SheSpeaks is coming up in a little less than a week, and I am going to spend a chunk of tomorrow working out the finer points of my part of the presentation that I’m doing with Melanie and Shannon.
Because I’m thinking that next week I won’t have much time to work on the presentation what with getting a haircut and looking for brown sandals and wondering why it’s become increasingly impossible to get my eyelashes to curl.
I’m not even kidding about that last thing. It’s driving me crazy. No matter what I do, my eyelashes look like they’ve been ironed.
Anyhoo.
At SheSpeaks one of the things I’m going to be talking about is finding your bloggy voice (tip #1: CRAZY HELPS) and making that voice consistent with the look and feel of your blog.
So. Three things.
1) Would y’all be so kind as to point me to some blogs where you feel like the look of the blog perfectly matches the voice of the person who writes there? And it doesn’t have to be a mama blog – it can be a political blog, a fashion blog, an entertainment news blog, whatever.
Next.
2) Does the look of a blog – the graphics, the fonts, the colors – have any bearing on whether or not you continue to visit? In other words, if someone has incredibly thought-provoking content but the look of the blog isn’t visually appealing, do you care?
Finally.
3) What’s your favorite blog out there in terms of design? What blog makes you sigh with contentment as soon as you click over? And what specifically do you like about it?
If you’re more comfortable emailing me all of this information instead of leaving it in the comments, that’s fine by me. Just please try not to say anything negative about a specific blog because OH, CAN YOU EVEN IMAGINE THE AWKWARD?
And if you also feel led to offer some advice in regard to my impossibly straight eyelash fiasco, I’d be most appreciative.
Really, internets, you’re going to be helping me with a whole host of quandaries.
So if you’re feeling invaluable right about now, well, guess what, YOU TOTALLY SHOULD.
June 13th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
The blog questions will take some time for me to answer and I don’t have any info on the eyelash thing…but I have to say you are not alone!!! Mine will not curl anymore either!!! I’ve been curling them since I was 16 and it just won’t work anymore. Hopefully someone will answer you and help us both! :)
June 13th, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Fonts, colors, appearance and such can definitely keep me from revisiting. As can those little music boxes that sometimes cover text. Design is a factor. Readability makes me happy.
bradruggles.com is a site that’s graphically appealing to me. It really matches his voice, too, I think. And he’s got some major artistic talent.
Excited about y’all’s little presentation!
June 13th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Here’s a very important question regarding your eyelash dilemma – could it be the humidity making them go flat? Perhaps your eyelashes are reacting to it the same way my hair does.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
I subscribe to over 30 blogs – and none of them have to do with looks. I load them into google.com/reader and the whole beauty of it is…I don’t have to open each and every blog. The updates are there, I read, I gaze, I ponder. Once in a blue, I open it up to comment – but it’s rare.
I am a graphic designer – and a marketer – so I totally get the aesthetics of a piece. But in the land of blogs, I’m there to read- not gaze at the lovely graphics. And for that reason, I haven’t done much to the look of mine.
June 13th, 2008 at 11:50 pm
I, too, have my blogs all with a subscriber. BUT, I think they all hooked me from the start, and something kept me with them. Of course, a big part of that is how they write, relate, etc. But, I have to admit that if a blog is plain or weird looking, it does turn me off. Call me a shallow blogger if you will, but it’s the truth! I enjoy cute and stylish :)
June 14th, 2008 at 12:00 am
In answer to #2, I don’t really chose a blog or stay with one because of its design: I am attracted by and stay because of the writing. A nice design is pleasant, but it’s more the icing on the cake thing.
Conversely, the only type of design that will drive me away is one in which there is too much movement, either in the ads or the graphics. I try to stay with it and read through Bloglines if I really like the writing, but my eyes can’t handle reading and comprehension with stuff going on in my peripheral vision.
June 14th, 2008 at 12:02 am
These old eyes do not like light print on dark backgrounds. If it puts too much strain on my eyes, I’ll click away no matter how well written or funny the blog.
I can’t think of any specific blogs that really appeal to me right now, but if I do I’ll shoot you an email.
June 14th, 2008 at 12:23 am
The look of a blog doesn’t matter as much as the content in the blog. However, the initial impression is always nicer if it’s all fancy and sparkly.
I seriously dislike the music on blogs. Especially if the blogger puts the music box at the very bottom of the page and I have to scroll around and find it to turn it off. Annoying.
As far as content is concerned, I’m definitely a fan of funny blogs. Don’t get me wrong, I like a spiritual, deep conversation now and then, but if I have 3 seconds in the day to sit down and flip through blogs, I’d much rather laugh while doing it.
