10 things: Daddy Papersurfer
21. Sep, 2008 
13 Comments
So Daddy Papersurger (old git 
) was serious. I almost feel bad reviewing his blog, as it is one of my personal favorites. The thing is, as soon as he made the request I was feeling the pressure. Honestly, I don’t think there are 10 things I hate about his blog, which will have some people crying “foul!” Seriously, though, DP’s biggest offenses have to do with his left sidebar.
So, Daddy Papersurfer, here are
10 7 things I hate about your site:
- Your lonely “HOME” link.
- “MAIN PAGE” is a little confused.
- Pat, I’d like to buy a paragraph break please.
- “Subscribe in a reader” and “SYNDICATE”. Separated at birth?
- “Older posts”, newer spacing issues.
- Left-align, right-align, center.
- “Made on a Mac”
Check out the fine print:
Details
I could keep you guessing, but then I couldn’t hear myself type. Here are the details:
10 7 things I hate about your site:
- Your lonely “HOME” link. Why is there a random “HOME” link at the top of the left sidebar? Right now, this link is redundant seeing as you have a “MAIN PAGE” link a few lines below (see #2). Also, almost everyone knows that a blog’s title will take them back to the main page.
What does this mean? Read #2.
- “MAIN PAGE” is a little confused. It
appears to be a title hiding as a link. Of course it’s not hiding well as the fact that it’s blue gives it away. (It’s also not really a good title. An intuitive title is more generic to encompass a number of title links.) Having only this title double as a link doesn’t actually follow with the rest of your sidebar structure.What does this mean? Let “MAIN PAGE” be what it was meant to be: a title. Change the name (“PAGES” perhaps?), and move your lonely “HOME” link here. This kills #1 and #2 on the list.
- Pat, I’d like to buy a paragraph break, please. I’m not sure what has happened, but for some reason there are no line spaces between the first two sections in your left sidebar. The remaining sections (and the right sidebar) are setting a good example, but “MAIN PAGE” and “RECENT ENTRY” aren’t playing along.
What does this mean? give “MAIN PAGE” and “RECENT ENTRY” some breathing room and make their line spacing match the rest of your sidebar titles. (I apologize if you don’t get the Wheel of Fortune reference. Do you get bad American game shows in the UK? Let me know if you need me to provide an explanation.
) - “Subscribe in a reader” and “SYNDICATE”. Separated at birth? One thing that will become clear as 10 things grows is that formatting inconsistencies will always make the list–they drive me crazy. (It’s the Virgo in me.) You have three violations: #2 above, the RSS and syndicate links, and #5 below. once you’ve moved the lonely “HOME” link to be with its friends, you can fix the formatting of your RSS and syndication links.
What does this mean? First things first. Is “SYNDICATION” a page? It appears to be, since it is an all caps link. If I am correct, I recommend moving it to the “PAGES” section (currently named “MAIN PAGE”.) If not, or you prefer to keep it with your RSS link:
- remove the hyperlink from the RSS image;
- left-align the RSS image, so the RSS link and the syndication link line up nicely.
- “Older posts”, newer spacing issues. Since I’ve already waxed poetic on how much consistency in formatting means to me, I won’t beat a dead horse.
What does this mean? Indent this link like the others. Keeping it separated with an extra break after the months, while ok, is not really necessary.
- Left-align, right-align, center. Ads are good. They’re even better when they’re in pretty columns. I’m sure Penfold and Olga don’t care (with his new house guest and her travels they’re way too busy
), but it would be the final item to clean up on your left sidebar.
What does this mean? Line up your ads either flush left, centered, or flush right. It’s the proper thing to do.
- “Made on a Mac.” (This one hurts.) Ok, I’m a proud Mac owner. I’m writing this on a Mac. I do most of my design on a Mac. And, like most intelligent people, I understand that Macs are superior machines. All this being said, I still find the use of a banner to claim “Made on a Mac” after every post pretentious and annoying.
