FIRST!!!!
Monday, November 19 2007
File Under:
Daily
link to this entry
1053 comments
I know, I know, you don't like purple. Or black. And that font over there is too small to read. And don't even get you started on squares, they're almost as bad as having to walk around with a rock in your shoe. These are all valid complaints and are being taken very seriously. Or at least, somewhat seriously, because there was this one email that was very passionate in its hatred of this change, and she was all DIE! DIE! DIE! and then there at the bottom was her signature followed by a quote from Jesus.
I'm going to let Jon talk about all the technical issues surrounding this redesign and why we decided to go with a different content management system, because all I did was draw up a design in Photoshop and say MAKE IT LOOK LIKE THIS. He has been knee-deep in code for almost two months now, and the only way we were able to launch the new design this soon and not, say, after we had both died of old age is because he had help from two expert developers, Ben Durbin and Bill Bostick. The amount and quality of work that they did was indispensable, cannot recommend them enough, and mostly I just want to thank them for all the support they gave Jon because without them he would have gone completely bald.
Yesterday as we neared the final stretch I decided to take Leta out to run some errands so Jon could project manage those last few tasks without being distracted by the sound of her body tossing itself on the floor. He briefly got up from this desk to kiss me goodbye when I noticed two giant sweat stains underneath his arms, and I was all, are you running on a treadmill while coding my website? Isn't that complicated? And he's all, yes I'm running on a treadmill, WITH MY BRAIN.
So what did I hope to accomplish with this redesign? First and foremost, I wanted to be able to post bigger photographs. That was a huge problem with the previous design, and for years I could only post photos that were 450 pixels wide. Which is why I always posted vertical photos, just to get as much out of those 450 pixels as possible. Now the width is almost double that, which gives me so much more freedom with the camera.
Two, I wanted to start a Daily Style section, some place to store my thoughts and photographs on the design of things in everyday life. When brainstorming ways to incorporate that into the site it made sense to make it a feature like the Daily Photo and Daily Chuck, mainly because I wanted it to include a photograph I'd taken of the object myself to emphasize the fact that these are things I use, these are things in my home.
Three, the Daily Links section has moved from the sidebar into the main content column. This is to give those links more emphasis, and sometime this week the background color of those entries will change color a tiny bit to differentiate them from the other posts. Also coming this week: a "previous" and "next" button at the bottom of all the posts for easier navigation and a redirected RSS feed (so you won't have to re-subscribe to it).
Finally, I'm hoping to be able to open comments more frequently with this redesign. In recent months when I opened comments my server would crash under the 17 million scripts that ran to publish a single comment, and often people would think that their comment hadn't published only to have it publish ten times in a row. That had everything to do with how the pages were built, and we think we've solved this problem.
Soon we'll find out because I'm going to open up comments on this post to get your feedback, and I just totally winced writing that. Please be gentle for I am a delicate flower. Also, before you leave a comment you are required to watch this video. Twice. (video is not completely safe for work, but worth getting yelled at for it)
Also also, while comments are open, is there any question you'd like to see answered in the FAQ? Other than SHOW US YR TITZZ!!!!!!!!!! Because that question is getting old.
1. Martha said:
I just saw a "0" in the comments section and had to take a crack at being first. I hope a bunch of people didn't post comments while I was frantically typing. I love the design!
2. Tyle said:
Lovin the new design, Heather!
3. FishyLibrarian said:
The fact that there are zero comments as I type this means that there will be 22 by the time I click 'preview comment', unless I'm brief. I like change. And this change is particularly good. Well done.
4. EvilScienceChick said:
Well, I for one like the new design. And woohooo! Comments! I'm going to enjoy these while they last ;)
Good job, guys! You deserve a vacation. And some cake. Mmmm...cake!
5. Margaret said:
I, for one, welcome our new purple and black overlords.
But seriously, Heather, the former congressman (not to mention you and your husband) has done a great job with the redesign.
Yay big photos!
6. voodoolady said:
I LOVE the purple and black. I'm no expert on web design but it's all very pleasing to the eye and runs smoothly. Thumbs up.
7. Bec said:
New site is fab. Love the purple. And the black. And the squares. Love this whole damn blog! Good job : )
8. Barbetti said:
I won't cram Jesus down your throat for using purple. It looks awesome.
Love this video!
9. Jennifer said:
I like it. Very clean and fresh.
10. Clara said:
Long time reader but first time commenting. This design makes the site look more spacious than before. Good job, all of you.
11. Bonnie said:
LOVE the new design and love your journal.
<3
12. Amanda said:
I LOVE the purple! Site looks pretty......
13. bethp said:
I think that the new site looks pretty good. way to go, Jon. Now Jon, please show us those tits! the sweat stains make them so appealing.
14. Miss Hass said:
Love it.
15. Smellody said:
The new site is so sweet, I can't even say. I love the big pictures, especially on my iMac screen at home. I think it looks great - great job and keep it up. Also, the video rocked. Here's to the the Armstrong's for more great work!!
16. Allison said:
Very nice! Good work!
17. Katie said:
I love the new design and the fact that due to either a glitch or a cool setting, we're all commenter #1. It's a self-esteem boost in a really deranged way.
18. Jules said:
Heather,
I'm so excited your back up & running!
I think maybe you should get Chuck to do an advice column. Unless he's a diva since he is the calendar boy 3 years running....
Jules
House of Jules
19. Hippitee said:
Did you do that on purpose...make each of us FIRST in commenting? Clever! But, I would expect nothing less.
Oh yeah, congrats on the redesign. Love the new bio-photo too!
20. Colleen said:
I think your Web site is just fine. As long as the quality of your writing is not affected by all the purple and black I think you are in good shape.Does that help?
21. CindyLou said:
I'm so excited to see the new site design -- and your "daily style" photo will soon become a new favorite.
22. Melanie at Beanpaste said:
I think it looks beautiful. No buts. Love the larger photos, particularly the style section. Well done. Thanks for years of entertainment.
23. Anonymous said:
There is no way I'm really the first commenter...but I wanted to write something just in case :)
You're my idol.
24. Jessica said:
Wow, first comment on your site is pretty rare. Just wanted to say that I love the new layout, the style section is fantastic and overall, I would say that you and Jon have taken dooce to a whole new level.
