10 things I hate about your site

Who doesn’t know Lyndi, at Nice 2 All? You don’t? Well, check this out then!

It’s difficult to review Blogger blogs using one of the standard Blogger themes. That is exactly what was asked of me, however, for Eco-Blogical. I’ll try my best!

While pouring through the posts and pages of the next blog up for review, I got sidetracked and ended up starting my own “pay-per-post” blog (look for another shameless self-promotion post). Armed with additional knowledge of the limitations placed on the blogger, I understand that a few of the things on the list below are out of the blogger’s control. While that may not be the blogger’s problem, there are still some things I hate about the blog.

Personally, I find the design of this blog to be a little under whelming. Considering the topics and content, however, understated is probably the way to go. Of course, there’s always something that can be improved upon.

Politics 2000

10 8 things I hate about your site:

1. The web is a visual medium—give me something to look at!
2. Where was I? I keep losing my place.
3. Google ads. Are they a gift from above or are they sent from Hell?
4. Tags: why are they there?
5. Your tags are invading my space.
6. So much to read, so little real estate.
7. What’s important: proper use of the <strong> tag.
8. Typo…

It was bound to happen sooner or later. A request to review a “standard template” blog, where the blogger has not made any changes to the template (for better or for worse). Not every blogger wants (or needs) to rework a standard blog template. I even have 2 blogs hosted by Blogger, where I have done nothing more than add some widgets and change some colors.

There’s nothing wrong with using a template, and there is no law that states you MUST change it. If you’re not inclined to fiddle with design elements and all you want to do is blog, go for it! It will, however, make for a very boring review.

By now it should be no secret that I’m an Entrecard member. While I’ve come across a lot of crap on Entrecard, I’ve also come across some really good blogs. This makes the crap bearable. One of the blogs I’ve discovered is an excellent “bloggers blog” that I have become quite taken with. Not only is the design wonderful, but the content is valid and substantial. Blog Design Blog understands not only the importance of credible and interesting content, but the importance of presenting that content:

A blog that looks like it was put together by someone’s nephew in their basement or uses a free template will give off the impression of being unprofessional, lack of credibility, and sketchy. You could have created the world’s most comprehensive blog on a subject, but your blog design can prevent people from even giving you a chance. And without readers, how are you suppose to make a successful blog?

Entrecard is working well for me, it appears. This is my second review request from a fellow “Entrecarder” and there are more in queue. This review is on the blog Focus Organic. As the name implies, this blog covers organic and eco-friendly topics. I have to start by saying that I LOVE the design of this blog. The graphics are great and tie in with the theme, the icons and web elements aren’t distracting, and the page loads quickly.

Focus Organic

10 7 things I hate about your site:

1. Are you blogging for the environment, or are you blogging for the ad revenue?
2. Are you blogging for you, or are you blogging for your advertisers?
3. What’s with the itty, bitty text size?
4. Love the Eco-Friendly Friday graphic. Hate that it’s larger than the posts.
5. Link confusion—why do I keep getting Sept. 19th’s post when I click on the Eco-Friendly Friday graphic?
6. Series confusion—where are the rest of the Eco-Friendly Friday posts?
7. Why the green “F”?