I've been thinking about making some changes to my blog and I thought I would ask your opinions on what I'm pondering. All the changes are cosmetic, though if anyone has any other suggestions I would be open to hearing them.
This is what I'm thinking of so far.
1. I still want to accept and pass on awards but I can't figure out a way to display them without looking cluttered, so I'm thinking of no longer putting them in my sidebar.
2. Instead of using images to display mine or other giveaways on my sidebar, I would change to text/link only. Have a separate area for my giveaways and a separate one for other giveaways.
3. Do the same thing for challenges I'm doing, no button just links.
4. Get rid of the Librarything widget, for some reason it's been annoying me lately.
5. I'm also thinking of changing the header pic but that will probably be a while.
Please feel free to make any comment that you feel is appropriate. I would really like to know what you think bout the layout or even the content (but please be gentle on that last part).
18 comments:
Lost In Books uses a slideshow to display all her awards, and that seems to work really well.
I've been doing some streamlining on my blog also. I'm thinking of becoming award-free as I am so terrible about passing them on and it's so hard to tell who accepts awards and who doesn't. I wish I knew how to add a separate page for challenges. I don't mind the smaller buttons but some are too big.
I put the awards I do have in a slide show at the bottom of my blog.
You can make your LT widget narrower so it fits better if you don't get rid of it
Just some of my thoughts:
I agree with awards, they get to be too cluttered (although the suggestion to use a slideshow is a good one!)
Personally, I like to see images for giveaways...love to look at the covers!! :-)
I really like your header pic too!
You've got a great site, don't go changing too much!!!
Hi, Ryan! I always look forward to changes made by the bloggers I usually visit. I can't wait to see what you'll be coming up with!
I use a slideshow from photobucket for my awards, and was thinking of doing the same for challenges. (I use one for completed challenges.) It saves so much space!
I noticed that several people mentioned slideshows...that sounds like a great idea!
I love your header, but I know what you mean about wanting to change things...I'm always changing mine! But probably too much, come to think of it!
The idea of links is a good one, too.
Do you know how to put tabs on Blogger? I've seen some people with them, but I don't know how. That might be a way to do it too.
I agree with the others about slideshows. You could also have a tab or link to a separate post for your challenges and contests. Bury the posts by using an old date so it isn't on the main page, but have an easily found link/tab so people can find it if interested.
I love your header, but am sure you'll come up with something I'll love just as much should you decide on a change.
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with!
I understand the cluttered feeling of awards. Why not just make a post with all of them on there then just link to it either with a navigation bar or a link on the sidebar. This could work also with the giveaways and challenges stuff.
I like your header pic! But if you're looking to change it, maybe have it visually similar to your avatar, for continuity?
I use a slideshow, it doesn't look as good as some of the other ones out there, but everyone seems to have beat me to this suggestion :P
I know it's frustrating when you're asking for advice for changes and people say 'no it's fine, don't need to change a thing!' but Wordsmithonia really does look good :P
And I dont' think anyone will hold it against you if you remove the LibraryThing widget.
Thanks everyone for your feedback, I really do appreciate it. I've thought of doing the slideshow but I'm not smart enough to make it look as good as I would like. Tabs would be a great idea if I could figure out how to do it. If anyone has simple insturctions for me I'm all ears.
I'm really excited though because I got spam posts today for only the second time. I feel like I'm moving up in the world now.
You guys are the best for taking the time and commenting on this post. Love ya all!
I think all your ideas are great one - streamlining is a comfortable thing for me as well. :) Besides, it is YOUR blog - you need to make it comfortable for you and also easy to use/navigate. So go for it!
I don't really have any suggestions, but I know sometimes the urge strikes to make a change. I do like seeing pictures with giveaways, though, because a title alone may not grab my attention.
As you can see by my blog, I am somewhat of a minimalist, so I understand the need to simplify. I haven't started the awards, and I probably won't because I am lax in that area, and don't want to hurt any feelings by not posting any awards. I am also very illiterate when it comes to changing things. Although I can handle posting and changing my current reads, Michelle has done the design work on my blog! I will say that I like your header, and I like the background of your blog, it is easy on the eyes, and easy to read. I don't think it will be a big deal to get rid of the Librarything widget either. I think you should do what makes you happy, I will look forward to seeing your changes!
I think your ideas are great. I like the look of your blog but I understand not wanting it to be so cluttered. I look forward to seeing your changes.
Whatever you do, I'll still follow!
Thank you guys! Your support means a lot to me.
I took mine and put them under a tab on my blog. I used to display mine too but eventually they are everywhere! :)
I like your idea and the links to the challenges is a good idea too. I havent posted my new ones for 2010 yet.
I put my awards under a separate tab on my blog. I also have tons of labels, so a drop-down label menu was a must. (I also use a drop-down archive menu.)
One of the best Blogger resources you can have is Blogger Buster. If you subscribe to it, you can then download a free 114-page PDF book called The Blogger Template Book. I'm not the brightest bulb in the chandelier when it comes to tinkering with HTML, but the author manages to explain everything in such a way that I can follow her directions and get the results that I want. Good luck with your changes!
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