OK... I think I'm ready

[bluskygirl]

So, I am hoping that this isn't out of line to ask. I am new to the blogging thing (well, I've been reading blogs forever, but this is my first attempt at running my own). The people I know personally don't read blogs and most of them don't even know what they are! To be honest, I'm so... shy about this blog that I haven't even told many people that I'm doing it. It's sort of like unzipping your soul for the world to see and I guess I feel too vulnerable allowing personal friends/relatives to go there... hmmm that might be a good topic for another post, huh?

I would really appreciate it if anyone here might take a look at my blog and give me some constructive criticism. I know that there are things that it needs... photos/images are an example. I'm completely UN-web savvy, so it takes me a while to learn how to do things- uploading images is still something I haven't been able to do successfully.

I would love feedback not only on my layout/design, but also on my content (this is the part I'm a little self-conscious about). It's so hard for me to gauge whether or not my content and writing style is of value to anyone else. I'm a scientific writer, so writing a blog is like leaping to the other end of the spectrum for me. Anything you have to say about it I am grateful for! I am particularly curious about a person's first impression: is it boring? too plain? etc...

I have been reading (aka stalking!) this forum for ages and only just recently began participating, but I find you all to be open, honest people and although I don't know you personally I trust your opinion! Thanks to anyone willing to break it down for me.

[Peter S C]

Honestly... for someone who has just started blogging you have done a great job. You should have seen my first efforts using Blogger.

An image in each post would look good and the blog header maybe needs a little something more (ie it is very white/ blank). Hope that helps .

[Shamou]

bluskygirl! Very nice blog... congratulation...

The writing is excellent... the layout very good...

Now that you've had the flowers... here comes the pot...

How about being a little more controversial... a little more original... a little more dramatic...???

As a suggestion... I'll give you the some titles... and you write the articles... those subjects could be... "The Secrets behind Ferrari's Corporate Culture and its amazing success..." or, "The secrets of Sly Stallone's Cosmic Success...."

Heck, that would "really" turn me on... and make me an instant fan...

What I'm trying to say it... get off the beaten paths... and go for the jugular...
.

[bluskygirl]

OK! Thanks for the feedback... keep it coming!!

I will start thinking about posting some stuff that is a bit more... controversial as you put it. In honesty building content for me at the moment has been primarily about the "basics"... I agree with you completely though. Rocking the boat, stirring the pot, whatever you want to call it is a good thing for everyone- me included!

Thank you!

[helga]

Originally Posted by bluskygirl

The people I know personally don't read blogs and most of them don't even know what they are! To be honest, I'm so... shy about this blog that I haven't even told many people that I'm doing it. It's sort of like unzipping your soul for the world to see and I guess I feel too vulnerable allowing personal friends/relatives to go there

I know exactly how you feel. I avoided answering all questions about "what are you doing with your time" until I had my blog all done. "Coming out" to family was hardest. There was some "you need God" discussion I could have done without.

You're a science writer - I'm envious.

My first click reaction was "It's beautiful." Your design fits well with your title. Personally I'm a fan of white space and lack of clutter.

As for content, I think you have to write what's true for you. People are all at different levels of growth and have different interests. You will attract the readership that fits with what you have to say.

I too was excited when I read about how caffeine decreases dementia in older women. Hurrah for coffee. No more "thou shalt not do caffeine" guilt for me.

Congratulations on taking the big step!

[{aspiring_to_clarity}]

I can't help you with any of the techinical aspects, but I just wanted to say your blog looks great.

The only thing I would say that could be negative is that the light grey font is a little hard on my eyes. But maybe that's more about my eyes than your blog! And once you figure out pictures I think a few well placed ones could add a lot.

Keep up the good work!

[bluskygirl]

Thanks everyone! I have had one other person comment to me on the grey font. I think it depends a lot on your monitor. I for one notice that at work I can see detail a lot better than I can on my monitor at home... so it needs to be changed so that it doesn't matter what monitor it's being read from! I also have an issue with the way my links look (I don't think they're obvious enough... they almost look like bold to me). Sadly this stuff was part of a template that I used and as I'm un-savvy at this stuff, I haven't taken the time yet to figure out how to fix it. It's on the list and one of the two people in my life I have actually told about the blog has some experience and will be helping me this week to fine tune things.

Thanks again so much for the comments and feedback!