SheSpeaks is coming up in a little less than a week, and I am going to spend a chunk of tomorrow working out the finer points of my part of the presentation that I’m doing with Melanie and Shannon.
Because I’m thinking that next week I won’t have much time to work on the presentation what with getting a haircut and looking for brown sandals and wondering why it’s become increasingly impossible to get my eyelashes to curl.
I’m not even kidding about that last thing. It’s driving me crazy. No matter what I do, my eyelashes look like they’ve been ironed.
Anyhoo.
At SheSpeaks one of the things I’m going to be talking about is finding your bloggy voice (tip #1: CRAZY HELPS) and making that voice consistent with the look and feel of your blog.
So. Three things.
1) Would y’all be so kind as to point me to some blogs where you feel like the look of the blog perfectly matches the voice of the person who writes there? And it doesn’t have to be a mama blog – it can be a political blog, a fashion blog, an entertainment news blog, whatever.
Next.
2) Does the look of a blog – the graphics, the fonts, the colors – have any bearing on whether or not you continue to visit? In other words, if someone has incredibly thought-provoking content but the look of the blog isn’t visually appealing, do you care?
Finally.
3) What’s your favorite blog out there in terms of design? What blog makes you sigh with contentment as soon as you click over? And what specifically do you like about it?
If you’re more comfortable emailing me all of this information instead of leaving it in the comments, that’s fine by me. Just please try not to say anything negative about a specific blog because OH, CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THE AWKWARD?
And if you also feel led to offer some advice in regard to my impossibly straight eyelash fiasco, I’d be most appreciative.
Really, internets, you’re going to be helping me with a whole host of quandaries.
So if you’re feeling invaluable right about now, well, guess what, YOU TOTALLY SHOULD.
The blog questions will take some time for me to answer and I don’t have any info on the eyelash thing…but I have to say you are not alone!!! Mine will not curl anymore either!!! I’ve been curling them since I was 16 and it just won’t work anymore. Hopefully someone will answer you and help us both! :)
Fonts, colors, appearance and such can definitely keep me from revisiting. As can those little music boxes that sometimes cover text. Design is a factor. Readability makes me happy.
bradruggles.com is a site that’s graphically appealing to me. It really matches his voice, too, I think. And he’s got some major artistic talent.
Excited about y’all’s little presentation!
Here’s a very important question regarding your eyelash dilemma – could it be the humidity making them go flat? Perhaps your eyelashes are reacting to it the same way my hair does.
I subscribe to over 30 blogs – and none of them have to do with looks. I load them into google.com/reader and the whole beauty of it is…I don’t have to open each and every blog. The updates are there, I read, I gaze, I ponder. Once in a blue, I open it up to comment – but it’s rare.
I am a graphic designer – and a marketer – so I totally get the aesthetics of a piece. But in the land of blogs, I’m there to read- not gaze at the lovely graphics. And for that reason, I haven’t done much to the look of mine.
I, too, have my blogs all with a subscriber. BUT, I think they all hooked me from the start, and something kept me with them. Of course, a big part of that is how they write, relate, etc. But, I have to admit that if a blog is plain or weird looking, it does turn me off. Call me a shallow blogger if you will, but it’s the truth! I enjoy cute and stylish :)
In answer to #2, I don’t really chose a blog or stay with one because of its design: I am attracted by and stay because of the writing. A nice design is pleasant, but it’s more the icing on the cake thing.
Conversely, the only type of design that will drive me away is one in which there is too much movement, either in the ads or the graphics. I try to stay with it and read through Bloglines if I really like the writing, but my eyes can’t handle reading and comprehension with stuff going on in my peripheral vision.
These old eyes do not like light print on dark backgrounds. If it puts too much strain on my eyes, I’ll click away no matter how well written or funny the blog.
I can’t think of any specific blogs that really appeal to me right now, but if I do I’ll shoot you an email.
The look of a blog doesn’t matter as much as the content in the blog. However, the initial impression is always nicer if it’s all fancy and sparkly.
I seriously dislike the music on blogs. Especially if the blogger puts the music box at the very bottom of the page and I have to scroll around and find it to turn it off. Annoying.
As far as content is concerned, I’m definitely a fan of funny blogs. Don’t get me wrong, I like a spiritual, deep conversation now and then, but if I have 3 seconds in the day to sit down and flip through blogs, I’d much rather laugh while doing it.
Not much mind boggling, rocket science kind of stuff, but I’m pretty much a simple person. Have a great time at SheSpeaks. I’ll be praying for yall!
The one blog I can think of where I think the design really matches the voice is Heather Whittaker’s blog. http://whittakerwoman.typepad.com/
As far as the eyelashes thing…I just read somewhere that castor oil is sometimes used to promote eyelash growth. http://sadiemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=95 (sorry I don’t know how to do links!) Maybe that could somehow help with the eyelash situation? I’m right there with you with short, straight eyelashes. I might just give it a try myself!
I am a techy toddler here. I have no idea how to do interesting things to make my template exciting. I am to scared the whole thing with implode. I would absolutely love to have some wizard do it for me, but that will have to wait for now.
No, I am not at all influenced by the template. I read the blogs I love for the words. Interesting, funny, thought provoking, lovely people. They are my friends, and I am not judging them by appearances.
I am not, however, keen on music which blares out and knocks 10 years off my life in the middle of the night when I am blog hopping. And I am not that keen on posts which are full of links, or that snapshot feature when I scrolling down.