25. Michelle said:
I like, and going to look forward to the daily style section. Also, I am glad to find out I am not the only person out there who buys herselves inexpensive wedding rings all the time. :)
26. Katie said:
I just wanted to say that I've been a fan of your site for a long time and have never been lucky enough to get to comment on something so here goes:
Your site looks great, you are a great writer, your family is beautiful and you take awesome pictures.
Keep up the good work!!
27. shel said:
Love it! Beautiful and easier to get around. and I love the addition of the style pictures!
28. M said:
I like everything except the white text against the white background in your masthead. I find it kind of illegible, tho that could be my crappy monitor.
Great job- looking forward to seeing the big pictures-
29. lauren said:
Love it!!!!!
Well worth the sweat stains and baldness.
30. Mrs. CPA said:
In the time it took me to read this there are 22 comments. By the time I publish this there will be 45.
I like the redesign. Thanks to Jon for all his hard work and to you for your vision for all of us voyeurs out here peeking in.
31. M said:
umm..I meant whit text against black background. Maybe I just can't read..
32. Beth said:
You guys rock!
33. Dave said:
Heather (and Jon),
Congrats on the redesign. I know what a huge effort such an undertaking is, and even more so when you're learning the ins and outs of a new CMS. I love that you are using Drupal. I've been playing around with it recently and your implementation of it just may be the final push over the edge I need to put it into production on the re-launch of my own site. I think your overall design is clean and will ultimately win over most folks once they get used to it. The few upgrades you already mentioned in this post sound like a good idea and will only make the site that much more usable. Again, congrats to you and your pit-stained man. I hope you've let him get a little sleep and take a shower since the launch.
34. Jill McDonald said:
hello, I just wanted to say that i love the remodel, I love that the pictures are huge and that there're now more of them. I've been reading for years and never made it to a comment yet, but I thought I'd go against the norm and leave you a good comment. I love reading about your family, and the way you see things, its nice to see people who are normal with their kids, that live real life.
so yeah, I like the remodel, keep the pictures and updates coming. :)
35. nerr said:
love it. love you guys.
36. Ashley said:
FIRST!!!
hilarious.
Dooce you are my hero.
I like the new site....cute idea for the style section. Have a happy turkey day!
37. Kim said:
Hey Heather, just wanted to say that I love the new site! Purple, black, and ALL.
Watched the video (although not at work, and not twice). Funny how it is very similar to our Monday morning manager's meetings. Except for the POON part.
Have a Happy Turkey Day, and don't beat up any more blenders.
~Kim
38. Summer said:
Fabulous new design, Heather. Love the new style section. And even though I'm not usually a huge purple & black fan, I'm loving it here.
39. April said:
Long time lurker, first time commentor..unless that time I tried to comment and it didn't work I accidently commented 10 times in a row..oops sorry bout that. Anyhoo, just wanted to say I've been reading this blog for a long time up here in the frigid depths of Canada...yes it is possible to get internet access to an igloo..who knew, and I love the new redesign. I think it looks great. Don't change a thing..and also, your monthly newsletters to your daughter never fail to make me cry. They are so beautiful and she is going to love being able to look back on them when she gets older.
40. Jolie Steele said:
um, I just want to let you know that I think your new layout is great. don't let the haterz get to you. props! I was thinking we weren't going to have a november layout until march. I'm glad all the hard work paid off.
41. Hanasu said:
I love the new layout. Congrats to you both!!
Give a smooch to Chuck for me... hihihi.
42. Sarah said:
oh the FIRST!!! thing is just brilliant.
love the size of the new photos....that's great.
having the links in with the content will take some getting used to, but i think changing the color slightly will help us slower folk.
43. Cass said:
I love it. And I love the video too.
44. fava bean said:
this is really, really great, with the exception of the large amounts of #FFFFFF (shame on you! SHAME ON YOU!!), and I think it looks much more professional!
I will miss looking for the faded doOCe logo in the masthead, but the photo of chuck wearing some sort of purple, striped turban is enough to entertain me for now.
I also like that you added the little black block at the bottom, because that is a necessary addition to any site that wants to keep up with current web design trends (that sounds kind of sarcastic when I read it back, but it isn't meant to be).
(I am now discovering the resize bar for the comment textarea. NICE TOUCH!)
45. dharmagrlpa said:
Love the redesign. Jon deserves a gift certificate from the Apple store or maybe his own franchise.
46. Shelly said:
Heather, I've read your site for years but have never commented. Please know that I don't care if your site is covered in tampon wrappers and spit... I just want to read your writing and see what else you can put on Chuck's head. Congrats on the redesign; it looks great and thank you for putting in so much effort to make the Dooce experience more enjoyable.
47. megan said:
This site seems to function much better than the old one. Loads faster, easier to navigate. Bravo. As always the style (both written and graphic) are better than great, they are fascinating.
48. Andee said:
heh. I love that every post is number 1.
Congrats on the fantastic re-design, it looks great. As a huge fan of all those design elements in every day life, your new daily style photo is my favorite addition.
49. Shannon said:
Dooce,
Congrats on the new site. First off, purple is great. Black is cool too...a little classy or something. I've been reading your blog since shortly after I moved to Utah...about a year or so. Like Shelly (above), I could care less what the site looks like...your writing is awesome and as a fellow non-utahanite living with utants (it's like a mutant...but not)...you're dead on with everything you say! Thanks to you and Jon for all your hard work!
50. Miriam said:
This is fantastic. I'm excited to see what comes out of the daily style.
FAQ addition: What's a typical daily schedule for you?
Love love love
51. nicky said:
The redesign is great. I like all the white space, the larger photos and that the ads, while still present, are not intrusive.
52. Carolee said:
I really like the style page. Your tastes are very different from what I would normally pick out, but I like seeing what you have picked out. A lot of the times, I really like it.
53. anne said:
Jesus thinks your website fuckin' ROCKS, man. And so do I. And we'll totally kick anyone's ass who thinks otherwise. I especially dig the cut-glass cheekbones you sport on your picture, gorgeous girl you.
