Changes to AFW - Ads, Sidebars, and More

March 24, 2008 – 12:45 pm

I just wanted to bring a few minor changes here on the blog to your attention, so you know where you can find things that may be a bit different:

  • As you’ll see in the header, I’ve re-introduced Adsense to the site. That may or may not change again if I find other products I’m willing to stand behind to promote there. I’ll likely also introduce one other ad block somewhere closer to the content (but hopefully not intrusive).
  • I’ve removed the job search box from above the photo in the sidebar. I’d received a few complaints that people thought it was the blog search box. Instead, I’ve put a job listing in the leftmost sidebar column. You can also still search for jobs directly from the freelance writing jobs board (or see other job listings) at the All Freelance Writing Jobs sister site.
  • I’ve also removed a few other things from the sidebar (hopefully nothing vital) to clear up some clutter, and I’ve moved the category listing to the further right column.

I think that’s it for now. I’m planning to change the overall theme here in the near future (hopefully), but I’ll be testing some out on the jobs blog before moving any new themes here. If / when that happens, I’ll update you on anything that’s changed.

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  1. 6 Responses to “Changes to AFW - Ads, Sidebars, and More”

  2. Hello Jennifer,

    What I see now is a PopBlue theme on your website. If my advice would mean anything: please keep the old one or have a new, original one, developed. The one before is much nicer, navigation catches your eye. There are hundreds of websites using this PopBlue theme. It would be a shame that your blog that is so unique would be using such a common theme.

    Best regards,
    Alex / Blogsessive

    By Alex on Apr 3, 2008

  3. Sorry you don’t like it, but this is the one I’m going with. For the last few hours I’ve been making minor changes to make it better fit my needs. I’m soon done for the night, but I’ll still be making changes for the next few days until I have it how I want it.

    By Jennifer Mattern on Apr 3, 2008

  4. Well, now it looks much better! It’s good that you’ve changed enough of the original color scheme and only kept the structure.
    Can I make one small suggestion? Add a button for “The Big List of Writing Blogs” in the top navigation. It’s one great resource that I would love to have access to easier than browsing the archives. And also… maybe… turn the footer to a light gray. Congrats on the job done so far!

    Alex / Blogsessive

    By Alex on Apr 4, 2008

  5. Glad you approve. ;)

    I don’t like the footer with the default color either, so it’s on the to-change list. I’m just trying to deal with the sidebar first. I’m going to be toying with some potential background colors for that tonight. If I find one that works other than keeping it white, I’ll likely be using the same color for the footer background. I’m also still not 100% sold on the current blue for the links, but I’ve played with a lot of them, and so far it’s been the best. So that may change color-wise as well.

    As for the writing blogs list. I’ll probably put it back, or at least have it in some featured location with a link to the writers’ markets and forums. I just haven’t gotten around to playing with the navigation yet - still getting the colors and fonts in order. I’ll try to remember to do that tonight as well though. :)

    By Jennifer Mattern on Apr 4, 2008

  6. Try these tools if you need some color matching inspiration. They’ve never failed me. :)
    http://kuler.adobe.com & http://www.colourlovers.com

    Good luck!

    By Alex on Apr 4, 2008

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