The preacher’s wife has a great template, I think. Pioneer woman. Of course. Sigh. Maybe I should go and experiment.
The look of thesecretlifeofkat is DEFINITELY definitive of Kat’s personality/voice. I know Kat very well, and so I feel I can say that. She’s very no-nonsense and practical and I think her blog looks a lot like that. (but it’s not ugly… I’m not saying that!)
There’s one blog I read that the look doesn’t match the voice, and that is brant hansen’s (kamp krusty’s) blog. I don’t know why, but the colorful title has always seemed a bit weird to me… like cute and kid-ish, but that isn’t what the content is like AT ALL. (I love the blog and read it always anyway, so it doesn’t matter).
Other blogs I read are mostly from people who use xanga or blogspot and the designs there are limited. So, my friends do the best they can with the design options. I come back to read anyway.
BUT! If I happen upon a REAL cool looking designed blog, I’ll come back again… but then again, if the stuff written is really lacking, I won’t come back for long.
So, no. In the big picture, the look of the blog doesn’t really matter. It’s the content that keeps me coming back.
I too, do not care what the font, color, or background looks like. It is nice if they have a nice layout, but it really doesn’t matter.
I also come to blogs for content, not the ads, to me, the ads are distracting. Many people have suggested that I advertise on my blog. I refuse, on the grounds that I want people to read my blog, not my ads.
The music on the side……….blech!!!
I used to like Ree’s layout, but the way she has it now………way to busy. I still like to read her, but in the last couple of months……she has seem forced or distracted.
I also have a feed reader. I like to be able to read the whole blog from my reader. It is really frustrating to have just a bit of it showing, and you actually have to click on the blog to finish reading. Frustrating, and if I don’t have much time, I won’t go to that blog.
It is the actual writing that draws me in.
I also love lots of pictures in the content.
Ok, I’ll help with the eyelash question. I found lots of tips when I googled ” How to curl your eyelashes”. Here is a video clip I found. It’s http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to -curl-your-eyelashes. Basically they advise that if you are having problems to heat up your eyelash curlers with your hair dryer set on a low setting. And the girl speaks with a British accent which I love!
It is a nice bonus if a blog is great to look at, but I won’t read or not read one because of the way it looks. What is written there is much more important to me. The only thing that annoys me greatly and will prevent me from coming back is if a blog has music playing on it. There aren’t many that do that, but the few I have stumbled upon I couldn’t click away from fast enough, even if it was a song I like. A link to music is one thing, but having it come blaring out at me against my will is something else.
So because I don’t care all that much about how a blog looks I can’t really answer your first or third question.
I think the look and feel of a blog is important, though content is more important. If the content was great, I would keep going back regardless of the “look” of a blog. (Which isn’t to say it isn’t important.)
Interestingly, many of the blogs I stick with have both good content AND a great design.
Ann over at Holy Experience does this so well. http://aholyexperience.com/
I don’t even mind the music, which is usually such a turnoff for me.
I agree with everyone else. The design or layout of the blog is not as important to me as the writing. And I cannot stand music on a blog!
I love, love, LOVE, the design of Rhonda’s down-to-earth blog. She’s an Aussie who does very simple living and frugality with elegance.
Her blog is populated with pictures of her homestead, homemade bread, canned goods and a simple picture of her. She talks about living simply, cooking, baking, and the three R’s in a simple, quiet manner that agrees with her site design.
Of course, there are a lot of other blogs where the design matches the voice of the blogger, including this one. ;) I just happen to love Rhonda’s site because I’m on a very similar journey.
Melissa in FL
nnisigning@gmail.com
I so agree that blogs seem to work best when all the components are consistent. One of my friends has a wonderful blog she uses for musings and work. Her name is Lisa Leonard. She has a special needs child and thriving GORGEOUS jewelry business and LOVES the Lord. The address is http://www.Lisaleonard.blogspot.com . She has wildly crazy curly hair. Maybe she can help you with that eyelash issue…! Have a great weekend….loving the Lord and life here on the central coast of california…
Call me shallow, but the appearance of a blog does matter to me. I don’t like a lot of distraction, whether it’s through 18 different fonts on each page, bouncing text, moving graphics or what have you. Using the “Comic Sans” font will make me leave almost immediately. And consistently incorrect grammar or spelling, or lots of typos, will drive me away fairly quickly. Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, but a point can be reached where it just looks like the writer isn’t paying enough attention. (I don’t count “artistic license” or colloquialism against anyone, y’all. ‘Cause really. That’s just different.)
#2: I absolutely think design is just as important as content. If I’m distracted from the content by how bad the design is, I just can’t stay. Design should be subtle enough that it doesn’t distract from the message, but punchy enough that it invites me to stay.
1) I’m a big fan of Bad Hair Days, and I think the look of xeney.com matches the voice there very well. And John Bailey (oldgreypoet) wrote the book, or at least wrote the book I’m anxious to read.
2) I would never know if someone has incredibly thought-provoking content if their blog is covered with animation and music and angels and unicorns and that amazingly irritating mirror thing, because I wouldn’t stay on their site for more than the time it takes to click away. I am a big old design snob – the more straightforward and minimalist, the better. Bad design can annoy me; good design sort of disappears behind the content.
3) And there I contradict myself. No design, per se, makes me purr; content makes me purr. I look forward to reading, and the navigation better be simple and obvious so I can read some more.
Well, without sounding TOO CONCEITED, I really think my blog shows my voice and my personality perfectly. Friends have told me when they read, it sounds like I am talking to them. So I’m kinda proud of that.
