This blog has been reviewed by Charlotte, and you can read the review here.
How's that for brevity?
But of course, the post doesn't end here.
I myself asked for a review from them, and man, did I receive. I'm relieved it's finally over, and that Charlotte (a guest reviewer) didn't rip my blog nor my way or writing to shreds. The site's mainstays aren't going to visit again, thank goodness. I'm glad they took a peek, and sorry they didn't like what they saw.
Did I like the review?
Hell, no.
Do I think it's a fair review?
Hell, yes.
After I submitted my blog to "Ask and Ye Shall Receive," I tried looking at this blog through a stranger's eyes, and I did see how it can be off-putting to the casual visitor. Brown template that can be reminiscent of shit to some, a lot of long posts. I can be wordy many times, but there are many posts as well that don't ramble on and on. But if all you see is a lot of long posts on the front page, and which aren't to your liking, then of course you won't be compelled to dig deeper into the archives to explore. I see that clearly.
I thought the labels would help a reader navigate; I keep just a few tags or labels to make navigation easier, but Cappy pointed out that the labels aren't interesting and don't entice him to delve further. I just don't know. Lara suggested a "best posts" list to draw readers in. My thanks to them for their tips.
So...change is in the air.
Template: I've been wanting to change it, but didn't think I should do so before the review came out. So I'll find a nice one. I liked this one when I first saw it, though (reminded me of dark, warm chocolate).
Title: I'm sticking with what I have. I do have a vagina and a keyboard, can't deny that. Besides, I suck at coming up with cute and clever titles.
Content: I will TRY to meander less and edit against verbosity, but no promises. Maybe it's because I'm so reticent in the 3D world that I ramble on and on in many of my blog posts. It's a form of catharsis for me sometimes. A number of you put up with them, and I thank you. It isn't obvious to everyone, but a lot of them I poured my heart and soul into.
Another thought: maybe it's the template that makes the posts look ultra-long? Well, we'll see when I find a new template that I like.
I appreciate Charlotte's review. The virtual spanking that this lady from the Midwest gave me (I mentioned spanking here recently, didn't I?) was tempered with good words and with criticism meant to help. It was done fairly, in my opinion. Others may not agree with her two stars and flaming finger, and that's their right. But tight hugs and sloppy kisses to those of you who do like my blog - and who do find a connection between us through it.
So I have three blog reviews (that I can remember) under my belt. This latest one from Ask and Ye Shall Receive, one from The Weblog Review, and one from The World Blog Council - my personal favorite, but only because Colonel-whatsisname-Arse is way hot.
37 comments:
Lizza, I just wanted you to know I spent a long time on your blog. I dug into it, took notes and went in deep past the first page. I promise.
I lost sleep over it, because while it didn't keep me wanting to be here, I like you.
Thank you, Charlotte. You just made me all teary-eyed, and I mean that in a good way. It means a lot to me that you left a comment. And to learn that you like me. I appreciate the review. Of course, I was hoping this blog would come across well, but I know we don't always get what we want.
But, like I said, I thought it was a fair review. And thanks again for your insights and suggestions. I'd like to read your blog, maybe you can let me know where to find it?
I've just been reading your review. The comments cracked me up. I assume this is a teenage outfit [or possibly 20 somethings] - obviously rejuvenated you!! - tee hee.
The World Blog Council is with me at the moment [with it's bit of fluff!] and we've been creased up.
Continue doing your own thing - I appreciate subtlety. It makes the occasional shock tactic so much more effective.
Gawd knows what they'd make of me!!
Interesting because when it comes to connecting with you Lizza the blog could be neon pink with flashing green buttons and horrible music that started automatically and five columns and a hideous font and I'd still come.
I've been curious about why folks feel the need for this type of scrutiny.
I'm always curious about what you have to say.
"Sloppy kisses* - another *blogsnog*? - the TG will kill me - tee hee
No, my darling DaddyP. I think many of them are past the carefree twenties.
And of course I will continue to do my own thing, but I will change the template soon.
Did you say subtlety? I just don't know. Though it heartens me to learn you get an occasional shock from coming over here.
Turnbaby: I think the allure for me lies in seeing how reviewers love or hate blogs - and finding out where my blog falls.
Will they like me or hate me? It's an ego thing. Fucking ego. Well, mine took a beating (or a spanking, more appropriately) and I appreciate Charlotte's feedback.
