Should you use “news theme” layout for your blog?
Recommended answer for most of the blogs is resounding “No”. Why? Because it’s difficult to get it right, news (or magazine) type of blog themes can get very messy, if not implemented properly. Implementation here means, visually arranging different parts of the blog in a way that, it will not confuse the reader.
Probably one of the better examples of good implementation of such design is, Darren’s blog www.problogger.net. And not so good implementation example is, Ian’s blog www.ianfernando.com. Ian has a good blog, but I am not a fan of his layout. (Sorry Ian!). When I first saw it, it was kind of overwhelming… I am sure many new visitors feel the same.
Another reason why you should NOT use news themes on your blog is (let me quote myself):
People are used to reading blogs in sequential (downward) manner, from one post to another. Putting posts here and there will just confuse the readers, especially new visitors who are not familiar with your blog layout.
- Ades
So, unless you have thought out usable “news theme” layout for your blog, it’s better not to use them.
Do you know of any other blogs that use “news themes”? Maybe you can give “good” and “not so good” implementation examples?
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By chipseo on Nov 11, 2007
interesting points… I was thinking about a news theme at one point but chose not to use that type of layout. I think it does depend on how much content and the quality of the content displayed and how. I think it would be a pretty bad move for a brand new blog, not enough history. Scott
By Andrew Ooi on Nov 11, 2007
I am using a news theme on my site and I feel that so far it’s working out pretty well. I’ve asked feedback from my readers and so far there is no complaints.
By CompuWorld on Nov 11, 2007
TALK NEGATIVE and you will drive people towards your blog :)
you seem to be implementing that very well..
I am planning to go with magazine style theme and I will be getting a custom design. not buying the already build ones..
here is the link for that..any suggestions ades??
http://www.nofullstop.com/blog/images/custom_theme_design.jpg
By Ades on Nov 12, 2007
Salman, I was not talking negative just to attract visitors… instead I was suggesting the blogs to be more usable.
I saw your wireframe, mmmghhh… you already know my stand on this, so… i would suggest not to go for news theme. But it’s your decision.
By Iantrepreneur on Nov 12, 2007
hmm, interesting - problogger does keep that scroll portion of a ‘blog theme’ on his left side bar and just a featured on the top
with me I have just 2 recents on my sidebar and the middle column are all categories, which I think needs more exposure because those are the categories I post a lot in. My goal was to give post a more chance to give it more exposure instead of just 2 days on the front page and never been seen again. I do interlink, related entries etc but having it on the main page can give it more exposure for X amount of days.
problogger does try to keep that ‘blog theme’ design with the scrolling, I was trying to give it a more better navigation and the posts to have more exposure :)
By CompuWorld on Nov 12, 2007
Ades please please please tell me what was wrong with that layout?
now what kind of layout should I use?? I am planning a new theme for my blog before Xmas..
please suggest me something..I want it to be unique and something which does create a buzz around..
By Ades on Nov 17, 2007
Salman, maybe you can show me the mock design? because from the wireframe it looks very crowded. But it will all depend on how well you will organize (design) those sections.