Have a Gun and Tell Us What You Think
My teen recently dragged me to the big city before high school began. Alright, I went willingly enough – I love shopping. There’s just something about plunging into urban life after small-town living.
I love being a discriminate shopper. Always the name brands; only the best. If looks stupid, I don’t want it. I browse for clothing that offers me the most impact for my personal style. (These guys make a lot of money off me.) I want to look good and feel smug. Oh yeah.
Harry and I recently decided that our site needed new clothing too. Not a style change per se, because we like the one that we have going on. Casual pro works very well for us.
But a new look? Definitely. It’s time.
We’re not changing our look just because we can or because we’re bored. Why fix what isn’t broken? Changing designs erratically damages branding potential and consistency of image, which isn’t really a good thing for business. If you’re going to change your look, have a good reason.
We feel we do.
Since we can do anything (except fly, of course), our business needs to reflect just that. Are we going to create the design of the century, one that leaves people in awe, unable to speak for three days? Probably not. That’s not really our goal or what we’re after.
It’s not enough to tell potential customers you rock; you need to prove it, too. Our site doesn’t reflect our skills to our satisfaction. It served its purpose for its time, but we’re ready for some big boy clothes to convey we’re a strong business able to design graphics and manipulate code to the nth degree.
We have ideas that we’re tossing about already, but we’d like to hear yours. What would you like to see at this blog? Are there features that you miss? Something funky you’d enjoy? Is there something you hate that you’d love us to trash and burn? Would you rip down this or that or move stuff about? Is there something that works perfectly that you don’t want us to touch?
We can do just about anything, really, so the sky’s the limit. Go ahead. Drive by our site and shoot the hell out of it with guns blazing. (You know you wanna.)
94 Responses to “Have a Gun and Tell Us What You Think”
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Hi James,
I enjoy what you do here. One small suggestion is to change your default WordPress search for a custom Google search. You’ll find it pulls much more relevant search results, and your readers will benefit if looking for specifics. I employ Google search on my own site(s).
David Aireys last blog post..Focus on reader comments #3
Funny, when I read your last post on Monday I thought to myself “Why don’t they change the design, I’m bored of it”. Maybe I’ve just been visiting too much, but I think you need a new colour, something more lively anyway. You guys are fun, right, too much black and grey.
For what it’s worth 3 other things I’d like changed.
1. Too much gun imagery and shooting. I’m sure you can find a less violent and more positive metaphor.
2. The recent comments links used to be higher up the page. It was easy to see while reading a post, now it’s way way down below all those ads. Comments discussion seems to be an important feature of your site, so I think these links should be more prominent.
3. The home page (which I don’t visit often by the way) is too cluttered. The main article is all scrunched up in a thin column and the eye is distracted by all the photos and excerpts in the two columns on the right. For info, all three columns have equal width in my browser.
Looking forward to a new layout.
Regards,
Gary
Gary Fletchers last blog post..Guitar Practice Routine: Three Stages
Let’s see… do I want the Uzi or shall I use the .22 with the silencer?
Please do ditch the grey. While I know you probably think it’s strong and manly, it looks like a medical office with the plastic chairs: functional but just no fun.
How am I supposed to shoot when I don’t know what the target looks like? I love your arms in the photos but I need a mug shot– I would like to see who I’m shooting at.
Karen Putz / DeafMoms last blog post..Wordless Wednesday–Beautiful Columbine
James,
Pure visuals assessment:
The colors work for me. The black is enough but not too much, the grey is a warm one, the red is potent. I feel like I’ve entered a gents’ smoking lounge or gotten a hug from a guy with a well-worn black sweater on when I’m here. Oh, you could go some other direction to get masculine but friendly, like browns, but if you plan to continue with the tagline/ gunslinging metaphors, which are too ingrained to get rid of (Sundays…), then why should you?
The logo could use an update, and I wish the ripped paper and pushpin related more to the theme. I ponder over your tagline quite a bit… I want it to have more verve, but honestly, I don’t have something better to offer. It needs to say what it does, but much more memorably.
Don’t get rid of Harry’s trademark huge and clever RSS button. Or if you do, get another huge and clever one. It says wow to people just as they’re deciding whether they want you invading their lives every week. Perfect.
Revolution’s front page irritates me with the itty-bitty main column. You can get whiplash trying to decide if you want to click through. The symmetry is annoying, too, especially since most people’s logos don’t obey the grid.
Not a fan of the double row of links at the top—too many choices—though I appreciate the color that they offer.
Heck, anything else, I probably said when you became MWP. If I suggested a tweak then, I stand by it, whatever it was.
Generally, I like it once I’m off the front page. The things I’d suggest if you were my client are minor, not overhauls. You have too much equity in people’s minds and it ain’t broke, so I wouldn’t do a lot of fixing.
Ahh. Turnabout is fair play.
Karen,
Oh, no, I can’t say anything. You almost got me started on author photos.
*resisting*
Almost.
Regards,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Inspiration Points: Awesome Responsibility!
I always read your blog — one of the best — but I read it as it comes in email, rarely clicking through because I really can’t stand the design. Too cluttered; the three-equal-size columns don’t work; too much “stuff,” and my eye doesn’t know where to go. You did such great work for Sonia . . . now I wish you’d do something clean and clear for yourselves.
