched to Android or iPhones

A cartoon-style illustration of a classic BlackBerry phone with a cheerful, smiling face on its screen, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, navigation buttons, and the BlackBerry logo, set against a light yellow background.




Too Little, Too Late
Yes, BlackBerry did try to make a comeback. They launched touchscreen phones and even used Android. But it was too late. The competition was faster, flashier, and more exciting. In 2022, BlackBerry officially pulled the plug. They stopped supporting their old phones. So, even if you still had one, chances are it wouldn’t work anymore.

There was hope for a new 5G BlackBerry from a company called OnwardMobility but that project got canceled too. So right now, there are no new BlackBerry phones being made


What Happened in Indonesia?
Ah yes who could forget the BlackBerry era in Indonesia? When it first arrived around 2004 (thanks to Indosat), BlackBerry became a massive hit. By 2011, nearly half of Indonesian smartphone users had one. It wasn’t just a phone—it was a symbol of status and style, especially with BBM (BlackBerry Messenger).

But then came the clones. Chinese manufacturers started flooding the market with look-alike phones. Some were even branded “Blackberly” or “BlueBerry.” They had QWERTY keyboards, glossy finishes, and fake BBM-style apps. From a distance, they looked exactly like the real deal and they were way cheaper.

This was a unique time in Indonesian tech history. Owning a BlackBerry or even a fake one was a big deal. It just goes to show how far people were willing to go to be part of that trend. In the End…

Summary

Today, BlackBerry is more of a nostalgic memory than a phone choice. It reminds us how quickly tech moves. One day you’re the king of the market, and the next day, you’re history.


But still, BlackBerry made its mark. It changed the way we messaged, worked, and communicated. So if you ever find one in your old drawer, give it a smile. It had its time in the spotlight—and what a time it was..

A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"



Banner Asep Haryono

Why People Love Facebook and Why You Should Be Cautious Too Facebook has become more than just a social network it’s practically a part of our daily lives. Whether you're scrolling for memes, sharing family photos, or promoting your latest blog post (like me!), Facebook connects billions of people around the globe. But why is it still so loved after all these years?

First of all, it’s got massive global reach. No matter where you are Singapore, Indonesia, the USFacebook is probably the easiest way to stay in touch with family, friends, and even your old classmates. It’s like a digital reunion waiting to happen.

Facebook illusrtation



And let’s not forget how easy it is to use. Even your grandma can sign up, post selfies, and like your status. It’s free, simple, and very familiar. On top of that, it’s become an information hub some people don’t even read the news anymore; they just rely on their Facebook feed!

But Facebook isn’t just for socializing. It’s a business powerhouse. Entrepreneurs, bloggers, freelancers you name it use Facebook to reach audiences, grow their brand, and sell their stuff. Groups and Pages are especially useful for connecting with like-minded people or building niche communities.

Of course, it’s also a source of entertainment. From funny reels to silly challenges, there’s always something to watch, read, or laugh at


Facebook is fun until your account gets hacked or someone uses your profile to send spam to your friends. Don’t worry though! Here are 10 easy and effective tips to keep your Facebook account safe and sound:

Use a Strong and Unique Password,Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), Be Smart About Clicking Links, Only Accept Real Friends, Check Your Active Sessions, Adjust Privacy Settings, Log Out from Shared Devices, Keep Your Email and Phone Number Updated, Avoid Using Facebook\ Login Everywhere,





Don’t Fall for Giveaways and Prizes. Your Facebook is your digital identity. A little caution can save you a lot of trouble. Follow these steps, and you’ll be ahead of most users when it comes to safety.

That said, Facebook isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some users have learned the hard way that the platform can also be risky. There are countless stories of people who’ve had their accounts hacked without even knowing it. That’s why it’s more important than ever to be cautious.

Hackers are getting smarter, and phishing scams are everywhere. You click on one wrong link, and boom your account is gone or sending weird messages to all your contacts. Not fun.

So, while Facebook is a fantastic tool for connection and community, it’s also a place where you need to be smart and safe.Want to protect yourself? Read the next article for 10 simple tips to keep your Facebook account safe from hackers and troublemaker

Personal Experiences :
I Met Randi Zuckerberg (Marketing Director FacebOOk) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2009

500 young men and women from Southeast Asia gathered at the Putrajaya International Convention Center (PICC) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 15–17, 2009, to discuss and voice global changes for a better world

Randi Zuckerberg is an American businesswoman, author, entrepreneur, and tech personality. She is best known as the former Director of Market Development at Facebook and the sister of Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and founder of Facebookkk

FYI, Randi Zuckerberg and Mark Zuckerberg are siblings. Randi Zuckerberg is the older sister of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook (now Meta). They both grew up in Dobbs Ferry, New York, in a family that valued education, technology, and creativity.k.

