# Blocks

> Add things that grow over time, like a guestbook, a portfolio or a reading list.

Most of what is on a page, like your name, an about paragraph, photos, a video and colors, is part of its [look](https://docs.ownsite.me/looks). You change it by making a new version.

Some things keep growing instead: visitors' messages and sign-ups, or works and books you add one by one. These go in a **block**. Each block has its own name, such as **Messages** or **Works**, and you manage it in the page's **Content** tab.

## Do you need a block?

Ask one question: **will it grow without the look changing?**

| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| Visitors write something (guestbook, sign-ups, likes) | A block |
| You keep adding items (portfolio, reading list, trips) | A block |
| Fixed content you change now and then (name, photo, about, a video) | Just the look |

If you are not sure, your AI will ask, for example "Will you add new works often?"

## Add a block

Tell your AI, for example "Add a guestbook to my home page". It will:

### 1. Ask what it needs to know

It only makes a block for things that will grow.

### 2. Add the block

If visitors can write to it, you confirm this once in the app.

### 3. Make a draft that shows it

Preview the draft. When you like it, press **Publish**.

If the page already has a block of the same kind, the AI asks whether to reuse it or make a new one. Most people reuse it, so the same items show in both places.

## Manage a block

Open the page and choose **Content**. With two or more blocks, a small switch at the top moves between them (for example **Messages · Works · +**).

- **Messages**: new messages show **Waiting for you**. They appear on the page after you press **Approve**.
- **Works and lists**: press **Add** for a new item. Tap an item to edit or delete it.
- **⚙ Rules** shows who can see and who can write. To change the rules, ask your AI.

## Changing the look never loses items

Items live in their block, not in the look. Switching templates or redesigning the page does not touch them.

If a new version no longer shows a block, its tab says **No longer on the page**. You can ask the AI to put it back, or press **Remove**. Removing only hides the tab. The items are kept, and they come back if you add the block again.