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Drive-by-Shooting Sundays: The Writing Journey
Last week’s hit had been messy. Sometimes hits were like that. But they’d kept their cool and covered their tracks. It was just a job.
Now Harry lay on the rooftop, his body stretched out, one eye pressed to the scope. He had long forgotten the way the gritty surface dug into his elbows, but this hit was a good old-fashioned sniping. No one ever expected death from above.
The crosshairs searched for the next victim. Any minute… any minute…
“There,” James whispered, and a second later, the victim wandered into his sights.
“I see him.” He took a breath, letting it out as his finger tensed slowly to squeeze the trigger.
One shot, one kill. That’s all it would take…
Today’s drive-by consult is for the Writing Journey, the blog of freelance writer Bob Younce. Here’s a glance at what was live before the hit:
The first thing the eyes notice is the black banner – it’s large and imposing because of the large and imposing font. It tends to overpower the rest of the blog, and since there are no attractive images to “amuse the eye” I think that may be a negative. It’s a dark look for your blog, and while not necessarily an unappealing color scheme, I think it’s too much.
I would definitely align the font of the title and the subtitle to begin at an even point, and probably at the same point the main navigation occurs. I’d consider changing the font – it’s a clear one but slightly difficult to read. It also looks a little comicky and not professional. Choose a font that is more bold and solid, I think.
The WJ logo doesn’t do much for me. It looks blocky and empty, perhaps also a little redundant. I’d replace that with an image or remove it completely. I’d also put any images on the right hand side, because they are less important than what’s on the left, where the eye first lands.
What I’d suggest is to lighten up your banner and possibly make it less tall – it doesn’t need the imposing height it has for its purposes. Again, the colors aren’t bad, but they’re template colors. Show some individuality – it’s good for you, because you have personality to match.
Your top navigation is very clear. At a glance, I know what everything means, I know what I’m going to get if I click there.
Your latest post is right there and clearly visible. Good one. The font is also large and easy to read. Bonus again.
The RSS button and subscription options are well placed and clear, too. The RSS button is a little large, though, because that block combined with the blockiness of the banner tends to create a sense of overwhelming blue and black. It’s also a little bland for an image – there are some nicer ones out there, I feel.
Most popular articles is right at the top, very good. However, if those are plumes or pens, they’re hard to see and distracting. Opt for small round bullets instead.
The layout is well sectioned above the fold… and below the fold, we have…
Topspots? Never heard of it. Paid text links are a no-no, though, so I’m not entirely comfortable with this one. Not sure if it’s a legit scheme or not, but personally, I wouldn’t take the chance. If you do keep it, move the “buy now” up to be at the top so people can see the offer better.
I’d also switch the Topspot section with the Recent Comments section. I’d place Topspot below the Top Commentators section, too. And even more, your Topspot is empty – even if you have to buy your own links or give some away to people, fill them up. Never make someone feel like they’re the first to step in, and first is a lonely place to be.
You have photos on your posts and while that’s great, I think they need to be more relevant. I don’t see many that strike me as “fitting” the post in question. Also, I’d make them a little smaller – somehow, they look huge on your blog, probably because they have no supporting background. If you make them smaller, your content will actually look more attractive and be easier to read.
Switch Recent Posts with My Other Projects. Put Categories in the right hand column. Remove the MyBlogLog widget – that doesn’t do much for your credibility. Remove the Blog Catalogue widget – that’s not doing anything for you either.
Consider knocking out some of these sections, by the way. You have a lot of link sections going on and below the fold, things are starting to look cluttered.
Dude. Ditch the Adsense.
Also ditch the Blogosphere widget – you’re sending traffic away (if anyone does click it). You want them to stay on site.
Another ditch for the Twitter widget – it just doesn’t make sense to read if someone lands on your site and has no clue what you’re talking about on Twitter. Again, aim for a more professional look, not latest gadget look.
You have all the good plugins going on – I would suggest removing the Share This and replacing with Sociables. Stumbles and Diggs are good and encouraging them even better.
I’d trim your Categories section, too. You don’t need “uncategorized” and you could combine a few of those to have less of a list and more succinct categories.
All in all, not bad. Cleanup, organization, a better RSS, and do something with your banner.
The shot still echoed in his ears as Harry packed up their gear quickly. A crowd had gathered on the streets below. He could hear the wail of distant sirens approaching.
