Writing a good blog post can be difficult. Not only do we have to come up with good material consistently, but it also takes some tedious effort to create images appropriate for it. Although some may question the essentialness of images in blog posts, I say that they’re key for tutorials and guides of all sorts, and can spice up blog posts of other sorts. If the extra work of taking screenshots is getting you down, let me introduce you to a process that can make things a lot easier.

Windows users, I’d suggest using Windows Live Writer. You can paste screenshots and resize them right in there. If you’re using a Mac, I’ve got just the technique for you – it involves a program called Automator.

Start automator, and create an Application.

You should see a screen like this. The library is on the left, the blank slate on the right is where you can drag items from the library to your application.

1. Ask for Finder Items

You want the location to be Desktop, because screenshots on Macs automatically save to the Desktop. This way, you can easily find your screenshot right when you start the application.

2. Copy Finder Items

Select a location where you want the item to be copied. I save it to a folder on my desktop with my blog’s name on it – this makes it easy to drag into a folder for the respective blog post.

3. Scale Images

Enter a number that you want your width to be. For example, if your blog style has a width of 600px, you’ll probably want to set it to 600px or 595px.

4. Save your Application

You’ll want to save your application to desktop, this allows for easy access. If you don’t mind the aesthetics, you might even want to put a shortcut on your dock. (I think the robot icon looks pretty cool.)

Try your new application. When this dialog box pops up, select your screenshot, and then click Choose. Navigate to your folder where you wanted your item to be copied, and you will find it there! Enjoy faster, more automated screenshots.

Holy smokes, this made me do a double-take. I’ve never seen World of Warcraft played on an HTC Desire before! Have you?

WoW on HTC Desire