“Are you sure you have the right address?” Jamie frowned out the windshield at the empty parking lot. “This can’t be the right address.” A lonely sign swung from a pole, squeaking quietly as the breeze pushed it back and forth.
“You wrote it down,” Harry handed James the post it note. “Don’t blame me if you can’t read your own writing.”
“I can read it fine,” James snatched the yellow paper and glared at it, then at Harry. “See?” He pointed to the illegible scribble. “It says GeekArt. This has to be the right address. Look,” he pointed to the sign. GeekArt. “Same place. I was right.”
“Maybe it’s the wrong day. Are you sure you have the right day?” Harry sighted down the length of the .44 Mag. “Were you playing with this?” He opened the chamber, frigged with it a bit and checked again. “Something’s not right.”
“I didn’t touch your gun.” Today. Yesterday was a different story. “Maybe you didn’t clean it properly.”
“I did so clean it… ah. There we go,” Harry gave a grunt of satisfaction and gave the revolver’s chamber a twirl. “Got it. So are we doing this or what?”
“Doing what?” James peered out at the asphalt and the sign. “There’s nothing to do.”
“Maybe they’re late.” Now Harry peered out the window. “Want to go have a look?”
He thought it over for a second, and then James reached for the door handle. “Yeah. Let’s get into a better position.”
Today’s drive-by is for GeekArt, the blog of computer geek photographer John Jacobson. Here’s what the site looked like when we drove by:
“Well, go on, do your thing,” Jamie’s elbow nudged Harry in the side. “Tell them.”
“Tell them what?” The elbow came back and poked James’ ribs. “You tell them.”
“It’s… white. I mean, really white.” James squinted at the sign before looking for something in the empty lot to shoot at. “I dunno, dude. This is a tough one. Are you sure we’re supposed to be here? What am I aiming for anyways? There’s… like, no banner, bro.”
“That’s a banner.” Harry pointed to the sign as if the design element was clearly obvious. “It’s just-“
“Really white,” James finished the sentence. White themes were great, but there was something as too much blank space, and this hit was a great example. A discreet banner at the top, a small splash of color or a logo would enhance the overall image greatly.
The problem is that when someone lands on the site, they don’t know why they’re there or what the site is about. It’s clear it’s a photography site, but what kind? Is this a photographer’s journey? A technical site? Tell people what this is from the get-go.
One thing we found curious is the contrasting difference between your home site and the blog. It’s surprising to visit your home page and see such beautiful color and then travel to such a stark white blog.
“Well, let’s get into another position. Maybe we’ll see better from there.” Harry picked up his gun but he didn’t move. “Where do we go?”
“You’re asking me?” James looked for some direction, but there wasn’t much to be had.
Navigation is lacking. The list of cameras is the first thing that people see. If visitors should read, wander and enjoy what is there, clear navigation that leads them to other posts or pages of interest would be good.
The sidebar could use some shifting around. The RSS is way at the bottom and completely neglected, so put that right at the top where people can see and click it. Move the Recent Posts up to the top of the blog as well to give people more opportunity to read your posts.
Follow that with the archives if you’d like, but we suggest having the archives in a dropdown menu, as the list of months is too long. Too much choice and people tend to make no choices. A dropdown would give them something to click without creating clutter.
Your online course could go on its own page or you could do a series of blog posts about what you’re learning. If you have some sort of affiliate plan going on, then put that below the RSS. Otherwise, get that section out of there and replace it with a blurb about you or the blog to give people more information.
The short list of photography links is fine. No problem there. The memberships are fine too. You can also add those to your about page to increase your credibility. If these aren’t important memberships that don’t enhance your professional image, then take the logos out.
Ditch the “I power Blogger” icon. That doesn’t add anything to the site.
James peered at the paper an unsure look on his face. “What’s the guy’s name again?”
“Dunno.” Harry peered at the paper. “Doesn’t say. Should be easy to find… “ He looked up and scanned the area. The parking lot was stark and empty.
“There’s no name?” James peered over his shoulder. “Where’s the contact info? There’s always contact info.” There was just a lonely paper tacked to a building that mentioned an online photography course.”
“Oh, look,” he perked a bit. “There’s a list of names.” Many names. Photographer names. “What are these names there for?”
