For myself, I chose a standard Blogger template when I first set up this blog. From the choices provided, I liked the darker colors, thought they were timeless, not too gender-specific, and there were no little graphics floating around, so I could put my own in later. I also have always liked a light-colored font on a dark background, which is what I've put on my sidebars. After a few weeks I added a second sidebar following instructions I found at Blogger Buster. This gave me more room for information near the current post, so readers didn't have to keep scrolling down, down, down as much. 
Deciding what to put on the sidebars is always something with which I am playing around. I keep my profile up top, so that new readers will get a little feel for me overall, and the button for subscribing is up there, too. I keep my awards down at the bottom. Other than that, I am always rearranging the different elements or swapping out widgets. I don't know if my readers like that, or find it annoying. 
I'd love for us to have a conversation through the Comments about how YOU make decisions in your blog design! I would also like to know what design ideas you've picked up from other bloggers. Below are some of my questions to the blogging world at large. Please feel free to add your own questions in the Comments. What kind of profile picture do you prefer to see on a blog? current photos of the blog author, something symbolic, a drawing/cartoon type picture?
Do you use the Archive or Tag/Label features on other blogs to find things you'd like to read?
Do you keep a Blogroll? How do you decide what sites to include? Do you use other bloggers' lists to find sites of similar interest?
When there are widgets such as, "What kind of Pizza Are You?" or "My Shelfari" do you follow the link? Play the game?
When a blog features buttons to other blogs and memes do you explore those?
Do you like for a post to have some pictures?
Do you like music on a blog? Would you like to be able to turn it on/off yourself?
Do you change the colors or header on your blog regularly?
7 comments:
Elizabeth, I like your 3 column design and I would like to achieve that on my blog someday. I am lucky that I can do what I do. I like the colors on my blog because they are my favorite and I think that helps reflect who I am. I currently don't have a picture of myself posted, but I don't feel that that is necessary. I'm just a simple Mom, who likes to spoil my son, bake, cook, garden, read, decorate, blog and shop.
I enjoy a picture on a blog but I guess it depends on the content if it is required. Your blog is definitely an easy one to navigate and read. It always has something interesting and it looks very professional. I always enjoy stopping by to see what you have posted for the day. Maybe you can give me some pointers some time. Hope you have a good Saturday! ~ Robyn
I like your three columns, too, Elizabeth. I'm afraid to do anything with my template, because I am a klutz when it comes to computer savvy. I would probably lose the whole thing.
I chose my background, for no particular reason and it's remained that way. On the photo blog I have a black background, because the photos seem to pop, with that set up.
I change my banner frequently, because I am antsy and easily bored with what I do!
I should really get busy and do some rearranging on my sidebar.
Your blog looks great and is easy to read.
Hope your weekend is lovely.
Morning Elizabeth,
So many questions, so little time!
I like to see the picture of the blogger; it makes me feel more like I'm visiting a person.
I use my Archive, but I've never used anyone else's. I wish I knew a way to condense it.
I keep a blogroll and refer to it often. When I come across an interesting blog, I put it on my roll. Unfortunately, I don't often take any off. However, if it's me doing all the visiting and commenting, it will be removed.
Depending on my time, I will play the games.
Only once do I remember exploring other blogs through the links of a meme.
You can tell by my blog that I like pictures with the post. Just text is boring (I think).
I hate music on a blog. It takes longer to load, and is often too loud. Even if I can turn it off, I have to wait for the load and find it. Meanwhile, it's waking up my husband!
Your blog is very nice...I would like to add a third column to my blog too but have been afraid to try. I am slowly but surely learning to use html but still haven't taken the plunge of that third column.
I don't like music on blogs - I think it is distracting. I am rushing to try to find my volume button or clicking off the blog.
I usually don't play the games on the sidebar, but I do use the archives and labels. I mainly read "reading" blogs - blogs about books - so having the labels listed is nice when I am searching for a particular book or author that the blogger has reviewed.
Yes, I do explore other blogs that are listed - through memes or sidebar.
I have changed the background of my blog - found a neat little site that does themes (free) - The Cutest Blog on the Block. I have one of their backgrounds on my blog now.
Thanks for the mention of Blogger Buster - I am going to check them out now.
I love reading all your posts, that's why I come back everyday. I don't do much to my own blog though. I work everyday and just don't have the time or the energy to delve as deeply as you. I have changed my header twice now and may continue to do that. I love that you do so much research, but you already know that. I did my second meme not too long ago and I love reading other's memes too. Have clicked over on your sidebar links a few times too. Keep up the good work.
I'm so new at this that I'm just happy when I log on each day that my blog hasn't disappeared! I haven't changed my background or font since I set it up 2 months ago. Maybe someday...but I live in panic that if I mess with it I will ruin it and never get it back....I'm to techno challenged. I do enjoy posts with pictures. I love peeks into peoples lives and homes. I like the pictures of the bloggers...but then I don't use one of me...I figure Crumpet has the better face. I have used the meme's to follow links. In fact I've found some sites I visit regularly now here from YOU! I discovered the SITS site when you posted about it. I love visiting you because you keep me informed and you have great information. And it seems you often exercise my brain. Have a great night!
I think your blog is set up perfectly. Me, I get bored easily, hence the reason for me constantly adding and taking away widgets and such.
For the profile pictures, I prefer current.
Nope, never have clicked on an archive or label, but I do have an ultra cool label cloud of my own.
Of course I keep a blog roll! Included are all the people that I enjoy visiting on a daily basis. I have others that I visit less frequently, bookmarked.
I have to admit, I usually do click on the quiz widgets and such. They're all crap, but fun too.
I love LOTS of pictures in a person's post. It helps tell the story, don't you think?
I used to love music on a blog, but now it bothers me unless it's just something soft and instrumental. If it's anything else, I always turn it off.
I haven't changed my header in months!
How did I do? Did I answer everything?
Justine :o )
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