@ Michael – Yeah, it’s rare that we post something like this, Michael, but we thought that people would be interested in the befores and afters. EditMe did a fantastic job – for $30. Sheesh!

@ Tei – Who are you? Do I know you?

@ Toni – I think that real faces and images give a much more adult impression and appeal overall. I see a lot more now in the site and the potential for business is much stronger.

@ Writer – Ha, yes. Many people say, “I just want to hear what someone like you thinks, instead of someone from my family!”

@ Martin – I know. I know. I wanted the explosion myself.

@ Bill – You know what mattered to us? That EditMe felt confident about their site. It didn’t matter how many of our suggestions they used – if all we were was a catalyst to change that impacted them positively, then I feel right about that.

@ Mark – Exactly. It sometimes takes us a few hours on some drive-bys and we’re giving the advice away for free, but it’s fulfilling to see people use the tips and go onto something better. Thanks for the encouragement!

@ Karen – Yup. I like real pictures better myself, and they look waaay better now!

It is good changes, as ever, as always. Sometimes I just show up to flatter you.

Tei – Rogue Inks last blog post..Good Ink, Inc. Now in Website Form.

I like the faces instead of the $$$ and Icons. Like most humans I can be won over by friendly eyes and bright smiles (I know, sap) and enticed to look further. I’m an artist, so texture, color and emotion are “sticky” and keep me working around the room.

I’m always dismayed when I visit a site a second or third time and “notice” a set of tabs to more interesting or important secondary content that was surely there the first time. Means the flow of the page didn’t send me there the first time. And how many times is the first visit the only visit? And frankly, so not a fan of the iceberg blue pages…. I always change the color of my windows programs, email services and social sites to a warmer color or an earthbased color given the chance and opportunity. A little touch of red (like here) is a sure invite to return!

Tonis last blog post..Art Exhibit – Opening and Reception August 16, Tucson – El Ojito Springs Gallery

Writer Dads last blog post..The Eighth Wonder of the World

But yes, the changes they made are good.

And isn’t that what design is all about anyway? Not just how it looks on the page but the thinking that goes into how the site functions in the first place. And with that in mind, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would simply ignore your critiques. I’d be willing to bet it’s usually the ones who need it the most.

One of the main reasons I read and occasionally comment on your blog is your great approach to critiquing other sites -

“Some people just like the free traffic the drive-bys offer – a little notoriety, some fame, and a chance to critique our critique and tell us we’re all wrong. No changes happen, and life goes on. It’s all good.”

The no pressure approach and the confidence it exudes. This is our business and it’s our professional opinion – make your own decision and we’ll be here to help you if you so desire. I think I’m leaving out the marketing aspect here but I stink at marketing so that’s no surprise to me now that I say it.

Karen Putz / DeafMoms last blog post..Yes, It’s My Birthday–You Want to See My Present?