I attended this event along with about 75 youth representatives from Indonesia. Among the notable attendees were Bob Geldof, Randi Zuckerberg (Marketing Director of Facebook), Biz Stone (Co-founder of Twitter), Amitabh Bachchan, and Garry Kasparov. All of these activities were fully funded by Malaysian millionaire Dato' Seri Tony Fernandes.”


\For those of you who already have a Facebook account, you might recognize Randi Zuckerberg, who was the Marketing Director of Facebook at the time. I was fortunate to witness her insightful presentation about Facebook in person. It was displayed on a giant screen for everyone to see.
For those of you who already have a Facebook account, you might recognize Randi Zuckerberg, who was the Marketing Director of Facebook at the time. I was fortunate to witness her insightful presentation about Facebook in person. It was displayed on a giant screen for everyone to see.


Many people say that without photographic evidence, your story might just be seen as a fantasy, a lie, or even a hoax. Well, here’s the proof that I was truly present at the YES 2009 Youth Engagement Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I had the amazing opportunity to attend a discussion session with Randi Zuckerberg, along with several other world-renowned figures.

A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

I just read an article written by Burk, a member of the Medium community, titled “Why Short Blogging Wins the Internet.” To me, it seems reasonable and quite captivating.

But a few questions popped into my head: Is it really true that short blogging wins the internet? What kind of "internet" is he referring to? The algorithm? How can he be so sure that short blogging dominates online content? If he has data or reference sources to support his theory, I’d be glad to hear them.

This is my actual personal lappy at home which used almost 24/7. Old fashion laptop but still worth it. Photo by Asep Haryono
This is my actual personal lappy at home which used almost 24/7. Old fashion laptop but still worth it. Photo by Asep Haryono



The Goal of Writing a Blog Post
Let’s say you’re writing about your experience cooking on Mount Everest. Of course, that kind of story deserves a long and detailed article. I’d call it an article or even a narrative. It should be complete like a flowing river without necessarily asking readers to leave a comment.

You’re simply telling your own story. Whether you get comments or not doesn't really matter. Just like writing in a diary and that’s totally fine. You can still share your story with the world and let people engage whenever they want.

The bottom line is this: your reason for writing matters more than the word count.


Algorithm? Just Drop It.
If you're sharing opinions about world events like the Iran–Israel conflict, Trump’s campaign, human rights issues, or human trafficking tell us everything. Say what you want to say, whether it's 100 words or 1,000.

Don't get stuck thinking about DA (Domain Authority), PA (Page Authority), SS (Spam Score), keywords, or SEO tricks. Yes, those things have their place. But they should never stop you from expressing your thoughts freely.

You don’t need to be an SEO expert or digital strategist. Just write. Just blogging. And keep going. Your voice matters more than your ranking.

Its me when I was young LoL. I meant by this photo taken during my visit to Bali last December 2010.  I was writing on my personal laptop at the hotel room. Writing a blog post at that moment? ow Absolutely
Its me when I was young LoL. I meant by this photo taken during my visit to Bali last December 2010.  I was writing on my personal laptop at the hotel room. Writing a blog post at that moment? ow Absolutely



Don’t Write for Likes. Write for Love
You can spend hours writing a long, beautiful article simply because you want to  not because you’re chasing likes or shares. This isn’t YouTube. People don’t have to give you a thumbs up to validate your writing.

At one point, I had 2,700 page views a day, yet only 8 people left comments. You know what? That didn’t bother me at all. Knowing that thousands of people read my article was more than enough it made me feel over the moon!

My Opinion
Writing long blog posts is not a crime. Just do what you love. Be yourself. Share your ideas, thoughts, or suggestions in your blog post and let the world read it.
Write. Publish. Repeat
e.

"What’s your take on short vs. long blogging?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!"

A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"

Just Apply a Blog Template? No, I Need Basic HTML to Make My Dream Blog Come True I’ve visited several blogs from some of you and took the time to analyze them. It seems that many of my fellow bloggers overseas simply pick a blog template and apply it straight away without making any changes. It’s nice, practical, and easy just upload the XML file and you’re done.

