No, folks, I don't want to turn all "Shakespeare" on you. 

Actually, I'm just getting ready to shove off and walk to Wrigley Field  to catch the Chicago Cubs NLDS Game 2, and had a quick question I would like your opinion on.

BTW . . . do you think the Cubs can perform a miraculous comeback from their EMBARRASSING LOSS to the Los Angeles Dodgers last night, win this five-game series, the next seven-game series, and head to the 2008 World Series?

Naah . . . I didn't think so either!

Anyway, here's my question -

Does an otherwise-strong blog need to be graphically enhanced?

I mean, with a custom header?  A custom background? All kinds of cool gadgets and widgets?

Or, does it really matter?

I'm generally a boring person.  Ask my wife!  And my blog is kind of - well - boring, in its graphic approach anyway.

But, sometimes, when I read one of those whiz-bang custom blogs, I get a bit frustrated because they take too much time to load.  Although some of the banner graphics and backgrounds enhance the look, many do not.  Really.

And those widgets!  Naymz.  Instant Text.  Visitor Log, Etc. Etc.  Some look cool.  But do these add to the blog power, or are they simply distracting?

If the enhancements DO work - is there someone I could talk with for suggestions?  I hate to just screw around with things, as I have absolutely NO CLUE if what I would do would actually make things worse?

Please share . . . for this Ole' Cub Fan!  Or, this blog will continue to be very BORING, for a long time!

Of course, I hope my CONTENT is interesting, however!

Thanks!

DEAN & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO

 
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11 Comments on TO ENHANCE, OR NOT TO ENHANCE - That is This Blogger's Question!

OCT
02
2008
446,419 Points 26 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Hi Dean.  Go Cubs.  Big Z pitching tonight.

I am like you.  Primitive.  Boring.

But learning is always cool.  The more you do, the more you know.  It makes it fun.

Thanks for writing,

Ken
7:43pm • #1

I'm clueless on this one Dean.  (I'm kinda new at this whole bloggin' thing)  But I do appreciate you taking the time to throw the question out there, 'cause I'm gonna be watching the responses you get.  I like to learn too!
7:59pm • #2
709,541 Points 48 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Hey Ken as a Redsox fan good luck to you for now:)) Re.: Your Post, I love learning new techniques to improve. I probably have a more boring Blog Site re.: bells & whistles, I am learning and soon it will not be so dull. I see you already learned how to add visitor history, I am not there yet.
8:03pm • #3
741,233 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I don't know what to say.  I am one of those people that have not used widgets yet
8:41pm • #4
425,063 Points 22 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Dean - IMHO I like some enhancements. Not too, too much but just enough to give the blog some life. I would read the blog posts anyway if I find them interesting or not, but many - including myself are very visual and it breaks up the post and the "standard" look. And if the background + header are great it will make me remember the blogger better (not sure how that relates to other readers). And the funny thing is, once you start adding "things" it is easy to get carried away LOL. The AR customizer is easy to follow and add on, Brad (AR Brad that is) recently wrote a post on that. ~Rita
8:41pm • #5
1,527,887 Points 164 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I had the blog customizer on for awhile and then decided it was to much.  Stick to customizing on outside blogs.  I do like to add graphics to my posts but not so much on all the widgets.  Each to his or her own.  The one thing that does make me crazy are the sites with music blaring.  Annoying!
10:38pm • #6
OCT
05
2008
304,064 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Hi Dean,
I do like photos and/or graphic on posts, I think they add interest and attract readers.  I agree with the widgets, they do slow down the page loading and I get a little impatient.
8:12pm • #7
OCT
06
2008
354,581 Points 4 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master

Hi Dean, Congrats on your post in "Week in Review".  I have customized my blog, but no widgets yet, I find the music ones really annoying when there are other things going on in my world, I hit a blog and get blasted.  I like to add photos, but it seems that the plan blogs are getting featured too.
10:05am • #8

I think some enhancement can be beneficial in attracting readers, but there is a point where it can go overboard. Less is more, just my opinion.
10:17am • #9

Dean, for great content, it is certainly not required and the content is the main attraction.  However, using some graphics does tend to help those who are more "visual" amd will make the contect more meaningful if chose carefully.

 
10:18am • #10
OCT
07
2008
1,337,589 Points 128 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Dean, You made "Week in Review"  with your boring post. Just kidding. I do think that photos and graphics help our blogs be more interesting. I am in the process of choosing a new blog header right now. 

I love  what you have to say, anyway you say it!
8:46pm • #11

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