Can we have a daily Leta-girl photo? 'Cause she is JUST TOO CUTE. (Couldn't resist the caps-lock either)
54. Maya said:
I don't love the black, but give me some time because I don't like change whatsoever.
I love the daily style idea.
In your FAQ, I'd like it if you updated your camera information. And I also love it when you post camera/photography/Photoshop stuff in general.
Also, I live in Knoxville and I saw a woman in her car the other day as I was leaving Target and she had her bangs teased up really high and I thought of you. Does that make sense?
55. JennywithaY said:
Dooce - I have been wanting to try out Drupal for a project at work. You have now inspired me move forward and stop with the feet dragging. Kudos!
56. Kay said:
So ... I took an extra minute and really checked out the site (and look, I still got to be #1). I'm digging the features and appreciate the larger photos, but they seem to load MUCH slower. Your photos are beautiful and worth the wait, but patience is not a very oft-enjoyed virtue. Overall, a nice upgrade, though your wit and talent are what I really come for (no offense to the programmer/husband) ... I'd probably suffer through even mediocre design for it.
57. Maya said:
I know what I'm missing; it just hit me. I always loved how the masthead went all the way across the page. I just thought that was so cool.
58. ktm said:
I love everything...except the links integration into the main blog. I loved being able to look over to the side and peruse the links. It was so handy and right there. Now I've got to search through posts. I'm lazy, people.
BUT it's not like I don't check the site EVERY DAY to see what's new.
Verdict: Will remain a completely loyal reader.
59. Lisa Tighe said:
I think you have done a super job! I read your blog EVERY day(at least once)and just love it! I'm glad you are adding a style section, since I am so envious of all of your great designing :D Don't listen to the people with the negative comments.......They are just JEALOUS! hahahhaahah
Lisa Tighe
60. divageek said:
I like it a lot. Besides always enjoying the content, I kept feverishly checking your site to see if the new design was up. Way to go--and way to go Jon!
61. Anonymous said:
COOL!
62. Lisa Gallien said:
Love the big pictures - you just keep getting better and better at taking them. Yummy!
63. hoyer said:
well, purple is my favorite color. So...GOOD JOB!
64. Sara said:
Looks fabulous, Heather! My only question is why are the links to your recent flickr photos and the calendar under a bunch of ads?
Love the layout, love the colors - it looks great. Hopefully after the next few weeks you guys will be able to breathe a bit easier - I cannot imagine how much of a pain this transition is!
Oh, and that video? I guffawed.
65. Lori said:
love, love, love it
66. Tink said:
Love it
67. Rachel H. C. said:
I breathed a nice sigh of relief just now when I read that you're going to add "previous" and "next" buttons to your redesign. I just started reading your blog a few months ago, and recently I thought I'd like to see how you got to be you, so I've been paging through the entries in order! At times it's like reading a novel, or watching good serial TV. But without the buttons, a real pain in the ass.
I dig the design, by the way.
68. Karyn said:
ya know, whatever, it's the words that are interesting not the design, really. Plus I don't actually look at the ads, I just click on them ocasionally in case this is how you get some cash from them.
it's all about the content for me. but cool - purple is a nice colour.
69. ThePaul said:
Bigger photos = good
Daily fashion = good
Daily links in main content area = good
Drupal as CMS = great
More open comments = good
Pruple = can deal
70. The Cheap Chick said:
I love the new design, especially the Daily Style feature. Once again, you raise the bar for the rest of us bloggers to follow.
And the video was lovely. What does PON (sp?) mean, anyway?
71. Tanya said:
Comment #18 had a great idea with a Chuck Advice column! That would totally rock! Loving the new design, loved the old design - I don't care as long as I get my daily dose of DOOCE! Great job to both you and Jon!
CHUCK for 2008
72. Ruff Diamond said:
Love the new layout, and the daily style!
If you like that video, check out their sequel:
http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1776175
And their video on internet chatrooms:
http://www.kontraband.com/show/show.asp?ID=5124
Pretty funny stuff.
73. angelina said:
Awesome design, love the daily photos, love the purple and black. LOVE LOVE LOVE. But your photo? As a friend? All I can see is eyebrows, and they're coming to kill me. You look tired. And would it kill you to put on a little lipstick? Bring it with the killer doocefab, I know you've got better ones than that, your cheekbones could cut glass.
LYLAS,
angelina
74. megan said:
also,
The black and purple are temporary, so if someone doesn't like them, they can be grateful for the opportunity to anticipate January's masthead!
75. Sara said:
The redesign looks great to me! I had to resubscribe to the RSS feed but that was a few hours ago so maybe that's fixed now?
I'm loving the new photo size! :)
76. Kimmi D said:
Love the new design, go ahead and keep Jon around for a while!
77. Connie said:
My walls are purple and my computer desk is black.
The header blends in with my room quite well, which I'm sure you were thinking about when you were creating it. (Or not.)
78. mary said:
Well I like it. hmph!
79. beth t said:
Dooce rocks. I hate the black and purple but I'll be here a couple of times a day anyway because you're THAT GOOD. And I can't get enough of Chuck. Please don't let my dog find out I fawn over another.
80. Nicole said:
I like it alot. It really pops out of the screen!!!! Looks good.
81. Jessica said:
I want to tell you how much I LOVE the new design. You have such artistic talent, I'm envious! Best of luck working out the last of the features!
82. Jodi said:
Site looks great, really.
I have never clicked on your FAQ, so I don't know what you have answered previously, but, if you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
83. LStew said:
maybe i love the video. maybe i love the video a lot.
84. Melissa said:
Dooce, Heather, you!
I love and check this site frequently.
Love the new look!
Double the thought that we need a Daily Leta!
Thanks for sharing your life!
M and C
85. Lori said:
I love the addition of Daily Style and I also like the comments you are now including with your photos.
Will the colors change every month? Just curious.
See, change is good.
86. Hedy said:
Love the purple/black and the bigger pics! And this is overdue, but thanks for the Daily Chuck.
87. dave said:
YAY! happy happy love love.
88. Mike said:
New layout looks great, and I think it handles the ads a lot better.
Anyway to preview the mastheads in the mastheads archives? That way, whenever I want to tell people how long I've been reading, I just have to check the date against the "Rocking the Suburbs like Quiet Riot did" Masthead.
