I am doing some market research while I am redoing my template. What, to you, makes a good template? What makes you enjoy a blog, stay to read, and search for more?
I am thinking of changing to 3 sidebars on the posts. That way I can share other bloggers and boutiques on one side, navigation of the site and selection pages, and then the actual ads on the other.
- Do you prefer a 1,2, or 3 sidebar template?
- Do you prefer minimized posts (similar to what we have now) or full display of the text on the front pages or category pages?
- Does it matter what colors a blog is?
- Would you look at pictures if there was a flickr on the sidebar?
Thanks for responding! Next week the blog will be much better and I will be back to my chatty cathy self. When I start designing, I cant stop until its done.
I am not a good multi-tasker.
~Trisha
As a “reader” (which I mainly am at the moment) of blogs I guess I like the 1 or 2 sidebars with the posts in the middle… I don’t think I have come across a 3 if I have it was so well designed & incorporated that I didn’t notice & that is a Plus!
I like to “open” up the blog on a full post of what I came to read… as I mostly click through through an update or blog reader… since I don’t know the tech side of a blog template (yet) I wouldn’t mind the minimized version of any other posts that would be next in line to read as a teaser, per say… I would click to read more.
Colors? I like easy to read colors in the post area, esp white/light with an easy to read text (black or dark not too bright), the banners ect can be complimentary colors as in a theme… a cohesive look. I find dark/black backgrounds the hardest to read & anything too busy just gives me eyestrain & headaches! Yikers!
I love pictures in the posts! I have yet to click through on a flicker or any other place to see more photos… so I guess that would be a No?
I find this a very interesting topic, Trisha. Esp since I am still learning the ropes & want to know the best myself!
I really like one side bar, but two is ok. It helps to separate things like you have listed.
I like full posts, but for a blogger that posts often, like you do, I enjoy seeing all that’s new and being able to click on what I want to read. So I think the minimized posts work great for you.
Colors don’t matter much to me, but busy patterns or glitzy gadgets are distracting. I sometimes like a dark background, but it totally changes the mood of a blog and only really works for some. And the text has to be easy to read. You provide so much useful info here that I think a sleek, sophisticated, but fun look is perfect for you. ie. soothing colors, but a header that pops. I like the sorta mocha thing you’ve got going on in the background.
Since you crack me up on a regular basis, I would probably look at your flickr photos out of curiosity. But on most blogs, I probably wouldn’t just because I don’t have enough time online to get what I need done as it is!
Great questions! I can’t wait to see what you do next
I could go either way with the sidebar. Colors, I don’t like to see anything too crazy, I like the colors easy on the eyes. I really like the colors you currently have. I love to see photos in the posts and I rarely look at peoples flickr accounts. Hmmm, did I forget something? I like the posts minimized. Good luck! I’m in a bloggy rut too, but I’m just not sure where I want to take it right now…
Overall, for me – the simpler, the better. If there’s too much going on/too many bells & whistles visually, I won’t stick around.
-Do you prefer a 1,2, or 3 sidebar template?
*If no ads – 2; if ads – 3
-Do you prefer minimized posts (similar to what we have now) or full display of the text on the front pages or category pages?
*Full posts if it’s a standard blog; minimized if it’s a magazine theme styled blog
One last note…my biggest pet peeve in regards to blogs is having to look all around for the “Search” box. I don’t want to have to search for the Search box! (But that’s just me…)
Does it matter what colors a blog is?
*No. I like reading the majority of the text against a white background though – it’s easier on my eyes.
Would you look at pictures if there was a flickr on the sidebar?
*It depends on the blog & known quality of pictures.
For me a good template is one that reflects me and who I am. I like two column themes. Must show the full post, hate having to click around to read the rest of a post. Well I don’t hate it, but I prefer it all there right in front of you. Colors are everything. The colors must look good and shouldn’t be super bright and hard to read. Nope, won’t look at pictures on the sidebar, should be on a page of their own or within the post.
the reason i shrink mine is because I write LONG posts and i would only be able to fit like 2 on a page. LOL! I am still looking for a way to bring posts into the front and not be minimized
All good questions that I have been wondering myself.
I don’t like too many sidebars because it looks too cluttered to me.
I don’t mind the excerpts, in fact I think I’m going to go to more of that on my blog.
Colors don’t matter to me, as long as they go together and aren’t too bright, or aren’t the black with white text.
I LOVE pictures. To me pictures tend to stand out.
you are right, it can look cluttered. But they are so darn usefull too!
I also love 1 sidebar, it looks more clean and less crowded. The posts, I like summery of posts. I love what you have on right now. It gives a taste of the post, but also the next one
to me summery of posts give more to read.
The colors are personal I think, everyone likes something different. I mostly like less busy
Pictures are always fun
this is what i was thinking….if i display more than one post, people will read more than one post? Or maybe not. LOL
Doesn’t matter how many sidebars. It really doesn’t matter what colors as long as they are complimentary and I like to see consistency… a theme throughout.
I LOVE great photography and I would look at pictures in a Flickr sidebar. I do like it not over cluttered, with some space to for the eyes to rest and some simplicity to it.
I think your previous template was great and this one is amazing too.
I personally feel that you are doing an awesome job of maintaining an interesting and appealing blog.
Keep up the good work!!
P.S… when I first came to your blog and saw the picture of that beautiful child with the caption that said “My Heart”… it made me want to stay and read more.
Honesly…. you are doing GREAT!
The other template is actually on the community pages at http://www.momdot.com/community
i have to figure out how to incorporate it all. Thank you for the great feedback!
Do you prefer a 1,2, or 3 sidebar template?
1 or 2 sidebars would be fine. I don’t know if I have ever seen 3 sidebars.
Do you prefer minimized posts (similar to what we have now) or full display of the text on the front pages or category pages?
I perfer full display posts
Does it matter what colors a blog is?
Would you look at pictures if there was a flickr on the sidebar?
No, as long as it is readable.
Sorry,
Does it matter what colors a blog is?
No, as long as it is readable
Would you look at pictures if there was a flickr on the sidebar?
Probably
Do you prefer a 1,2, or 3 sidebar template?
Any number of sidebars works for me as long as they are clean and organized.
Do you prefer minimized posts (similar to what we have now) or full display of the text on the front pages or category pages?
I like full display of text. It’s a pet peeve of mine to have to click ‘read more’.
Does it matter what colors a blog is?
Not really. As long as everything is easy to read and aesthetically pleasing; meaning some contrast and color coordination.
Would you look at pictures if there was a flickr on the sidebar?
Nah. I look at photos in blog entries more than anything. I use sidebars for contact info. and other cool links.
* Do you prefer a 1,2, or 3 sidebar template?
I prefer templates with one siebar, anything more just gets really busy and hard to focus on the content and sidebar
* Do you prefer minimized posts (similar to what we have now) or full display of the text on the front pages or category pages?
I prefer recent posts that are minimized. I like to see what’s new in general, not neccessarily by category.
* Does it matter what colors a blog is?
Absolutely. Bright colors are obnoxious, too many colors are distracting.
* Would you look at pictures if there was a flickr on the sidebar?
Yep. I love pictures! I recently added a flickr feed below my posts.