It seems every year that clothes gets put on the back to school supply list. Not by the school but by Mom’s and kids. (sorry for being sexist, I just don’t know of any men who think their kids need a whack of clothes to start school) I remember when I was a kid, you had to be very careful not to wear your new clothes too early for fear you might be called out for appearing too anxious and taken out to the back of the school yard. It was cool to wear something a little tattered. In fact, wearing an "outfit" was often the equivalent of wearing a "kick me" sign.
However, I’ve matured and I guess times have changed. So in the spirit of back to school makeovers and outfits, I’ve decided to put some new paint on my blog and go for a different look.
I wanted something a little cleaner, and more magazine style. I think the blog format of constantly having new work posted first, has its limitations. Subscribers see the new stuff via RSS but the newcomers often are unfamiliar with the format and often miss the best stuff. This particular theme called "Atahualpa" offers a "sticky post" feature. (Actually I think it’s standard in the latest version of WordPress, I just like the way it looks in this theme.) This way I can leave the more blog worthy post front and center and hide some of the usual drivel in the back so to speak. I really have to think about who actually visits my blog. I know that for me, most, if not all of the reading I do happens inside Google Reader. I rarely visit the site of my subscriptions other than to comment and even then it’s usually a quick in and out. If I want people to stay here, and look around, I have to make it an easy experience. The pages at the top remain the same and I do go in there and clean them up from time to time so the content remains pretty current.
I’ve maintained my rotating banner of my personal photos simply because I think it offers some insight into who I am and tells its own story. I’ve removed some of the old banners and put up some new ones.
So that’s my new outfit. I hope no one beats me up.
cc licensed flickr photo shared by shareski
I like the metaphor. These days it’s just as important what your website looks like as what you put on in the morning. I like the new look.
.-= Paul C´s last blog ..Paris Hilton Endorses Doug =-.
I like the new look. I think design is more powerful when it’s simple and clean. Good idea to keep the rotating banner of personal photos. The photos tell a great story about you all on their own. That feature was one of the deciding factors when I subscribed to your blog last year.
.-= Errin´s last blog ..What I Learned on my Summer Vacation =-.
Thanks Paul and Errin for the feedback. Interesting Errin, that the banner influenced your decision to subscribe. I’ll keep that in mind.
.-= Dean´s last blog ..Back to School Outfit =-.
Howdy I discovered this article by chance, I was surfing around for Designer Fashion when I came upon your site, I must say your blog is very cool I truely think the theme, its amazing!. I’m in a bit of a rush in this instance to completely absorb your webpage but I have saved the location of it and also signed up for your RSS feeds. I will be back when I have more time. Thanks for a great blog.