But here's the issue: I noticed that many blog posts feature huge photos that aren’t positioned properly. Sometimes they go beyond the layout or appear oversize. Sure, photos help make your posts look more attractive and colorful but if the images are too big, they can slow down your blog’s loading speed. This might not be a big deal if your internet is super fast, but it can be a problem for readers with average or slower connections.

I’ve been using this magazine-style template for years. It’s actually a free template. With my basic knowledge of HTML, Adobe Photoshop, and a bit of JavaScript, I’ve been able to customize it by adding elements like sound effects, online forms, running text, drop-down menus, create banners and more



Choosing a blog template whether free or paid is easy. You just pick one you like, apply it, and your blog instantly looks different. But for me, it’s not that simple.

A blog or website will always rely on HTML (HyperText Markup Language) because HTML is its foundation. Even though you can create a website or blog nowadays with just a few clicks, I still think it’s important to understand a little bit about basic HTML, right?

Now, I won’t go into all the HTML basics here you can find plenty of tutorials for that. But at the very least, you should learn a few key tags or codes that are often used to build blog content: h\ow to insert links, display images, change font colors, create line breaks, and so on.

For me, understanding HTML is essential when it comes to customizing blog templates. It’s the foundation that allows me to structure my blog pages the way I want. With HTML, I can arrange the text, images, and other elements in a way that matches my personal style and preferences.

I’m lucky to have spent about a year learning the basics of HTML JavaScript and Adobe Photoshop as well It’s given me the ability to modify templates, add new features, and adjust the layout exactly how I want it.

And it gets even better if you also have some basic image editing skills, like using Adobe Photoshop or similar tools. That’s how you take your blog to the next level making it not just professional-looking, but also a fun project that truly reflects your personality


"I just can not accept the template just like that. I cannot take it for granted. I am not satisfied with the layout setting on the dashboard of Blogspot for creating my dream blog based on the template. That is why the knowledge of basic HTML, JavaScript and Adobe Photoshop as well.

JavaScript will always help me greatly to add a sound inside my Blog post, make a drop-down menu and many other captivate effects for my blog which can be like a pro

The combination of three magic stuffs can make my dream blog comes true. Yes indeed, I need to make some changes in HTML view. I have a basic HTML so I do not have any problem to locate and find the location that I would like to make any changes"



I was the first-place winner of a blog design competition twice—in 2012 and 2013—across West Kalimantan Province. You can check out my record of achievements in blog competitions here


"This is the EDIT HTML section. It contains a lot of scripts, including JavaScript. If you have basic HTML knowledge, you’ll probably have no trouble finding the right file, locating the code, or adding image tags here.



That’s exactly how I feel now. I’m really satisfied with the template I use. I’ve stuck with this news/magazine-style layout for more than seven years. If you’ve visited my blog, you’ll see the theme is news-based, with unique features like background sound and custom banners.

Thanks to my HTML knowledge and some Photoshop skills, I’ve turned a basic blog template into something that feels truly mine something I’ve always dreamed of.


What about you?
Have you tried customizing your blog using HTML?
Its optional by the way.

If you are busy, and do not have much time to customize your blog is fine.  That is really fine.  Its optional. You are free

Share your experience or questions in the comments below
I’d love to hear from you!


A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"
juuuu
I really appreciate when a fellow blogger shared their thoughts about how my blog shows posts. They said most blogs usually list posts in order, with the newest at the top, then the next newest below, and so on.

But they noticed my blog is a bit different  kind of scattered around and non-linear  which makes it hard to tell the order of posts. They mentioned this might make some people unsure where to start or maybe less likely to interact. I get that sometimes simpler really is better.

But honestly, that’s just not my style.

 Every blogger has their own way of presenting their blog. You’ve got your own style and theme, and I respect that. It’s your blog — well done! I have my own style for my blog too, and I hope you can respect that. It’s not cool to criticize how someone else displays their posts, especially since I’ve never criticized your blog.

We should respect each other’s choices.

If my blog seems non-linear or scattered, it’s because my theme is news or magazine style. That means it shows lots of different categories, so visitors can pick and choose which articles they want to read or comment on first
.





It obviously display many catagories in which every people or visitor to my blog can decide or choose which one of those articles they would like to start reading or commenting.is

Benefits of Using a News or Magazine Theme for a Blogger Like me

If you're a blogger like me—publishing informative articles regularly on topics like travel destinations you might be wondering: What kind of blog layout works best for my content?