Jean Gogolins last blog post..We Shared the Impact of That Day
Since I’m relatively new to MWP, I’m not sure if this is your 2nd amendment (he-he) to the site, but I like the changes overall. I would echo the previous comments about the “in your face” RSS button – it rocks.
I happen to like the grey. There is just something about the look when the front page loads that is very appealing. just the right amount of color and not too busy.
Tumblemooses last blog post..Well, I guess it’s all been said…
I have to echo Gary Fletcher’s third point (but only his third point). Your main or current article should have more real estate.
I know you’ll come up with something that rocks, though.
Mark Dykemans last blog post..How many voices can you have?
These are great comments and valuable feedback.
One note – that RSS stays, that’s a trademark signature
And a question:
How many would prefer to see a two column theme or a theme displaying only excerpts on the home page?
It is an unusually warm morning for September, but still just enough of a nip in the air to remind me I’m alive. How ironic, I thought. I absently rubbed the stock of the rifle, glad I brought the deer hunter and not the newfangled metal jobber I bought in Belgium last summer. Damn thing would have frozen to my hand after too long sitting in these woods…
Ah, there it is. Light flicked on, movement in the kitchen window. I can almost smell that coffee brewing. Two scoops for every cup of water, no doubt. And there’s James staring out the window into the darkness — right at me actually, though the gloom and the trees would certainly keep me from view. He’s likely remembering back to a few short months ago when it was actually light this time of day.
Little does he know his life is about to get a whole lot darker…
…
I agree with many of the comments here: too much clutter. I think this is a general WordPress affliction — just because you *can* fill three columns doesn’t mean you should. For example, on the home page I would move the middle column with the “best of” links below the left column. This way the focus remains first on the main item of interest — your latest post. This will open it up a bit, allowing people’s eyes the opportunity of perusing the ads on the right side rather than being forced to decide on three (or more) different things to look at.
Moving the “best of” below your current post also seems a bit more logical. It’s like saying: “Hey, if you liked this one, try these as well!” So I think that would accomplish two things.
I think clutter is an especially deadly thing if you are using this site as your main business site as well. Frankly, it looks too much like a blog, and not enough like a place where you would get design and writing services.
A couple ideas for you to remedy this: near the top, place a banner that says something like “What We Do” or “How We Can Help You”. You’ve mentioned more than once that people don’t quite know all the services you provide. Well, why not get in their face and say “Look, you wanna know? Come here and I’ll tells ya!” Take them to a page that lists and explains all your services. If this is too much, you might want to split it into two pages. But you get my meaning here.
Also, be more straightforward in your links. “Guns for Hire” does not necessarily mean “Services” or “About Us” or whatever. People looking for these sections on a website don’t want to be deciphering cutesy titles. Add an “About Us” link, a “Services” link, etc.
And add pictures of yourselves! (I’m actually not one to talk — you won’t find images of me on my websites yet… But I’m working on it.) It gives a friendly, more approachable feel to your site. Getting them professionally done with a funky, artistic feel will also help (but don’t go overboard; you want to remain business-like as well…)
To counterpoint the declutter argument, add more white space. Not only will it help direct your readers’ eyes to where you want them, it will be easier for the reader to focus on, and reduce the stress of trying to decide what to look at first (or at all…)
I would also consider removing the ads. They are fine for straight blogs, but if you are looking to sell your professional services, this may reduce your professionalism in the eyes of some potential clients. I know you won’t agree with me here, but I have to say it anyway!
I’m not a big fan of the black colours — I think it is too dark and may drive some potential clients away. At the very least, make it more glassy like your RSS feed icon so that it is less menacing. BTW, I agree with Kelly — keep the big RSS icon! (Actually, I agree with everything Kelly said…)
Speaking of which, I also agree with her that the tagline should change. Again, great for the blog, but doesn’t accurately convey your business. (Now that I think of it, have you considered creating a distinct area for your blog? This would allow you to “corporate up” the rest of your website and keep the whimsy of your blog…)
You’re right James, you have built quite a following with your image. And really, it is a strong and fairly well organized design that you have here. However I do think there are many key areas that you guys can improve upon without disenfranchising your readers.
Good luck with it! I’m looking forward to seeing the results!
…
The echo of the single shot faded in the woods long before the smoke cleared. It wasn’t clean — I could hear a few laboured breaths coming from the kitchen window, a few coughs and sputters before stillness, and the sounds of the percolating coffee that would never be drunk. What did he think of, lying on the tiled floor, clawing at the glass in his face? A deadline missed? A post unwritten? A plate of poutine uneaten?
I’ll never know. Not that it makes much difference. I hoist myself up from the crouch, wander back into the woods, and think about breakfast, the memory of a completed work day fading already…
~Graham
James,
I like two-column themes. (Surprise!) Clean, lots of breathing room. I’m also a huge proponent of fluid layouts.
Excerpts on front page, feed, email: HATE THEM. They’re a big turnoff for me, but more importantly, they don’t work well for newbies. The fewer steps to get hooked, the better.
Until later,
Kelly
Graham,
Ahahaha, I agree with everything you said and I love your style of saying it. You rock.
