I like #2. The color makes me want to trust you. Like you've got nothing to hide, no hidden agenda.
Dan O'Boyle - 14 years ago
Love the color, reversed out logo and use of logo in your background in 3. (Great logo, by the way.) But I also like the larger photo and its placement at far right in 2. My vote would be to combine these two. Hey, you asked for it!
Your photo does not let you connect with the visitor as well as you actually do,l and in #3 appears to be contemplating the search tool! :-) Your logo in #3 stands out nicely, but is that what you want branded? Perhaps combining your photo and logo more closely can help your brand? The BG of #2 looks like a mattress - are you considering the need for rest after reading all this feedback? #1 works best for me but the search tool needs relocating. Hope this helps!
maarten - 14 years ago
I like option 3, since your head and your motto are more connected than in options 1 & 2. But(sorry :-)) I'm no fan of your picture. You seem to look away from me, instead of looking towards me, so it's hard to feel connected to you as a person. I would like to see some options with different pics.
OMG, @tysoncrosbie and @chuckreynolds? You can't go wrong no matter which one the poll picks. But I favor 3, because it is more visible. That is, if you like orange as a web color. My jury's out on that.
I really like option one but a lot of people might be distracted by whatever is in the background to the left of your image. If you could bring the orange and white over a bit (closer to your hand), I think people might like it more.
#3 is stronger and bolder. More personality. Less bland white background. IMHO. Best, bro.
Stephanie Miller (@StephanieSAM) - 14 years ago
Jay - hate hate hate that photo of you. You look either a) staged b) bored or c) ready to disagree. Is that what you wanted to communicate?!! Love the pacing of the photo - the placement of you vs. the other stuff - but not the actual photo.
THANKS for asking for input. Love how you crowdsource.
Number 3 is the clear visually distinctive winner. It separates the header from the rest of the content, otherwise there's just too much "white space" that floats. The strong orange bar provides the visual weight and anchor necessary for maximum impact!
I'd also recommend reducing the size of the RSS icon -- seems a bit large and "horsey" and since it's a readily identifiable icon, it doesn't need to shout.
I like 3 because it clearly partitions the header from the rest of the content. I feel it is graphically a good separation of the two. The only drawback is that your photo doesn't pop as much, but overall I feel #3 is best.
I'd move the subscribe box and use number two. The visual implies technology; it's clean and light. (There is nothing "light" about my site but my writing style. But great white spaces always appeal to me. Plus it's just easier to read.)
I'm interested in hearing what results you feel the changes generate. We've toyed with moving my blog to a real blog platform (GoDaddy currently) but I'm not sure I want to lose two years' worth of articles. Hmmm...maybe one of your experts should contact me!
Good luck Jay. What you have to say is always worthwhile. Now you'll feel even better about the presentation of those ideas!
I prefer #3 because of how the "c" in your logo is incorporated in the orange background. However, I would move your pic to far right as in the other versions.
Bret - 14 years ago
I like the image and the background the best in #2. #3 has too much orange for me. I do agree that the search box seems ill-placed in #2, but otherwise a great option.
Nice! I voted for #3 but would really prefer #2 with an adjustment to the search box placement. Maybe moving to the right? Bumping your forehead? Dunno. Just know the search box looks uncomfortable - like a bad belly button.
I like #2. The color makes me want to trust you. Like you've got nothing to hide, no hidden agenda.
Love the color, reversed out logo and use of logo in your background in 3. (Great logo, by the way.) But I also like the larger photo and its placement at far right in 2. My vote would be to combine these two. Hey, you asked for it!
Your photo does not let you connect with the visitor as well as you actually do,l and in #3 appears to be contemplating the search tool! :-) Your logo in #3 stands out nicely, but is that what you want branded? Perhaps combining your photo and logo more closely can help your brand? The BG of #2 looks like a mattress - are you considering the need for rest after reading all this feedback? #1 works best for me but the search tool needs relocating. Hope this helps!
I like option 3, since your head and your motto are more connected than in options 1 & 2. But(sorry :-)) I'm no fan of your picture. You seem to look away from me, instead of looking towards me, so it's hard to feel connected to you as a person. I would like to see some options with different pics.
OMG, @tysoncrosbie and @chuckreynolds? You can't go wrong no matter which one the poll picks. But I favor 3, because it is more visible. That is, if you like orange as a web color. My jury's out on that.
Jay:
I'm loving #2 also with a move of the search box as suggested by others.
DJ Waldow
Director of Community, Blue Sky Factory
@djwaldow
I really like option one but a lot of people might be distracted by whatever is in the background to the left of your image. If you could bring the orange and white over a bit (closer to your hand), I think people might like it more.
#3 is stronger and bolder. More personality. Less bland white background. IMHO. Best, bro.
Jay - hate hate hate that photo of you. You look either a) staged b) bored or c) ready to disagree. Is that what you wanted to communicate?!! Love the pacing of the photo - the placement of you vs. the other stuff - but not the actual photo.
THANKS for asking for input. Love how you crowdsource.
To be honest, I think your finger pointing at your head looks a bit silly. I'd recommend a different picture.
Number 3 is the clear visually distinctive winner. It separates the header from the rest of the content, otherwise there's just too much "white space" that floats. The strong orange bar provides the visual weight and anchor necessary for maximum impact!
I'd also recommend reducing the size of the RSS icon -- seems a bit large and "horsey" and since it's a readily identifiable icon, it doesn't need to shout.
I like 3 because it clearly partitions the header from the rest of the content. I feel it is graphically a good separation of the two. The only drawback is that your photo doesn't pop as much, but overall I feel #3 is best.
I'd move the subscribe box and use number two. The visual implies technology; it's clean and light. (There is nothing "light" about my site but my writing style. But great white spaces always appeal to me. Plus it's just easier to read.)
I'm interested in hearing what results you feel the changes generate. We've toyed with moving my blog to a real blog platform (GoDaddy currently) but I'm not sure I want to lose two years' worth of articles. Hmmm...maybe one of your experts should contact me!
Good luck Jay. What you have to say is always worthwhile. Now you'll feel even better about the presentation of those ideas!
I prefer #3 because of how the "c" in your logo is incorporated in the orange background. However, I would move your pic to far right as in the other versions.
I like the image and the background the best in #2. #3 has too much orange for me. I do agree that the search box seems ill-placed in #2, but otherwise a great option.
I like the clean look of #2, but agree with Maggie that the search box isn't in just the right place.
Nice! I voted for #3 but would really prefer #2 with an adjustment to the search box placement. Maybe moving to the right? Bumping your forehead? Dunno. Just know the search box looks uncomfortable - like a bad belly button.