Newbie looking for constructive criticism

[silktwisteddagger]

My blog is still very much in its early stages - most of the posts thusfar are things I've copied from my personal livejournal, after feeling that they deserved a separate focus to the "this is what happened at work" posts I was writing over there.

Anastrophe and Cheese (http://anastropheandcheese.wordpress.com/)

[arainsb123]

Wonderful template! And I liked reading your entries about music, though the only group of which we share a fondness is NIN. Keep it up!

[rejectME]

You seem to be off to a wonderful start. I really like your selection of posts as I myself tend more toward the random musings. Your layout is very busy, which is something I have been struggling with, but I do like the way you have categorized so at least the links are grouped well. I would stay away from a banner ad at the top of the blog, if that is what the Flickr post is, but that's personal preference. My favorite post is about London. I have fond memories of my years living there as a teenager and recall the old St. Pancras station and the London Police Chief that got arrested near King's Cross for soliciting. LOL. As for the water, I guess things have changed in the past 15 years and that's good for you 'cause it wasn't that way in Chelsea. Regardless, I like what you've done and was pleased to click on you technorati button. Keep it up! Best, Jerry

[jerrywaxler]

Good work. One suggestion would be to say more in the "About" link about what you are trying to accomplish.

Best wishes,
Jerry

[L M Ashton]

I would suggest a different font for your title - at first glance, it looks like Anastrophe and Pheese, which, of course, doesn't make sense. Of course, I still don't know what an anastrophe (although I've now looked it up) is and what it has to do with cheese, so I'm still wondering what your blog is about. Perhaps a brief descriptor under the title so visitors have an idea what your blog is about, what to expect, and why they should come back?

While you've got a decent amount of info about yourself in your about link (and it makes for an interesting read, btw :)), I'd also suggest putting a one or two sentence brief descriptor below the About link.

I also suggest putting your archives list under the About link and any other widgets, links, or whatever relating to your blog immediately following. Definitely put your "Favorite This" with Technorati thing somewhere near the top. Make it convenient! :) I would suggest putting all the links offsite at the bottom - don't give readers an excuse to go elsewhere - you want to keep them at your site as long as possible. As well, while the links categories are very very nice (thank you for that :)), it's not entirely clear immediately where the external links start. I would suggest either adding a header saying something like "My Links" or "Useful Links" or something like that. Clarity is good. :)

I also don't see your name anywhere, nor is there a way to contact you except by commenting on the blog. While I understand anonymity, I would suggest that you at least give yourself some kind of pseudonym so people have something to call you. And perhaps add an email address for people to contact you without having to comment on your blog posts.

Back to your about page - you don't link to the other sites where your work has been featured, ie, your portfolio. Why not? Advertising's always good, right?

Otherwise, it looks good. And interesting! :)

[silktwisteddagger]

i've updated a few bits as per the suggestions on here. i may consider upgrading to unlock some more features.

[silktwisteddagger]

Six months on - I think I've got the layout right, and I'm averaging about 1000 hits a month. I'm now looking to increase revenue to the site - i'm getting a few pence through affiliate links, but want more!

[veinglory]

The blog seems well put together but I think the title font is a little hard to work out and it is not clear what the focus/purpose of the blog is.

[silktwisteddagger]

I've changed the header image and added a little subtitle which might help. The purple clashes a little, but I sort of like it.

[silktwisteddagger]

Any further feedback on my blog? I'm leaving my day job (falling asleep at my keyboard is not a good sign!) so it's time to get things spruced up again! http://anastropheandcheese.wordpress.com/