BUT… please, men, no (more) glassy. It’s overdone on the web, just because we all can, doesn’t mean we should. A little goes a long way.
Later,
Kelly
Expect the unexpected. That was the rule, not the exception, and while he usually couldn’t stand the bullet-proof vest’s chafing and restrictive Kevlar, today he was thankful for it.
Well, that is, after he realized he wasn’t dead. It sure as hell felt like it for a few minutes while he lay in a puddle of coffee and shards of ceramic gasping for breath. He’d have a nasty bruise on his chest for days.
James sat up slowly, wondering what the hell had hit him. A bullet – a big one, big enough to take down a deer, but hunting season didn’t open until this coming Saturday. This hit was deliberate, intentional.
He held the bullet up and looked at it with wide eyes, then looked at the remains of his mug on the table. No one touched his coffee. No one. This was war.
Out of the corner of her eye, the Panther catches the silhouette of a man with a gun. She feels like she has stepped into a film noire. A thought flashes through her intuitive feline brain, Hitman Harry. Really? “My god, he’s good looking!” she thinks. She wants to concentrate on the details, but finds her attention scattered in several different directions at once. So much to take in; too much in fact. A banner, two lines of tabs, three columns of information, boxes within columns. “No!†she yells. “I want to concentrate on Hitman Harry. He’s carrying a gun for crying out loud! And what’s that? Jazzy James has something to say. It could be critical information. Must focus!â€
Urban Panthers last blog post..Yep, right after I tidy up the kitchen
Probably already said, but highlighting more “key” posts would be nice. I mean, popular is good, but maybe putting into categories your best posts–I like that, because when I’m new I can immediately fine not only the best, but something in a topic that I’m looking for.
I love the story telling guys (and ladies). I want to join in but I’m so only on my 2nd sip of coffee, so I’ve decided to be boring and just throw out some ideas.
First I’d like to say it’s been a pleasure and honor tagging along with your guys watching you grow (just as I have). I remember the day I first clicked over to this new theme, I was like, FREAKING COOL!
Like you said, changing your image can hurt some, but it’s often times even more damaging by not consistently pushing the limits and leading the pack. You guys are doing that well. Good job there.
Here are just a few ideas and James, Harry, and Charlie, I’m sure you’re already working on some, if not all of them.
1. Tagline. If you can’t come up with a great one, come up with a simple clear one which tells me what’s here. Question to think about: Do you think it’s more important to have a tagline which reflects your blog or reflects your business?
Would you consider two taglines? One for your home page & services page and one for your blog?
2. About the home page. The biggest problem I see with your home page is its purpose. It seems the purpose of your home page is to push your blog articles and not the real stuff that keeps food on the table. I think it really should showcase what your company has to offer and immediately tell them this stuff which I know you already know:
- so what?
- why here?
- why you?
- why now?
I don’t think a home page of split blog articles is the way to go. I think you need a great static landing home page which details things about your company and then there’s your blog. From there your blog’s landing page can be split if you want – which is ok because it usually won’t piss off your normal readers because they just go straight to articles through your feeds, but the new guy who lands on your site and clicks to your blog will get to scroll down and see a little of the last 5 or so articles. (ok, I’m describing my site but hey, that’s what I like).
3. I agree with the others about the ads. I think lots of eye-catching ads are ok for blogs where the person’s only means of income or reason for a blog is to generate money from those ads. But if you’re a legit business who offers real services, I’d rather see your stuff over there.
So me testimonials in your sidebar or something. I think 3 columns are fine for your blog but for a home page (and all other pages) maybe just two. Keep the areas that advertise your business services simple, stupid, and easy to navigate. Those people are looking for help, not blog articles.
4. Add a “Subscribe To Topic Without Commenting” box below the “Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.” Why do I have to comment in order to keep up on this post?
5. Your main menu is one of the most valuable areas of real estate on your site. Let me look at your menu and know what you have to offer here without ever even needing to read any further. I do like the two colors.
6. I’m not sure if you have a disclaimer or not. I think it’s good to have one, though.
7. I do like the “Books We Recommend” section. I think it would help if you added a couple links like “Read what Harry had to say about this book” or “James or Charlie….” etc. You wrote such a great article about the Branding book. Link to it!
8. I’m not a big fan of the Recent Comments. I don’t really see the point. Hopefully people aren’t commenting just so they can see their name over there near the top. I guess some people like it, I just ignore it.
Also, keep in mind security and load times. The more plugins you have, the slower your site will load and the more security holes your WordPress install will have.
9. Speaking of security, James wields a mean pistol. (Edited at John’s request.)
10. Don’t forget to be clear. I know you James. You like and want to be creative and different. That’s great. Just don’t forget to be clear – and I know you know that concept very well.
11. I love the fact that since you guys are great with graphics you’re going to show it. If you can, have Harry create some unique and totally cool social media bookmarks. The ones now are way to small and when they were big they were way out of focus.
12. About Us ?
13. Gravatars. Everyone loves them. You don’t? If you’re not sure, do a poll. I’m willing to bet your readers would like to display their image / brand.
Good luck guys. I’m looking forward to the new look. Thanks for asking for feedback. Its always good to know you’re willing to listen even if you’re an authority.