Not much mind boggling, rocket science kind of stuff, but I’m pretty much a simple person. Have a great time at SheSpeaks. I’ll be praying for yall!
June 14th, 2008 at 12:24 am
The one blog I can think of where I think the design really matches the voice is Heather Whittaker’s blog. http://whittakerwoman.typepad.com/
As far as the eyelashes thing…I just read somewhere that castor oil is sometimes used to promote eyelash growth. http://sadiemagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=109&Itemid=95 (sorry I don’t know how to do links!) Maybe that could somehow help with the eyelash situation? I’m right there with you with short, straight eyelashes. I might just give it a try myself!
June 14th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I am a techy toddler here. I have no idea how to do interesting things to make my template exciting. I am to scared the whole thing with implode. I would absolutely love to have some wizard do it for me, but that will have to wait for now.
No, I am not at all influenced by the template. I read the blogs I love for the words. Interesting, funny, thought provoking, lovely people. They are my friends, and I am not judging them by appearances.
I am not, however, keen on music which blares out and knocks 10 years off my life in the middle of the night when I am blog hopping. And I am not that keen on posts which are full of links, or that snapshot feature when I scrolling down.
The preacher’s wife has a great template, I think. Pioneer woman. Of course. Sigh. Maybe I should go and experiment.
June 14th, 2008 at 5:02 am
The look of thesecretlifeofkat is DEFINITELY definitive of Kat’s personality/voice. I know Kat very well, and so I feel I can say that. She’s very no-nonsense and practical and I think her blog looks a lot like that. (but it’s not ugly… I’m not saying that!)
There’s one blog I read that the look doesn’t match the voice, and that is brant hansen’s (kamp krusty’s) blog. I don’t know why, but the colorful title has always seemed a bit weird to me… like cute and kid-ish, but that isn’t what the content is like AT ALL. (I love the blog and read it always anyway, so it doesn’t matter).
Other blogs I read are mostly from people who use xanga or blogspot and the designs there are limited. So, my friends do the best they can with the design options. I come back to read anyway.
BUT! If I happen upon a REAL cool looking designed blog, I’ll come back again… but then again, if the stuff written is really lacking, I won’t come back for long.
So, no. In the big picture, the look of the blog doesn’t really matter. It’s the content that keeps me coming back.
June 14th, 2008 at 5:40 am
I too, do not care what the font, color, or background looks like. It is nice if they have a nice layout, but it really doesn’t matter.
I also come to blogs for content, not the ads, to me, the ads are distracting. Many people have suggested that I advertise on my blog. I refuse, on the grounds that I want people to read my blog, not my ads.
The music on the side……….blech!!!
I used to like Ree’s layout, but the way she has it now………way to busy. I still like to read her, but in the last couple of months……she has seem forced or distracted.
I also have a feed reader. I like to be able to read the whole blog from my reader. It is really frustrating to have just a bit of it showing, and you actually have to click on the blog to finish reading. Frustrating, and if I don’t have much time, I won’t go to that blog.
It is the actual writing that draws me in.
I also love lots of pictures in the content.
June 14th, 2008 at 6:20 am
Ok, I’ll help with the eyelash question. I found lots of tips when I googled ” How to curl your eyelashes”. Here is a video clip I found. It’s http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to -curl-your-eyelashes. Basically they advise that if you are having problems to heat up your eyelash curlers with your hair dryer set on a low setting. And the girl speaks with a British accent which I love!
June 14th, 2008 at 6:20 am
It is a nice bonus if a blog is great to look at, but I won’t read or not read one because of the way it looks. What is written there is much more important to me. The only thing that annoys me greatly and will prevent me from coming back is if a blog has music playing on it. There aren’t many that do that, but the few I have stumbled upon I couldn’t click away from fast enough, even if it was a song I like. A link to music is one thing, but having it come blaring out at me against my will is something else.
So because I don’t care all that much about how a blog looks I can’t really answer your first or third question.
June 14th, 2008 at 6:27 am
I think the look and feel of a blog is important, though content is more important. If the content was great, I would keep going back regardless of the “look” of a blog. (Which isn’t to say it isn’t important.)
Interestingly, many of the blogs I stick with have both good content AND a great design.
Ann over at Holy Experience does this so well. http://aholyexperience.com/
I don’t even mind the music, which is usually such a turnoff for me.
June 14th, 2008 at 6:34 am
I agree with everyone else. The design or layout of the blog is not as important to me as the writing. And I cannot stand music on a blog!
June 14th, 2008 at 6:59 am
I love, love, LOVE, the design of Rhonda’s down-to-earth blog. She’s an Aussie who does very simple living and frugality with elegance.