Seriously, everything looks really good. As far as FAQs... I've always wondered why it seems like a big chunk of your early journal is missing... do you get that a lot?
89. cris said:
Oh Thank God! I was gettig so confused ever day in November when I would click over to your site and it would still be October.
Holy Crap-Thanksgiving is in 3 days and it was just October 2 days ago!
So glad things are all shiny and new over at Dooce.
~Cheers
90. Dee Dee said:
Love the new design. Tell the goobs who need bigger print to hold down the ctrl and roll the little wheel on their mouse. It makes font BIGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!
Need a daily Leta too. Luv ya.
91. Cool Polar said:
OK. I accept your rationale behind the new design.
I still really liked your OLD one.
92. Andimac said:
I love the purple and the black. Screw the haters!
93. chicklet said:
Love it, love it, love it. Very clean, very sharp (oh god, I sound old), and well, now that I sound old by using the damn word sharp, I'll call it neato too cuz why the hell not.
Nicely done.
94. Jenn said:
I *love* the new layout and design. Much better than the old one. Very sleek. And the photoblog section is nice too.
95. Christine said:
Wow -- I love the new look! And the squares are pretty hot, actually. Keep the squares.
96. rachel said:
"eyebrows coming to kill me". that makes me laugh.
my friend april thinks that there are two chucks. a real one and a fake one. if you would put the answer in your FAQ's i would greatly appreciate it.
here's her theory: chuck's father died and you had him stuffed. chuck has grown on you therefore you keep him around.
your site kicks much ass, lady.
97. Marianne said:
Great job, Heather and Jon on working together to make a wonderful new design.
A not so humble graphic designer, Marianne
XXOO
98. tracy said:
I like the new site and your photography is excellent. I just started my blog last week and I have to say it's addicting. Continuing in the vein of cheesy compliments you are one of the reasons I started a blog. Check it out if you'd like at www.reinventingtracy.com
I would love to hear any criticisms or thoughts.
tracy
99. linds said:
I love the new layout- especially the design portion. I vote that it stays! (Not that I actually have much of a vote... but still... keep it.)
100. Martina said:
I wish I didn't have to scroll down so far to see the daily photo - the header is huge!
Format looks good otherwise. I come for great writing and photography, however it's presented.
101. Eddo of Posted Note said:
Older, Better, Faster, Stronger... Kanye said it best. Like McDonald's, "I'm Lovin' It".
I still look forward to coming to your site every day. Why? Because I always learn something new here. Most of the time it's not something that I should have known either, like Adam and Eve in the garden...
Eddo Loves Dooce.
102. Gina said:
Frankly, I don't care what the page looks like as long as Chuck is on it, wearing something on his head.
What I care about is hearing about you, Jon and Leta and your daily lives; in particular, the monthly newsletters to your daughter that are so poignant. Those never fail to tug at my heart strings and make me laugh at the same time. I don't know how you manage to get so much into them.
Yours is my favourite blog, bar none.
G
103. Megan said:
Can somebody please explain to me why being the first to comment on a blog is such a big deal? ...I don't get it.
Purple! I like it.
104. Char said:
I think it looks great.
105. Anonymous said:
Thanks for knowing that "if it ain't broke don't fix it" doesn't apply to you.
106. french panic said:
I feel all weird and giggly to be able to comment at all, so who gives a shit what I REALLY think about the new design (especially as I am trapped in blogger template hell and have no Jon to soothe the burns). I have been checking out your website with sick frequency and have never ever EVER seen comments opened up.
Okay, just to play the game: I am indifferent to your new design. But as it means larger pictures, woohoo!
107. Brandon Bohling said:
Congrats on the new site. Love it!
108. Vanessa said:
I thank all of you for your hard work on the redesign, and I am sure in time the necessity of these changes - and the accompanying sleepless nights (yours, not mine) will become clear to me when I look at a picture that is CLEARLY wider then 450 pixels.
And if people don't like the redesign, quote: "Don't let the door hit you in the vagina on the way out" end quote.
(Knocked Up - a movie almost as funny as that video I just watched. Twice.)
109. Deb said:
Holy christ....I cannot comment b/c my three yr old is screaming at my 16 yr old and my brain began to bleed....
love the new look and comments, fun daily style thanks
110. Michelle said:
I'm not sure if I am (or was) completely oblivious... but my new favorite feature is the explanation accompanying each of the photos. If that was there before, then I still think that this design is far superior, because I never noticed it. Your photos are so lovely by themselves, but I love to read a bit more about their meaning. And now I can!
Kudos on the upgrade!
111. Rachel said:
I love it all- it's different and I am a fan of the purple/black combo, as well as the bigger photos. Great job to you and Jon!
112. RzDrms said:
i noticed that everyone has a "1." next to their comment...that means everyone is FIRST! also, everyone posted at either 7:11, 8:11, or 9:11...fah-reaky!
113. Karen said:
I think that the redesign is really pretty. It looks great with the new sections and all.
My only question is if you could alter the Daily Photo code slightly so that I can bookmark the Daily Photo page again. Right now, all I can do is each individual date. And I like clicking on the bookmark and having the day's photo pop up.
Which would also be cool for the Style section. I hope this makes sense.
However, not knowing anything about coding of this magnitude, if this is impossible I understand.
GREAT JOB!
114. Ellen said:
I like your new design, the colors are cool, so are the buttons, and I've always loved your photos. And I promise not to ask to see any body parts. The regular typeface font could be bigger, but that's all.
115. Karen said:
Great job, Heather and Jon. I especially like the larger photos.... particularly the one of snoring Bo!
Ta---
116. Holly said:
I LIKE the redesign. I LOVE the post about hair in the poop.
117. Alexis said:
The new site looks great. ...I've thought all of the versions of the site since I've been reading it have looked pretty great, actually. So, ya know, way to go on your streak!
AND! your new "Hi, MAH NAME IS HEATHER!" picture is beautiful.
Obviously I've just got good reviews for you all around.
What the heck is with people hating on purple?
118. elena said:
I like it. Looking forward to the daily style!
The only question that floats around in my head might seem to invasive, but I'm dying to know what pharmaceuticals they gave you to fight the beast. i have a bottle of pills staring at me but i'm scrrrred to take them. are you going to be on them for life or can you quit them easily? yeah. those are my faqs.
write on...
