I’ve made a few changes to the blog, and wanted to get your reaction to them because, well, the whole point here is that this stuff is enjoyable to read…and I think format has a lot to do with that.
First, because the ever-wise Lawrence Block pointed out that black text on a white background is much easier to read (than white on black or gray), I changed the background and text color.
I also changed the background image because I figured out how and felt like it. But the biggest changes are in the sidebar to your right…
I’ve debated long and hard about having ads on here at all, and I’ve added some selective ones to the sidebar because, ultimately, I want people to buy books. And while I’m not a big fan of Amazon, they’re a big bookstore and easy to buy from no matter where you are.
I split the book widget into “available now” and “preorders.” Preorders are hugely important to authors—Alafair Burke helped me understand why—and I’m going to try to keep this up-to-date.
I also added a Google eBookstore link because I like it for eBooks.
But I want to be clear: I support and encourage bookstores, especially independent ones, which are the lifeblood of communities around the world. Should I ever make a single dime from people buying books through links on this site, I will spend it in an indie bookstore. I promise.
I’ve added the widget from Shelf Awareness, which publishes a free e-newsletter for readers (in addition to one targeted to booksellers and publishers). If you sign up for the newsletter, you’re entered to win a signed copy of Laura Lippman’s new book, THE MOST DANGEROUS THING. Shelf won’t spam you—they’re good people—and the newsletter has short reviews of all kinds of books, including crime fiction.
And if you scroll right on down, you’ll see the meter that tracks the number of people who are sharing their FridayReads on Twitter. On Fridays, this is bunches of fun to watch, and when it reaches 10,000 people, that whoop of excitement you’ll hear ‘round the world will be me. Click on it to open the site where it lives and is much bigger.
So…what do you think? Before you tell me to switch everything to WordPress, understand that I know just enough about technology to be dangerous…and Blogger is comfy for me right now. But I know I should switch over, and probably will when I can get my head around it.
Any suggestions welcome. And more real posts coming very soon.
It looks good. I’ve been toying with the idea of changing mine (Gray on Black background) as well.
I think it looks great. And I need to know how you added the book things ’cause I’ve been wanting to do that to my blog, but I’m not computer smart. I’ll have to look at my font color. I don’t think it is black now that I’m looking at yours… and you’re right. Pre-orders are super important and my goal is to help, not hinder so an Amazon.com thingy would be put to good use on the blog.
My only suggestions would be a HOME tab at the top of the page. I got a lost looking around and had to search to find this post again. And if you have one then I’m just too tired today to find it.
You are beautiful. Lawrence Block is the nicest man ever.
Looking good…damn good! √
I like the look, I like the side bar and I like the background. It all looks wonderful to me.
Just one remark, and it has nothing to do with the layout of your blog; I wish Shelf Awareness and you (and anybody else promoting the widget) would add that the free books only apply to the USA. I understand why, and I don’t resent it at all, but with international followers (both you and SA) I feel you should point stuff like that out.
Other than that, I love your blog so please keep on writing it and sharing the links on Twitter.
Wow–I didn’t realize the SA offer applied only in the US…that’s not good! I’ll definitely both mention it, and make sure they know they should be more clear about that! (And thank you!)
Looks good, chicky. If I’m not mistaken, you can use this link:
http://www.indiebound.org/affiliate
and be an indiebound affiliate.
Looks good. Definitely black on white reads better!
I’m struggling with the IndieBound widget maker thingy…I think I’m doing something wrong. I made two lists, but when I make a widget, it only uses one no matter what I do! I’ll figure it out, though 🙂
Ok…figured out at least how to make individual links to buy from IndieBound…so I’ll add those to the end of reviews!
I think Shelf Awareness should know by now since I asked them about it yesterday on Twitter and they told me it’s USA only. And I’m not upset about that. I know it has to do with the publishers and the availability of editions of books in certain countries and such. I just wish that those who organise sweepstakes and give-aways would point it out. Especially these days with the internet and social media making a worldwide following a common occurance.
Sorry, this is a bit of a hobby-horse for me.