As you might be able to tell, I just had my blog re-designed. I had the other layout since inception, and the other design for close to a year, so I thought it was time for a change. One new feature I am offering is the “Top Drops” page, which is found in the menu.
Each week, I will list my favorite domain drops at Snapnames. I haven’t been doing a ton of new registrations, and finding dropping/unregistered names is something I enjoy, so I will scour Snap for names that you might like.
There are still a couple of bugs being worked out, so please let me know if you see something funky. I want to say thanks to Mike @ Six One Five Design for the design work.
Testing Recent Comments Feature For WP 2.7
Elliott, the new design looks great. I love how things are moved above the fold compared to the last design.
Testing Testing 123
Much better.
Neat and logical to follow. The “Recent Posts” function I don’t remember seeing before. It stands out now, plus your fav links line up really well. The Categories drop down I use too. Saves space and looks good imo.
Hey Elliot:
You mentioned previously how you want genuine criticism to help improve, so here goes….
Generally, the site looks slicker, but is slick what you want? It doesn’t seem as readable. Was the font size decreased? Something you might want to explore.
As well, the ad block on the right is nothing but extremely obnoxious, ugly, distracting and brand killing.
Sorry to be harsh, the truth is that I like your site a lot. Bt the ad block is waaayyyy to much!
Claude
***UPDATED BY ELLIOT***
I do appreciate all comments and criticism. I will have my designer look into the font size, although I believe it is the same as before. The post section is a bit more narrow than before.
Looks great. Recent comments arte helpful on the right side.
Sweet
Yeh, Much better.
Above the fold is excellent.
I think the graphic boxes to the right of each comment are distracting, and that the sponsors section is rather large.
I really like the site and it has an individual personality rather than being a chow/shoemoney clone of which there are a lot.
I really wish you could do the RSS in full. I believe that if you put ads in RSS (it is not hard to do) then you would make more money from your RSS subscribers. RSS subscribers do not have a high CTR when they come here because they have seen the ads already, but by varying the ads in the RSS their CTR would increase.
***UPDATED BY ELLIOT***
I will ask my developer to look into doing this and see what the cost for it would be (time/effort to make the change).
Definitely has a better Web 2.0 feel to it. You should go slightly bigger on your header Elliot’sBlog. Nice job
Nice idea listing good domains on Snapnames, since that’s my fav and most successful vehicle for selling my domains, Elliot!
However, be aware that Francois from Domaining.com will filter your blog if you’re selling domains and delete it from his listing.
Are you going to be at Domainfest 2009? If so, I hope we connect, because I want to see you sipping on a 16 year old Lagavulin Islay Single Malt.
Keep up the good work bro.
Stephen
***UPDATED BY ELLIOT***
I will be there! I am headed to Burbank a few days before the show. I am not a big scotch drinker though, but we’ll find something because I do love alcohol 🙂
Nice re-design Elliot!
Looks great! As Patrick said, it’s much better now that there is more above the fold compared to the previous design. Just one thing – I’m having trouble subscribing to your RSS feed using the link on the top right – of course it could just be me..! 😉
***UPDATED BY ELLIOT***
I noticed that problem, too – and it will be fixed today. I am also looking for a cool looking RSS icon to spice things up.
The new design looks great!
You left out “he” between “where” and “is” near/before “Red Sox”
Elliot is originally from Nashua, NH, but currently makes his home in New York City, New York, where is an avid Red Sox and Patriots fan.
***UPDATED BY ELLIOT***
Thanks, mom!
Elliot,
Check out Joost’s site for all sorts of great plugins and wordpress tweaking tips here: http://yoast.com/wordpress
His RSS footer is very popular as well as many others.
Also, you’ll be able to silo your page rank and keep your visitors on your site longer if you use a ‘related posts’ plugin. There are many out there to choose from.
– Richard
Looks Great E!
Looking forward to big things from you in 2009 my friend.
Looks good Elliot though the font is not so great for readability. Maybe just me. Cheers,