Regardless of what blogs you read, what makes or breaks it for you?
It's always nice to know if you can improve.
I'm pretty happy to read any blog that has clear pictures, a clear and easy to navigate template and honest content.
What about you?
For me the layout has to be really "clean". I like blogs that have large fonts and line spaces. I also prefer them to have less clutter. I don't mind seeing ads on them as long as the layout works. What I hate are those posts that are covered in ads and links at the sides, top and bottom. Personally I like the ones that only have one sidebar, being flanked by a bar with links/ads on the left and the right is overkill for me. And also lighter colors work well as backgrounds for me. I'm not very into black/dark themed blogs.
Despite it all though I usually still read the first paragraph even for the ones I find that aren't designed the way I like. So I guess really quality stuff in the beginning is important.
Oh and GRAMMAR lol. No matter how good a blog looks if grammar sucks I normally jump off. I have nothing against people who have difficulty with English, I'm from an ESL country myself, but there are just too many better written options out there on pretty much any topic I'm interested in so I can afford to be really picky lol.
I agree. Blogs that are messy I find hard to actually concentrate on.
Grammar is a major plus, although I wrote a post the other day and wrote 'Wednesday' wrong ha. Embarrassing.
The blog design is the first thing that I notice and will lure me in to read more or if it's not nice, make me click away.
However sometimes I am referred to a blog and even if the design isn't that great but I find the topics in the blogposts appealing I'll read further and leave a comment.
So nice and clean layouts are a big plus, great content is the second thing that I look for :)
I agree :) I also think that Adding pictures/videos can also help to bring a post to life.
I guess good content comes first, and then it has to be easy to navigate without adverts popping up all over the place. All of the above comments also come into play at some point too.
Readability is the first thing, as always, Quality/Content is King. Pictures are always something that catches the eye, and making sure the adverts are completely out of the way, but still visible is always a nice touch. If the quality of the post is good, I will always find myself scrolling through the comments to see if there is a good discussion going on.
Easy navigation is definitely on the list, it has to be easy to get around in the website, I've came across a couple that had adverts in the middle that were so big, I thought the blog post already ended....
So to sum up, Good User Interface (pictures, minimal ads), and great content.
Ah, there isn't anything worse than TONS of adds. I hate accidentally clicking them and being taken off to another website.
Blog Design and tons of banner ads is what drives me away. I can't stand a blog with over 20 banner ads in their side bar. Really? I want to see your content not your banner ads.
Grammar is on everyone's pet peeve list, but no one is perfect and we all make mistakes. I just hate to see people "out" other bloggers on their blog correcting them in front of everyone. Take it offline and tell them. To me that is more respectful.
For me the first thing is the header image... it is like the most important image that describes you and gives the reader a basic idea of the quality of content you have for them 8)
Furita
chichi-pompous.blogspot.com
Layout and look, ease of navigation, content (it has to be something I'm interested in), short and well phrased paragraphs ... honesty! I hate bloggers that receive free stuff and doesn't tell me, because now I question why you didn't just tell me in the first place, it completely threatens your credibility with me. Also interaction with your readers, when someone makes the effort to comment your blog, it's only courteous to say even a thank you, plus, return the favour by following too, unless you're a really popular blogger with hundreds/thousands. Yip I think that concludes it for me LoL ;)
I personally get turned off by huge swaths of text, so I probably won't read an article unless there's a fair bit of white space and maybe a couple pictures in there to break up the monotony.
Neel
http://soapbox.iblogger.org
So you wont read articles on my blog.....as they are usually just a picture, long text and then pictures.
So what is the advise, shall I separate them by more pictures?
clean blog with a simple layout. writing accompanied by images. regular updates which I find difficult to do.
As a designer myself, I will say what makes a great blog is the design and layout. No matter how great and unique your contents might look or sound, what people see first before even reading your contents is your graphics, your designs, your layouts!
Content also makes your blog stands out ...but bloggers should always make sure they place their article's image properly. Bloggers should know when to place an image right, left and center.
Also, too many ads can kill a blog. I personally don't like people embedding ads right in their contents. Always use your sidebar, header or footer for ads placement. Dont interrupt your readers with ads!
I have been there and I have done all!
For me content is important, i like skillful writers, funny and witty.
I do not like pop ups when I enter the page, that always makes me to clic exit.