“Beats me.” Harry turned the paper over to check the back and then flipped it front-ways. “Maybe we’re supposed to go talk to them?”
James frowned. “I have no idea.”
You really need some About You information and a contact page. You don’t need a ton of navigation, but tell people who you are and make it easy for them to reach you.
The list of photographer names makes us wonder if this is a collaborative blog, or whether these are people you admire, or if they have sites of interest. Why are those names there? Why should people click them? All you need to do here is change the “Photographers” title to something more clear.
“Well, I’m taking a shot,” James lifted his Glock and pointed it straight at the sign. “We came to hit something up, so we’ll-”
“Hey.” A man stood at the corner of the lot, peering at James with a worried look. “Hey… what are you-”
“SHIT!” James’ curse set everything in motion.
The stranger’s face dropped in startled shock and he turned to look for help, calling out to another passerby. Harry shoved his gun back in its holster and gave James a push. The boys scrambled, feet scrabbling on the pavement as they raced for the car at top speed.
30 feet, 20… 10… The guy back at the lot was yelling for the cops, adding panic to the situation. Someone screamed.
The boys reached the vehicle at the same time, thumping against it and then yanking open the doors to throw themselves inside. James jammed the keys in the ignition and tromped on the gas, bringing the car to roaring life.
“Drive!” Harry was looking back at the scene. “Get the hell out of here!” A crowd was gathering, and a few people looked like they might chase the car. Someone was talking on a cell phone. Far away in the city, a siren’s sudden wail split the air.
“Go, go, go, go!” Harry grabbed Jamie’s gun, twisting to hide both their weapons in the split seat beneath them.
James didn’t need urging. Tires peeled out on rubber, the screech loud as the car pulled away from the curb to barrel down the street. His heart pounding, he glanced wildly in the rearview a few times to check on police pursuit.
They were lucky. This time.
It took 5 miles before someone spoke, and James split the silence first. “If this leaks to the press, this is not my fault.”
The only reply he received was an arched eyebrow and a look that said it all.
Want more? You got it. Check out the lineup of upcoming hit jobs:
July 6 – Geek’s Dream Girl
July 13 – Spiritual Tramp
July 20 – From the Living Room
July 27 – McAWilliams Photoblog
August 3 – Prin’s Links
August 10 – Your Writing Cure
Want your blog shot down? Sign up in the comment section for your free drive-by, and we’ll schedule you in. Or hit us up for a private drive-by via email. It’s only $30, and you’ll get your shoot-out within a week.
Come on. You know you wanna.
Hi James: On your drive-by of June 15th you indicated in the comments section that my blog, “Abundance Blog at Marelisa Online” would get a drive-by on August 10th, but I don’t see it in the line-up of upcoming drive-by’s.
I guess the author of “GeekArt” was thinking that by making the background white, the colors of the photographs would really stand out. But I agree that you’re kind of hit over the head by a sea of white.
Marelisa’s last blog post..Inspiration Sunday, June 29, 2008
I *knew* I was missing someone! I looked for half an hour and couldn’t find who was supposed to go there. My apologies and noted. Cheers!
James,
Great recommendations, as always.
One thing that strikes me at the site is that it’s optimized for a really tiny screen, hence the sea of white on anything larger. That also results in a very small gutter between the content and the sidebar, which seems unnecessarily scrunched with all that available real estate.
I like the whiteness, and I hope John can keep the clean look as he tweaks. Widening the content area and designing a simple, refined banner with a great tagline will go a long way toward making the site more welcoming.
I like the writing on this hit. Much more interwoven than usual, and it works nicely.
Regards,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Do More
I’ve bit hit!
Great comments as always James and Harry. This blog started when photography was a hobby for me and now I’m making a decent wage with my own style of “shooting things” (one that doesn’t inlude police or jail time ), the blog space hasn’t evolved. It’s still in the “Hey, look at me – I took a picture” stage.
Lot’s of work to do. Again, thanks for the suggestions! I can see that I will be busy the next several days. If you ever make it to Florida – watch your back. I’m an expert marksman with my weapon of choice… your mugshot may end up on the nightly news. =)
John
John Jacobsen’s last blog post..Money
John,
I’d pay money for that hit.
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Do More
Hehehe, Kelly, I bet you would.