Now, about the blogs I read.
1. I’m so happy others can’t stand the music. It is distracting and annoying and people should not have music on their blogs!!
2. I definitely pay attention to the design and appreciate someone who has taken the trouble to make their blog attractive and cute. I read in Google Reader so I don’t always get to see the designs, but I had to see them at some point. I hate blogs that are hard to read, have a very busy background, or too many ads. I might still read them if they had great content, but I wouldn’t like it.
3. I do not like it when people have just a part of the post in the Reader and you are forced to click to their blog to read the rest. I’m not sure everyone realizes they have made this choice; I know it took me a while (and some complaints from family members!) before I realized I could put the whole post on a Reader.
4. I also have a real issue with bad spelling and grammar. I can excuse a few mistakes since we all make them, but please use a spell checker!! If you have a blog, you are a writer, so act like one!
Sorry this is so long. I have pretty strong opinions!!
There is a reason for the short feed – it prevents some other website from publishing your entire post on their website and earning revenue from it.
That being said – I only keep reading a short feed blog if I really really like the blogger :) But I understand their reasoning for not publishing the whole post in a feedburner.
I’m with Mrs Who – I think my blog design accurately reflects my voice. I also think the fact that I don’t have ads or tons of bloggy stuff going on except for the actual blogging reflects my voice and style. I don’t have a lot of clutter at my real house. That’s also why I was SO UPSET at the peptobismol look I had going on a few weeks ago. Made me look like I had bright pink eye makeup on. And I didn’t.
The look of the blog totally matters to me. I use the handy “next” feature that google reader has; a button you click on in your toolbar that takes you to the next blog in your reader with new content. I like it because I can read the blog in it’s natural environment instead of in an email format, and still have take advantage of using a feed reader.
WOW! Not that I have anything important to add to your comments…but I better go take the music off right now! YIKES!
Not too much opinion on the first questions, although I am highly opposed to music on blogs, but I did have a suggestion for your eyelashes so I thought I’d comment for that sole purpose. (Priorities, right?)
I sometimes use my blow dryer to very slightly warm my eyelash curler right before I curl them (like 5 seconds of heat or less), and that tends to help hold the curl longer. Sometimes I do it after I put mascara on, but usually before so I’m not totally breaking them down. Please be careful though, because it is very possible to get the curler too hot and scald your lids!
Hope this helps! Have a great time at SheSpeaks.
I’m with all the others on the “radio” boxes. Every once in a while someone has one that you, the reader, TURN ON if you want it. Those are GREAT. But the ones that blair out and have to be found and turned off, those are very annoying.
I also have trouble with adds or templates that have movement going on. That DOES distract your eyes while you are trying to read.
I’m not sure I could put my finger on exactly WHY I like the blogs I like – – – especially because there are different reasons for different blogs. BUT, it is also true for me that SOMETHING – – – and I think it may be the personality of the blogger – – – reaches out and grabs me and keeps me coming back.
I do like pictures on the blog. No pictures and all text will keep me coming back ONLY if I already know and love the blog – – – and even then, I SKIM all that writing if its just too much.
Oooops – – – that ONLY should have been an UNLESS.
Cover Girl Lash Blast has solved years of frustrating eyelashes!! I found that mascara via Big Mama’s blog (I think), and it has transformed my (face) life.
I definitely will stop reading a blog if it is unappealing. I am fine if it is plain, but if it is hard to read, I will give up. Hard to read for me includes: light yellow font on white, tiny font, huge ads with small blogging area…to name a few.
I absolutely believe design is very important to a blog and building traffic. There are so many blogs out there that in order for you to differentiate yourself very quickly and be recognizable you need to create a great first impression.
People coming to a blog for the first time only give it a short amount of time before moving on. Make that time count with a design that says something about what your blog is about and your personality. I love that it’s possible to do this with design.
Of course content is also important but first you need to grab the attention of those passing by and the best way to do that is with a design that “speaks” clearly to your audience.
About the eyelashes – have you ever tried running your eyelash curler under your hairdryer for a few seconds before curling them? Be careful – and good luck!
I love Bring the Rain.
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com
It’s blue (my fave) and soothing. Simple, clean, bright but calm.
Green is my second fave. I really like your blog design, Boo.
My own blog is pathetic. Design-wise, I mean. The writing is just phenomenal. :)
I joined xanga a couple years ago, and I have a community of wonderful friends there. I’m torn between staying and starting a new, cool blog on blogspot or something.
And I’ve never curled my eyelashes in my life. I’m nervous about showing up at She Speaks now.
I like blogs that are easy to read. White background is my first choice. That being said, I am disappointed that mine has the gray background, but I am waiting for a new design.
It is nice to see a cute design, but the content is what brings me back.
No music. It is too distracting.
I’ll email you with particular favorites.
Eyelashes- Use one of those mascaras that curls the lashes. I think Maybelline has one.
I care about design when I visit a blog because that’s what causes me to stop initially, but it’s the content that keeps me there and makes me want to subscribe.
I’m in the process of having someone redesign my blog because I care about how it looks. I can do a little design work, but I don’t know enough to make it look really nice.
My 10 year old eyelash curler broke this month and I had to replace it. OHMIGOSH! I can’t believe what a difference the new curler makes (same kind). I have actually “over-curled” my lashes on a few occassions. At least it’s an inexpensive thing to try. Also…be VERY careful if you heat the curler with a hair dryer! Third degree burns don’t look nearly as good as eyeshadow.
