10 things: Ærchies Archive
12. Nov, 2008 
10 Comments
Some reviews are more difficult than others. It’s so hard to review personal blogs, especially ones where the author probably asked for my input on a lark. That’s not to say that Archie doesn’t really want my review. I’m just not sure he cares one way or the other. 
His blog is everything a personal blog should be—witty, personal, eclectic, and odd, all at the same time. Which means, of course it breaks quite a few design rules.
That being said, however, I cannot list all of these here. It just doesn’t seem right, nor fitting for Archie. So, Ærchies Archive – The Curmudgeon’s Magazine, here are 10 4 things I hate about yor blog:
- Inconsistent formatting
- The aqua-colored header text
- .gif animations
- Cryptozoology—what in the world is it?
Details
4 things I hate about your site:
- Inconsistent formatting. Even though this is a personal blog, the change-up between font colors and font styles is distracting. I’ve come across some bold green font, some bold blue font, and a long scrolling page of bold text. FYI: feel like a total heel for mentioning the long block of bold text, as it is a transcript of Barack Obama’s acceptance speech, which was nothing short of brilliant. Take a minute and go read it: Abraham, Martin, and John
What does this mean? While using multiple colors is often appealing, it’s not always the best idea. Try toning down the large amounts of colored text to make your writing easier to read. Use color and bold text in smaller amounts.
- The aqua-colored header text. This color clashes with everything on the planet, which means it clashes with everything on your blog.
What does this mean? Pick a different color. One that’s friendlier on the eyes and easier on your blog.
- .gif animations. The animated .gif images on your Awards page scream 1995. You’ll have to read my next post at Web Substance Meets Style to read more about how to avoid 90s web design.
What does this mean? Nothing, if you don’t care about dating your blog. Since this is your personal playground and you’re not trying to make any cash from it, if you like animated .gif images, use them to your heart’s content. (The aqua header text does still need to go though.)
- Cryptozoology—what in the world is it? Before I save one of your endangered species, I need to know what they are.
What does this mean? Give me some more information on Cryptozoology.
I like your blog Archie. I’ve enjoyed reading it, and will continue to visit. I hope you received what you were looking for in this review.
Thank you for the review, Web Betty. I am interested in feedback and you have given me some good points to look at. Sometimes one can be too close to a project to see problems.
The formatting; I play games with that – sometimes using colour or bolding just to vary what is on the screen. I take your point and will be sparing with it in future – unless I get another Obama speech which cries out to be archived.
Aqua coloured text in the header – I vary the header quite a lot – and the aqua is the most visible colour across the range of headers. I do see what you are saying about the lack of coherence – I will see what I can do – perhaps it doesn’t matter if the text is not all that readable. After all, the reader knows where he/she is
But – but – but – I LOVE those old animated gifs.
Cryptozoology is the study of animals which are not but should be – Loch Ness Monster, Jackalopes, Dragons, Mountain Walrus, Drop Bears etc. I must get back to that page and do some work on it. Thank you for the kick.
Most of all, thank you for the kind words. They are appreciated and I am humbled by them.
archiearchives last blog post..A Little Bike Ride
Personal blogs are very difficult to review but you managed to pull it off quite splendidly. Well done. It is also nice to see a reviewEE actually appreciate the review. I am sure Archie will actually follow through on some of the advice you gave him.
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constructive criticism
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I would love some constructive feed back. Please add my blog to your list.
http://asecondcup.squarespace.com
carol at A Second Cupcs last blog post..Blogs Worth A Click: Odd and Interesting Addition
wow, only 4. a very well written review as usual. I’m starting to shake in my boots.
Myss last blog post..I love Blog Design Giveaways!
I can probably list more than 10 things that I HATE abt my blog! great topic!
Inconsistent formatting is one of my biggest peeves… I try to keep things formatted as much as possible, it’s easier to follow and looks more professional.
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@Archie: looks like you’ve already solved this problem, and changed your header as well. I like! I was disturbed to see some of my favorite stuffed toys used for lunch. Pooh!
@Lyndi: it is always nice to have someone appreciate my reviews. I’m sure you know how that feels.
@nursemyra: I do try to be constructive. It doesn’t always come out that way, LOL, but I do try.
@Mys: don’t worry, it’s usually not that bad.
@Maricris: thanks for the positive feedback. Even 10 things has some items that need adjusting.
@Stefanie: 10 things first tag, woo hoo! And your site is very well formatted.
What’s hard about reviewing a personal blog is that most of the time, the content and the design are produced to please the owner him/herself. They write about stuff that makes them feel better or what they think is relevant to them, which is also true for the design (most of the times). Anyway, that’s just my observation on the personal blogs that I’ve encountered. I like personal blog owners. They are great commenters, they speak their minds, and oftentimes very generous with information.
@Louie: you are so right. I’m doing a review right now on another personal blog. Give me a good (or bad
) money blog any day! You’ve hit the nail on the head when you say “…the design is produced to please the owner.”
There is always that fine line between constructive criticism and just being mean. My goal is to provide relevant feedback for any blog/site owner who wants to make their internet presence better. (I do try to be witty, though I’m not sure how successful I am sometimes)
I assume anyone in the queue has read a review (hopefully more) and understands what they are asking.
Thank you for the great comment. I hope you stop back by.