We don't always connect with everyone who happens upon our blogs - whether by invitation or by happenstance - but I'm glad you like this here site enough to visit regularly.
DaddyP: Share and share alike, tight hugs and sloppy kisses to the TG too. Blogsnog...cooooool! Do you have that word copyrighted?
True sugar and god knows I'm all about the ego and attention thing.
But I don't value the opinions of random folk who clearly violate their own 'rules' from time to time and engage in personal attacks.
TurnbabyCome over here and give me a big hug, I'd love one right now.
I liked that Charlotte in her review NEVER attacked me personally. Her review is her personal opinion about this site; she kept everything in her article within the blogworld perspective - template, title, potential connections through my style of writing.
The other people who left comments said why they don't like my blog, and that's fine, nothing personal about that.
It was just this one ignoramus bigot in the comments section who seemed to resort to unfounded personal attacks. Some people delight in offending just for the heck of it, seems like it.
OK. I haven't even read the review and I don't like it. But since you asked for it, I shall. However....PLEASE don't change your "rambling" as you call it. We LIKE your rambling, your chocolate page and even your sidebar. Yep. Can we all stand some improvement in the presentation? Sure. Mine's a mess! But the content here?
Cannot be improved upon.
Thus spaketh the Queen.
Thank you, Mimi. I was reminded in good spirit that I should cut down on the length of the posts, that I'm not the only one who reads this blog. Glad to have that latter point reinforced by you!
I wouldn't change anything. Blogs are thumbrints; they're snowflakes. Its a journal of personal thoughts. Now if you are writing for commercial enterprises then you'd want to follow a preferred style guide. Brevity, syntax, grammar and all that. [I edit for a living ;-)]
I've been lurking on your blog because I am interested in the zeitgeist back home. You certainly provide a bit of that. Having lived here for twenty odd years, it helps in some way.
Keep on writing! :-)
Hi Lizza,
I'm visitin from Michael C's..
I just wanted to say that opening up oneself (or at least one's blog) to a critique is courageous of you.
I can't imagine!
I know what I like, and this is a warm blog home pour moi.
Where else can a guy go and get beer, chocolate, share a laugh, tease a little and be teased back.
Paint the walls if you want to, maybe move some furniture around, but don't move the Home Sweet Home plaque or the Welcome mat.
hugs
I've always liked this template. As for content, I love what you write and the way you write it.
I always try to remember that we blog for ourselves. So you do what you want to do with it, and what makes you happy.
I'll be here regardless.
Liz, what's really cool is your indefatigable spirit.
And it shines through. even thruogh the brown. Like you said yourself - people you've been blogging with come here. regularly. over two years. That should say it!
Don't you go changing things about yourself because others expect it. Change, only if you want to.
I love your blog title. SO. There. And I still come here, two years down. And I connect with you, deeply. And it's only happened through your blog. So THERE.
Then again, constructive criticism is always good once in a while. constant back patting can get to be a drag.
Rick: Thanks for de-lurking and your kind words. Glad to know this site brings some of home to you.
I think biker boys are cool, btw,
Patti: Thanks for dropping in. It was done on an impulse, and no regrets. Stop by again!
Frank: The welcome mat will always be here no matter what decorating changes take place. Thanks, buddy. Here, have some choccy.
Travis: Thank you very much. Glad to learn you enjoy coming over here.
H: Who would've thought I'd find my dear soul sister just through blogging? Thank you, dearest H.
I've rushed over here [my head is still spinning] ........ where am I? Lizza? ........ Lizza???
If I saw some sand encrusted feet I'd know I'm in the right/write place - tee hee.
This is easier to read actually - what next? I'll await with bated breath while you make up your mind - remember, there's no rush and DON'T CHANGE YOUR CONTENT!!!
[another sly *blogsnog* - I'm soooo naughty]
Next time I go to the beach, I'll send you a photo of sand-encrusted feet. Won't show you my toes though, they're damn mutant-looking.
Alright, you've finished your blogsnog quota for today. From me, at least. Now go steal some from Fracas, 70s, and the rest of the others.
LIZZA: Those 'people' ripped me up one side and down the other...I have come to find it you do not say f**k and s**k and other words of that ilk and you talk about life and not some insanely weird s**t, they will not like you.
I like the new template, but never had a problem with the old one, because I come here to read YOU...meandering, unedited YOU
Bond: I missed reading your review; I did read Matt-man's, though.