Blog comment-I hate it when the color of the words is funky and unreadable!
Have fun!
I think the look of these blogs suits their tone and content very well:
http://www.jamesbowman.net/
http://orangette.blogspot.com/
https://www.boomama.net/
http://gorgeoustown.typepad.com/lex_culinaria/
Since I read most blogs on RSS feed, the look of their actual webpage does not affect me much. When I click on a new blog, the writing does have to be very good to keep me reading if they use a completely unmodified Blogger layout. The only time I absolutely will not read a blog is if it is light print on a dark background. That hurts my eyes.
I also hate music that plays automatically, and I hate the distracting busy-ness of LiveJournal blogs.
Yes, I would agree with http://www.lisaleonard.blogspot.com. She is so creative and everyday is different and simple too.
Ultimately, the writing is most important to me. However, I am hooked (at least at first) by the design. If it’s pleasing to the eye, it will grab my attention.
Most blogs that I stumble on for the first time or found on a blogroll of one of my favorite blogs. The writing style and the overall personality of the writer will determine if I read regularly. I only know a couple of bloggers personally and will say that their blogs definitely mimic their personalities.
And I think I’ll jump on Mrs. Who’s bandwagon and say that I do feel that my blog fits me quite well. I do know “me” the best, though. ;)
I didn’t have a tip on the eyelashes…I have to wonder about the humidity mentioned in one of the comments. Louisiana humidity…well, you know, don’t you?
You have gotten some great advice
I agree with the busy blog design being a turn off however if I really like the writing I will come back anyway
I do not like music on a blog and ALWAYS turn it off – I can’t seem to read what the post says, hear the music, and tune out my children all at the same time :)
Have a great time at the conference I will be praying for the 3 of you!
BTW: Joanne a Siesta from http://onesoblessed.blogspot.com/
won the contest to attend the conference
Hopefully you will get to meet her
She is from Cali and is SO MUCH FUN!!
God bless
Kim
My pal Badger has a template from Angie of the Big Red Couch. There are no bells and whistles, no ads, no blinkies, and no music. The header image perfectly conveys what the blog is about. It’s sassy and a little bit snarky and funny:
http://badgermeetsworld.blogspot.com/
As for the eyelash curler, try Shu Uemura’s. It’s considered the best on the market and you can find it at Sephora. At almost $20, it’s an investment, but well worth it! Happy curling!
Check out Ironic Sans. Not a mommyblog, but awesome.
about the eyelashes… I was told once that before you put on mascara to use your hairdryer to get the eyelash curler warm and then use it on your eyelashes. It acts like a curling iron.
Just a thought for you!
1. Antigue Mommy, Rocks In My Dryer, BooMama, My Messy Thrilling Life, The Nesting Place, The Inspired Room
2. You all feel like home for some reason. The graphics are nice, the music usually kicks but I think it’s more your spirits and desires to follow Christ.
3. The Nesting Place
one of my recent favorites that I think is fun to look at, crafty content and a cute layout etc is Pink paper peppermints http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com/
and Home sanctuary http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/
I think her fonts, layout, etc all completly match her voice in the blog…
More than anything, it’s the title that grabs me. And if the title and the design match are are unique and creative, that’s even better.
Initially, it’s the design that actually catches my eye – I love Simply Amusing’s little birdy and her tag line about looking on the bright side (which her posts usually reflect), I love the simplicity of How About Orange and her photos are amazing.
The design is important, but it’s definitely the content that keeps me coming back for more. Someone can have a beautiful template, but if their voice doesn’t match the design or if they don’t have a voice, I usually won’t stick around to read for long.
The other thing I don’t see mentioned much is how often they update. I’m more drawn to people if I can feel like there’s a “conversation” happening, daily or weekly dialogue. Does that make sense?
I dislike any kind of music, like most everyone else. I dislike black on a background, which makes it too difficult to read. I enjoy whites or lighter colors that are easier on the eyes.
I can’t say that I have an absolute favorite, unless it’s BooMama, but that’s YOU! :)
Here’s my answer to number 2 because that’s an easy one for me. The look is nice and all but it does not matter. I like content. Good content. Funny content, and also thought provoking. if they don’t have flashy graphics but I like what they have to say, I’ll most certainly be back. There ya go. Thank you. b-bye now :)
First of all, does the fried chicken really have to be imaginary, because I imagine you can flat-out fry up some chicken and that sounds tasty!
All the best bloggers that do this are the ones teaching the class, so no better examples than yourselves!
I would also have to add the LPM blog, funny and spiritual, which is totally Beth.
I also think these two do a great job.
http://laragallagher.com/blog/
http://www.conversiondiary.com/
Design doesn’t really keep me reading a blog – content does.
However, too much busyness might turn me off of a blog.
I do like seeing the personality that shows up in some designs – but it’s icing on the cake as someone else said.
If I may be so bold, I would suggest my blog for design and voice. I had a great designer rework the whole thing about 6 weeks ago and I’m very excited about how it looks. I think my writing reflects my voice, but I’ve only been writing a year and I’m still learning. It’s called Earnest Parenting and I’d be honored if people came to visit for a moment. :)
Wow. What a fun question–for I have just sat here reading all the coments!
I do not use any kind of reader, because my inbox is full enough, and I would tend to “put it off” ’til later and then never read it. So I just drop by when I can and sometimes, it may be a few weeks before I catch up with friends.
I am intrigued by the black background comments. Funny, I like it. :) Perhaps one day I’ll change mine, but I think it sets off the Colorado pics. wonderfully. Although my Chris just came in and said it is too dark. Well, we’ll see.