John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..General Partnerships: A Not-So-Great Business Structure
The gunblast shattered the morning quiet, but Harry had been watching long enough not to be surprised. What did James think would happen with a free gun give away?
Harry recognized the shooter; Graham Strong. He was good, the shot would have been a clean one, but Graham had forgotten one thing: There was more than one Pen Man.
The figure on the tree stand shifted and the bow came up as Harry took quiet aim.
“Sorry, Graham, no breakfast for you.”
***
Great comments here people, thanks for all the feedback!
@ John – Your number 9 point is the truth. Glad you pointed it out.
Two column would be cool.
John,
I have to disagree about providing more business/ blog separation here at MWP, especially two taglines and a home page that plays down the blog. The Men are growing because of the blog, the blog is growing because of the Men… it would be great if how to contact them business-wise was more straightforward from the start as Graham suggests, but making it much more prominent would kill the engine of their growth.
MWP are Relationship Marketing in practice… the blog gives folks in far-flung places a relationship with people they’ll never see, makes them comfortable, and let’s them sample the writing (and design) that the boys can dish out on a daily basis. It’s “We write what folks want to read, don’t you want some of this?” without a hammer over the head.
& I know it’s against the mood of the moment, but I hate gravatars. They’re the ultimate in noisy clutter. If the Men want to show their clean, restrained style, I think they’re a mistake.
Later,
Kelly
@Kelly: I have to agree with you about the avatars, I never liked them either mainly because so many gravatars are goofy and cartoonish.
This blog wasn’t started to drive the business and you nailed it with the Relationship Marketing. We’ve already thought about this and have had a static site elsewhere for a while now, which I might add is getting an overhaul as well.
You guys should know us well enough by now to know that this blog is just the tip of the iceberg.
Honestly, the first hint of danger was the creak of the branch above and to the left of me. Forgetting about the rest of the team, I would later find out, was my second mistake that morning. Silently cursing myself and my cavalier attitude, I dove to the ground towards the sound knowing that anyone taking aim would expect the opposite.
I wasn’t quite fast enough.
The four-pronged arrow nicked my right ear. At first I didn’t feel anything except a small bite, but soon I felt the trickle down my cheek and then the taste of blood. I kept still and silent. It was still dark, yes, but I knew if that was Harry up there, he likely had his night-vision goggles. Thankfully they weren’t much good at looking through trees…
Finally, I heard some movement — Harry coming downno doubt. If I were to have a chance, this was the only one. I leapt up from the brush and tore off into the darkness. Branches whipped my face, but the light was growing so I had just enough ambient glow around me to avoid smacking dead into a tree. Besides, I was at least smart enough to scope the woods before getting myself into the thick of it.
Soon, I found a trail and slowed down a bit, concentrating more on stealth than speed. I didn’t hear anything behind me, but that didn’t mean much. I wouldn’t be safe until I was out of these woods.
Yes, arrogantly assuming I would be alone in those woods was my second mistake. The first, I would find out later, was my indecision about taking the new metal jobber I bought in Brussels — along with a good pair of gloves. No Kevlar on Earth would have stopped that bullet. That mistake would haunt me for the rest of my days, and would be forever remembered as “The Belgian Waffle”.
~Graham
@Graham: The Belgian Waffle??!!
Harry couldn’t take another shot if he wanted to. Laughter and teary eyes were not conducive to a clear shot.
Graham–Belgian waffle! ROFLOL!
I was going to sic Charlie on you but at this point, he’d be wondering what we all smoked for breakfast. Besides waffles.
@ James – Damn you, James! Damn you! hehehehe.
@ Kelly – Re: Gravatars. Point taken that if that’s not the route the Pen Men want to go that’s fine. I’m just pointing out that many commentators out there probably have a gravatar which suggests they like to see it when they comment. It’s not necessary, though.
If the Pen Men were to take a poll and it turns out 85% of the regular commentators responded that they would like to see gravatars, should they consider it or ignore it? Again, just trying to consider options.
Re: other stuff – well this is all just stuff for kicking and throwing around the thought process. Maybe it’s just been beaten into me that you need a powerful landing page which showcase more than just a blog when in fact you’re a company that offers content writing, graphic design, and web development.
I think its possible to point those things out on a home page while maintaining the large push on the blog and relationship marketing as well.
John Hoff – eVentureBizs last blog post..General Partnerships: A Not-So-Great Business Structure
@Graham ROTFL! That was priceless!
Just a few cents to add here myself.
1. I think the color scheme fits. It’s part of the branding by now, as is the gunslinger theme (though that could easily be toned down if you wanted to).
2. I usually click directly to the current post, so I seldom see the front page, but I agree that the newest post could use more real estate there.
3. Tagline and menu link clarification is good.
4. Being a visual person, I love that you keep the post pics in your middle column, but it does tend to clutter things when added to everything going on to the right.
5. Please please do not separate blog and business too much. I agree with Kelly about it killing the engine of your growth. (Nice Kelly!)
6. You’re not going to believe this one, but I’m not sure adding personal photos would be beneficial. There’s something to the mystique thing you’ve got going on, but you knew that.
Excited to see what you come up with!
Nicole Brunets last blog post..Gary: 2002
Harry had scared off his attackers, but not for long. One by one they gathered nearby, taking cover and waiting for the right time to strike. Soon Harry was hopelessly outnumbered, and the outcome seemed certain.