119. sak said:
that video is hilarious.
the site is beautiful dooce. bravo to the two of you!
i think the daily style idea is great too. i'm definitely looking forward to checking that daily photo in addition to chuck's and your general one!
good luck with the rest of the changes & i hope you get lots of decent rest, both of you deserve it :)
120. jon deal said:
Here's a FAQ question:
What font did you use for the headlines? (i.e, the word "Previously..." etc.)
And then you could answer I used "GiddyUp Std" because A) I don't fear the cowboy and B) I smoked a LOT of weed while designing the site.
Kidding. GiddyUp + purple == v. daring. But I think y'all pulled it off quite nicely.
*shakes head*
GiddyUp... of all things...
121. Elizebeth said:
I like it yet I dont, just stuck in the middle. I like the larger photo's but Im not crazy about the font used next to the boxes.
And yeah, Im not a purple and black kinda gal. But that changes every month so I cant really say too much about it.
Not sure if my opinion counts because I've never bought the official "Chuck" merchandise.
122. RzDrms said:
oh, and i honest to goodness really loved the font on the old site...i always had to read your site via dooce.com and not thru no stinkin' feed! :) bring back the font! and i don't see the recent flickr photos (i'm on IE...::sigh::). header taking up a tiny bit too much real estate. "i'm heather b. armstrong..." links back to the homepage and not to the "about me" (confusing for a moment). i love the purple and black! also also, FAQs, since you asked: are you writing a book, and if so, when can i buy it?
123. elena said:
"too" invasive. yes. i can TOTALLY spell. word.
124. Davina said:
I've never had the balls to comment before, so here goes nothing.
I like the redesign. The black and purple are very Harry Potter-esque for some reason (and all my friends know how much I love the little devil worshiper). I'm not going to suggest anything or tell you how to do something. Quite honestly, I have a hard time turning off my computer. So to have a site this elaborate is like a jar of that peanut butter and jelly in stripes.
125. RzDrms said:
(yes, me again.) one more thing: the header nav area jumps up and down when i run my mouse over it in IE. (IE SUXXX.)
126. Jessica said:
I like it - it's a fresh, clean, organized layout but it's got style, too! And purple just isn't used enough these days, so people who adamantly oppose the purple clearly ought to... uh, not look at it or something.
The only thing I miss is having separate links. The integration is fine and dandy I guess, but I liked having them separate. Just my own preference. They might be nice under the flickr photos again, like the old days.
This is minor, but I very much like this adjustable text area. I've only seen this in wordpress and safari, so bonus points to you!
(I just hit preview comment, and I do have a very small complaint here - the larger text seems to stretch your table/div/whatever it may be to a point where you've got a gap on the left side. At least in firefox.)
127. Erica (crummy cupcake) said:
When the new design popped open in my browser I said "Ohhh! Pretty!" and my lovely daughter said, "That's the lady who balances pop tarts on that dog's head, right?"
Your legacy lives on ...
128. french panic said:
I'm so terribly excited at being allowed to comment that I am abusing the privilege. Thank you for the link to the video, which I had to watch twice because my boyfriend wanted to know what I was laughing at so hard, so he had to watch it too. He didn't think it was as funny as I did, because he didn't understand anything that was going on in it. He also made a face when shown your site's new look and thinks it looks like ass.
I think it's got a Bewitched opening credits kind of feel to it. But I'm still mostly indifferent.
129. bridget said:
very excellent. although that the posts are to the left instead of the middle keeps throwing off my sense of balance. ha! but that's *my* problem, not yours. well you asked, anyway :)
anyway congrats on getting it finished!!! woohoo!! looks great! time to kick back and enjoy some free range bourbon :)
130. Scott said:
I haven't left a comment here in a couple of years probably. Anyway, I like the overhaul.
131. Erin said:
I dig it, sister.
132. jhayne said:
love the new site! as much as i love me some daily chuck, i'm really looking forward to the daily style!
133. Jessica said:
I just have to say, I LOVE your blog. I consider myself a pretty hard sell in terms of finding quality reading material out there (I'm a medical student and it is very important that I use my procrastination time wisely) so thank you for countless hours of enjoyment :)
Did I mention that I love that you use ads on here? How cool is it that you support yourself with your writing/web design/photography/etc. I've already recommended your blog around my circle of friends!
And I LOVE the new layout. Crisp design and very easy on the eyes.
134. Anna said:
The color scheme looks great right now, but won't you still be switching that up every month? Regardless, purple&black is always a good choice. I also adore the style section, and it makes up for the fact that I'm pretty indifferent about the Chuck section. I'm not quite sold on the idea of integrating the daily links with the blog posts; I liked being able to find them quickly without sorting through anything, but since it's such a minor change, I probably won't even notice it after awhile. As for FAQs... wouldn't you know better which ones are frequently asked than any of the commentors?
Glancing through what I've written, I feel it is slightly more negative than positive, which completely belies the fact that I check out this site *at least* once a day. You're a great writer, so really, all of this color/link stuff is secondary.
Whoo, there goes my comment cherrry.
135. Christina said:
The haters can suck it. The design is lovely and it was well executed.
136. Jules said:
I just wanted to say the new site looks beautiful. I think you did a perfect job of mixing design and function. And I like the purple and black....very Merlin the magician... or maybe it's your dog with the tights on his head...anyway, I like it!
Bigger photos.....yay!
137. samin said:
love the redesign--it seems so much less crowded now that all of the ads are on one side.
love the video.
would really love a daily leta.
138. Nomie said:
Looks totally awesome! The current "daily style" looks like a Weeble wearing a thong, but I've had a glass of wine so that may be skewing things. Also, my bookmark was to http://www.dooce.com/index.html - and that gave me a "page not found" error. I am going to fix the bookmark, but a redirect or something might be nice if people have used that link in the past on their sites or whatever.
139. Colleen said:
I love the new site, purple, black, and all!
I have been enjoying dooce for years. Keep up the great work!
140. miles.fore said:
When I first saw your site today I was a little scared- because I wondered, where had dooce gone? Then I realized it was dooce... and I was way excited. I love it. Keep truckin' stallion!