I have a few that I’d really say the blog matches the voice of the person.
http://www.thesimplewife.typepad.com/
http://virtuealert.blogspot.com/
http://www.especiallyheather.com/
I like the design to be appealing to the eye. But I’m not too picky. I love a good title, like Notes from the Trenches…fighting the war on terror one tantrum at a time. Or yesterday, “The Dolly Mama” just cracked me up.
I don’t like too much change. I like to get familiar with a site and change is ok, but not every other week.
I don’t care for foul language in a blog at all. Also, I don’t care for the crazy big and then small fonts in one post. My brain gets tired trying to read it.
My favorite design is this one: http://www.lifeat7000feet.com/
I love the photo in the header,the title, the colors. The blog also perfectly suits her voice.
Sorry this is way too long. Should I change my background color, Sophie? Just wondering.
I am fairly new to the blogging world..so I have very little to offer you in the way of answers. I will say that I like to read humor blogs…but any blog that is well written will keep my attention. although I have a blog, I have not quite ‘found’ my voice and it still is more of a friends and family catch-all. I want to improve, but I’m not sure how… I wish i was going to SheSpeaks, but it was not to be this year. Maybe next.
As for your eyelash dilemma, someone has probably already posted this tip, but here you go. Heat up your eyelash curler (metal one) with your blowdryer (low heat) for about five seconds or so. Then CAREFULLY curl your eyelashes. they should hold curl better and longer…but be careful! You could scald your eyelid and the pain, oh the pain!
Well, I’m glad I’m giving my site a new look! This has been really informative for me. I read through a reader but come to the sites I like the most to comment.
The design is important, but it’s not a deal breaker. I don’t like really small fonts, weird fonts or white type on a black background.
The site name and design should at least match, or the reader should be able to “feel” the connection between the two.
Hey there, Friend. Well, I would say content matters to me, and ease of use. I even like blogs that give you a snippet of the post and the option to read more or move – to which I have not figured out how that works.
I tend to read more of the blogs with personal and/or spiritual insight, though I love me some funny everyday bloggin’ as well. Just depends. Infrequent change in posts… (now I am preaching to the choir) well, that can deter me from visiting – I like pictures and such.
Also, I have found – since I myself discovered it after many months of blasting people with my own favorite praise and worship – that turning my music player off and allowing others to sample it at will is much nicer than just leaving the thing on…
There are great tips for bloggers at Amy B’s Split Decisionz blog that helped me tremendously. I like this blog, but really one of my favorites is Twinkle Mom over at http://sunflowerfaith.freehostia.com/… That said – Thanks for asking and hope this helps.
http://nestingplacenc.blogspot.com/
About the eyelashes, I used to wonder why people had to curl their eyelashes and feel sorry for the poor things! Now it’s me doing it! They go back straight in about an hour anyway, though. I’ll be checking back to see if anyone has a solution I haven’t tried.
About the blogs, black backgrounds make me sad. Call me shallow.
I think the design and voice of this one go really well together:
http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/
Most of the blogs I read are by my friends, so I wouldn’t stop reading them because I didn’t like the design. I might just read them on bloglines. I’m really turned off by anything that looks like a MySpace page. Too hard to read! BooMama, your designs have always been delightful.
OK, due to peer pressure (just kidding) :), I changed the colors. Do you like them? Too much green?
mommyneedsacocktail.com is one of my favorite websites…it’s fun and fresh. I love her design.
adventuresinbabywearing.com is another one of my favorites…it’s simple, yet pleasing.
Just a side note…ever since I’ve had my daughter my left side eyelashes will not curl. I’ve tried EVERYTHING!! It really rips me.
1) Would y’all be so kind as to point me to some blogs where you feel like the look of the blog perfectly matches the voice of the person who writes there?
annie’s eyes is a good one in this way. I was just telling a gf last night that her tone is so calming and contemplative… we hope that once our kids are older that we can get to that kind of calm & comtemplated point in life. *sigh*
2) Does the look of a blog – the graphics, the fonts, the colors – have any bearing on whether or not you continue to visit? In other words, if someone has incredibly thought-provoking content but the look of the blog isn’t visually appealing, do you care?
Yes, I care. But this is all so subjective – beauty in the eyes of the beholder and all. Heck, I don’t even like the look of my own blog right now, but it is what it is until I can afford a blog-over. For me, if the background is too terribly busy, my mind can’t focus on what I’m reading.
3) What’s your favorite blog out there in terms of design? What blog makes you sigh with contentment as soon as you click over? And what specifically do you like about it?
Why, BooMama, of course.
Seriously, I like yours and Big Mama. But I also like Beth@A Mom’s Life. I’m a sucker right now for red and her punches of red are very appealing to me visually. She also has cute content to boot.
Finding your voice is difficult. I don’t know that I’ve completely found mine yet. I would say that mine is not just a mom blog (although I talk about my kids) and not just a political blog (although I do have my soapbox moments) and not just a spiritual blog (although I love to share what’s going on in that area also). It’s such a combination of things… Oh that’s way more info than you wanted.
Can’t help you with the eye lashes. I don’t even like to wear mascara. *gasp*
Not a fan of ads or music. Blinking things distract me. I go to blogs for the quality of the writing, but am likely to visit less if other things are taking attention away from the words.
I’m more interested in reflective blogs…words that lead me to contemplate God’s truth.