Harry decided there was only one possible happy ending to this story, and took out his Bic M16A1 with an A203 attachment. “You wanna f*** with me? Okay. You wanna play rough? Okay. Say hello to my little pen!”
Hunter Nuttalls last blog post..The Monty Hall Paradox (And The Real Answer)
John,
You make so many good points, and whether here or on someone else’s blog, they’re all excellent ways to grow a business. There’s a lot to learn in the post and the comments today. I’m hooked.
Oooh. You bring up a point that we all struggle with, regular commenters vs. newbies. I know the Men have struggled with whether we seem too “insider” down here in the comments. I’ve gotten emails at my blog, too, suggesting that people feel like they’re interrupting at a party many days, so they’d rather email… so you work for a year or more to build a following, then you get a following, and new folks feel uncomfortable.
I think a newbie-friendly homepage is critical in this, because James and Harry are as welcoming as humanly possible here in the comments. Make people feel they were invited right from the start, so they’ll sit down on the sofa and shout out when the moment is right.
(So if 85% of the regular commenters like mayo on their pastrami, I wouldn’t read too much into it. Think about drawing a bigger crowd in with mustard. How’s that for a nonsensical metaphor, Men?)
Still. Resisting. The pull of the photo discussion….
Later,
Kelly
Kellys last blog post..Inspiration Points: Awesome Responsibility!
I agree with the others that the cluttered up home page kinda sucks.
I’m thoroughly enjoying the comments here today. You guys have been educating yourselves and picking up on features and functionalities like nuts! I’m impressed at everyone’s notes – keep ‘em coming, it’s fun.
@ Kelly – About the breaking into comment sections, I think there’s no easy answer on that. People are more often than not shy about stepping in. But the truth is that it’s up to them to make their space and come in to join us; we can extend a hand, but they have to take it. I struggle with this one, how to get more people to be one of the gang. ‘Cause we like people, y’know?
As for photos, we were contemplating compromising on having an artist friend of ours pencil some sketches. Not sure, not sure. I rather like being a mystery. Keeps people talkin’
@ James – though I’d like to see pictures, I have to agree that the mystery idea is (and does) work well.
@James – what?! You mean that is not really Harry?!…sigh
Urban Panthers last blog post..Yep, right after I tidy up the kitchen
Slipping from behind a tree, quiet as dusk, I set arrow on string, pull back and aim.
The shaft slides effortlessly through the needless clutter on the homepage, carrying off Recent Posts, Top All Time Posts, We Read It You Need It, and the dreadful paper scraps and push pin in the header.
“There,” I think to myself, as I dissolve back into the verdure, “that’s much better.”
@Panther: Not me, but very close
@Everyone – it’s a little bit scary..um, fascinating, how many excellent assassins…um, marksmen, there are in this crowd!
@Harry – ah, very good. I’ll go with this image then.
Urban Panthers last blog post..Yep, right after I tidy up the kitchen
Not really about the visuals of the site, but something I just noticed: if you’ve just added Charlie to the team, perhaps the copyright line in your feeds should no longer read “Another rockin’ post from your favorite *duo*, the Men With Pens”?
Looking forward to seeing what you guys come up with.
My only vote is to ditch rev mag. I know I’m in the minority here, but I find rev mag frustrating to navigate. Finding yesterday’s post (or any post besides today’s) on the front page takes too much time. I always have to dig through the archives, or go back through my feed reader.
Amy Derbys last blog post..How To Survive While Writing With Young Children In The Home
@ Joseph – He doesn’t write on the blog
Scanning the surrounding trees nervously and keeping a low profile…
Hey, how about a photo for any newcomer breaking into the comments section? Sounds like it could be popular with the ladies
… then whips back behind a sturdy beech tree. Phew!
Garys last blog post..Guitar Practice Routine: Three Stages
Well, I’m no expert, of course, but it seems like what you do is buried. I like the setup, as a blog, and of course I love all the content, but what you do is five tabs over, and that’s IT.
You can probably find a better fix, but have you considered having the black navigation bar be just the “Guns for Hire” subnav stuff, and maybe the ebook, one link entitled blog (with perhaps dropdown of faqs, archives, etc), and the contact, advertise.
Then the red navigation bar is AWESOME. It features your content, so that’s cool.
Also, you’ve got ads taking you everywhere but to what you guys do. Maybe a couple of them should point to what you do? You’ve got the big RSS feed box to entice people to subscribe. Maybe the first box under that should show people what you do?
I love the silvery-black thing you’ve got going on, and the guns thing is great. Perfect. Love the brand.
I love the theme you’ve chosen. Totally. Awesome. One little thing: if you use someone else’s theme, you’ve lost your first and biggest way to advertise your own web design skills. Some potential clients might be struck with the impression that if you choose someone else’s design for your own website, then you’re not as good as they are.
I’m sure you are!
Just sayin’.
spyscribblers last blog post..Tender Intimacies
@ Spy – Just want to mention something about themes and design. The theme is just a skeleton, the bones. The design is the clothing, the images and graphics. This theme was customized, which means we took the skeleton and changed the clothing to our own suit.
