Feedback for the Future
Lately I have been struggling to find inspiration for new content for the site. At the same time I have come to a creative standstill trying to create a new design for the site. I am hoping that you, the loyal readers, will be able to help me out.
1. The Frequency and Length of Posts
When it comes to posting, I have been trying to balance the frequency of each post (usually 3-4 days in between posts), and also the length of each. I have been writing more in-depth content lately, which I think is a plus. However, I have started to think that perhaps it would be better to write more often at shorter lengths, and then have a longer, more complete post every once in a while.
I have not decided exactly how this would play out, but before I try to implement something like it, I wanted to get the only opinions that actually matter: yours. If you are visiting this site for the first time or the ninth time today (there are a few), tell me what you think. Would you like to see a more frequent posting schedule with each post being typically more brief?
2. Topics
This leads me to my next question: assuming I figure out how frequently I should write, what would you like to see me write about? Only recently have I actually hit a block on topics. From this time there have emerged some quality posts. I personally loved recalling my fond memories of the Sega Genesis.
What I am asking for here is either suggestions for topics to write about, or maybe something you would like to see more of. Would you like more about sports, or should I lean more towards movie reviews? Maybe I should start reviewing things besides movies more often.
3. Design
The current design was my first time writing a design from scratch. Naturally, I have learned a lot since then and feel I could do a better job. I have some ideas up my sleeve for the next iteration of jbomb.net, but I could definitely benefit from some comments about the current design. What do you like about it, and more importantly what do you not like? Feel free to rip it to shreds if you think it deserves it. I just need to get some perspective outside my own before I create the new version.
Random thoughts on the design to stir your own thoughts:
- The logo and menu bar are in need of a redesign.
- The Archives page needs to be more navigable.
- I think a sidebar section with favorite posts or something of that nature could be helpful. Typically once a post leaves the front page I think it fades into obscurity.
- I was thinking of adding some way for me to post interesting links that I find. It could be similar to the Quick Notes of the older jbomb.net, but simpler.
Those are just a few things off the top of my head.
In short, I am open for change just about anywhere. I also am looking for a little inspiration in the content area. Alternatively, if you like things the way they are, tell me that too. If you have no problem with the content and would rather me “surprise” you with whatever I can come up with, let me know. Also do not limit yourself to things I have mentioned. You might want to yell at me for not updating flickr frequently enough, or anything else. Consider this an open forum to tell me whatever you want about the current site and how it could get better. Thanks for visiting and reading. It is your participation that makes the site so much fun. Cue cheesy audience awwww
This was written late at night, so spelling/grammar errors are not my fault.
9 Comments
well being a nine time viewer myself, or pretty much just checking it everytime I open a browser, I have some suggestions. First I want to see some politics, already told. I also want to see more sporting posts. How about your thoughts on the upcoming NFL draft, the NBA trades, other hot topics from pti (the only sports show there is), how much skip bayless is a second form of Beelzebub. A list of top ten of your favorite movies all time would be nice, or ten best things to do when your bored, ten places you want to visit, ten reasons why I have a fetish for lists. Anyways change the color scheme, throw a curve ball at us. Switch up the format and maybe make a couple different pages. This was written in calculus first period.
I also think the twitter “what I’m doing” should be changed to “who I’m doing”
haha beezelbub. i agree with what you said about more frequent shorter entries. Also i agree wit mark about broad topics like lists of movies or actors or songs from a genre. i like the movie reviews, after i read your review for 3 10 to yuma i checked it out and it was awesome, even tho i dont alway agree wit your rating (departed 7/10). faith told me about the site its pretty cool and i check it often.
Sometimes shorter posts aren’t so bad. I, like Mark, also like lists. I wouldn’t really be interested in politics, but I would be interested in anything else.
And I don’t think that your design is bad. I just think that it uses too many dotted borders.
I, like bean, checked out 3:10 and a couple others because you put them in the top movies off the year. I enjoyed them. Ratatouille was awesome.
Thank you all for your thoughts. I am going to try to address most of the suggestions here in the near future. The shorter but more frequent might work, as long as I can continue to come up with new and interesting topics.
Also I am glad to see everyone enjoyed 3:10 to Yuma as much (or almost as much) as I did. I think the backbone of the site will always be movie reviews, so I am glad to see they are helping in some way!
Mark posted about a suggestion about a general comments forum on the Brawl review, and I decided to add something about it, but on this post because I found this one to be the appropriate one to do it on. I agree with Mark though, and think it’s a great idea. A general comments forum should definitely be added in the future, because there are alot of comments on posts that have nothing to do with that particular post, but if there’s a general area to comment, people will still post on specific topics, and feel free to speak their mind on the general forum.
Thanks for the suggestion Mark/Luke. I will look into implementing this.
another suggestion. The bomb should make more appearances in the comments section, which he has the last couple of posts
Comments are closed.