I really, really like the way the black background makes the photos pop. It makes me wonder why people don't use black matting more often.
I'm less enthusiastic about white text on black background but don't find it critically objectionable. I kind of like it, actually. Recently one of my favorite, daily-read blogs morphed from a white-text-on-black background to the reverse, a move that unleashed the hounds of Hell on the poor webmaster. In the end he reverted back to the original form though dozens of readers implored him not to.
My own ratio of compliments to the new change have been overwhelmingly positive. Two people have expressed a dislike for it. Apples to oranges, I'd be more inclined to stick with my own preferences because, after all, this is my website and I should be able to do whatever the hell I want to with it. But—there's always a but—I also cherish my readers. Without readers I might as well do something else, like read a book or take up painting.
So I'm going to ask for input. Which do you prefer? Or do you prefer the new experimental look of a dark gray background? Or would a larger font be more readable, as I've done to the new-and-possibly-improved look? Comments are appreciated, either privately or on the website.
Someday I hope to upgrade to something more customizable but for now I'm tickled pink I've done as much as I have. It's not perfect and it probably never will be. (Ditto for me.) Pleasing everybody is also not an option. But I will try to take a middle road if possible.
So please, let me know your thoughts. And thank you so much for sharing this strange journey we call life.
10 comments:
I noticed it the other day and meant to comment. (Did I?) For a blog that is heavy on photography, I think black is a good choice because it does make the photos pop more. However, I'm not as crazy about the white text. It looks nice, but sometimes it's a little rough on my eyes. So, for a blog heavy on words, I prefer different colors for background and text. Since your blog is both, I don't know what to recommend, but I will keep reading it either way. It's too good to miss, and what really matters is the quality of those images and words. Keep doing what you're doing. Change the color scheme and layout whenever you get bored or a change strikes your fancy.
Well, since you asked...
I know there are a lot of photographers who love black backgrounds - just as there are those who prefer a minimalist white.
Personally, I hate the black/gray backgrounds. It's less an aesthetic thing than a matter of comfort. White on black is terribly hard for me to read, even with the larger font. Why black on white should be easier I don't know, but it is.
That said, if you decide to go with the black background, I'll just make it a point to read your entries in the morning, when my eyes are at their freshest. I certainly wouldn't go off in a corner and pout.
After all, I've pulled out the old "My blog, my rules" line a time or two myself. I think once I even added, "Deal with it." ;-)
Ah, ha. There's an option I just tried that worked fine - a copy and paste into a text file. That way you get the look you like, I get black text on white.
Problem-solving at its finest!
We'll call this a work in progress. I made some additional changes with the intention of searching for a better solution. It would be far easier if I were a web designer but as I can barely tie my shoes some mornings advanced html and CSS are beyond my reach. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Oh, I just checked and I love the new look now! The softening of the contrast between background and text is great - it's easily readable.
And I do like this charcoal/gray background better for the photos than the white. The rabbit photo is beautiful, and beautifully presented!
Linda-- I hope this works. Frankly, I'm tired of trying to find a middle ground. (I'm also toasted from my first social event where chocolate martinis were served. I could joyfully be an alcoholic if they were being served...) The rabbit, I'm sure, wanted nothing more than a kiss on its wiggly nose. I'm positive of it.
I don't mind the white text, the gray background or any of that. It is your blog and I really enjoy it. I really like the picture of the rabbit at the top. What I miss from your old format is all the pictures at the side.
Vikki -- Wow! You're right--they disappeared. Hmm. Okay, some new ones are back up. I've no idea what happened. Life is full of mysteries...
I like the grey background. Not as stark as black, but the photos stand out so nicely and it has an understated air to it.
Tom, I must admit I liked the white on black background for easiest reading. That said, I can pretty much read any text you have. Comes with being old, I guess. Just keep writing and I'll keep reading!
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