Jennisa at “Once Upon a Blog” does beautiful designs and did one for me when I first started blogging. I wanted a canvas on which to paint my words, and I’ve been so pleased with the outcome. Most of her work seems to reflect some of the character of her clients.
Just some thoughts…
peace~elaine
Didn’t take the time to see if anyone else said what I am going to say, Will try to be brief. I read the ones who appeal to me with thier writing, the ones that show thier heart. The dark backgrounds that have dark print or whatever that makes them hard to read, I don’t go back to. Lately, when I’ve come across one that I think I might want to read and they have music playing loudly and you can’t turn it off, or I haven’t figured out how to turn it off. It annoys me even if it’s a song I might like to listen to. It makes it harder for me to read what they have written. Maybe I’m just too old or whatever, but that is one thing that annoys me the most. I think I generally read ones because I do like the way they write and not always because of the way the header etc look. The personality of the person coming thru is another thing that I like and makes me come back. Hope this helps you and maybe someone else.
The design definitely doesn’t keep me reading BUT it will turn me off if it is too busy – I hate busy and cluttered :)
Here are some blogs where the design perfectly matches the voice:
http://bohemiangirldesigns.blogspot.com
http://jenlemen.com
http://creativeorganizing.typepad.com
Go have a read and add to your google reader :)
I get REALLY bugged by partial feeds – there are only 2 in my GR that I click on straight away and that’s yours and http://tertia.org
You’re going to have a GREAT time at She Speaks!
I am so guilty of judging a book by its cover when it comes to blogs… if it isn’t pretty, I often won’t stay long. I feel terrible admitting that out loud!
Also, I tend to be drawn to very simple blog designs… http://www.soulemama.com , http://www.simplemom.net are both very clean, white designs. And they’re some of my favorites!
I think Antique Mommy’s design suits her voice perfectly. Mary’s design at Owlhaven. This was a great time for you to do this, too… Thanks! ‘Cause I’m gettin’ a new look this month myself and I just wanna make everybody happy, you know?
About the only kind of blog design I don’t like are the pre fab ones from blogger. And that is why I have taken my html savvy self and changed some colors in my pre fab blogger blog. That way I’m totally using what’s already there but it doesn’t LOOK like I”m totally using what’s already there. Unless you actually know something about html or blogging. Then you know I’m just fakin’ it.
If I had one of the seasonal blog designs like you, Big Mama and Shannon I’m sure my head would explode from having to remember to change it. We’d have snowmen in July at my blog.
I also don’t like the blogs that take forever and a day to load. I’m still on dial up. I don’t know what makes one blog quick to load and one take forever, but if it takes forever I’m likely to give up on it and go do something else. Kisses of Sunshine used to take for-sweet-ever but she changed it and now I totally read her all the time because it doesn’t take all day.
As for voice, I like to be a little sassier on my blog than I am in real life. For example, in real life I would never say something like “for-sweet-ever” but I feel like my sassy side can come out safely online. Does that make me one of those weirdos who pretends to be someone different online? No, it just allows me to be sassy in a safe place without the pressure of being sassy all the stinkin’ time (another phrase reserved for blog-talk). :)
And there you go. My two cents on blogging. :) And if you paid two cents I owe you a three cents change.
I’m a long-time writer but a new blogger, trying out this new venue and having great fun.
Good writing is about identifying purpose first. You simply must know why you are writing before you ever start doing it.
I agree with others who have said it’s the writing that will hold a reader, and every good writer knows it’s mostly about thesis and voice. The thesis must be universal, even if the details are personal. And the voice must be original.
So, how do you find your voice? By writing. A lot. It’s really the only way.
Yes, design matters in blogging, just as it does in newspaper and magazine journalism. Just like it matters everywhere. So, yes, too much bling detracts from the message. It can also take a long time to load on the screen, and that’s annoying. Dark print on light backgrounds is easier to read. Ads and flashing do-da’s are irritating.
Oh, sorry. You didn’t ask for all that. My teacher voice clicked in. It does that.
Some blogs? Look at http://www.blindpigandtheacorn.com/blind_pig_the_acorn/
Tipper’s site is a great example of one where the writer’s purpose is clearly defined, the design matches the purpose and voice, and readers come — not by the thousands, but that’s ok, because the purpose doesn’t have anything to do with numbers. It’s a cool site.
Here’s another: http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/
BJ’s is just a sweet little lady who loves playing with the decor of her home, but readers flock to her. Why? Because her design is nice, but also because she has one clear purpose, which is to reach out to others and to make them feel good.
A blog that makes me sigh? http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/
So pretty. So purposeful. So real.
I think blog designs plays an important role in whether or not I personally respond to a blog and want to come back. MUSIC IS A NO, for sure. Unless it can be turned off ASAP while I am perusing the blog pages.
And though this may sound rather horrible, I am not a Mom yet, and find myself responding not so well to blogs that constantly talk only about kids. I mean, I love little kiddies, too but it seems like that is all bloggers speak about! : )
I like variety in a blog. And Jesus.
oh, my goodness, was my post long enough? Because I forgot this one. It’s pretty, and it makes me laugh out loud. And who doesn’t love that?
http://byebyepie.typepad.com/bye_bye_pie/
Hello, BooMama! I’d love to say I’m responding to yesterday’s blog, but I’m actually popping in to say hi! Blast from the past — your sorority little sister!
I have spent just about every spare minute over the last few days reading your past blogs and I LOVE THEM! Reading your posts is like sitting down and talking to you, and it makes me sad that it’s been so long since we’ve talked.
