Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Updating the blog

Boredom? Not me, EVER! Today as I waited for my hubby (who was taking longer than expected when we were supposed to be going somewhere), instead of drumming my fingers and whining, I decided "Hey! Let's use this time to mess with the blog!"
So I did...


So yes, I've been making changes to the blog. Hopefully you'll bear with me and let me know what you think. BE HONEST. It seemed to me that I have such a long blogroll, plus long lists of labels and archives, that a reader would have to scroll WAY down to see them. So I've done a few things:
  • I've moved "this is me" (info about me and my blog) to a separate page, since it took up a lot of room. I figure that if you've been reading my blog for a while, it wasn't really necessary at the top of the blog. I've also made sure that my photo, still on the main page, links to my profile.
  • Then I changed the single column on the right to 2 columns, so I can have my blogroll on one, but also the labels and archives more accessible, since I know I find these things useful when reading other blogs. I've looked at a lot of other blogs, and some people don't post the labels, but I know I use them a lot when looking for something specific. So the labels and also the archives will stay.
  • I am experimenting with the sizes of the columns, but it is a problem because I cannot seem to change the size of my dragon. Hence filling in extra space with black.
  • And finally, I'm experimenting with the ability to add pages. I thought, along with my "this is me" page, I'd also post a page about my art room. The page is now there, but honestly, it is kind of awful. Blogger is fighting me on this page and it is not at all what I intended.
Meanwhile, I realize that we art teachers are often easily distracted. I know I seem to be spending a good deal of time playing with Pinterest, and so are many of you, but I want to make my blog something you'll want to continue to read. ( I think, even though it's a whole lot of fun, that Pinterest might end up more of a passing fancy.)

I used to, every time I got a new follower, click on that person to see their profile and check out any blogs they might have, because I am interested in who is reading my nonsense. With 272 followers currently (yikes) that has gotten difficult to keep up with, and it makes me kind of sad. I like the friendships that develop with blogger colleagues, even though we may never meet face-to-face, and I don't want to lose that personal feeling with blogging.

So let me know what you think - and if there's anything I could/should do differently to keep the sense of collegiality that I so enjoy. Thanks!

8 comments:

  1. Phyl
    Great idea to shorten the columns like you did my moving some information around. I really love reading your blog,and would scroll any where just to follow you!
    Peace-

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  2. I like it! Unfortunately, I don't know how to do any of that. I'm afraid if I try messing with mine, I'll lose everything. (Chicken!)

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  3. Well as for keeping blogging personal it's a two way street. I think there are a lot of readers looking for ideas but not contributing with comments or their own ideas. Then there are the people who read comment and who read back. There are only a handful of people who participate. But offer something for free and you'll see how many people actually visit! I'm only interested in a handful of blogs mostly the people who comment and contribute. By the way I have been unable to contribute this week because mh harddrive crashed! So
    Sad because I didn't have everything backed
    Up but I had some copies of mu most sentimental things. I sort of think it's the universes way of getting me a new computer with Photoshop for my photo venture! My new lens is already getting lots of use!! Love it!!!
    Thanks for keeping blogging like i think it should be a conversation:)

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  4. I used to do the same thing- clicking on new followers to se their blogs. Now I follow lots and lots! I still try to do it every once in a while since I think it's nice to reciprocate. :)

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  5. Nice information
    given
    i like it
    =========
    web design

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  6. Phyl,

    You are a great blogger no matter how you change the design. I follow you religiously and enjoy the posts you place on other blogs. It's become quite fun to see if you have commented on someone's blog before I get there! Ha! Keep doin' what you're doin'!

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  7. I know what you mean about losing that feeling of closeness with readers. I think that you put forth such a warm vibe, I don't think your readers will feel that way though.

    I love the background bubbles!

    jan

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