New Theme on it’s way

New Theme on it’s way – Suggestions?

January 15th, 2008 | 9 comments

As I wait for Sean to work his magic with the new theme I figured it would probably be a good idea to ask you guys what you would like to see in the new theme considering it’s more or less FOR you.

So let’s have it, what would you like see implemented into the new theme? I can’t promise I’ll use all mentioned ideas, but I’ll definitely consider them all. I may even send a gift to a reader or two if the suggestion is good enough

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9 comments

Chuck (9 comments.)
15th January, 2008 at 10:37 pm

Well, for what it’s worth (and since no one else has chimed in so far), I’ll tell you first what I don’t like:

- I don’t like pictures of money
- I don’t like pictures of sports cars…especially those stuffed with money

Your style is occasionally bombastic…but your “ethical” emphasis is more about substance than style. I’m not a graphics guy, but I’d recommend something a little more substantive than the one-page sales letter stuff than your guy normally does. Something with some flow, pattern, weave to it…instead of just “in your face”.

You’ve got a really nice, clean template. To me, the header is the place that kind of sets the page. The picture is fine, but I’d make it less the focus of attention and instead, weave it into the elements for a nice stylistic approach.

I know that’s not very specific. But I guess what I’m trying to say is that “glitz” usually means “less credibility” to me. Slick and shiny appeal more to the lowest common denominator. I think you’re trying to do something special here…so I’d shoot for something “classy”.
Josh Spaulding
15th January, 2008 at 11:10 pm

Chuck,

I think your comment is a little bombastic I had to look up the definition for “substantive.”

Thanks for the input.

You definitely don’t have to worry about the money or sports cars. Thinking back to my first theme it was kind of embarrassing.

I believe you’ll like the new theme. I’ve taken a look at the “skeleton” and it’s very “substantive” I believe

All of my previous designs/graphics have been a result of my own requests, so they definitely didn’t reflect Sean’s personal taste as far as I know.

I do still like this theme, but it’s being picked up by more and more people. I don’t mind being somewhat common, but I want to stand out at least a little. The header is actually going to stay. I believe it’s a bit smaller in the new theme and it will be accompanied by a few things, but it’s the same image.

I don’t know if I’d say it’s “classy,” but it’s definitely not of the “get rich with me” type theme.

Any suggestions for tools etc.? navigation features etc.?
Chuck (9 comments.)
15th January, 2008 at 11:36 pm

LOL….sorry, I totally missed the point. I thought you were looking for feedback on the header. I dunno, I like your theme.

Picking a theme is crazy. I had to set up a simple blog to accompany one of my new ventures the other day, and it took me three hours and six templates…and this is just for a black background with the right features so I could customize them. Sheesh!

It’s all just a reflection of your own style and taste. I found one the other day called Dark Cash that I really liked, but eventually had to give up on. It had some extra toys that the guy had created for it…its own separate menu in the Presentation section. But I doubt you want to go with black. And you do need 3 columns. I usually spend a LOT of time trying to find something that works. The coolest ones don’t really work for a business site, for the most part. I’m usually happy with what I end up with…but I also usually modify the heck out of it once I pick one. That’s true of both blogs and web sites.

Every once in awhile, you hit one out of the park. I was able to find this one as part of a $50/yr membership package, and I couldn’t have imagined a better one if I’d paid someone thousands to build me a custom one. It’s a site, not a blog…but it’s definitely the look I needed for it:

http://choicequotations.com
Amanda (10 comments.)
16th January, 2008 at 2:15 am

Hi Josh,

As long as you continue to deliver your usual level of high-quality content it really doesn’t matter to me what the rest of your blog looks like. As long as nothing blinks or dances–I’m good.
Scott Jay Ringle
16th January, 2008 at 3:12 am

Josh,

I agree with Amanda. Your content is always extremely high quality and that is why we are all here. Keep it tasteful, easy to read (which it already is) with NO flash and you should be good to go.
CompuWorld (1 comments.)
16th January, 2008 at 3:41 pm

I have been you feed reader but today I knew I had to leave a comment as I have been lot into reading and observing themes and I guess I can leave a good comment..

Amanda might be right that content is the king but a new smashing theme can really set the buzz around. Remember when Darren changed the theme? His feed readers jumped a lot and there were many people who were talking about it.

Get a magazine style theme and a logo which has some hidden meaning and then run a contest where people will have to guess what is the hidden meaning behind the logo?

Won’t that gather lots of attention?

We can talk more on magazine style theme via mail..

I do not say i am an expert on that but I have seen many..
Josh Spaulding
16th January, 2008 at 5:17 pm

@ Chuck – No problem, I didn’t specify and I appreciate any type of recommendation. Yeah I’d say you’re right, I’m not looking for black, although I do love your braindump. That looks great, as just about all of your sites I’ve seen do!

It is tough for sure. I’m sure there will be tweaks done to the theme once it’s live, but I think overall I’m very happy with it. It should be dome sometime this week, can’t wait

@ Amanda – No dancing? damn it! I was going to have an animated Pamela Anderson stripping in the sidebar…that’s not a good thing?

@ Scott – Thanks, I really appreciate it! I’ll do my best!

@ Compu – That’s an odd name. Your parents must be big computer fans? Thanks for your support and I appreciate you leaving your comment.

I do remember when Darren changed his latest theme, very creative indeed. I’m not a big fan of magazine style themes, although the new theme is a modified version of one I believe. I think the appearance of those themes is good, but it’s just a little too busy for me. When I visit a blog my #1 purpose is to read their latest post(s.) When their latest post occupies about 5% of the screen it can be annoying.

I know I asked for recommendations, so please don’t take it personal That’s just one thing I won’t do. Maybe I’ll change my mind in the future, but for the time being it’s just not my thing.

My logo will remain the same, but that is a great idea. Thanks for the ideas.
robojiannis (5 comments.)
17th January, 2008 at 2:27 pm

I think simplicity is the key. Keeping the sidebar and the header to the essentials.
But I agree wih the comments above: In the end it is all about the comments.
I just finished developing my new theme. You can download it if you want and change it as you please. (A bit of css knowledge is required)
Josh Spaulding
17th January, 2008 at 2:42 pm

Thanks for stopping by Jiannis. I just left Germany after 5+ years. My wife is German as well. Are you German or do you study there?

I will be using a 3-part table like many other blogs these days because I really like that. It’s great to get your RSS button exposure and build a list and I don’t think it really detracts from the user experience too much if at all. Other than that it’s pretty clean.

Great looking theme. I may give it a shot with one of my other blogs something soon, thanks.