Yes, I changed my blog format. Really, I did it a few days ago but this is the first opportunity I
I used the Dynamic Views template this time, just for a change, and I have to say I’m not sure I’m pleased with it. It has its pros and cons—on one hand, it’s a much cleaner, simpler design. I feel it’s easier to navigate and so much less cluttered. On the other, you have to scroll over things like the Followers widget for them to appear, which might mean that people won’t follow. Also, a lot of other gadgets aren’t available. You can’t see my tweets anymore, or my blog roll. On the third hand, I’m some sort of monster with three hands.
I’m still ambivalent, but I think some time in the next few days you’ll see yet another blog format change. Unless Blogger announces plans to make more gadgets compatible and gives a touch more control over layout in Dynamic Views, I’m going to start the arduous task of fixing a new format if I can find a background picture that isn’t sucky (much more difficult than you might think).
What do you think of my current format? Better or worse? Any thoughts on Dynamic Views?
EDIT: Yes, I changed it again. As much as I liked having the buttons and gadgets out of the way, they were just too inaccessible. I really think Dynamic Views could have given SOME sort of hint as to what the different buttons are rather than some sort of vague picture (something which seems prevalent in many sites these days). If they ever do improve these issues, I might go back to it. Fair warning.
EDIT: Yes, I changed it again. As much as I liked having the buttons and gadgets out of the way, they were just too inaccessible. I really think Dynamic Views could have given SOME sort of hint as to what the different buttons are rather than some sort of vague picture (something which seems prevalent in many sites these days). If they ever do improve these issues, I might go back to it. Fair warning.
It's definitely a lot less distracting... although speaking as a person who lives in the midst of clutter continuously, I don't necessarily mind clutter. It's possible that you may miss followers because the button is hidden. But you have to find a format that works for you, and that takes some testing and trying things out. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting. I like how streamlined it is. But then again, it's not as user friendly as the old format was.
ReplyDeleteI'm kind of intrigued. I'm on Blogger too, and I've been itching to revamp mine. I may have to look into this.
(Then again, just like every update Blogger does, it takes some getting used to, and then I can't remember how it was before. Once we've learned our way around, I'm sure this will be as easy to navigate as the old one was.)
Very sleek! I don't think I could use it, because I have a hard enough time finding things on my own blog. But, I like it when other people use it! Looking forward to seeing the new background pic, once you find a suitable non-sucky one. :)
ReplyDeleteLike the others, I appreciate the lack of clutter and "open" feel it gives off, but then it does lack certain elements that will help attract followers and build your readership. I guess it depends on whats more important at this stage in your blog life! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's got some pros and cons; it comes across smoother and less cluttered, but on the other hand clicking on comments when you've already clicked on the individual post might be distracting at times...
ReplyDeleteThe good thing is you can experiment with the formatting and sort out what works best for you.
'Sleek' is a good description, and the uncluttered factor is a significant one. And yet...yeah, I think it's too uncluttered for me, I couldn't go with it for my own design. I do like a bigger area for the post to be read in, as opposed to some of the really narrow 'post' areas other blogs have. I also like the light colour scheme, doesn't give me a headache :)
ReplyDeleteI think the blog design is nice. Different for a change. I like how simple it is. Not a zillion different colors or distractions. I say if you like it, keep it! :)
ReplyDeleteVery clean design! Easy on the eyes.
ReplyDeleteHey, there's nothing wrong with experimenting. I don't remember how your blog was before, and I like the clean, uncluttered feel; but it's almost too clean. I actually kept waiting, thinking it was still downloading. LOL And I found your widget thingy bar (right) only by accident. I think your blog needs more obvious stuff if you want to entice others to visit and follow. Just my 2c. ; )
ReplyDeleteVery simple and streamlined, but almost too much so. What I thought was a scrollbar on the right was a funny little directory for other parts. But then, I'm often resistant to things that are different. My first thought was that I missed seeing a side column where your pertinent info was (followers/way to follow, About Me at the very least).
ReplyDelete