But hey. Why build a new skeleton if one already exists? We can, sure. We can do anything. But with all the built skeletons out there, it’d be a real waste of time and actually show off how not very smart we are in our efficiency
What you mention, though, is a common misperception and myth. Ready-built themes are awesome – but it’s just a frame. Customizing the LOOK is what counts and that makes anyone stand out. And that’s what we do
I don’t like the main page – way too cluttered, and I find it difficult to concentrate on the article. Same thing with your navigation… I’ve always found it difficult to understand, and if I’m looking for something, it’s always hard to find.
Also, portfolio! I see you have samples of your graphic design, but what about writing samples, or a portfolio of any other types of work you do? In addition, it’s difficult to find your portfolio – you mixed it with “Our Clients” which could be confusing. Is that a page that your current clients are supposed to go to? Or a place listing all the people you have ever worked with? It’s not obvious that it’s a testimonial/portfolio page.
I fully agree with Amy – I rather dislike the revolution magazine theme. If I want to get to the previous post, it takes me far too many clicks to find it. I’d rather just have a blog-type design… a main page with several posts on it, then a link at the bottom to the previous posts.
Also, perhaps the newest Pen Man won’t be writing on the blog, BUT… you don’t mention him anywhere! Except that post where you introduced him. For all anyone who didn’t read that post knows, he has nothing to do with you guys. At least give Charlie a mention… in the about page, or talk about the services he’ll be providing to work with you guys, or something.
Oh, and the “Recent Comments” never really appealed to me. *shrugs* Maybe that’s just me.
*hides under her rock in an attempt to avoid getting caught in all the crossfire*
Gah, I forgot to check the “Notify me of followup comments via e-mail” box. I second whoever said that it would be nice to allow subscription without needing to comment… both for non-commentors and those of us who forget to check the box.
Of course, no clue if the plugin will allow you to do that. So for now, I’ll just leave a random second comment like this when I forget.
And why is commentluv not grabbing my post?
Interesting discussion.
I guess a lot has to do with the WP theme (Revolution) you are using.
So James, I just confused the hell out of you with numerous emails about choosing a new theme for my own blog, finally picking Revolution. How does it feel to be criticized for being “cluttered” on the front page with this very theme?
I see a solution — you guys need to design a new theme. That will sell.
Akemi “spiritual entrepreneur” @ Yes to Mes last blog post..Gratitude Friday, Edition 13, Gratitude And Train For Humanity
@ Akemi – We’re way ahead of you on that one
You ask a good question about how it feels to be criticized – I welcome it and it feels good. There have been some valuable ones here.
I’m also taking all comments into perspective. Many conflict, people like different things, and we’ve had about 40 (or less? haven’t checked) comments of which only some of which who dislike a magazine style. We have 2,400 readers, so that only demonstrates that we have the opinion of about 0.5% of our readers.
Good feedback, but not something we can consider representational of the whole, unfortunately.
The ultimate feeling we have? We’ll still do what fits best with us and our needs while taking into consideration what our readers want.
That is, after I recuperate from all the pot shots everyone’s taking in such joyous glee, hehehe. Must feel good to be on the trigger end of the gun, eh guys?
2400 subscribers. You have far more readers. That is the challenge of any blogger. There are many many readers who never speak up, may not even subscribe, but they are there, and a blogger has to read their minds and be grateful for them.
Akemi “spiritual entrepreneur” @ Yes to Mes last blog post..Gratitude Friday, Edition 13, Gratitude And Train For Humanity
If I may, “cluttered” is often less about the volume of content on a page as it is about clear visual prioritization.
While I do think that some lower-priority sections could (and maybe should) be dropped from the homepage, I think much of the other Revmag-related criticism relate to unclear prioritization of content.
I don’t think three columns is bad, but because all three are roughly the same width, it’s harder to distinguish “sidebars” from “the main event.”
I like “Guns for Hire” but I feel like it ought to be the first nav item you see; all the way over to the left.
And to @Spy’s point, I agree–customizing an existing theme is a lot more work than most people realize. I agree–look for themes the same way realtors tell you to look for houses: “Look for good bones.”
KatFrenchs last blog post..Altered by the unexpected.
James,
I like *a* mag style, just not particularly *this* one. Mimbo, Arthemia, Wynton, Gridline… though they all have the excerpt problem, the home pages are easier on the eye to me.
Oh, don’t do sketches, you silly guys. Either go for it or keep teasin’. Better a stock photo bicep than a sketch.
Harry: the guy above looks like Antonio Banderas. You look like Antonio Banderas?
How often do flights leave from Philly to Vegas? I think I’ll come stalk you, lol.
James again: Speaking of gorgeously stalkable, Kevin Parent was playing in the bookstore this afternoon. No joke. I said to the checkout dude, it’s in French, I think I’ve heard this somewhere before, and when he told me who it was, I about fell over.
They want a bazillion dollars for the CD because it’s an import. 34 bucks, I think. Umm, no. I stayed a while, read my mag, and thought of you.
And yes, you are very welcoming here. It’s hard to know what more to do, beyond, you know maybe the homepage stuff everybody’s mentioning. I think you do your best.
Well, photos might help…
Later,
Kelly
WHAT?!! He was playing IN YOUR STORE?! Ohmigod. Okay I would’ve have camped out at his feet.