@ John – Your drive-by was one of the toughest we’ve met yet, so thank you for the challenge. You really don’t have much to do to enhance your blog, because photography generally should provide its own impact. But you do have some work to do if you want it to be user-friendly (and maybe earn some cash).
I have to laugh… I loaded up the site that day and said, “Harry… It’s an arTEESTe blog…” Damn you for sneaking that in!
I second Kelly. I like the way you intermingled the hit story with the site critique more today. It was very creative.
And the Post-It note didn’t escape my notice either. Well done.
Nicole’s last blog post..Just Writing
Ahh, An arTEESTe blog….:)
I love white. White is good. Especially when showcasing artwork. However, on a map too much white will leave you lost, unless the other navigational elements are right where they need to be. And blogs work like a map.
So I have to agree with the guys.This is your test drive blog isn’t it? I have one of those. The few changes James and Harry suggest here will really bump yours up a notch or four. Focus it more on what you are actually all about so the content is really contextually matched with the quality of your work.
… way more pro… I love the name btw.
Guys, I loved reading this one…something was really working here…
Janice C Cartier’s last blog post..Lines Are Lyrical
I always learn something new when I visit this site. Thanks again, I think I’m going to need to read more about the topic though.
Nathalie Lussier’s last blog post..Create a Mastermind Group to Skyrocket Your Success
The idea for this hit came about when I said to James, “It’s like we’ve shown up at an empty lot with just the foundation and no building.” He took it from there and wrote an excellent set up.
In the long run, I think the white will work. I’m becoming a fan of The White, but only the Beatles could get away with nothing but, white and make it work. I think once John starts showcasing his photography to it’s fullest potential, the blog will rock.
“The idea for this hit came about when I said to James, “It’s like we’ve shown up at an empty lot with just the foundation and no building.†He took it from there and wrote an excellent set up.”
Great visual there. Makes total sense.
White can be beautiful used well. Leo Burnett has my favorite white site, but the non creatives hate it. LB knows how to make that pos/neg space come alive and function sublimely if you ask me… and I love to play with the black pencil.
For those of us who don’t have that kind of budget, static white balanced well with the other triggers …can be fresh air that allows movement from one killer photo to the next.
I like his work. Cannot wait to see more.
And you nailed it once again.
( Ha. I have to laugh, “cause I am being wooed away from the white by you guys….)
Janice C Cartier’s last blog post..Lines Are Lyrical
I volunteer to be shot. . .
I like it here for your sense of humor. It’s hard to see our own strengths and weaknesses — I say this to my clients all the time, and I’ve learned . . .still learning … the hard way.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Akemi – Yes to Me’s last blog post..Gratitude Friday, Week 3, Gratitude And The Power Of Asking
Janice,
I LOVE Leo Burnett’s site. Probably the only Flash site I’m happy to tolerate. Also one of the few Flash sites where you can also use the word “spare” to describe it. Just enough and no more. Powerful.
Later,
Kelly
Kelly’s last blog post..Tip of the Week: Do More
Alright, here’s the corrected order for three drive bys (sorry Marelisa again!):
Abudance Blog – August 10
Your Writing Cure – August 17
Yes to Me – August 24
Cheers everyone!
Hi Kelly,
Doncha just!!! I have to make myself put down the pencil….honestly. Spare, oh yes, but in that let us loose to do what we do and you can be remarkable too. I think it is brilliant.
I love that the guys did not ask Geek art to clutter up either. They so get it.
Janice C Cartier’s last blog post..Lines Are Lyrical
I just got back from a siesta and hey, my blog is in the list!
Thank you. Luv you guys.
My blog was hit by the men a few weeks ago – my old man said he would offer up his artsy blog thinking that at least he would beat me! Little did he know it would be a massacre! James and Harry, thank you for a wonderful Sunday!
Tara Jacobsen’s last blog post..Whew – How do you work ON your business when you are IN your business?!?!
After three straight weekends of home improvement projects (ick!) I’ve finally had some time to re-do things on blog.g33kart.com. I decided to get rid of the white. After a few days of looking at it now, I think I like the black better anyways – it really helps show off some of the photos. There’s menus and about me and taglines. Who knew!!
Things look a lot better now – thanks a lot James and Harry for all of the well needed suggestions!
John
Dude! The black does work very well for showing off photos. Very sharp. I like.