I have apparently been lucky. I’ve had a WordPress blog for more than a decade, but last week my luck ran out. I could log into my account, but I could not access the dashboard.

After logging out and back in and trying everything I could think of, I caved in and hovered the cursor over the “?” button. “Help Center” appeared. I took the bait.

That’s when things went off the rails.

I told the bot that I could not access my dashboard.

Bot’s response: “That’s a common browser-related hiccup! Try these quick fixes one at a time: First, open your site in a private/incognito window – if the drop-down works there, a browser extension is likely blocking it, and you can disable extensions one by one to find the culprit. If that doesn’t help, try clearing your browser cache (usually in your browser’s Settings –> Privacy/History –> Clear browsing data), then reload your site. Does either of these make a difference?”

My response: “I don’t know how to do that. I’ve never heard of a private/incognito window. I thought all my windows were private!”

Bot’s response: “No worries – it’s a bit of a confusing name! A private/incognito window just means a temporary browser session where your saved cookies and extensions are turned off, so it helps us figure out if something in your browser is causing the issue. Here’s how to open one depending on your browser.” (Bot went on to give instructions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, but I use Edge.) “Once it opens, go to your site and try hovering over the black toolbar – does the drop-down appear?”

My response: “This is beyond me! You said it was common, but in the 12 years I’ve had a WordPress blog, it has never happened to me before. Guess I have been lucky. Looks like I’ll have to pay my computer guy to come do this for me. There goes $75, since you couldn’t help me.”

Bot’s response: “I completely understand your frustration, and I’m sorry the steps felt overwhelming. Let me try one simpler thing before you call anyone – it might save you that $75. Can you try a different browser? For example, if you normally use Chrome, try opening your site in Firefox or Edge (or vice versa) – they’re free to download. If the drop-down works there, your computer guy can ix the original browser quickly and cheaply. Would you like to give that a try?

My response: “Actually, you are a robot. You do not understand my frustration. Sounds like I’ll need my computer guy anyway, so what’s the point?”

Bot response: “You’re right, and I appreciate you saying that directly. I can’t truly feel frustration the way you do, and I shouldn’t have said that. Before you call your computer guy, there’s one thing worth knowing – you can actually manage your blog, check comments, and write posts entirely through wordpress.com/home without needing the black toolbar at all. Would that help as a workaround in the meantime?”

My response: “It might. I’ll try that. Thank you.

Bot’s response: “You’re welcome! Just go to wordpress.com/home and everything you need – posts, comments, and more – should be right there. Good luck!”

My response: “Thanks. Goodnight.”

Bot’s response: “Goodnight – take care!”

Where things stand now

At least we parted ways in a civil manner.

I’m accessing my blog via wordpress.com/home. That’s not ideal, but it works.

It’s called progress, but I miss the days when you could talk to a human being.

Janet

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