Hope to catch up with you soon, though. Until then, it’s back to the archived BooMama blogs! You should write a book!
Marian
I enjoy a nice colorful blog (as long as I can read through it.) Yes, definitely the visual appearance makes me want to visit more… but mostly what I like are personal pictures that let me in on the blogger’s world. I like to SEE!
~C
1. My favorite blog voice is http://www.bargainshopperlady.com , basically because it’s simple yet fun and speaks the point, very good bargains.
2. I do believe that font is important, you can keep an audience without them but you may not hold them for long.
3. You and Rocks in My Dryer
Hope She Speaks Goes Great!
I can’t remember if we’ve discussed this, but I think one nice feature is headers that aren’t too “tall”. It makes the page so slow to load, and also there’s too much scrolling.
What about Barb at A Chelsea Morning? I’m sure that there are others, but she has a nice voice, and the template reflects it.
One thing I like about individual templates and designs is that it helps me remember them better. This was more important in the early days when I was obsessed with reading every blog I could, but if I clicked over and the template was memorable, it made a difference.
I think that Laura at Orgjunkie.com fits too–it shows what the blog is about, it’s cheery and encouraging, just like she is.
I have recently discovered a blog called” Mama’s losin’ it” @ http://mamakatslosinit.blogspot.com/
It is visually appealing and I think the desing of the blog completely matches her personality. She is a fun and clever read and her blog design represents her well. I hope you go and check it out.
I didn’t have time to read through all the comments, but I have stick straight eyelashes STICK STRAIGHT. I use my blowdryer to warm up the curler before I use it. It works great but here are 2 very imporant tips: ALWAYS curl them before you apply mascara, I have put on my mascara first and then heated it and used it, and my eyelashes stuck like glue to it, I think they melted onto it. And last, ALWAYS check the temp. of the curler with your hand BEFORE you use it, I have burned my eyelid before….not pretty, not pretty at all!
Try giving your eyelash curler a little blast with your blowdryer (not too much…don’t want to burn your eyelids) before curling your eyelashes.
Oops! Sorry. I realized too late that someone beat me to the blowdryer trick (and elaborated with the instructions, making me feel even more lame).
Wow! I’m flattered that someone mentioned my blog as an example!! That’s super sweet.
I agree with most that the appearance of the blog is important. I find that a lot of advertisements and links distracts me from the message of the blog. I feel like I can’t focus.
A blog doesn’t have to be fancy, just readable…pictures are fun, but keeping it simple and to the point is best.
ps I don’t have a CLUE what to do with your eyelashes…however, put your eyelash curler under the hair dryer for a few seconds to give them added curl.
Totally works.
ps again I’m even worse than Lisa…pretend I never said that thing about the hair dryer.
wow. i just wrote a short novel and then it disappeared into blog space.
let’s try again.
i’m with lisa. i’m shallow. i love pretty blogs. simple, though. nothing flashing or bouncing. i will leave if things flash or bounce at me. i will also leave if i run into enough errors.
i love words, but i LOVE LOVE LOVE pictures. pictures of anything. faces, toes, shoes, trees, flowers, babies, food, houses, artwork…shoot, even eyelashes work for me.
if you can post a picture that explains itself or communicates something you want to say and touches my heart, no words are needed.
one of the reasons i keep coming back to your blog is that you talk to us as if we’re sitting at your kitchen table drinking sweet tea and sharing a bag of chips. or sitting on the edge of your tub watching you curl your eyelashes. and i LOVE that you spell out words so we get the full effect of your southern accent. makes it so much more fun to read.
have a great weekend!
I am so NOT a visual person that I really don’t care much about how a blog looks, (as long as I can read the type I am fine)but one I do read that is totally matches her voice is motherscribe.blogspot.com everything ties in together so well.
Since I am not a visual person I have never really noticed if my lashes are straight or not.
Guess what I am doing after I type this.
Thanks for giving me SOMETHING ELSE to worry about:)
1. I really like the look of these two blogs, and their voice matches their look:
http://flotsamblog.com/
http://www.nothingbutbonfires.com/
2. The look of a blog isn’t a deal-breaker (unless the look makes the text hard to read), but I do enjoy a good-looking blog a little more.
3. See #1. Both appeal to my sense of the aesthetic, and they’re visually interesting without being cluttered. The best way I can put it is that they look like a little corner of a home or coffee shop where I would like to curl up with a book and read, or sit and have tea with a friend.
I saw your comment on Kathy’s site and clicked over. If your design wasn’t so cute I wouldn’t have stayed. To me, blog design makes a HUGE difference, especially if I’m in a hurry. I actually love my design and think it matches my personality (www.angiescircus.blogspot.com)……Kathy has a great design, SITS, http://bridgetbaxter.blogspot.com/, etc.
I love the look, feel, and extreme usefulness of this site:
http://www.broomhuggers.com
Of course, she’s a friend of mine, and they clean my house too (YAY) so I’m a little (A LOT) biased…
I read the blogs I read because they’re awesome, not because of how they look, but my inbox is flooded on the first of every month with emails from my friends; we spend at least 3 days speaking wistfully of Dooce’s new masthead.
First of all – I SO appreciate the imaginery fried chicken – we are dieting in our household and chicken is not being fried but imaginary chicken has so many advantages – keeps well, ships instantly and tastes just like my very favorite chicken!
Blogs – don’t like music on a blog unless it is an option – like click on this GodTube link or something in that style.
