Let's have a LINK party critique!

First off, this isn't SNS. YET. :) So don't let the button fool you!

I'd like to thank those that join SNS on the weekends. Whether you just come by for a visit, or share your DIY of late, or both, the weekends to me have abit of extra spark in them. After I glance through the entries, I'm always raring to get off the computer and go create something, so the inspiration bug does in fact bite and work!

I have started to ask myself a few questions though. So rather than guess, I'd love your input. Because after all, this party is put on for you. :)

1. Why do you link up to so many?

There are so many link parties! And I often wonder why some enter their DIY to lists upon lists. Reason being, if we visit those other link parties, your submission isn't all that new to blogland any longer. Yes, there's always the chance you'll find a few that haven't seen you yet, but most have. Thoughts?

I tend to gauge my own party submissions by the comments I get back. If I only receive one comment or so at a link party, I know I've been seen lots elsewhere. That in itself is why I don't link up much any longer. I guess that's a good problem to have, no? :)

2. Do you link back?

I consider a link back to a link party as a thank-you to the hostess and I appreciate it when you do that. And most do, so thank-you! Some choose not to and I'm curious as to why. Do you link back? Why or why not? 

3. Hidden party buttons - good or bad? 

With so many link parties, many of you have created separate pages to display all the link party buttons. It's a great idea! It keeps your posts clutter free from all those buttons if you visit alot. However, one thing I do notice is, at times your project shows up here again simply because the reference isn't in your post to where you've actually been. What's your thought on the hidden button page?

4. Picture link ups!

I think this one's a no brainer. We all love visuals vs. lists. How are you making out with this feature? Do you find yourself visiting moreso, or less because of the added clue as to what's inside?

5. Two separate headings

A Home Decor party, and a Crafts, Sewing, Cooking party. How are you doing with the two separate headings for this anything goes type of event?

6. Anything goes, or themed?

I have to be honest. My own personal passion is transforming junk into a new use. I've been tempted many times to theme SNS to that topic only and I've been reluctant to add yet another heading, creating 3 divisions to the party. But maybe I should. Or maybe I should just re theme SNS all together and have it one theme only. Or leave things as is. Do you prefer themed or anything goes parties?

7. Sidebar features

Do you enjoy the highlights I throw up on the sidebars? Those that subscribe through readers don't see that part, so I'm curious how meaningful they actually are. I personally love to show off projects that have highly inspired me during the party, so I'm curious as to what you think.

8. Is every weekend too much?

Would you desperately miss this party if it weren't every weekend? I often wonder if once a month would be enough so you could show the best of the month rather than everything under the sun. Or every other weekend. What say you?

9. Advertising your own giveaway/link up event at another's party.

"Thanks for hosting. Now enter my giveaway/link party!" Thoughts?

10. Giveaway events

Do you like them? Just as happy without them?

11. Why do you come to SNS?

And the question of the day is, what brings you by to this particular party? Is there something that's done differently here that appeals to you?

12. Anything else?

Sidebar poll

Now, before you comment like mad, I've created a poll on the sidebar so you can address alot of these questions with one click. And I think it would be a cool way for all of us to quickly gauge what's popular vs what's not. So check it out and then let's hear what you have to say in comments if you desire!

And if you prefer to comment like crazy in words, here's the list of questions you can cut and paste into comments. I cannot wait to hear what you have to say. :)

I'd love to left side align this column but blogger will no longer allow me to do so! ARG. Sorry.

1. Why do you link up to so many?

2. Do you link back in your post?

3. Hidden party buttons - good or bad?

(these are links to a separate post/page on one's blog - you must click the link to view the list, so basically put, you have to find who they are linking up with)

4. Thumbnails vs. text linkups in your posts - which one do you prefer?

5. Separate headings - like it?

6. Anything goes or themed?

7. Sidebar features - notice them?

8. Do you like SNS every weekend?

9. Advertising your own giveaway/linkup in comments. Comments?

10. Giveaway events - miss them? Doesn't matter?

11. Why SNS?

12. Anything else?

13. Picture linky or list linky party?

14. Why are all my posts so dang long?!? :)

Got a blog? This critique summary is for you.

Wow!

I think the entire town of blogsphere showed up for the post on the big critique!

Did you miss it? If you have a blog, it's critical you don't miss it.

The comments are what I wish to direct your attention to. I had requested that anyone that wanted to critique blogsphere, to please feel free.

The insight that was gathered was incredible! Anyone that has a blog, this critique is for you.

Now, the argument could be, not all of us like the same things. Shouldn't our blogs be a reflection of our individual tastes?

Yes and no.

 Yes, it's your blog. However, from my standpoint, most of the comments made were made in the reference of functionality. Or should I say, due to disfunctionality. Which is very different than simply chosing a background colour or logo.

I think we all agree, that we wish for our blogs to:

welcome our guests

be pleasant on the eyes

load quickly

ensure a guest's visit was enjoyable

hold interesting content to warrant a return visit

Easy right? Hmm... maybe not.

Read on for some tips that you may be unaware of, to help your blog welcome those that visit!

What you DO like in blogs

light and simple backgrounds

legibility

organization

visits with comments

frequent photos

quality photos

realism in writing

link party participants that make other visits

quality vs. quantity comments

fast downloads

helpful tips if you're a newbie

consistent 'pertinent' content

individual style to shine through

the focus is with your reader in mind (are they getting what they came for?)
not afraid to show flaws

comments returned

visits
*email read feeder option for the .com, non blogspot folks
*(where do you find this? help!)