Well, let me introduce you to one of the most underrated yet powerful layouts in the blogging world: the News or Magazine-style theme.

Here’s why this layout could be a game-changer for my blog:

1. Professional and Organized Appearance
First impressions matter. A news-style theme immediately gives your blog a polished, trustworthy vibe—like a real online magazine or news outlet. This kind of setup neatly divides your content into sections (Business, Finance, Travel, etc.), features highlighted sliders, breaking news tickers, and attractive article thumbnails. It’s like CNN meets your blog!

2. Easy Navigation for Readers
We all know visitors don’t want to scroll endlessly just to find what they’re looking for. Magazine themes make this easier by grouping your posts under menus, categories, and tags. For example, a reader looking for “SWIFT code in Singapore” can find it right under the “Asia” or “Finance” tab without a fuss. This means more time on your blog and fewer people bouncing away.

3. Content-Rich Layout = More Articles Displayed
Are you planning to write hundreds of articles (like me)? Then you need a layout that supports content-heavy blogs. Unlike traditional blog themes that only show the latest posts, magazine themes display grids, blocks, and carousels for popular, featured, and latest articles. This keeps your older but valuable posts visible and discoverable.

4. Better SEO and Click-Through Rates
Google loves structured, well-linked blogs—and readers do too! A news-style layout often includes widgets for related posts, trending tags, and top stories, which boosts your internal linking strategy. The result? Improved search rankings and more article views per visitor.

5. Built for Monetization
Planning to make some income from your blog in the future? These themes are typically designed with monetization in mind. You can easily place Google Ads, affiliate banners, or sponsored content without disrupting the reader experience. Think of it as a blog that works hard for you in the background.

6. Builds Authority in Your Niche
Whether you’re writing about banking systems or international landmarks, how your blog looks matters as much as what it says. A magazine-style design sends a signal to readers and search engines alike: “This blog is a serious resource.” That alone can elevate your status in your niche over time.


"I don’t take free blog themes for granted they’re super helpful for my blog. Luckily, I know a little bit of HTML HyperText Markup LanguageIt’s the standard language used to create and structure content on the web  like text, images, links, and more., so I can tweak and customize the themes to match my own style.".



Summary

If you're planning to turn your blog into a valuable, well-organized, and monetizable content hub, a news or magazine theme might just be your best investment—especially if you're covering various global topics.

As I mentioned earlier at the beginning of this post, you are free to use any blog theme you like. You wanna get simple theme, that is okay. And its fine obviously. I always respect that





"Your comments will be visible after approval."  No being offended please.That message never really applies to my blog. Comments usually show up right away, unless someone uses offensive or inappropriate language. Sometimes, when I’m leaving a comment on someone else’s blog, I write it from the bottom of my heart and hope it’ll appear instantly. When it does, it feels amazing—like I’m floating in heaven! I feel so proud knowing that my words are out there, ready to be seen and read by anyone in the world..

Why I Don’t Use Comment Moderation on My Blog?

 I’ve noticed that many Indonesian and international bloggers like to set their blogs to "moderate mode." This means all comments written by their readers must first be verified and approved by the blog owner before being published.

This is a good way to prevent harsh messages and rude comments that might disturb or offend the blog owner or other readers. That’s perfectly fine—it’s your blog, your rules, and I fully respect that.

Comment moderation is an optional feature that any blogger—regardless of where they’re from—can choose to use. Is it wrong for a blogger to filter or review comments before they appear on their site? Absolutely not. Bloggers, whether Indonesian or from anywhere else in the world, are in full control of their blogs, and that includes the comments section

As I mentioned earlier, bloggers can choose to publish comments immediately or review them first. It’s up to them to decide when they feel comfortable and safe doing so. Once they are, the comments can be shared publicly for the world to see. Again, I respect your decision to use moderation—you are responsible for your blog, and you take care of it in your own way.
Cartoon emoji holding a 'Freedom of Speech' sign under the bold title 'Why I Don’t Use Comment Moderation on My Blog' on a beige background
Cartoon emoji holding a 'Freedom of Speech' sign under the bold title 'Why I Don’t Use Comment Moderation on My Blog' on a beige background


"If you have different or dissenting opinion to me its perfectly normal.  Its part of free speech.   The problems is when you are swearing, using bad words and with full of hatric and that can not be considered as an accountable opinion.



Now, I ask you to respect my decision not to use moderation on my blog


Freedom of Speech
When I come across a rude or harsh comment on one of my blog posts, I simply delete it. This also applies to comments that include product links or obscene or pornographic content. I delete those too. Why? Because those aren’t opinions—they're spam or offensive material.