Yes the appearance completely affects which I read – some are so busy it takes a while to figure out where the post is and how to comment,
one of my favorite blogs for content and beauty is http://ellieskees.blogspot.com/ and another is of course the infamous and robust http://thepioneerwoman.com/ although PW has added so much graphic it takes a bit to load. last is one that is kind of straight out of the blogspot box – but effective in matching the blog to the voice – have met him IRL and he IS this blog http://www.straightfrompastor.blogspot.com/
Hold a warm washcloth over your eyes then use curler – sorta steams ’em – of course this is NOT after mascara but before otherwise – you’ll be doing a Tammy Faye (God rest her sweet ditzy Jesus loving soul)
Thank you very much – the chicken would be nice for dinner tonight – rather than the salad we currently have on menu.
If a blog is too cluttered and busy, plays music, or takes too long to open on a dial-up connection (I travel a lot and don’t always have a good connection), I won’t bother going back. I don’t have time! I am attracted to nice-looking blogs with a simple, uncluttered design (I love yours!) But good writing is what makes me stay.
If you are into “The Bachelor/Bachelorette”, one of the funniest blogs to read is http://www.ihategreenbeans.com. She does a great re-cap and says all of the things you are thinking. Her background matches perfectly with her title.
I’m with a lot of the others – design is appealing, but won’t keep me there unless the content is good. I really dislike those little snapshot windows that come up – they’re always in my way and I don’t click on them anyway.
I agree on the music. Have it there, but allow the reader the option of clicking play. Sometimes I’ve turned my volume up for something else and then someone’s music comes on and blows me out of my chair (after peeling my skin off!). The type of music doesn’t really matter when it startles the bejeebers out of me.
Another peeve? Not having an email address so I can contact someone outside of comments.
I’m most definitely with the majority here regarding too much moving, blinking, multi-colored, busy stuff. Extremely distracting.
I think finding your voice comes with time spent blogging. Unless you’ve been writing for some time, and even if you have, this can be a different venue.
Have a fab time at She Speaks! I’m sure it’ll be awesome. :D
I adore this blog: http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com/. Presentation is important, but not as important as content.
I read on Google Reader, too, so what the blog looks like isn’t a huge thing, though there are certain blogs (Pioneer Woman is one that comes to mind) that are really cool looking and I will link over and look at the real thing.
Re: eyelashes. I have a battery-operated (AAA) heated eyelash curler that I picked up at Tuesday Morning for $4.99. Goes through batteries pretty quickly, but it works. They “eyelash” part of it is shaped just like any other curler, but the little rubber/plastic curvey bits heat up gently. Works for me!.
I think the design for A Frog in My Soup goes really well with her theme. And not to be boastful, but a friend designed my site and I think for the most part the design goes well with my mission…most of my posts are touchy “feelyish.” I can say this because I did not do any of the design. Extravagant Grace also has a beautiful design that blends nicely to her theme. Best wishes!
Blogs that are too busy, play loud music and are black with light lettering usually turn me off. But design isn’t a big deal for me.
I think Meredith’s plain white template really suits her blog @ Like Merchant Ships. Simple yet classy, not overdone.
I am a visual person, and the look of a blog does matter to me unless the writing is outstanding. If there’s a lot of clutter, I’m less likely to return. I love it when a blog’s look has some reflection of the author, even if it’s a basic template with just a new header.
Oh, and if the person never uses capital letters, forget it, I’m outta there. That drives me absolutely batty.
As for the blog design that I absolutely love… well, can I say my own without sounding conceited? :) It’s not really being conceited, though, because my blog was designed by the talented Shera at Sweet and Simple Designs.
Another blog design that I love is http://overwhelmedwithjoy.blogspot.com/
The pictures are captivating without taking away from the writing.
Sorry ’bout writing a whole book here in your comments section! :)
I am a visual person and I have ADD – which means the less going on in the design the better…no blinkies, no music, no ads…ha! ha! I just had my blog redesigned – and usually change it several times a year….
On another note, some of my favorite blogs to read are written by men…and so, needless to say…they are not as “cute, organized and trendy” as the ones written by us girls….but, the content is worth it! :)
I like your blog design….
I quit curling my eyelashes – I just use that mascara that’s supposed to do it for you, and leave it at that. Sad, I know.
I mostly read for content. That being said, the KILLER of some blogs I know of is that the author is inconsistent with posting. You don’t have to post every day, but more than once a month (or three) is helpful if you want to keep people coming back.
I also LOATHE music that starts up as soon as I click on the blog. Most of those I rarely go back to, even if the content is great.
And I think keeping things relatively simple is good. I don’t like clicking on a blog then having to wait for tons of content to load – I’m there for the blog, not all the extra bells and whistles.
That being said, I use blogger and though they have recently updated the design options, I do wish there were more choices.
Oh I’m ALL about the pretty blog. I think that’s why I started designing them. I am a huge advocate of bloggers finding an original design that reflects their personal style.
I’m turned off by busy blog designs, and by light print on dark backgrounds. It’s a struggle to read those, and I rarely stick around.
I don’t usually think about the design matching the voice, just that the design is clean and pretty and not a generic template.
I can not WAIT to meet you at She Speaks!:-)
I can help with the brown sandals@ I looked E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E. around for brown sandals, and the cutest ones I found were at Macy’s and Kohl’s. Both can be a little pricey, but you can either 1)pray for a sale, which Kohl’s has pretty regularly or 2)justify the price because since they are so pricey, they will obviously last, right? (or am I the only one that uses that excuse…hmmm) Happy hunting!