A change of outlook
I always felt I had a small problem with the theme for this site.
It was a lovely theme, but I always had a feeling that because it was so good, it somehow got in the way of the content. Was the site here because I liked the look of it, or because I had something to say?
I have decided to switch to a new theme. I’m not saying that this theme is any worse than the last one, but I feel it concentrates more on the content, rather than just shouting “look at me, amn’t I beautiful”.
I have a few tweaks to do to it yet. I have already darkened the text, and I want to increase the font size a little. I had an interesting time setting Windows Live Writer to reflect the new theme as it is a complex one. It is essentially two themes – the base theme is Desk Mess Mirrored, but there is a child theme installed on top of that – Desk Mess Multi, which provides one or two extra knobs. I had to revert to the base theme before I could get WLW to reflect the theme, and then set the site back to the child again.
So far, I like it, but then it has only been up for a couple of hours. Time will tell.
Any thoughts?
Much better. I like the readability of the newer contrasts.
It is a lot clearer all right. Since posting, I have increased the font size a bit and tweaked the colour a bit further. It’s growing on me!
Yes, I like it a lot too because of the font size and contrast. I need to increase the font size on contrast on my blog.
You might consider tweaking the size of the font in the comment box.
Overall, the theme seems a little “cute.” But maybe you are planning to post pictures of kitties?
*the comment box font before submitting*
Much better, much easier to read.
Richard
I can’t see what I’m typing so forgive any errors.
I agree with Sixty. But before you go looking for kitten pics, I think the stuff in the header (if I’m using the right word) is too cartoon-ish, and wonder if there’s a way to put up more realistic images of the actual items. And what are those hearts? And is that an upside-down stamp on a postcard, and tickets to the blog awards?
Plus the whole header needs to be brought down a bit. I find myself leaning in, trying to see up further. A black marble background would look nice. This seems too cloth-ish.
I think I prefer the comment icon at the end of your posts. It’s too hard to scroll back to the top. And who threw a tampon in your coffee?
Most importantly, where’s the fancy pipe?
@Sixty – Point taken about the size of text in the comment box. I think I have improved it somewhat?
Cute? That isn’t a word that had sprung to mind, but I think I can see where you are coming from.
@Quiet Reader – I didn’t design the theme myself, so I can’t answer your query about the hearts. They look like lenses of some kind? If I had designed it myself, I would have left out the phone, because mine isn’t like that at all. That’s one of those fancy ones that all the kids are fighting over.
That ain’t a tampon in the coffee cup! I’m sure the RSS crowd would be most offended at the suggestion, for that’s what it is – an RSS feed button to allow people to subscribe to the site.
I take your point about the comment button being at the top rather than the bottom. I find this a little irritating in other sites that use this method.
Maybe I shall mess around with the images, and maybe introduce my own, witha pipe included? However, the theme is only up for 24 hours, so give us a chance!!
@Maxi – Thanks! I must say the ease of reading is a major factor in my choice. Let’s just see if I can satisfy all of the people all of the time? 😉
I actually really liked the old theme. It said “writer” to me.
Ah well – maybe I’ll get used to this one 😉
I liked the look of it all right, but as I said, I just felt it was getting in the way of what I was trying to do.
Don’t get too used to this theme. Having looked at it for a few days, I’m thinking of changing it again!
😉
I like the crack pipe.
Weee! Richard!
Clean. Clear. No fluff. Now it’s about the writing!
Love it. But maybe show the whole keyboard, and I think most people will mistake the pipe for an airbrush. But then again, they prob wouldn’t recognize an airbrush either, and if that’s the case, you don’t need those type around anyway. And I prefer the date at the top of entries. Nice green highlighting too.
Good Job!
@Rhoderter – I’m puffing on it as I type. At least no one will want to rip off the image!
@Quiet Reader – I got tired of the new theme so put up a newer one. The image has to be cropped to fit, otherwise it would take up half the page. I knoew the pipe reminded me of something.. an airbrush is just as appropriate as a keyboard, if if people do confuse it?
Richard
Not sure I follow that train of thought. –
You mean cuz they’re both creative tools for hobby or work etc, or is it because, when you type out your blogs, you paint over the real issues, or try to make them appear more appealing?
You tweaked it, did ya?
A couple of wee tweaks here and there! Ya like?
Well…You know I’m not much of a critic but…
I like the clarity and dimension to the pipe and goggles, though the earpiece is kinds funky I get the idea, but keyboard is now too flat.
What if you took a photo of your actual keyboard with glasses laid on it and pipe at side or bottom, complete with a bit of tobacco spill and smudged up keys, taken from an angle that isn’t directly overhead. – Like how YOU see it when sitting at your computer. Maybe not possible to do, or to stick it in header. – I don’t know. Just a suggestion.
Do it!
I wanted to use the keyboard as a background to the overall image, rather than have it as an item in its own right. In fact, it’s my wife’s keyboard, as mine is black, and would look a little sombre, but the pipe and glasses are my own. I may mess around with some further photography or even tweak the existing image a bit more.
One way or another, I have just written up my explanation for the whole change!
So your keyboard is black…It’s yours, let’s see it. With proper lighting it may even turn out a better pic than with a white one.
Great name!
Damn! That means I’d have to clean it? And are you casting nasturtiums at my photography? 😉
No, not casting… Pelting!
Plus, with black keyboard contrasting with the white of page may look spiff. But…Then you’ll have to change the color of that stripe up top. – What about a dark brown marble, for RICHness and full flavor?
Ha, I’m a right pain.