PBF 4.0 is Out! What’s New, And Comments on The New Design
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It gives me immense pleasure to announce the PuttingBlogsFirst has been redesigned [by me]! This is version 4, and it follows on from a redesign done somewhere late June. If you’re reading this from a feed reader, please do click through to check the new design out! 
Why?
Why the redesign? Firstly, I [and other people] felt that the design I was using was too minimalist (overly minimalist), and lacked attractiveness (aka images, graphics, etc). This new design aims to
solve all those problems and complaints. There are a whole lot of improvements, which are outlined below:
The homepage of the blog has gone a drastic makeover. The latest post is displayed boldly upfront, with a huge cover image to go with it, and also some text to introduce the post. I use custom fields to show the big image. If you notice, there’s a light yellow background too. How do you like it?
Moreover, the 6 most recent posts [except the most recent one], are listed below the latest post, with an accompanying image, to make the homepage attractive. Again, custom fields galore!
Probably the biggest change is the introduction of advertisements [125 x 125s] in the sidebar. I thought the blog had developed sufficiently enough to let me introduce advertisements. I’d especially like to hear your viewpoints about this introduction of ads.
Other than the ads, there has not been a lot changed in the sidebar. I’ve cleaned it up a little though.
The header has been shortened in height, to allow for more above-the-fold space. I’ve also opted for a text-based logo, so do let me know you thoughts about that.
Also, I’ve changed the font of the whole design from the previous Georgia, to Verdana. Let me know about that too!
So that was it: the major changes to the design. I’d love to hear your views: criticize, applaud, anything!
Note: The design is still new, and may contain glitches. Please do let me know!
Plans
I’ve got several plans ahead to improve the design and usability. For one, I’ll introduce a ‘Reader Links’ towards the bottom of the page, which showcases links (to good content elsewhere) submitted in by readers. That will help increase interaction on the blog, I hope.
Do you have any ideas you think could do good to the blog? If yes, please do let me know, in the comments!
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This is my first visit to your site. I came to read your post on How to write headlines that kill. I hope that when I visit again, I will be able to click on headlines that kill to visit new blogs.
I really wish that there was a “Home” page on your site.
I’m really glad u are asking ur readers for feedback about the new layout. It does look better then your previous layout, but not much different or eye catching, if that is what your goal is. I really do like the new homepage and the way latest posts are set up under the most recent one. I think it is unique, but maybe a bit more pizzaz is in store?
I myself just recently changed my site, and have been getting some decent feedback from other site owners I network with. Perhaps its time I asked my audience what they think as well.
Looks good Muhammad. It’s very clean and easy to read from, which is the most important thing with a blog.
And I like the home page!
I do agree with the others though, that it’s not very unique. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you do want to stand out more, I think the design needs some more bold aspects (I’d probably start with paying someone to make a logo for you. You can get decent enough ones very cheaply!
)
I liked the design. But, I was confused by the above part of the homepage that include latest post and welcome note. I guess you could include more posts in the recent posts section. Any way, the new design reflects your web designing skills!
i don’t have a problem with the ads. i feel that good content should after all be rewarded. good luck with those.
Thank you for putting in the Home Page.