Should Torley change his blog theme?

2008-03-29

Change is in the air, as they say — I'm currently encountering a frustrating problem with Windows Live Writer not parsing my blog's style correctly, and as a result, WYSIWYG-ish editing isn't working right. Yet I've found it to work when I switch my blog theme to something else, oddly enough. Ugh. I've asked for help.

Nevertheless, never one to stay still, I upgraded to WordPress 2.5 today, and I've been thinking of changing my blog's theme. Tiga (the current one which you see, which I've modded) has served me well, but feels a little crufty… maybe it's just sheer age, maybe it's because I think things could look 'n' feel better for you.

So, whaddaya think? It's important I ask you without suddenly switching things over. Take the poll!


And let me know any further details in the comments — specific recommendations for WordPress blog themes are appreciated. Or even if you don't think I should change the whole theme, suggestions for better readability + usability (while keeping my watermelonishness in mind) are appreciated. THANXIES! :)

{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Jamie 2008-03-29 at 11:46 PM PDT

Yo yo! I actually like it and was going to e-mail you soon with some questions about it. I think the layout and color scheme suits you well and makes this a very "homey" page to visit. :)

dandellion Kimban 2008-03-30 at 5:45 AM PDT

Yes. Give it a spring refreshening.

whump 2008-03-30 at 1:19 PM PDT

Try the super-skinnable sandbox theme. You can watermellon flair to it's semantic goodness.

aliceinwire 2008-03-30 at 1:21 PM PDT

http://www.yvoschaap.com/wpthemegen/

try this !!!

kisses,
aliceinwire :)

Kissowa 2008-03-30 at 1:40 PM PDT

I personally prefer if all columns are on one side, makes for less clutter in my opinion.

Torley 2008-03-30 at 6:32 PM PDT

Thx for da comments + votes so far! Currently, there's a 60/40 split, with 18 votes in favor of me changing the theme. Small margin. I always recognize there's room for improvement, so I've been tweaking and simplifying widgets.

@Jamie: Thanks! It is my home page after all… hee hee!

@dandellion: Specific suggestions?

@whump: "Semantic goodness", I like that.

@aliceinwire: Intriguing, first I've seen this… will have to try it in greater depth.

@Kissowa: Good idea, I've liked it on some other blogs I've seen. Or even, just go with 2 columns. I wonder how I can do what you suggest easily on Tiga tho, my CSS isn't advanced enough (yet).

Taran Rampersad 2008-03-30 at 9:11 PM PDT

Torley - honestly - I think you've outgrown Wordpress. I think its time for you to charge up for a content management system.

Under more sombre news - your office is in Geyl Fapp's last film - she passed away last night.

Video here: http://blip.tv/file/783980?filename=Vsideways-SecondLifeEndgame724.wmv

And memorial here:
http://www.your2ndplace.com/node/1059

dandellion Kimban 2008-03-31 at 3:38 AM PDT

I also prefer all sidebars on the right, but that's personal. You should try sandbox. It offers more space for playing if you don't get headache by CSS (as I do). I would suggest not to touch the colors but I am already sure you won't.
You might want to place one box in the sidebar for video tutorials and maybe one for the posts you are very fond of. Something like "start here" for new visitors.

Kissowa 2008-03-31 at 10:34 AM PDT

Im no expert, all I do with my css is trial and error. but in style.css in the theme editor you have a sidebar portion, and in that you have something that is called "float: right" (or left). Mind you, make a backup first cus im not 100% on this, but changing the float should move the sidebar. And if it doesn't you can mock me. :P

ihavenomouth 2008-07-30 at 10:31 AM PDT

I like sidebars on the left, but I'm left handed so that may factor in somehow. I like the theme you have, but go with what you want, Torley… I can't imagine many of us will be disappointed if you change to something new and shiny.

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