BLOGROLL
Some of you may have noticed some changes in my left sidebar. My “blogroll” was getting a little out of control, taking over the world with its lengthiness. I therefore decided to prioritize. My fifteen favorite book blogs (subject to shuffle and revision) remain in the sidebar, along with links to authors. All of the other book blogs of which I am aware and to which I subscribe now constitute a List o’ Book Blogs page, accessible in the Navigation section.
REVIEWS
I recently changed the format of my reviews. See my reviews of Stardust and The Post-Birthday World for examples. Part of what prompted me to start a book blog was a longing for the kind of interaction provided by literature classes. Reviews are generally limited in scope because the reviewer is writing, presumably, to those who have not yet read the book. I would like to expand the scope of the audience to include those who have read the book and those who are currently reading the book. Thus, the changed format.
I now divide my reviews into three sections, based on whether the reader has read the book or not. The first section, the review, is labeled “FOR FUTURE READERS.” Easy enough, right? The next section, the thought questions, is labeled “FOR PRESENT READERS.” And, finally, the last section, my response, which may contain spoilers, is labeled “FOR PAST READERS.” I hope this will foster more discussion.
GIVEAWAY
My 100th Post Celebratory Giveaway is going on until the end of the month. Make sure you enter here to win a lovely book-lover’s package and then leave lots and lots of comments!
QUESTIONS
- Do you visit my actual site or do you primarily read it through a reader of some sort?
- How do you feel about the layout? Are you able to find what you are looking for?
- Is having a page of book blogs helpful?
- Do you have any thoughts, comments, questions, or suggestions on the new format for my reviews?
Related posts:
{ 8 comments }
I do read it through google readers. However when I see an interesting post I do visit the page.
I like a clean look on a blog may be add a little color? Yes I can find everything.
Having a seperate page for book blog links is nice (am I on there? ;)
Thanks for the explanation about the review section. I was a little confused.
I only read through Reader until I want to leave a comment. I like your blog layout because it’s simple. I liked blog links when I first entered the blog world because I would find a blog I liked and then click on the links to find other similar blogs. I like your review organization. Keep up the good reading!
Do you visit my actual site or do you primarily read it through a reader of some sort?
I do both. I subscribe to your feed but frequently check back to see comments of other bloggers/readers.
How do you feel about the layout? Are you able to find what you are looking for?
I love your layout. It’s so easy to use and it’s really really good looking.
Is having a page of book blogs helpful?
Absolutely. With the millions of blogs out there, it’s difficult to find decent blogs about the specific subjects you’re looking for. The Bluestocking list lets me know which blogs are credible.
Do you have any thoughts, comments, questions, or suggestions on the new format for my reviews?
I like the new format for your reviews. My suggestion would be to monitor your comments (I’m sure you already do). But if you monitored the comments left, answered questions, and created a dialogue, I think it would be closer to a literary discussion, or forum, like you’re shooting for.
Whoa! I’m just excited to be on your Top 15! Yippy!
I do most of my blog reading through Reader, but I find myself clicking on the actual blogs quite often. I’ve loved the look of your blog since I first discovered it. It’s nice clean and clear. And as for your new review format… I think it’s very cool. I read a ton of reviews, so it’s fun to read one that’s just not the same old same old.
I had the same problem with my blogroll becoming ridiculously long. I solved it by making it scroll, but I think your solution is a great one too. And I really like your review format with the three separate sections!
These days I use Google Reader, but I click over to the actual blogs fairly often. I like your layout a lot – simple and elegant, very organized and easy to read.
You’re on my google reader and I read each of your posts, every day. I love your site, especially the new Blue Leaf section.
Bluestocking – I added you to the list o’ book blogs. Thanks for pointing that out.
Rebecca – I do the same thing. I subscribe to almost 100 book blogs in Google Reader and click over to a blog when I want to leave a comment or see more. I click on your blog a lot.
Blake – Thanks for your helpful comments. I took the last one particularly to heart. :o)
Suey – You absolutely deserve to be in the top 15. I love the new look of your blog.
Nymeth – Yeah, I debated for a while on what to do with the blogroll. I set up a del.icio.us account and everything. I’m not positive the page of book blogs will be a permanent solution, but it works for now.
Heather – I’m so glad that you like the Blue Leafs. I’m so impressed with your year of books.
I think this may be my first visit to your blog, but it won’t be the last. I love your future, present, and past reader idea – wish I would have thought of that!
I’m old fashioned and actually visit blogs instead of using google reader…
Comments on this entry are closed.