What you do NOT like in blogs

dark backgrounds

too many bells and whistles

flashy, scrolly and blinky stuff

too commercial

coaxing to become a follower

gimmicks to become a follower

dissing of other bloggers

busy backgrounds

too many ads in too many locations

overloaded and over busy sidebar info

copy cat decorating content

word verification

manageable pics you don't have to scroll to see

comments asking you to come back to their place for votes, giveaways, etc.

dormant blogs

too many off topic posts
too many hoops to jump to enter a giveaway
no email contact in profile
poor grammar
typos

Things you dislike that SLOW DOWN your computer

snow falling

music

flashy, blinky or scrolly things

large sized or large file sized pictures
too many posts set to load on main page

Blog features you yourself love and use

email notification for comments

viewing blogs in readers for quick access and easy legibility

What you like about my blog

my stripes (kidding!)

my 'outside of the box' DIY style

originality

friendly

approachable

writing style - down to earth

good photos

frequent photos

blog tutes - easy to understand and implement

humor

honesty

sincerity

warmth

risks taken

my visits and comments

you feel like you know me

top posts listing on right sidebar

that I ask for opinions

getting to know the 'real' me

generous nature (highlighting others)

What you want to see on my blog

my Donald Trump hair :)

more blog building tips

more tutorials and videos

graphic design how-tos

faster loading pictures

to offer decorating advice

What I love about blogging most

the unique friendships I have made with you

~ Thank-you! ~

I'll be working down the list to see what I can do with my own blog.

I hope you enjoyed the info in the spirit in which it was given. It's a wealth of free information that can help kick that welcome door open just a little more for our special guests.

The original critique post is located ...

HERE.

P.S. Grab a beverage. You'll be here awhile. :)

Amazing animal photos from http://www.freepicturesweb.com/

More comments to share? Feel free. I'll update the master lists as needed. :)

Wanna critique blogsphere? Here you go!

Do you sometimes hold your breath as you push 'publish?' I think I do every single time. :)

One of the hardest things in life to deal with for most is the fear of rejection. Wouldn't you agree?

A first in blogland.. attaching house numbers to a dresser. Risky? Ohhh yeah.

I for one, commend every one of you DIY bloggers for putting your thoughts, ideas and projects 'out there'. It's so fun to share what we've created, but you also know, critiques, good and bad, may come back your way.

When I went to graphic design school, we were instructed to work on our projects, then stand in line for a critique from the instructor. Many hesitated for he wasn't soft with his words. He stated things the way they were. And if you had a soft exterior, you were generally last in line to receive your 'truth.'

Bringing this old horse gate home was a risk I'm glad I took!

Well, I was generally one of the first. I didn't really care much about what he thought of me. I cared about what I could do with my work after he said his peace. I swear, after his ramblings, my hair had that super model wind blown effect once I returned to my seat! At least that's how he made me feel. But once I realized he wanted my work to improve, he taught me quickly to push my pride aside and listen up.  He wanted my work to be better than what it was. And that was why I always chose to be one of the first in line for his harsh critiques.

This curtain idea totally kept me up at night when I hit post!

Truthful critiques, if taken in the right light (and given with a kind delivery of course), are helpful! And serve a purpose. They will help guide you to a better way of doing things. You gain valuable insight why someone may not be visiting your blog when they wish they could. How your work has a chance to improve because someone spoke out. To gain insight on your creations if you wish to sell to the masses. You have to be open to risk in order to move ahead.

Do I take risks? Funky Risky Junk Donna ought to be my legal name.

You may have been one of the 'fortunate' to receive a small kind critique from me by now. :) And if you have, please please oh please know, it's because I care about what you're doing and I want to see you succeed! And in return, when you throw one back my way, I linger in word heaven, taking in each thought and suggestion and approval and even disapproval. Love it all! You cared enough to say something!

It would be a boring world if everyone said, "You're great! The End." How ever would we grow?

White Trash Bedroom on Rate My Space

It's with this thought premise that I got brave and loaded my White Trash Bedroom on Rate My Space. I knew I'd get some raw insight and I wanted to test the waters further than blogland. For I think, we as a community, build ourselves up to a place where we've come to care and support one another. Not a bad thing, in fact, so comforting! But sometimes that can overshadow truthful critiques that are actually desired from time to time. (admit it, sometimes you just want to hear that your idea was great, but other times you're ready for the cold hard truth)

It isn't easy, let me tell you! But if you want to grow further in an area than where you currently are, getting the cold hard truth between the eyes will slowly get you there.

So here's where you can help me. I'd love you to critique my blog.

Don't you secretly wish at times you could tell someone why their blog wasn't working for you, without offending them? Well, let's push that notion to the side at my place. I'm opening the door to you here. I want to hear what you think. Because I know I can better my blog if I do!

One thing I totally already know is, I need a blog makeover. Badly. I can't stand different sized widgets and poor spacing. Drives me into a frenzy! However, funds won't allow me to spend on the blog at the moment, so I'm hacking away at this crazy html mountain a section at a time on my own. One thing I was careful with was, that the blog interface is easy to read, and low on flashy stuff that can slow a blog load down (features that keep me from visiting many out there because they freeze up my computer!)

So knowing that, tell me what you think.

Am I too wordy? (I love to write, can you tell?!?)
Posts too long? Short? (short... haha! good one)
Not enough decorating content?
You'd rather do without something I continue to do?
Something you want to see more more more of?
My ever changing format drives you crazy, or you like the alternating thing?

Also, why not share some pros and cons on what you do like/don't like in blogsphere in general? Your input here may be a nice way to deliver an indirect request to help other blogs. :)

Let's hear it! Whatcha got?

~ Update ~

Due to the overwhelming response this post recieved, below is Part 2

Thank-you for YOUR part in this!

Part 2 - Got a blog? This critique summary is for you.