Color? Setup? Posts? - Help me improve my blog!

[butterfly]

Is it too serious? Too dark? Not interesting? What would you improve? What do you like? What about the posts - like them or not?

Trying to get some traffic over there but if it's uninteresting that's not going to happen, so please comment, either way. I can take it.

Thanks.

[garnerdavis]

I don't want you to think no one will review your blog, so I'll offer what little input I can.

Necessarily, I'll limit my critique to color. I'm not a fan of the black background. It's a depressing color, and it will make any serious post seem even more somber. IMO, it's a color that should only be used on horror or Noirish blogs.

I don't think it's appropriate for me to comment on your content. The subjects you cover are so far outside the realm of what I like to read, even in blogs, as to make my opinion irrelevant.

[butterfly]

Hey Garner - thank for what you said but I got more from what you didn't say.

I will wait to see if I hear from others who like to read what I write.

[Topaz044]

Hi Butterfly,

I agree with Garnerdavis-you might want to consider a different color scheme than 'grey on grey'.If you are looking for a blog with dark themes (and some writers do) then I would suggest adding some photos just so the reader can have something visually to look at. Big Stock Photos have a lot of quality photos for pretty cheap.

You mentioned getting traffic on your blog. I don't think your posts are boring, but you're having the same problem I used to with my blog-it can't just be about you, the writer. In my opinion you need to include something the reader can be involved in. For example, in my blog I typically include book/movie reviews, or just general 'writing tips'. Sometimes I promo my own writing, but it's not very often. Other blogs include surveys, guest blogs from other writers, and contests as well.

Anyway, just my two cents. :) Hope it helps. Sorry if it sounds frank but you did say not to hold back.

[butterfly]

Thank you Topaz! I guess it reads self-absorption but I was going for inspirational. I do understand what you mean, though. I also thought the dark contributed to the Introversion, along with the mirror pic, but maybe others perception isn't as mine.

I'll work on it. Thanks again.

[veinglory]

The blog is fast-loading and clearly laid out. It does, however, use a very low key standard style. I would suggesting choosing a color scheme and some graphics unique to your blog to give is a real identity.

[FocusOnEnergy]

I like the color scheme (I guess you ditched the black background which is hard on the eyes) and the clean design. It's a little too clean though. How about you take the photo at the bottom, crop it so it's short and wide, and use it for a banner?

Focus

[butterfly]

Thanks, veinglory and focus. Still playing around with background and colors!

[butterfly]

I made some changes, brightened it up a bit and added a post. It's much cheerier, for sure!

Now to work on the posts - not so much me!me!me!

[JennieRose8]

Is it too serious? Too dark? Not interesting? What would you improve? What do you like? What about the posts - like them or not?

Trying to get some traffic over there but if it's uninteresting that's not going to happen, so please comment, either way. I can take it.

Thanks.

Hey, I think the colors are OK, but you might want to add some pictures...some that tug at the emotions or go with the subject you're writing about. I find that photos, slideshows, and videos often draw me to stay on a site. :)

[nighttimer]

I like the color scheme (I guess you ditched the black background which is hard on the eyes) and the clean design. It's a little too clean though. How about you take the photo at the bottom, crop it so it's short and wide, and use it for a banner?

Focus

I agree with FocusOnEnergy. It's a good photo, but why hide it at the bottom where a casual browser may not see it unless they scroll all the way down?

Move it up, crop it and make it a banner if your blog's theme allows you to do so. If you want to stand out from the crowd, give me a eye-catching visual and maybe I'll stick around for the words.

I can't critique your posts except, until you build your views, I wouldn't end my posts with a question or a "what do you think?" If nobody replies you're liable to get discouraged. Besides, don't ask me what I think until you have told me what you think. Pose the question, answer it and give me cause to agree or disagree with you.

I come from a newspaper background and there as a columnist I told readers what I thought, why I thought it and tried to make the case for or against whatever I was writing about. If it was good enough I never had to ask them "What do you think?" They would have no reluctance in telling me exactly what they thought.

Don't ask me if I think Twilight is the greatest book ever written. Tell me you think Twilight is the greatest book ever written and this is why you think it is. Then we can proceed from there.

Good luck. Keep blogging. :Sun:

[writingismypassion]

I agree with previous comments about the photo. It should be moved to the top of the page or even to the side. The posts are easy to read, the background looks fine. I didn't see an "about me" section or link. Personally, I always like to see that information on a blog so I can get an idea of the person writing. Also, under your photo you have a "Please Ask" comment. How would I contact you if I wished to do so? I don't see how to contact you unless I put a random comment on one of your posts. Perhaps I'm just not seeing the information. If that's the case, please correct me.

[Horseflye]

I'd like to see a banner of some sort--something to really set your blog apart (though the posts, I suppose, should be responsible for that!) I like the purple!