Felt that I was well in the market for a new blog, so just set this up. Not sure I like the coloring in particular, so will need your feedback on that one. My old blog is now an ex-blog (in the words of Monty Python), so you will be unable to clarify any more, but will have to shmooze instead.
I felt that was much more friendly…
So the point of this blog is really to try and give out as much info as possible on things that I discover during the day or little tweaks which will help you in order to be more successful at internet marketing. I want to make a lot more videos, so watch out for that also.
I thought that it would be appropriate to just explain the basics of this blog, so that if you want to, then you can copy the general layout. Any WordPress experts, please feel free to tell me in comments that I have done something wrong…
I have kept fairly thin on the plugins so far. What I have installed are:
1. Askimet to try and stop spam comments. As it is already in WordPress, all that it takes is to activate it and enter your WordPress API which you will need to sign up for.
2. Kimili . This is a handly little plugin for showing videos on your blog. Although it may have changed in the latest version of WordPress, it is fairly hard to display camtasia on your blogs, so this helps (and it is free).
3. ABThemes. This is a plugin by David Pankhurst which I have used on other blogs and always serves me well. Basically, it is a way to easily create a theme for your blog. It took me a few mins to set up the theme for this blog in the way that I want it…although still not sure about the coloring.
In addition, I made a few tweaks:
1. Added a ping list so that the ‘right’ places are informed when I make a post.
2. Changed the permalinks to /%category%/%postname% so that the search engines like.
Please do let me know if there is anything else I should do, as WordPress is by no means one of my expertise…
Kindly help me to know all that I need to know about blogging. I am afraid, am not too clear about this
Hey Ben -
Just wanted to say “Hello” as well. This is neither long, nor funny
Personally, I like the colors.
Good luck with the new blog. Put a new one myself at http://www.widgetonian.com.
Thanks – keep up the good work.
dp
Hi Ben,
Great to be part of your new blog. I Agree with your reservations about the color scheme. Makes me think of something from my student days, which we referred to as “shipken” – a color combination you get when mixing sh.t & pumpkin.
Anyways, I think you might be better off with a royal blue, green of maroonish color theme.
Regards, and looking forward to follow your blog – regardless of which color you eventually decide on.
I’m no WordPress expert but I’d like to comment on the theme. The header looks fine except for the Blog’s title that is too close to the border and could be brought slightly to the left. As regards your picture, tell us the secret for never getting older…
The overall look is good but I think you’ve got a problem with the sidebars. The background and font colors you are using make it hard to read whatever is on the sidebar.
My suggestion is that you test lighter font colors on the same background or maybe variations on the sidebars background color.
Just my opinion.
Hello, Ben!
I believe one of the must-have of anyWordPress blogs should be All-In-One-SEO-Pack.
For the ease of social networking bookmarking, you may also investigate the AddThis plugin, too.
Have fun!
Your wannabe friend,
Steve Lorenzo
PS Let me know if you find some other useful ones, too, okay?
PPS I think the colors are alright. Anyway this is a matter of taste. You’ll receive many divergent opinions on that, I suppose…
Looks good, like it. Smooth and clean.
Ben is the best, can’t wait for the schmoozing to begin
Always enjoy your way of presenting. Ja, I’d work on the colour still, too close to a certain brownish stuff…need more gold? or other colour..how about greenblue range, always a pleasure to see.
Have always liked your motto..
Thanks for the links and advice,
best to you,
G Sido
I am sorry to say that the coloring is a little bit bland. I think you need more of a salmon coloring and the center coloring looks like baby food not sure which kind. I would make it a little brighter.
I really like the blog though. I though it was well done. I like how you told what products you used and even said what would not work well when talking about adding a video on the blog.
Again, I just feel it needs to be more brighter on either the outside or center color and the vice-versa with a neutral color.
Your header need a little expanding or get rid of the white W or V next to the Schmooze.
Again sorry for the cut down of color design and header. But again I love the blog.
Have a good day.
Hi Ben…I thought the coloring was very reader friendly. Warm and soothing like you are stepping into a house decorated by an interior designer. A place you can settle in with a cuppa coffee and a good read. That kind of thing.
But that is just me!
I like the sharp clarity and clean design, so you may want to keep it clean. I find the colors inviting and easy visually compared to some of the garish 2.0 over-optimized sites.
Nothing personal but I couldn’t disagree more with Lorre’s comment. Her suggestions might work for a blog on collecting Barbie dolls or a tribute to Hanson.
You have created a blog that works well with the theme of schmoozing, that is “to talk with in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor or business.”
So, Brenda, I agree with you. We’ll have to pershade Lorre in a friendly manner of the merits of Ben’s design. C’mon Lorre. have a latte and relax in the subdued tones of the site.
Hi Ben….First of all I agree with Ari about having to move the title and sub title a little to the left.The blog itself is ok for a basic blog but this being a BEN SHAFFER blog, I know you’ll tweak it and constantly make improvements on it As far as the side bar color is concerned…It’s not that bad because you’re trying to match your title bar color, but maybe you could change both to a sky blue or a very light mint green.
Hi Ben… Wonderful reading your blog. Sure I can get some great tips and direction from you by reading your blogs. I agree a different color might be more inspiring. Warm, friendly, receptive colors may be something to consider. Thank you,
Augusta, GA.
Hi Ben,
I’ve always liked your style and content.
My wife is the one with the eye for colors (so she says;-), truly, she’s an artist, so I try to stay away from design issues as much as possible.
I do need to agree with others that your header is messing with the text inside it. May just be an I.E. issue, maybe not???
One thing I’ve always liked about your input, is you’re not afraid to be human and admit your mistakes. That’s honorable.
I’ve got to mend a few errors I’ve done along the way myself, so it’s nice to know I’m in good company.
Dave Franzwa