(shaddap. I am not a fanboy.)
You have *GOT* to get his CD. Which song was he singing? Oh man. I’m so jealous. Where the hell do you live again?
(Shaddap, already! I am NOT a fanboy!)
Hahahaha! You are such a fanboy.
No, not the actual dude. I’d still be there now. But in a bikini. Quebecers must go for that, bundled up as y’all have to be.
The CD was playing. Compilation? Presumably that’s “best of” in French? They don’t have the new English one, but I can listen to that for free on myspace.
I think I’ll go do that now.
Kellys last blog post..How NOT to Buy a Domain Name
20 minutes from Philly.
Kellys last blog post..How NOT to Buy a Domain Name
“Make peace with myself, like seldom before…” Mm-mm. Think I’ll go get me some of that too.
The artist peers through her Zeiss lenses from her perch on the hill. A slow smile forms on her lips .Quite a skirmish today. But look there’s James back up and Harry ready to reload.
Oh yeah, it is so not going to be a problem talking them into those tuxes I have in mind, these guys can wear anything well….she reaches for the single malt in her silver flask, smiles again…and starts hiking back home.
Janice Cartiers last blog post..David Bates, Diebenkorn, and My Window
Just my two cents, but I think having three columns is too busy visually. I would like to see something more simple and easy to read. All the links and pics and ads make someone with ADHD go crazy!
Since you two are both kinda earthy, maybe a neat blend of Canadian nature and desert scenery or colors would express your style better. I’ll think on this and see what else comes to mind.
Jamies last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Keep it Flowing
I like Akemis’s idea…. maybe Brian could collaborate on a MwP custom design……hmmm
Jamies last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Keep it Flowing
@James @Kelly – Kevin Parent???!!!! OMG, move out of the way, James. You have to beat me to him! Alex told me to look him up, so I did and groaned out loud before I realized the Lion was in the room with me. When he asked why I groaned, I told him, and he just rolled his eyes. He knew he didn’t stand a chance.
@Kelly – I’m confused. You ‘own’ a bookstore or you were ‘in’ a bookstore?
Urban Panthers last blog post..Yep, right after I tidy up the kitchen
Listened to So Hard to Get and I Can’t Stand This Loneliness 542 times last night. I like the French stuff, too, but since I can’t understand it, I don’t know what to download off iTunes. I could fall in love with his voice and think he’s seducing me when he’s really singing a drinking song.
That won’t do.
Panther,
If I owned the bookstore, Kevin Parent would be in it right now. (10am concert, anyone?) I can’t exactly book him to play in my office, but I could book him to play in the coffee shop. Sure, he’d be overpriced for a coffee house, but that’s what long-term loans are for. Plus bikinis don’t look good at the office.
(Like I’d own a bikini.)
Later,
Kelly
ooh la la Kelly- Thanks for M. Parent….I did not know of him …smiling here.
My favs: Come with Me, Open House Blues and Wonkytonk.
French ones I love: Two Minutes, Father on the Go, Grand Parleur P’tit Faiseur, Mother of my Child. The Father/Mother songs are two that propelled him into great fame here in Quebec – everyone, and I mean everyone, knows the lyrics off by heart.
I see the trackback already, but I had to personally stop by to say I took on your request Remarkablogger style: Special Assignment: Men With Pens Blog Design – It’s Dying Time. I know you guys can take honest criticism. I want you to know I didn’t hold back because I value our friendship. I hope you find it entertaining, as well as helpful.
@Michael: FIRST!
Ha! That was a good one. I do have to say it’s a little unsettling being on the other end of the barrel.
@Harry – or at end of a knife point, in this case.
Michael Martines last blog post..Remarkablogger Manifesto: What Will Your Legacy Be?
Ouch, you guys just got shot up by the blogging Mafia.
I just wanted to say that despite all the criticism, you guys have come a long way in a relatively short time. Remember that old splash page?
Ok I’m off to search for this French singing sensation on iTunes now. I might ending up hopping the puddle and defecting to Canada after all. I always wanted to be a groupie…
Ok, I listened to the dude, and can’t decide if his music is pop or country, but it’s likable. What’s the new English Version CD called? I like to hear him ramble in French, but I have no idea what he’s saying.
Maybe I should learn French instead of Dutch German, most Amish speak English as a second language anyways, right? Do they sell Muzzy in French? I kinda like that big green bear-like critter on the commercials.
Jamies last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Keep it Flowing
@ Jamie – It’s called Folk Rock
But… uh…
Dust rises on the horizon… The Remarkablogger Posse. They’re coming, and Jamie’s wide eyes turn wild. The gun drops from his hand, clattering to the ground, and one word leaves his lips.
“RUN!”
Harry watched James make a dust trail of his own. “Run? Screw that. Harrison McLeod runs from no one.”
He set the bow on the ground and walked over to what looked like a pile of dead leaves. Harry found the edge of the tarp and whipped it back, grinning wickedly at the monster .50 cal hidden underneath.
“Bring it on, Bloggerman.”
Here is one . . . every tried CrazyEgg.com to see where readers
are actually going on the site.
Maybe worth a crack . . .
