What’s New?
January 5, 2008 by Sarah
Filed under Read These!, Uncategorized
The beginning of the new year brings a few changes here at Real Life. I wanted to write about it, and ask your opinion, because I have come to truly value all of you who contribute here! So feel free, whether you’re a frequent or first time commenter, to weigh in with your thoughts and feedback. If you’re not interested in the ins and outs, skip to the questions at the bottom of the post.
- First, we have a new design. I tweaked the template a little, although I really don’t know what I’m doing. I found some great tutorials at Tips For New Bloggers, including how to add a left-hand sidebar. The new header is slightly different than the old one. The Gerber daisy image comes from ChristianPhotos.net, a website that features free photos for Christian publications.
- This brings me to the next change: I added some strategic ads to the left sidebar. The main purpose of this blog remains to point myself and others to “real life” in Jesus, as well as to be honest and humorous about my own “real life.” I’m not motivated here by money. However, we are in a position where we are asking God how He wants to provide for our family financially. I felt encouraged to place some ads, so that God could provide through this blog if He so chooses. I’ll continue to be obedient to Him in what I write here, and see what happens.
- The posting schedule will be the same, but I’d like to hear from you about the content. My friend Lessa mentioned that she wanted to hear more stories, so although I can only write what inspires me, I’ve been finding inspiration in some of the every day stories of life.
Every Other Monday: The Mother’s and Daughter’s Blog Carnival (guest host once a month?)
Wednesday: Works For Me Wednesday
Friday: Friday’s Frugal Feast
Weekend: Readers of the Week (when I have time)
Finally, here are my questions for you:
1. What do you think about the design? Does the left-hand sidebar make the blog look too cluttered? Also, does it bother you that the sidebars and the main posts are different lengths? (UPDATE: I fixed this part with the help of Sheila)
2. What are your favorite features of Real Life, and what would you like to see in the future?
3. Anything else you’d like to say? It doesn’t matter what, just talk to me!
Your site looks great! I like the second sidebar. I find there’s just too much stuff to cram into one sidebar, so I prefer two sidebars on my blogs, too.
I don’t know if I have one favorite feature here. I pretty much like everything you write, and I like the variety of topics too. Keep up the good work!
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Hi,
Nice blog. I’m sure you’ve come across this before, bjust in case, one way you could make your blog better, is to get yourself moved over to WordPress. Seriously, I don’t know how anyone works with Blogger these days.
Your visitors will thank you for moving, and you’ll be glad you did. No one has ever regretted moving from Blogger to WordPress.
God bless!
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Personally, I like one side bar. Two makes it look too clutter. But don’t get me wrong – I think your blog is great
I just feel that bloggers tend to forget what they are focusing on within their blog…simple is best to me with a few things on the side bar to share.
What makes a great blog is not what is on the side bar, but what information you share with your readers.
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I like the new design, and I don’t think it’s too cluttered at all. I love reading everything that you write.
Oh, and I’d love to host the Mothers and Daughters blog carnival again at some point if you need a host!
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I love the design…whatever works for you! I also love the Frugal Feast, so keep that up! I love your blog, thanks for asking our opinions!
Kara
sahm22boys.blogpspot.com
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I actually like the two side bars. I usually am a contender for less is best, but I find when I am looking at blogs that try to cram everything on one sidebar, I get frustrated that it goes on for miles and miles if there is too much stuff on it. I really enjoy reading your blog. Keep it up!
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Thanks for all the great input.
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