141. Ashley said:
Thank you so so much for giving me a pretty good reason to procrastinate! Exploring the new website is way better than writing papers on law and society in Victorian lit. You know it's true...
142. Chrissy said:
LOVE the new look, Heather! Surely Jesus would approve. ;-)
143. Lisa said:
I think the new masthead is great and your blog has brought me many laughs over the past few months. As someone who has designed a website and therefore is opinionated on these sorts of things, the only thing that bothers me (I guess there had to be something) is the white/blank space between your masthead and the top post. Also seems odd that the advertisements also have the white space, but even lower on the page??? I'll get over it, but it seems like a quick fix needs to be made or clearly my sense of design is just different. Still love the blog!
144. lindsay (verified) said:
great, changes, dooce! btw: I wore your tshirt to the verizon store the other day and the girl behind the counter was like, "how do you say that?" and i told her who you are and about your blog and she was like "ohhhh yeah!!! I read about her in Glamour"
Woot!
Anyway - love the big pictures and place where you can write about them - i love everything -- including the purple, black, font and squares! ; )
145. ash said:
huge, HUGE, fan. the purple, the black. i love that you were able to design this when all i would have been able to do was draw it out.
bravo!
146. Dave Vogt said:
First off, purple and black are awesome. Anyone who doesn't like it can stick it right up their wherever they fancy.
What I'd really like to see is your pumpkin pie recipe.
147. Vanni B said:
I love the purple and black but not so much the layout, like a metal filing cabinet with label inserts. I like change...you will be changing again, right :)
148. Suzanne said:
I think the new design is cool, and the purple Chuck masthead is fab. I'm really glad you have started a new daily Style feature, you've shared a lot of cool style links (Modish, in particular) in the past so I will enjoy that. Just one teeny suggestions--if you have additional photoshop art that you've created, I'd love to see it. Your mastheads are always so cool and fresh. OK I need to consult my thesaurus now for additional "cool" synonyms. :^)
149. rotabega said:
I looooove the new design, especially the bigger pics.
I do miss the clear separation of the Daily Links, tho.
None of the old masthead pics show up for me.
And finally, that video made me laugh so hard I almost peed myself. I said almost!
150. Kren said:
The thing that first caught my eye was the trademark. Is that new in the design or am I incredibly blind?
Liking the purple, loving the design O day. And the November header -- finally! -- being as how it's November, really soothes my OCD.
151. Madison said:
I love the redesign. It's fresh but it still seems like you.
152. adventures said:
i think it's great, i love the purple, i love the boxes. i'm excited about this mention of a different background for links (great idea) and i love, love, love that your working with an open source program.
hats off to both of you - now go enjoy a drink :)
and as always, thanks for sharing, i much enjoy your blog.
a~
153. Lyssa Ireland Thomas said:
I think the new design is terrific. My only hope is that you will continue to change the masthead monthly. I look forward to that as much as your writing and Daily Chuck.
154. Mindy said:
How exciting, I love it! I'm super excited about the new style section, and the huge pictures :) Great job, Armstrongs!
155. Jen said:
This morning when the page loaded I screamed so loud my boyfriend fell off our couch. It was a scream of joy though, accompanied by much sweaty palmed excitement, so rock on.
156. Aaron said:
Congratulations on the launch. All the hard work has really paid off and the site looks great. The pics especially look fantastic.
Someone said earlier that the header was a bit too big and, while a quibble, I thought I'd pass a suggestion as I agree somewhat. It would be cool if the two rows of linky hotspots under the masthead could behave a bit like the Mac dock. I.e. normally they stay smaller until you hover your mouse over them, and they magically expand to their current size. This would give room for future additions; I love the idea of Ask Chuck.
Great job. Keep it up.
157. lesismore said:
love the design that you and jon did such a great job on. love the masthead. love that you added a daily style section. love your chunky ring. love that chuck's resting on the bedding i almost got from ikea but my john said "no" to. love that picture of you in your "about" section-very demure. love that your pictures are so big and bold and i can see all the details so well now. love squares. love that i can comment. love that the first person who commented either didn't watch that video or just didn't get it.
hate people who complain. just ignore them.
158. Maggie said:
I'm a fan. Good job to all involved!
159. Larkspur said:
I love you. I love Jon. I love Leta. I passionately adore and worship His Chuckness. Purple and black? Absolutely beyond reproach.
In conclusion, I love you, you sweet beloved darling knucklehead, you lovely baby girl, the one I never had. I'm real glad you were born. Heck, I'm borderin' on orderin' something from Avon.
And now: I re-enlurkify myself.
160. Russell said:
I enjoy the new site. It seems very clean almost Apple-esce.
161. Tracey said:
I love the new layout...I like that the ads are there, but not too overwhelming. I really like the size of the photos, just wish there were more of them...I was far from caught up with the old ones. I look forward to seeing new ones. I've been reading your blog for about 2 years now and enjoy it very much. I'm so jealous of your ability to have it support your family financially. Keep up the great work!
162. betty said:
I love your writing and your style in all that you do. It's why I keep coming back.
Chuck cracks me up!
The new stuff looks perfectly fab.
Well done guys!
163. Debbie said:
I like the new site design. I think some of it will take getting used to, but I love it! The previous design was so minimal - I love that things are a bit fancier on this version.
In the end, I don't care what the site looks like as long as you keep on posting this many times a day! I love it! Since I started reading blogs a few months ago I am a glutton for all of the witty writing out there - and you are so far my favourite. I keep looking for someone as good as you are - because there's no such thing as better - but still no luck.
What do I want to know in the FAQs? Tell me where to go to learn about photography and what tools to have so that I can take pictures as awesome as yours.
164. Jennifer said:
I like the new layout. It may not be the absolute pinnacle of perfection, but it looks good. It's definitely better than the last one, especially for the Daily photos. They were stunning today, by the way. They almost always are though. In whatever format it may be, I really enjoy your blog and I know you've probably read this a hundred times before but I totally want a Chuck dog (except in my mind his name is dooce because that's what I thought it was when I first started reading)
165. Franny said:
Yay, open comments!! I love the new design, but even moreso, I love your pictures. I can't even imagine a a camera that can capture the little hairs on the back of your hand in the "wedding ring" picture. Amazing! Good job on the new section. Love!