Her blog is populated with pictures of her homestead, homemade bread, canned goods and a simple picture of her. She talks about living simply, cooking, baking, and the three R’s in a simple, quiet manner that agrees with her site design.
Of course, there are a lot of other blogs where the design matches the voice of the blogger, including this one. ;) I just happen to love Rhonda’s site because I’m on a very similar journey.
Melissa in FL
nnisigning@gmail.com
June 14th, 2008 at 7:10 am
I so agree that blogs seem to work best when all the components are consistent. One of my friends has a wonderful blog she uses for musings and work. Her name is Lisa Leonard. She has a special needs child and thriving GORGEOUS jewelry business and LOVES the Lord. The address is http://www.Lisaleonard.blogspot.com . She has wildly crazy curly hair. Maybe she can help you with that eyelash issue…! Have a great weekend….loving the Lord and life here on the central coast of california…
June 14th, 2008 at 7:15 am
Call me shallow, but the appearance of a blog does matter to me. I don’t like a lot of distraction, whether it’s through 18 different fonts on each page, bouncing text, moving graphics or what have you. Using the “Comic Sans” font will make me leave almost immediately. And consistently incorrect grammar or spelling, or lots of typos, will drive me away fairly quickly. Everyone makes mistakes occasionally, but a point can be reached where it just looks like the writer isn’t paying enough attention. (I don’t count “artistic license” or colloquialism against anyone, y’all. ‘Cause really. That’s just different.)
June 14th, 2008 at 7:20 am
#2: I absolutely think design is just as important as content. If I’m distracted from the content by how bad the design is, I just can’t stay. Design should be subtle enough that it doesn’t distract from the message, but punchy enough that it invites me to stay.
June 14th, 2008 at 7:30 am
1) I’m a big fan of Bad Hair Days, and I think the look of xeney.com matches the voice there very well. And John Bailey (oldgreypoet) wrote the book, or at least wrote the book I’m anxious to read.
2) I would never know if someone has incredibly thought-provoking content if their blog is covered with animation and music and angels and unicorns and that amazingly irritating mirror thing, because I wouldn’t stay on their site for more than the time it takes to click away. I am a big old design snob – the more straightforward and minimalist, the better. Bad design can annoy me; good design sort of disappears behind the content.
3) And there I contradict myself. No design, per se, makes me purr; content makes me purr. I look forward to reading, and the navigation better be simple and obvious so I can read some more.
June 14th, 2008 at 7:35 am
Well, without sounding TOO CONCEITED, I really think my blog shows my voice and my personality perfectly. Friends have told me when they read, it sounds like I am talking to them. So I’m kinda proud of that.
Now, about the blogs I read.
1. I’m so happy others can’t stand the music. It is distracting and annoying and people should not have music on their blogs!!
2. I definitely pay attention to the design and appreciate someone who has taken the trouble to make their blog attractive and cute. I read in Google Reader so I don’t always get to see the designs, but I had to see them at some point. I hate blogs that are hard to read, have a very busy background, or too many ads. I might still read them if they had great content, but I wouldn’t like it.
3. I do not like it when people have just a part of the post in the Reader and you are forced to click to their blog to read the rest. I’m not sure everyone realizes they have made this choice; I know it took me a while (and some complaints from family members!) before I realized I could put the whole post on a Reader.
4. I also have a real issue with bad spelling and grammar. I can excuse a few mistakes since we all make them, but please use a spell checker!! If you have a blog, you are a writer, so act like one!
Sorry this is so long. I have pretty strong opinions!!
June 14th, 2008 at 7:52 am
There is a reason for the short feed – it prevents some other website from publishing your entire post on their website and earning revenue from it.
That being said – I only keep reading a short feed blog if I really really like the blogger :) But I understand their reasoning for not publishing the whole post in a feedburner.
I’m with Mrs Who – I think my blog design accurately reflects my voice. I also think the fact that I don’t have ads or tons of bloggy stuff going on except for the actual blogging reflects my voice and style. I don’t have a lot of clutter at my real house. That’s also why I was SO UPSET at the peptobismol look I had going on a few weeks ago. Made me look like I had bright pink eye makeup on. And I didn’t.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:03 am
The look of the blog totally matters to me. I use the handy “next” feature that google reader has; a button you click on in your toolbar that takes you to the next blog in your reader with new content. I like it because I can read the blog in it’s natural environment instead of in an email format, and still have take advantage of using a feed reader.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:03 am
WOW! Not that I have anything important to add to your comments…but I better go take the music off right now! YIKES!