Mikes last blog post..Rigging For An Ocean Row
I’ll have to say that I’m not a huge fan of the front page either. I feel a bit overwhelmed by it–I remember when I was new to this site, I didn’t know how to navigate it. I’m terrible at web design, so I have zero ideas, but that’s just by 2-cents worth
Oh man, I can’t wait until my site can grow into her big-girl clothes…
And James, American Eagle? Really?
—RLD
Well, I have benefitted from two thorough drive-bys so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to branish a weapon of my own… However, I really can’t add much to the previous plethora of comments!
I, also, think the giant RSS button is a bit obnoxious, but who cares if it’s your signature thing and you like it
The ads are a bit much, too — and some were really unclear as to what the product was — but that’s not your concern/domain.
Honestly, this may be my first time ever visiting and I’ve been reading for months and months — I bet most of your audience also reads you on their readers. So, what you really need somehow is to get a bunch of first-time shooters to visit and give their first impressions. Obviously your design is already working for all of us faithful readers…
Thanks again for your generosity, every day…
@Kristen: This might be weird, but I actually _like_ the giant RSS button
Sigh…
Actually, since it’s compatible with the color scheme, it works — but I had to come up with something! The Men were so helpful (read: brutal) when reviewing my blogs!
@ James, Folk Rock, huh, like a Canadian Bob Dylan? Cool.
@ Mike, I’ve never heard of EggHead. Their site looks interesting. Do you have experience with them?
@Kristen and RL David The RSS button provokes wonder and fear in some. It causes RSS envy in others. I personally like it because it’s different and it fits in here.
@ Harry So is your arrow-wielding hero more like The Green Arrow from Batman or that Jessica Biel chick in the last Blade movie? Maybe you could incorporate archery arrows into your new design…
Jamies last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Keep it Flowing
@Jamie: More like Rambo
@ Harry. Somehow Rambo doesn’t surprise me.
I guess when I think of arrows, I think of silent, streamlined, beauty in motion. That was more the type of imagery I thought might be useful for the website design.
Jamies last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Keep it Flowing
Re: RSS button and people reading through feeds – in truth, only about 5% of net users access blogs via feed readers, so what you see on a site counts more than you think.
Re: Eggs – We track via Google Analytics, but where people go on our site is less important as how many read, because of our blog’s business model. Gets a little complex. Still, I’ll go check out what CE has to say
Cooper takes one good long look at the lone idiot making a stand in front of a bunch of gunmen having a party. So much for all his instruction about playing the hero. Well, that fool better not come crying when he came back a little leakier than he used to be. Bullet holes had a way of doing that.
Harry takes one look at Cooper and snorts, “You wouldn’t be giving me that look if you were on the other end of this gun.“
@Jamie – Canadian Bob Dylan?!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! A) Kevin can sing and B) you can actually understand the words (well you can if you understand French and C) he GORGEOUS!
@James – dear god, does this mean I turning French?!
@ Urban – You have to be just a *little* French to love a Quebecois. ‘Nuff said.
@ Urban OK, that means I definitely have to download the CD, is one better than the others? I meant no offense with the Dylan thing, I’m not a fan of his either.
Ohio is full of Mexican immigrants and Amish, so our second language choices in school were Spanish and German. Sadly, no French. It sounds wonderful set to music though!
Jamies last blog post..9 Steps to Clearer Writing: Cutting the Fat and Choosing Words Carefully
@ RLD – Hey, wait, hang on… yes, really, AE… what?
@James – teehee! I don’t know, it’s something I’m used to the high school jocks wearing… You just don’t seem very…high-school-ish–I picture you slightly more elegant
I’m with people on the too much clutter thing for the front page. Two columns would make me much happier.
I’m okay with the gun imagery even though I’m a total pacifist but you guys do it without being overly violent. You remind me more of Men in Black with their fun-guns than Sopranos with their evil-guns.
The other thing that I have issue with is your archives – I don’t always remember what you’ve called an article, so if I’m looking for that awesome post from last week, I hate having to scroll through the whole archive testing out titles that might be right. Could you add a date-related archive list as well?
Good luck with the redesign and with figuring out a good middle ground based on so many comments!
I second Alex on the date-ordering of the archives. Forgot about that.
I third Alex on the archive organization thing- Oh, wait. This is my blog. I can’t vote. Dammit.
As someone who shoots, I have to say, my biggest peave is people who don’t shoot or do not know gun etiquet posing as people who do. With that said, your finger does not belong on the trigger unles you are shooting and from the pistol in the air thing, I am guessing the guy is not quite ready to shoot.
@ Amber – Weeeelll, we can’t be responsible for stock photography mishaps. Plus, I’ve held a gun once. For 20 seconds.
Point is, we’re having fun. This isn’t meant to be serious or exact. But thanks for the tips, which I’ll use if I ever decide to go south!
@Amber: I do shoot and my father and roommate have drilled into my head gun etiquette, so I have to agree with you about the photo. Believe me, the iStock images with guns, archery, martial arts and samurai swords ALL drive me up a wall because they are so technically wrong it’s not funny.
I love your brick background. Although I am less keen on the gun imagery.
Oh I forgot to mention that a touch of colour wouldn’t go astray either.
Joseph Condron´s last blog ..Top Gun Film Review: Can The Fascination Be Explained