166. L said:
I really, REALLY like the new look. It is professional, but approachable. Very, very nice to look at--and purple is my favorite color..!
167. Tavin said:
Heather, we've been friends for what? three years? Okay, so you've never met me but I feel like I know you a bit anyway.
As your friend can I say that I LOVE the new site. The black and purple are you...pretty and brash (the fresh raw vitality type of brash). Don't change a thing.
168. Yolanda said:
Overall, I love the redesign. Once the links posts are differentiated with color, I'll love it that much more. The daily style page is very exciting, because I love the way you capture objects, especially the items in your house. The only thing I'm not loving about the design is that there appears to be some trapped white space between the masthead and the ads (at least in my browser). I'd love it if the Flickr photos could move to that area. As for the FAQ area, I would love it f you'd add the FAQ about how to pronounce Leta's name so that reader old and new know how to say it. I'd also love it if there were dedicated links to certain stories, such as all of your pregnancy posts/pictures, all of the newsletters, all of the remodeling/decorating posts. Oh, and it would be nice to find info on where else we can find you on the net (like the Alphamom column, or any place else you have written articles we can access).
169. Moshizzle said:
I can't believe how fast the comments are coming right now. It went from 114 to 157 while I've been browsing! So here is my first dooce comment ever. At the risk of sounding like a crazed, neurotic fan (okay fine, I am those things), I'm going to say "I LOVE EVERYTHING!" in my best Leta impersonation. For Christmas this year, I'm going to read through your archives from the very beginning. It's going to be so much merrier than last year :)
170. Tracy said:
I like the equality of 200 + firsts :)
171. CRS said:
I don't want to be the unpopular vote or make having a different opinion seem critical. I value you your writing, your insight on design, your humor...
I think that the previous design was much more elegant. My dislike for the new design is not at all based on color but on the design itself. It's the loss of visual hierarchy that bothers me. I can't figure out, or rather my eye can't figure out, the hierarchy of the page design. Too many competing areas of focus weighted similarly. I love the new larger photo squares, and if I block off the banner area above it, the design starts to work in a different way. With the banner above and the gradient buttons below my eyes just starting screaming "too much!"
The use of dividers seems rushed, for lack of a better way to put it. It feels like "something had to go here, so it's this line". The gradient buttons/links...***love*** the typeface, the gradient with the rules on the corners just seems like too much. Maybe I'm just on "Web 2.0" (shudder) gradient overload, there?
Lastly the trapped white space to the right of the main content and above the main ads confuses me.
Things I like/love: the new larger photos. Your use of type. Your image selection. Did I say your use of type? Sure I did but it bears repeating.
All that said, I love you both, and I think you did an awesome amount of hard work on this. I think you did a great job switching to the new content management system, and I know you'll make it work wonders!
Please don't flog me just for disagreeing with the majority. I'm not hating.
172. Allison said:
holy fucking fabulous new site masthead biz. Now can I see yer titz?? heh.
173. Melissa said:
LUVS IT!
174. CRS said:
I don't want to be the unpopular vote or make having a different opinion seem critical. I value you your writing, your insight on design, your humor...
I think that the previous design was much more elegant. My dislike for the new design is not at all based on color but on the design itself. It's the loss of visual hierarchy that bothers me. I can't figure out, or rather my eye can't figure out, the hierarchy of the page design. Too many competing areas of focus weighted similarly. I love the new larger photo squares, and if I block off the banner area above it, the design starts to work in a different way. With the banner above and the gradient buttons below my eyes just starting screaming "too much!"
The use of dividers seems rushed, for lack of a better way to put it. It feels like "something had to go here, so it's this line". The gradient buttons/links...***love*** the typeface, the gradient with the rules on the corners just seems like too much. Maybe I'm just on "Web 2.0" (shudder) gradient overload, there?
Lastly the trapped white space to the right of the main content and above the main ads confuses me.
Things I like/love: the new larger photos. Your use of type. Your image selection. Did I say your use of type? Sure I did but it bears repeating.
All that said, I love you both, and I think you did an awesome amount of hard work on this. I think you did a great job switching to the new content management system, and I know you'll make it work wonders!
Please don't flog me just for disagreeing with the majority. I'm not hating.
175. Bouncy Czech said:
WHOA! Your pics are huge!
I like it.
:)
Can't wait for the tutorial "how dooce darkens her picture corners"
176. Sweetney said:
the wee white dog ears on the corners of the top nav buttons makes my eye(s) spasm just a teeny bit. otherwise, rock on.
177. Christine said:
I came to your page last night and thought to myself, "How did I get to a purple and black version of apple.com?" I think it looks quite nice and somewhat sparkly. Wider pictures are lovely.
I don't see one damn rounded corner on this webpage (except on Chuck's calendar) and thank god for that because I'm about to start throwing up Web 2.0 catchphrases soon if the trend doesn't slow down.
Did you know that I can resize this comment box? Because I just did. That is awesome.
178. Alli ~Mrs. Fussypants said:
I like it!
I love the large main column with two smaller columns on the side. LOVE LARGER PICTURES! YAY!
I also love Chuck. Wasn't that picture from his Halloween Dress-up photo shoot? Loved that one.
179. stacey said:
I'd like to see some paragraphs in the RSS. This entry was one gigantic wall of text in my RSS reader (Google Reader). Otherwise, I love the new design and bigger pictures.
180. DeppFan said:
In the photo, Chuck looks really tired out from the $200 per hour, uh... companion you hired for him.
But I'm sure it's a good tired! :o)
Luv the redesign.
181. Liz said:
my only suggestion: a section dedicated to leta and her "bawk-bawking" amazingness.
bawk bawk!
show your titz?!
182. Jessica said:
I have been a long time reader but haven't been able to comment so I'm pretty excited finally being able to leave you a comment. I love the new design of the layout. I loved the old one as well. I'm not a big fan of purple but somehow you seem to make it look alright. Great job!
183. Ann said:
Awesome redesign. I love the comments under the pictures.
But mainly I just love coming here and reading your writing, Heather.
