I have discovered the source of a problem where the side bar is not visible when using Internet Explorer 6. This is, of course, just one of many possible reasons for this problem. the Wordpress forums are full of possible reasons and solutions. This was mine.

The problem is in the sizing of the images versus the space allowed on the page.

The blog layout allows for a little over 600 pixels of width for the main blog content, and then the sidebar gets put in whatever space remains on the right side. When an image that is wider than 600 pixels is embedded, the sidebar does not fit, and is moved to the bottom of the page, under everything else.

Internet Explorer 7 and Firefox 3 are smart enough to see this problem and resize the image. IE6 is not.

Here is an example. The first shows a picture that fits OK, and you see the sidebar. The second one shows a picture that is too wide, and you will notice that the sidebar is missing.

I use Wikipedia almost every day. It may be imperfect, but it’s still the best place on the web to get down-to-earth, quick information. I like it enough to spend a few bucks to keep it running. How about you?

Read the letter from the founder of Wikipedia on what it’s all about.

Tags: Wikipedia