What does this mean? Get rid of this banner. At least on every post. Display your “Made on a Mac” proudly, but do it ONCE, on one of your sidebars. (And don’t tell Apple I said this…they’ll take back my 3 iPods, my new MacBook, and my iPhone…)
Wow, 7 things. I’m as surprised as you are. I’m wondering what is on the TG’s list.
Even if you don’t change a thing:
At the end of the day, nothing on my list matters if you write content that no one wants to read. We all know that your blog is widely read by friends, family, and yanks like me. So even if you don’t change a thing, just keep being gitty–I mean witty…
You’ve done it – fantastic. I’ll add a link to today’s post!
Of course, I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about – perhaps Penfold might be persuaded to help me out of the mire ……..
[Don't tell anyone - but the Mac logo is my running private joke - I just love the idea that I'm sponsoring Applemac - tee hee. It never occured to me that it would be seen as 'pretentious - how very unPC!]
Daddy Papersurfers last blog post..POLITICALLY CORRECT
BTW, on the top of the TG’s list is the rubbish archive links. She wants my posts categorised and easier to find. Strangely, people seem to rummage quite a lot ………
[and thank you for taking the trouble - I think that when I do move it'll be better organised - well, I hope so]
Daddy Papersurfers last blog post..POLITICALLY CORRECT
You have done a fine job here ! Can I add one more?
Ok thanks, commenting is a bit tricky I reckon DP would get a lot more comments if it was not for the tedious word checking process…ok I am going now…
sylvieds last blog post..Star Wars Alert!
I couldn’t get the Mac thing for a long time but then I got used to it. I think the Mac icon reflects his funny side.
I simply love his every post, although I get confused in half of them but he is someone who contributes to bring smiles on the faces of so many people atleast once a day!That makes him special.
Don’t tell him that I said all this for him. :p Great Post!
Scratch Bagss last blog post..Marbles… My Marbles.
Hmm, organised and Peabrain…..
Lo,TGs last blog post..POLITICALLY CORRECT
as a fellow virgo I know exactly where you’re coming from sister!
nursemyras last blog post..put a halter round your ass
@DP: I was worried about the technical terms.
It’s hard to gauge people’s actual knowledge, when it comes to blogging since templates and such make it easy. Note to me–dial down the tech talk!
Kudos to the TG and Sylvied. You have both listed 2 excellent additional items. I agree that posting on the site is a pain in the arse. With regards to categorizing and tagging, it actually never occurred to me that anyone would search through DP’s rubbish.
@Scratch Bags: DP does provide a daily chuckle. Even if he doesn’t change a thing, his is one of the few blogs I make an effort to visit and comment on as often as possible. Oh dear, there goes his head. Lo TG, does it still fit through the door?
@Nurse Myra: It’s a blessing and a curse, but I guess there are worse things. Peabrain-syndrome comes to mind.
You can do my site, all critique is useful
http://www.moneysaverpro.com
It’s new so help me out here
hey there!
its nice to see such things, listed!
and as always, daddy takes it smoothly! uhhuhuh, so difficult to actually ’stir’ him! 
nice post, btw!
b4bys last blog post..Silly Selfish Brat
Well, even though beauty is in the eye of the braholder…I think making these adjustments will give the ol’ git’s blog a much perkier profile!
Oh, and I’m never too busy for DaddyP! xoxo
Olga, the Traveling Bras last blog post..Nightmare On Clifton Hill ~ Niagara Falls/Canada
When I do move, I shall make every effort to address those points that I understand ……. [I think I'll just leave that hanging there - I don't want to look stoooopid] …… OK, going to buy a new hat now – tee hee
Daddy Papersurfers last blog post..POLITICALLY CORRECT
Oh dear, DPs going shopping again. Heaven help us all…
BTW…a follow-up post will be forthcoming.
I’ll remove some of the technical mumbo-jumbo.
It might help – good luck! – tee hee
Daddy Papersurfers last blog post..BOUNCY CASTLE ALERT