Taste is a subjective creature. I'm so glad this blog is to your taste. The appreciation is mutual, but you knew that already. Cheers, Vinny.
"Beer O'clock" in Britain is 6.14pm, new research has revealed." Just published from an official survey - thought you might like to know.
As much as I hate to say it - my father is right...
Don't change your content at all and you should be glad that some people don't like what you say - the last review I got was thankfully shite (although they did say that my blog was very 'tidy').
Oh and hi. x
DaddyP: You are truly a fountain of information.
But beer o'clock in the UK would make it morning here, so that would be snoozing time for me. I'm too old to drink beer in the mornings.
Beer time for me - local time - is around 11:thirsty PM...or earlier when I'm with friends. Thank goodness I don't celebrate 4:20 all that much (figure out what that means, hah!).
Penfold: I like both short and long here. Glad you like it too. Thanks, you're a sweetheart. You and your 'tidy' blog.
Lizza, at a minimum, it looks MUCH, MUCH better. Well done on the template update.
Boy you were not kidding! Yesterday when I dropped by here, you were contemplating on changing the template; not 24 hours later, change is here. Not that I don't like this one; I have gotten so attached to the old one :) We all have to accept change.
Well, what can you say, if you are brave enough to ask another person's opinion, have enough guts to suck in whatever they dish out.
Good or bad, it's just their opinion.
Love your blog, you rock!!!!
Love Bites: Hey, thank you for your feedback and for checking in. The template is a welcome change, I agree. So glad you think the site looks better now.
Photo: If I'm not mistaken, this is my 3rd blog makeover. Thank you. There are posts that've been germinating in my mind about terrific blog friends, and you're always in them.
You mentioned suck. I do like that word for a number of reasons.
One of the reason that I enjoy writing for The Rising Blogger is that I just review post I like. Most review sites seem like this one. It is so much easier to tear something apart that to praise it.
I personally prefered your old template. However it is your words that really matter. If anyone laid a fart here, it was the reviewer. What a smug nasty bitch. Just saying...
Damn near had a heart attack--couldn't find the beer fridge. ahhh, found it. All is well.
Liz Liz Liz, what was Liz thinking when she submitted this blog to be reviewed?
Girl, thou hast people like Frank the Fox, Queen Mims, Gemmolina (Missing in Action?), Big etcH, Bud, Daddy P and other such amazing people who think this blog rocks. Says it all, don't it?
Personally, Prometheus agrees with the fact that the template was hard on the eyes. And the fontsize could be a tad bigger for visually impaired folk like moi.
Title? Rocks. Content? Do we need more proof that it rocks?
What incurs the wrath of Prometheus is people dying to show attitude. Prometheus has a message for such folk. "Overusing words like 'fuck', 'bitch', 'ass', 'rectum' isn't kool you fucked up moron bitches with interchangeable cerebrums and rectums. So clean your fucked up mouth or fuck off."
Supposedly, the Japanese are shy to allow foreign rescue workers into their country when its hit by a disaster. Why? They don't want people to see their cities in shambles. Similarly, you don't want people to dawdle through shit while going thru your blog. So if Charlotte wants venom, she can treat herself to any nice neurotoxin and die.
Bud: Once again, thanks! I was told to remember that I'm not the only one who reads my posts. Glad to know you and the rest of my blog buddies prove him right.
Frank: So glad to know you found the beer. Not that I'm hogging it.
Prometheus: The ego reared its head, and it got beaten back. No regrets, mon ami.
You know this blog isn't profanity-free, but it isn't full of it either. It isn't to their taste, but so what? It is to yours and to the other lovely people you mentioned. I write how I want to write about the things I want to share with others, without fabrication or the goal of generating excitement among random strangers. This is me - or as much of me as I want to reveal online - and I'm so glad you guys are fine with that.
I requested the review, and got an honest opinion. So sheathe those claws, my dear friend. I do love you for showing them in my defense, though.
Berto: Thanks for dropping in with your ad. :-)
Laughing out loud at your comment back to Berto.
Strangely unfamiliar....I came here for chocolate drops of knowledge. The knowledge is here. Where is the chocolate?
Sigh.
P.S. Did I mention I like the chocolate beach?
It's warm. Like you.
Mims, the chocolate beach will always stay warm in our memories.
Spammers are funny creatures. I'm in a benign mood, so I'm letting that one pass.
I think you're enormously brave to do this.
Puss
Thanks, my dear. More on the foolish side, though, I think.
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