June 14th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Not too much opinion on the first questions, although I am highly opposed to music on blogs, but I did have a suggestion for your eyelashes so I thought I’d comment for that sole purpose. (Priorities, right?)
I sometimes use my blow dryer to very slightly warm my eyelash curler right before I curl them (like 5 seconds of heat or less), and that tends to help hold the curl longer. Sometimes I do it after I put mascara on, but usually before so I’m not totally breaking them down. Please be careful though, because it is very possible to get the curler too hot and scald your lids!
Hope this helps! Have a great time at SheSpeaks.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:19 am
I’m with all the others on the “radio” boxes. Every once in a while someone has one that you, the reader, TURN ON if you want it. Those are GREAT. But the ones that blair out and have to be found and turned off, those are very annoying.
I also have trouble with adds or templates that have movement going on. That DOES distract your eyes while you are trying to read.
I’m not sure I could put my finger on exactly WHY I like the blogs I like – - – especially because there are different reasons for different blogs. BUT, it is also true for me that SOMETHING – - – and I think it may be the personality of the blogger – - – reaches out and grabs me and keeps me coming back.
I do like pictures on the blog. No pictures and all text will keep me coming back ONLY if I already know and love the blog – - – and even then, I SKIM all that writing if its just too much.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:21 am
Oooops – - – that ONLY should have been an UNLESS.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Cover Girl Lash Blast has solved years of frustrating eyelashes!! I found that mascara via Big Mama’s blog (I think), and it has transformed my (face) life.
I definitely will stop reading a blog if it is unappealing. I am fine if it is plain, but if it is hard to read, I will give up. Hard to read for me includes: light yellow font on white, tiny font, huge ads with small blogging area…to name a few.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:40 am
I absolutely believe design is very important to a blog and building traffic. There are so many blogs out there that in order for you to differentiate yourself very quickly and be recognizable you need to create a great first impression.
People coming to a blog for the first time only give it a short amount of time before moving on. Make that time count with a design that says something about what your blog is about and your personality. I love that it’s possible to do this with design.
Of course content is also important but first you need to grab the attention of those passing by and the best way to do that is with a design that “speaks” clearly to your audience.
June 14th, 2008 at 8:44 am
About the eyelashes – have you ever tried running your eyelash curler under your hairdryer for a few seconds before curling them? Be careful – and good luck!
June 14th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I love Bring the Rain.
http://audreycaroline.blogspot.com
It’s blue (my fave) and soothing. Simple, clean, bright but calm.
Green is my second fave. I really like your blog design, Boo.
My own blog is pathetic. Design-wise, I mean. The writing is just phenomenal. :)
I joined xanga a couple years ago, and I have a community of wonderful friends there. I’m torn between staying and starting a new, cool blog on blogspot or something.
And I’ve never curled my eyelashes in my life. I’m nervous about showing up at She Speaks now.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:04 am
I like blogs that are easy to read. White background is my first choice. That being said, I am disappointed that mine has the gray background, but I am waiting for a new design.
It is nice to see a cute design, but the content is what brings me back.
No music. It is too distracting.
I’ll email you with particular favorites.
Eyelashes- Use one of those mascaras that curls the lashes. I think Maybelline has one.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:05 am
I care about design when I visit a blog because that’s what causes me to stop initially, but it’s the content that keeps me there and makes me want to subscribe.
I’m in the process of having someone redesign my blog because I care about how it looks. I can do a little design work, but I don’t know enough to make it look really nice.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:05 am
My 10 year old eyelash curler broke this month and I had to replace it. OHMIGOSH! I can’t believe what a difference the new curler makes (same kind). I have actually “over-curled” my lashes on a few occassions. At least it’s an inexpensive thing to try. Also…be VERY careful if you heat the curler with a hair dryer! Third degree burns don’t look nearly as good as eyeshadow.
Blog comment-I hate it when the color of the words is funky and unreadable!
Have fun!
June 14th, 2008 at 9:12 am
I think the look of these blogs suits their tone and content very well:
http://www.jamesbowman.net/
http://orangette.blogspot.com/
http://boomama.net/
http://gorgeoustown.typepad.com/lex_culinaria/
Since I read most blogs on RSS feed, the look of their actual webpage does not affect me much. When I click on a new blog, the writing does have to be very good to keep me reading if they use a completely unmodified Blogger layout. The only time I absolutely will not read a blog is if it is light print on a dark background. That hurts my eyes.
I also hate music that plays automatically, and I hate the distracting busy-ness of LiveJournal blogs.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:27 am
Yes, I would agree with http://www.lisaleonard.blogspot.com. She is so creative and everyday is different and simple too.
