RomanticWeddings.org

[jasonmjt]

I just updated the design of a blog I created. Let me know what you think.

Here is a link to the old design:

http://www.romanticweddings.org/2007_04_01_archive.html

Here is the new design:

RomanticWeddings.org

Any feedback is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[-NC-]

I have to say, I actually prefer the old one ( even though it looks like a fairly stock wordpress theme)
The old one does need some flare added to it, so I can see why you've gone for the redesign.

The main reason I prefer the old one is clarity:

Old one:
- Nice clear centred heading
- Strapline directly underneath
- Good sized font
- Categories highly visible
- Adverts relatively seamless because of the exact matching background

New one:
- Heading competes with the ad on the right
- Strapline far below the heading, mashed up against the top of the menu
- Font a bit to small for my liking ( some loss of readability )
- Categories way off to the right ( and smaller of course )
- Adverts stick out like a sore thumb
+ Does not quite fit on my 1024x768 screen ( too wide by about 10 px )

I do think you've got the right idea adding the top menu bar and putting in the mission statement with the image.

Everything is :imho hope there's something useful in there.
Hope I haven't been too harsh

 

[Mike]

-NC- has some very valid points. I'm agreeing for the most part, but add my comments below.

I don't think either template is really a 100% fit for your project. Too white, too cold, too much real estate dedicated to google ads, not enough visuals, wrong font selection, no festive mood,....

My suggestion is simple: Your topic is one of the most emotional events in the life of a couple. You need to capitalize on these emotions and cater to the users. Bring some more warmth on your site, work with images and videos, work with purple, white and pink colors. The nav bar is there, make it wider, give it it's own distinctive color, including small icons, use the one icon that you're using recurrently also as a FavIcon.

Content:
With all due respect but "Online predator has sex with 15yr old girl" - that's a slap in the face of someone that's looking forward to the happiest day in their lifes.
The rest of the topics, from wedding bands/rings to DJs and Hairstyles need pictures. "get in the mood" is the key ingredient.
Font: At least for the headlines, use a more festive font. One that the bride/groom would expect to see on their designed invitations...

I understand perfectly that you're attempting to make a few dollars here or there, but your prime real estate is wasted with adsense in text format. Google does have mini banners that integrate into your site and look a lot better than text ads. Give them a shot, you can always include text ads in a side rail and position them as sky scraper.

Ok, enough "ranting" - i hope you find something useful in my post. You've got a good project there, but you need to fine tune it.

Best of luck!

IB