“You alright?” James was his usual confident self, checking the clip on the Glock before tucking it back into the shoulder holster. Nothing seemed to shake the man.
“Yeah.” Harry stopped for a moment. He couldn’t explain the feeling he had. Dazed, maybe. “You’d think it would get easier each time.” It never did, though. That was just who he was.
James pursed his lips, looking down at the victim on the streets. “That was easy,” he finally said. “One shot. A clean kill. No mess.” It was all part of the job.
If you’re ready to reserve your free hit and drive-by consult in the comment section (or drop us an email.) We’ll schedule it onto our waiting list.
Come on. You know you want to.
Can’t wait? Want your consult right now? We offer dirty deeds done dirt cheap. Move to the head of the line for a private drive-by consult via email. Contact us for the fastest, simplest review on the ‘net today.
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Excellent work… this is fun. I’m taking notes,
I’d love you guys to do mine. While it’s a niche blog, I try real hard to make it as community focused as possible.
The Chatty DM’s last blog post..Chatty on 4e: Retro-Stupid vs… well Retro-Stupid
Thus us great. I’ve picked up a few tips for my own blog.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Adding Some Glue To Online Relationships
BTW, I had a thought about Twitter. What about a private Twitter feed for providing live updates on the stuff I’m writing about? That would be relevant for a writing site, wouldn’t it?
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Is Your Resume Looking Tired?
aaaaaand…
he’s down.
Seriously, though… thanks, boys. I appreciate the comments. Some of the things you mention I was iffy about to begin with, so it’s good to have a second opinion.
Angie’s designing me a banner, and I think I like the way it looks. She’s actually got a couple versions of the dang thing, and I’m going to run ‘em up the flagpole this week, see if anyone salutes. I like my script font, though. I think it may stay.
Dropped the Twitter feed last night after I realized I was chatting with Maki about the Beatles. That’s useful content for a writing blog. Twitter is to promote my blog, not to add value to it.
As to Top Spots and AdSense… Both are experiments. Neither is doing especially well. I think I’ll be dropping AdSense, but I may hang on to Top Spots for a while. I’ve seen it work for other folks. It’s legit, and uses no-follow so as to not piss off Google.
You’re right, too, about my article images. John at poewar.com pointed that one out first. My choice of images are usually a three- or four-step reach from the topic, so their relevance is almost always lost on the reader. I’m working on it, though, and I think I’ve got some things coming down the pipe that will greatly help with this. You know, like not throwing in images just to throw in images
Oh, and I agree with Chatty – give ‘em a driveby if you can work it into your schedule. His content is superb, and I’d love to see how the design looks to you guys.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey’s last blog post..Service Recommendation – Scribbles and Words
@Bob: If you’re going to keep the script font, I would suggest using something simpler and bolder for the title and then use the script for the tagline. Script on the monitor isn’t always easy on the eyes, too much of it ends up looking like a mess or getting lost. Choose a sans serif to go with what you’ve got, but make sure it has a little more weight than what’s there now.
@CDM: We’re all niche blogs in the greater scheme of things. It’s just some niches are more popular than others. RPG blogs might not be the rage now, but just you wait, sooner or later someone is going to set that niche on fire.
@Sharon: Observation is key, why do you think I’m the quiet one? I sit back and watch what everyone else is doing, take the best of what they do or say, and then make my move. The dark horse coming out of nowhere to win the Triple Crown, that’s me.
@ Chatty – You’re on. How does Sunday the 20th sound?
I realize everyone else in the entire world was already aware of this feature, but may I reiterate: you guys are awesome.
I’ll get you to shoot me down in a month or so when I have my feet under me. And some graphic design student under my thumb to make my site pretty.
Tei’s last blog post..Out of Context: The Lumberjack
@ Sharon – Some people have tried the Twitter feed on their blog, but they quickly realize this is not a good thing when they start chatting over their dog or the latest hit movie… I don’t recommend it, personally.
@ Bob – Experiments are good. Experimenting with old things that have proven ineffective over time (now that the “newness” passed), such as Adsense, is a bad idea. Try out that Top Spot, sure – but when it stops working, be ready to let it go. And thanks for being a willing victim
@ Tei – Continue with the flattery – I love it
Seriously, though, when you’re ready for a drive by, just let us know.
@ James: Yup, I was one of those, but I started wondering whether it was a good idea, and reading this post confirmed my view. It’s history. I still think there’s an option to use it professionally. I’ll let you know if I work it out.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Is Your Resume Looking Tired?