June 14th, 2008 at 9:33 am
Ultimately, the writing is most important to me. However, I am hooked (at least at first) by the design. If it’s pleasing to the eye, it will grab my attention.
Most blogs that I stumble on for the first time or found on a blogroll of one of my favorite blogs. The writing style and the overall personality of the writer will determine if I read regularly. I only know a couple of bloggers personally and will say that their blogs definitely mimic their personalities.
And I think I’ll jump on Mrs. Who’s bandwagon and say that I do feel that my blog fits me quite well. I do know “me” the best, though. ;)
I didn’t have a tip on the eyelashes…I have to wonder about the humidity mentioned in one of the comments. Louisiana humidity…well, you know, don’t you?
June 14th, 2008 at 9:34 am
You have gotten some great advice
I agree with the busy blog design being a turn off however if I really like the writing I will come back anyway
I do not like music on a blog and ALWAYS turn it off – I can’t seem to read what the post says, hear the music, and tune out my children all at the same time :)
Have a great time at the conference I will be praying for the 3 of you!
BTW: Joanne a Siesta from http://onesoblessed.blogspot.com/
won the contest to attend the conference
Hopefully you will get to meet her
She is from Cali and is SO MUCH FUN!!
God bless
Kim
June 14th, 2008 at 9:45 am
My pal Badger has a template from Angie of the Big Red Couch. There are no bells and whistles, no ads, no blinkies, and no music. The header image perfectly conveys what the blog is about. It’s sassy and a little bit snarky and funny:
http://badgermeetsworld.blogspot.com/
June 14th, 2008 at 9:46 am
As for the eyelash curler, try Shu Uemura’s. It’s considered the best on the market and you can find it at Sephora. At almost $20, it’s an investment, but well worth it! Happy curling!
June 14th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Check out Ironic Sans. Not a mommyblog, but awesome.
June 14th, 2008 at 10:17 am
about the eyelashes… I was told once that before you put on mascara to use your hairdryer to get the eyelash curler warm and then use it on your eyelashes. It acts like a curling iron.
Just a thought for you!
June 14th, 2008 at 10:18 am
1. Antigue Mommy, Rocks In My Dryer, BooMama, My Messy Thrilling Life, The Nesting Place, The Inspired Room
2. You all feel like home for some reason. The graphics are nice, the music usually kicks but I think it’s more your spirits and desires to follow Christ.
3. The Nesting Place
June 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am
one of my recent favorites that I think is fun to look at, crafty content and a cute layout etc is Pink paper peppermints http://www.kindawonderful.typepad.com/
and Home sanctuary http://homesanctuary.typepad.com/
I think her fonts, layout, etc all completly match her voice in the blog…
June 14th, 2008 at 10:34 am
More than anything, it’s the title that grabs me. And if the title and the design match are are unique and creative, that’s even better.
June 14th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Initially, it’s the design that actually catches my eye – I love Simply Amusing’s little birdy and her tag line about looking on the bright side (which her posts usually reflect), I love the simplicity of How About Orange and her photos are amazing.
The design is important, but it’s definitely the content that keeps me coming back for more. Someone can have a beautiful template, but if their voice doesn’t match the design or if they don’t have a voice, I usually won’t stick around to read for long.
The other thing I don’t see mentioned much is how often they update. I’m more drawn to people if I can feel like there’s a “conversation” happening, daily or weekly dialogue. Does that make sense?
I dislike any kind of music, like most everyone else. I dislike black on a background, which makes it too difficult to read. I enjoy whites or lighter colors that are easier on the eyes.
I can’t say that I have an absolute favorite, unless it’s BooMama, but that’s YOU! :)
June 14th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Here’s my answer to number 2 because that’s an easy one for me. The look is nice and all but it does not matter. I like content. Good content. Funny content, and also thought provoking. if they don’t have flashy graphics but I like what they have to say, I’ll most certainly be back. There ya go. Thank you. b-bye now :)
June 14th, 2008 at 11:57 am
First of all, does the fried chicken really have to be imaginary, because I imagine you can flat-out fry up some chicken and that sounds tasty!
All the best bloggers that do this are the ones teaching the class, so no better examples than yourselves!
I would also have to add the LPM blog, funny and spiritual, which is totally Beth.
I also think these two do a great job.
http://laragallagher.com/blog/
http://www.conversiondiary.com/
June 14th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Design doesn’t really keep me reading a blog – content does.
However, too much busyness might turn me off of a blog.
I do like seeing the personality that shows up in some designs – but it’s icing on the cake as someone else said.