Also, I would like to place a vote for the next masthead slogan, contributed by Shelley (#46): "Covered in Tampon Wrappers and Spit." Think of the clipart possibilities!
184. Jessica said:
Wow. So many comments came in while I was typing my last comment. Before I submitted, comments were only at 161. Mine showed up as 182. I'm pretty sure that as soon as I post this it will be somewhere in the 200's.
185. Jenn said:
OMG comments. Comments, comments comments! I have read forever and wanted to comment on all sorts of things and have never had the opportunity and finally....the moment I have been waiting for.... I'm a little starstruck. Sorry. But I love new redesigns. It looks fabulous and different and you know, in another 6 months you coud redesign again. (J/K Jon!!) But really, I think this is the perfect design to showcase that beautiful dog of yours Chuck and sweet little Leta.
186. Elizabeth said:
Love the bigger pictures, love the ads clustered to one side. And way to go, Blogitzer winner!
187. The Tart said:
Wow ... New look & same great taste!!
Carry on ... I love all your pics & stories.
Big smooch to the pooch,
The Tart
; *
188. Linda said:
Oooh, I love it - the site looks great! :-)
189. Amy said:
I hate change, so I'm crabby. Not a fan so far. Is it just my computer or is this design a split screen: 50% dooce, 50% ads? The colors don't bother me, but everything seems scattered about and it's making me dizzy.
Like I said though, I may just be crabby.
for the FAQ- please explain how you get photos of Chuck without glowing orbs for eyeballs. My dog looks like the spawn of satan. Red eye I can fix. Glowing orbs I can not. Please help.
190. oldbacon said:
Blah blah blah. WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! alseiralfivn aofigjasofiajsdofkj.
Sorry. Got excited about open comments. Couldn't control myself.
Congrats on the new launch.
191. Melissa said:
LOVE IT! Fist time poster but wanted to let you know I love it and the blog!
192. winecat said:
Really like the new design. Much fresher looking with all the ads in one place and I'm looking forward to bigger and better pictures of Leta and Chuck.
193. Shaun Paddock said:
Love, love, love it! Cannot wait to see the photos!
Shaun
194. Doctor's Girlfriend said:
That video clip was hilarous...! It was a perfect addition to this post. :) I'm so glad you opened up the comment section!!!!!! :) Congrats on the new page...:)
195. Manda said:
I like the look! It was time for a change. Did you know you have a facebook group?
196. Sara said:
I LOVE the new design. It's different than anything you've done before and also from anything else I've seen out there, so kudos.
I especially love the new larger photos and the addition of Daily Style, and agree that a Chuck advice column would so totally rock my world.
I disagree with commenter # 73's "the eyebrows are coming to kill me & you need lipstick" bit. You are charming and lovely, end of story.
197. Jennifer Zynischer said:
Hurray for Jon! And Ben and Bill!
Yay!
Also... so not first. Funny vid.
Thanks, Heather, for keeping us entertained.
Oh. And your dog rocks.
:D
198. Lou said:
Thank you for the clip. Freaking hilarious.
I like the new design- it is cleaner. And I like the little squares up top- I will admit to clicking them because they caught my interest. The colors and chuck pic are cute- and I do really love how you switch up your header a lot.
I haven't switched mine for 2 years because I have no clue how, so I admire and covet your skills :-)
I also like the mini posts included in the bigger one because sometimes I forgot to look at the old ones and they were almost always worth clicking. This way I don't miss anything.
I shall now shut up.
199. manda said:
Hi! I'm a newer reader. I enjoy your writing and knowing that I am not alone in the world of toddler insanity. Also, I like your new design. That is all. :)
200. Nonie said:
SHOW US YR TITZZ!!!!!!!!!! Sorry could not help it.. I love the idea for the style section. I love the new page.. And anyone that does not like it can eat your butt:)
201. Undomestic Diva said:
LOVE the clip. FUCK!!
(Oh, and love the new site. Looks awesome.)
MH
www.undomesticdiva.com
202. Cassy said:
Wow......I've been reading your blog for a LONG TIME and it just kind of hit me. I've been reading since the Christmas before Leta was born. I'm kind of fickle about sticking with things, so that's impressive.
Anyway, I really like the changes so far and I like how with the daily Chuck/Style/Photo you are are able to give the story behind the photo.
203. Bill said:
Beautious!
(haha my spammer words are "rants" and "restraint". Please, may I have one or the other?)
204. Jen said:
Love the new header! Absolutely worth the wait. (I'm obviously a fan of black and purple). :)
205. Lydia said:
I like everything, except for one very small but...could you please consider adding the daily links in a separate column again? My concern is that if I don't check the site for a few days, I might miss some. I loved that sweet potato one sooo much.
206. Jessica said:
I love it! I happen to like purple, and I love the addition of Daily Style. And even though I normally fear change, this site seems just as easy to navigate as the former site, which is grand, as I am a computer moron. And also, a grammar moron.
Good work, Armstrongs!
207. Donna B said:
Hilarious video.
Thanks.
I think your site looks just great!
I guess the price you pay for being a
Super Star in the bloggy world is having to deal with morons.
I would be curious about your stats.
How many hits a day?
Biggest volume day?
That sort of nosey stuff.
208. Katie said:
I'm a long-time reader and first time commenter. I read your site religiously and have shared in your joy, pain and humor over the last two years. I love the poop archives and have referred several friends to your site, inviting them to read "A Story About My Ass" as an introduction into your website and your sense of humor. Your stories give me a smile and I love reading your posts because they make me feel like there's somebody out there who gets my sense of humor.
I've currently undertaken reading through all your archives and I'm delighted that you'll be adding "previous" and "next" buttons, because trying to navigate through the archives with this new design in a bit frustrating. Yay for progress though! I know you and Jon have worked tremendously hard to get his new site up and running. Kudos to you both!
One slightly more serious, former-Online Account Executive critique is regarding some of the banner ads that have appeared as of late. I just read "Taking it to the Next Level On My Plate Down the Pike on the Spreadsheet", Sunday, August 15 2004 and found this comment:
"2. I am going to accept advertising for this site, but I want all advertising to remain tasteful in design and smallish in nature. This means that you will never see flashing, wildly animated banners or pop-up ads when you visit me...."
I understand that you're running a business and you h