Asep Haryono Personal Blog From Indonesia: Teknik Blogging

Tag : Keseharian, Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | Updating Your Blogger Favicon for Better Branding?Its optional. Your call - Powered by Blogger

I have seen many of my fellow American bloggers let their favicon remain as the default “B.” I’m talking about blogs (often on Blogger/Blogspot) that still display the default orange “B” favicon the little icon that appears in the browser tab next to the site title.

That “B” is the standard Blogger logo favicon, and many bloggers never bother to replace it with their own custom one. This usually means they haven’t customized that part of their site settings, so the platform just uses the default branding.

I will not explain how to change that favicon to make a blog look more professional and branded you can easily find plenty of tutorials online on how to change the Blogger favicon (replace the default orange “B” logo with your own).

When It’s Fine to Keep the Default “B”. If your blog is purely personal, casual, or temporary.If you don’t care much about branding or standing out visually.If your audience already knows your site well and the “B” doesn’t bother them.

Updating your favicon is not mandatory, but it’s a small change that can make a big difference in branding and perceived quality like wearing a nice name tag at an event instead of the one they gave you at the door.

When choosing a favicon for your blog, keep in mind that it appears very small usually 16×16 or 32×32 pixels so clarity is everything. The ideal favicon is simple, iconic, and instantly recognizable. Instead of using a full personal photo, which will blur and lose detail at tiny sizes, opt for a clean, minimal design that represents your brand.

Good options include:
1. A simplified version of your logo remove small text and keep the main shape or symbol.

2. Your initials or monogram bold, clear lettering like “AH” for Asep Haryono.

3. A symbol tied to your niche such as a pen for a writing blog or a camera for photography.

4. A flat icon in your brand colors adds personality while staying sharp.

Avoid detailed images, fine lines, and generic stock icons. Always design your favicon in a larger size first (SVG or high-res PNG), then scale it down for maximum sharpness.

A custom favicon isn’t mandatory, but it adds a professional touch, strengthens branding, and makes your site easier to recognize among many open tabs. Small detail, big impact and worth the few minutes to update.

Updating Your Blogger Favicon for Better Branding?

Its optional.

Your call

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"

Tag : Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | I Was Targeted by a PayPal Scam on X . Here's What Happened and What You Should Know - Powered by Blogger

I Was Targeted by a PayPal Scam on X. Here's What Happened and What You Should Know. In today’s digital world, scams are becoming smarter, and even regular social media users like me can be targets. Just tonight, I received a suspicious direct message (DM) on X (formerly Twitter) from someone claiming to offer me $5,000 through PayPal.

The account looked shady, and the conversation only confirmed my doubts. I’m sharing my full experience here to help others stay alert and avoid falling into similar traps.

Be Alert @SteeleSwif96988,

The Message That Started It All
I received a DM from an account called @SteeleSwif96988, claiming to be named Debbie Steele-Swift. The profile was already suspicious: it had only 17 followers, had just joined in July 2025, and its bio read:

“Follow me and drop your Cashapp or PayPal and get spoiled with $5000 immediately with weekly allowance of $1,500 every weekly"

Part One

Part Two

Here’s how the DM conversation went:

Debbie: Congratulations 🎉 you have been picked that will be getting $5000 from me for the ongoing giveaway program this is my way of thanking you for following me and participating in my promotion! Are you ready to claim ?? Reply if YES

Me: YES

Debbie: Does your PayPal work

Me: It does

Debbie: What’s your PayPal Gmail

Me: For what?

Debbie: To remove your payment. Or send your PayPal username.

Me: Not interested

Debbie: Why?

Me: It seems to me you are a robot or a scammer. I do not know you.

That was the end of it. I blocked the account immediately.

My Investigation
To confirm my suspicion, I consulted my friends for a second opinion.

Here's what I found:

The account was a typical scam setup: new profile, vague identity, and an unrealistic offer. Requesting PayPal info is a common trick used in phishing scams or fake payment frauds. Scammers may send fake screenshots of payments or claim you must “verify” your account leading to identity theft or stolen money.

I also sent one of my friends a screenshot of the profile photo and it confirmed the profile had all the signs of a scammer generic photo, fake bio, and manipulative language like “get spoiled.

What You Should Do If This Happens to You

1. Do NOT share your PayPal email or bank details with strangers.
2. If you get a DM like this, block and report the account immediately.
3. Enable two-factor authentication on your financial accounts.
4. If you already gave them your email, watch for phishing emails or fake PayPal notifications.
5. Always trust your gut if it feels off, it probably is.

Stay Safe, Be Cautious
I'm sharing this story not because I was fooled, but because I almost could have been. These scams are becoming more personal and well-disguised. It's our job to stay alert and educate each other. If you found this useful, feel free to share this post or drop your thoughts in the comments. Let’s help stop online scams one warning at a time..

Your Turn!
Have you ever received a suspicious message offering free money?

Share your story in the comments or help others stay safe by sharing this article on your social media.

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"

Tag : Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | Where is the BlackBerry now? - Powered by Blogger

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

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"

Tag : Keseharian, Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | Why People Love Facebook and Why You Should Be Cautious Too - Powered by Blogger

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.

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.

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"

Tag : Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | Does Short Blogging Wins the Internet? - Powered by Blogger

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

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

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. Repeate.

"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"

Tag : Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | Just Apply a Blog Template? No, I Need Basic HTML to Make My Dream Blog Come True - Powered by Blogger

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

Tag : Teknik Blogging - Asep Haryono | My Blog Theme is a NEWS or Magazine Style - Powered by Blogger

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 Language. It’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