@ Harry – I swear, you and my wife are twins separated at birth. She said the very same thing not half an hour before I read your comment.
@ James – Aw, C’mon. Just a little adsense? Pleeeeease?
I’ve seen adsense work for some folks in some niches. (Is that the right word?) I’m new enough that it’s still worth trying in mine. Having said that, you are probably right. I think maybe it’s time to try something else.
My big monetization ideas are six to eight months out at this point. They consist of an eBook and eCourse double-whammy. If things go very well, I could start implementing the eBook in July and the eCourse as soon as September, but they’d have to go reeeeally well. I suppose I could drop monetization altogether for now, but I don’t think it costs me readers, and if it buys me a dinner once a month, so be it.
Bob Younce at the Writing Journey’s last blog post..Writing Roles: Print vs. Internet Writers
@ Bob – Is that a dinner for family or a dinner for one? If Adsense buys you a dinner a month, I’m going to be very, very surprised. Let me know on that.
eBooks and eCourses… my advice is to build a HUGE buzz, get reviews, get feedback and be ready to market like a dervish. Selling ebooks isn’t easy nor lucrative once the hype wears off. They’ve been overdone and people have gotten burned by crappy ones, so those of us who write good ones have to work very hard.
@James: Woot thanks!
The Chatty DM’s last blog post..Chatty on 4e: Retro-Stupid vs… well Retro-Stupid
@Bob. I do ok with Adsense on my blog. I won’t be getting rich any time soon, but I could run to Starbucks and cake for 4-6 people each month.
Sharon Hurley Hall’s last blog post..Is Your Resume Looking Tired?
*pops head up* Is it over? Safe to come out? Shell casings landed on my block too going to sweep up carnage. Even in a drive-by you two are so nice. Thanks for sharing the post-mortem it helps put things in perspective.
Karen Swim’s last blog post..5 Tips to Manage Your Business When Life Happens
Hi, I came here from Bob’s blog. I must say you guys did a great job. I picked up on some tips just like Sharon here. You are on my rss reader now. I think I agree with Bob’s choice of Title font as it looks more closer to real hand writing. Just my cent.
Ashish’s last blog post..Uncluttered?
I must say I love the switch between the story and blog review. It’s a nice twist on standard post formats.
I’d love something like this for my blog, hint hint.
Max Miroff’s last blog post..Ten Easy Blog Post Ideas For When You’re Lazy
@Karen: Hit men with a heart, that’s us.
@Ashish: Thanks for coming by and subscribing, good to have you here. I still have to disagree about the font though, it really doesn’t work well at all. Handwritten fonts are tricky to work with, especially with so much banner space to fill.
@Max: It’s fun to do the narrative. James and I have our roots planted firmly in storytelling and creative writing, it feels good to use it here.
@Harry, “Hit men with hearts.” That’s a pretty stellar tagline! Because every post you guys publish is a hit.
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Jeff Buckley: Grace (Album)
@ Max – If you’re up for it, we have a slot for May 4 – public hit on the blog. Private hit via email is $25 with a five-day turnaround. Your choice. It’d be our pleasure either way; just let me know which works for you best.
@ Melissa – Shhh, you’re wrecking our badass image. What will people think?
@James, Noway, that IS part of your badass image. In fact, it makes you doubly badass.
Melissa Donovan’s last blog post..Jeff Buckley: Grace (Album)
-Gulp- Not sure I want to say this with guns nearby…
I disagree with the ShareThis for Sociables comment for two reasons:
1. These tools are about the blog not the reader. That said… it brings us to reason #2.
2. It makes the blog messier and crowded with the selected social bookmarks. ShareThis is one nice icon and includes an email this.
(runs and hides from the spraying bullets)
Meryl’s last blog post..Blogging Features: Too many choices
@ Meryl – Social Media is for both the blog and the reader. Readers who use social media to find better content referred by others means they want to see their preferred social media icon so they can click and share.
The problem with Share This is that it’s one click too many. Every click you force a reader to take reduces the chance that they’ll actually take action and follow through. I think the numbers are something like 7% of potential loss with each click (don’t quote me).
So Share This means one click to open and one click to search for your social media and one click to send.
With Sociables, you eliminate that. One click. That’s all you need. It’s right there for you.
Also, how many people actually email blog posts to friends? It’s more common to share links or URLS, which makes Share this a little unnecessary.