So, what kind of comments do I consider genuine opinions?

It’s simple.

Even if a reader criticizes my article, I welcome that. That’s freedom of speech. Sure, it can be painful to be criticized by someone you don’t even know, especially in front of other readers. But I try to focus on the positive side of their thoughts. Their comments are not an attack on my personality or reputation—they are expressing ideas, suggestions, and criticisms, and I always respect that.

The only time comments become a problem for me is when they include offensive or inappropriate language, sarcasm used to belittle, or hateful opinions without any clear reasoning. While readers have the right to share their thoughts, freedom of speech does not mean freedom to offend without consequence. If criticism is constructive, even if it hurts, I can take it and accept it.

I respect your ideas, suggestions, and even your frustrations. Like I said before, the only comments I have a problem with are those filled with offensive language, hatred, or sarcasm with no purpose other than to attack. That’s not the kind of dialogue that I want on my blog.

Drop a comment (yes, unmoderated!) and let’s chat about how you handle feedback on your blog. Just keep it respectful—freedom of speech, not freedom to be rude   
A Message From Asep Haryono

 

"Thank you so much for your time here. I really appreciate your precious moment here as well.  Please leave any comment down below.  Let me hear from you.  Greetings from Indonesia"
What is a SWIFT Code and Why It Matters in International Remittance Introduction If you've ever tried sending or receiving money from another country, chances are you've heard someone mention a "SWIFT code."

At first, it might sound like some kind of spy gadget or computer jargon — but in the world of international banking, it's one of the most important details you’ll need. So, what exactly is a SWIFT code, and why is it such a big deal in international remittances? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

A digital illustration showing a woman, a globe, dollar icons, a bank building, and a document labeled with a SWIFT code example (CHASUS33XX), visually representing the role of SWIFT codes in international money transfers.



What is a SWIFT Code, Really?
SWIFT stands for the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication. In plain English, it's the global system banks use to communicate securely with each other. When you’re sending money internationally — whether through your bank or a remittance service — that transaction needs to be directed to the exact bank and even the specific branch of the recipient. That’s where a SWIFT code comes in.

A typical SWIFT code looks something like this: CHASUS33XXX. Here’s how it breaks down:
• CHAS = Bank code (JPMorgan Chase)
• US = Country code (United States)
• 33 = Location code
• XXX = Optional branch identifier

This code is like the bank's international "address" for receiving money.

Why It’s Important for International Transfers
Let’s say your cousin in Canada wants to send you some money to your bank account in Indonesia. Her bank will ask for two main things: your bank account number and the SWIFT code of your Indonesian bank. Without the correct SWIFT code, the transfer might be delayed, misrouted, or even rejected entirely.

It’s especially important for freelancers, digital nomads, international students, and overseas workers who depend on smooth international payments. A small error in the code can cause big headaches.

Example Scenario: Sending Money to Bank Mandiri in Jakarta
Imagine you're a content creator in Jakarta working with clients from the US. One of your clients wants to pay you via bank transfer. You would provide them with:

• Your account number
• Your full name as registered with the bank
• The SWIFT code: BMRIIDJA (Bank Mandiri, Jakarta)

With this info, their bank can send the payment directly to your local account, and you’ll usually receive it within 1–3 business days depending on the bank’s processing time.

How to Find a SWIFT Code
There are a few easy ways:
• Check your bank's official website
• Look at your online banking profile
• Ask your bank's customer service
• Use official SWIFT code directories (be cautious — some third-party sites are not always accurate)

Quick Tip: Don’t Confuse It with IBAN
Some countries use an IBAN (International Bank Account Number), which is different from a SWIFT code. While SWIFT tells which bank, IBAN tells exactly which account. In many transfers, both are required.

Fun Fact
Over 11,000 financial institutions across 200+ countries use SWIFT codes — it’s truly a global system!

Conclusion
Understanding what a SWIFT code is can save you from a lot of stress and confusion when dealing with international remittances. It may look like just a string of letters and numbers, but this little code ensures your money gets where it needs to go — quickly and securely. Whether you're sending money to family, getting paid by clients abroad, or receiving support from overseas, knowing your SWIFT code is essential.

So next time someone asks for it, you’ll know exactly what to say — and why it matters. 

Bandara Supadio Pontianak From Bali With Love Selfie Dengan Selebritis
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