Welcome to the new and improved SlyVisions dot Com… version 3! Oh, and I’m not trying to copy John Chow by the way by using the term “version 3″. This really is the third time that I’ve changed themes ever since I moved this blog to WordPress. I thought the second time was going to be the “last time for a long time”, but according to some of my readers and readers from another blog, it was time for a change.
The New Look
Now I know the question that’s going through your head is, who designed this? Well, it’s a premium theme called Fresh News (hence the hint I gave on the earlier post) by Woo Themes, but I had a WordPress developer (who’s actually a loyal SlyVisions reader) help me with the redesigning and all that good stuff. Most of the stuff is still here, but just revamped. Here are some major changes you will notice, other than the theme itself:
- Neater, crisper, and clean. As you can see, there is almost no clutter at all and everything is nicely organized.
- Featured posts. At the top of the main page, readers will easily see the most recent post as a “featured post”. It gives it an easy way to attract attention.
- Less categories. That’s right. I’ve managed to bring down the number of categories from “too much” to just 9. Oh, and they’re all located on the header for easy access.
- Color combination. The site is no longer saturated with red anymore. With blue, orange, and black, this combination is easy on the eyes.
- No more Entrecard? As of right now, I’ve decided to remove Entrecard from this site. I might put it back later, but it’s unlikely.
Your Thoughts
Ok, so now is the most important part of the whole redesigning process. What do you, as a SlyVisions reader, think of the new design? Is there anything that still bugs you? Have you found any errors on the site anywhere? Please leave your feedback below!
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This is a really good theme and I really like it. A little bit worried that your 125×125 ads are down so low because it means they won’t get much exposure….they are kind of hiden away.
Much more clutter free, and much better. I see you got rid of the cartoon of yourself. That did bring your site character I thought and could be good to bring back (maybe just in your about page).
All in all an awesome theme.
Is it custom? When did you get it from?
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@Ryan McLean - I still need to find a way to put the banners higher up a bit.
The theme is customized if that’s what you’re asking. As I said in the post, it’s a premium theme. Oh, and about my cartoon character, you think it will be a good idea to add it with the logo?
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Eh, I’m honestly not too into this new theme. There is simply way too much going on at once. I feel like a good “make money online” blog like yours should be using a theme that is more standard post-post-post then a magazine format. By breaking things up the way you are, it’s kind of too formal in my opinion and harder to navigate to see what you are posting.
I’d give it an 8/10 overall, but a 6.5/10 for this particular website. Not trying to hate, just trying to be constructive. Stay bullish
The Net Fool’s last blog post..This is a Generic Blog Post
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@The Net Fool - Glad to hear your opinion Jim. That’s exactly why I need your guys’ comments!
Anyway, ya I have the option to do a magazine-style layout or a regular blog-layout for this theme. Depending on what everyone else says, I’ll either keep this magazine layout or change it to the blog one.
Edit: Oh and by the way, Jim, this is not a MMO blog anymore, remember? I still share tips on how to make money online, but the focus on this blog is much much more than just that.
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Not really something new.. but Oh! SlyVisions has got a very cool facelift. This is for sure.
Great work with this one. I love the design and simplicity..
Can’t comment on any suggestions for improvements, as it looks already perfect to me.
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@ Sly - Well at the moment there is a space left of the logo which you could put your little cartoon man it. That would be cool.
As for the 125×125 banners….they are probably going to be your biggest earner so head over to forums.digitalpoint.com and get someone to edit your sidebar so you can put them in the top
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@ Sly - If this blog isnt an MMO blog then what is it?
Personally magazine style blogs suck! unless you have like 30,000 subscribers like problogger it is not worth it. Too much going on and too annoying. I agree with Jim
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I like the new layout a lot, but agree with the others about converting it to normal post to post style. I also think the 125×125 ads should be moved as high as possible in the side bar to provided advertisers with optimal results. But a huge improvement
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Awesome. I agree with some of the points the others have made - getting your 125 ad-farm higher up in the theme to better the visibility/click through for your advertisers…
I’d like to see some more personality incorporated into this theme. I’m so used to your character being up front and center, and I also feel having your picture or some sort of logo/character for branding is important..
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Sly:
Well done!
I tend to agree with NetFool. Although your new theme looks very nice and clean, I sense that something is missing.
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I like the theme. As most people have said it is very nice and clean and easy on the eye. The 125×125 ads are a lot lower than I would expect but it is something that may work for you, who knows. With the way it is set up, I would be inclined to scroll down and see what else is in store if I was a first time visitor. When I am on the home page I like the way your posts are segregated into different blocks with just a snippet of whats to come. I dont agree with what some people have said about it being annoying.
Gerri - Show Me The Money’s last blog post..Earn Money on Ciao’s Consumer Community
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@ The Internet Entrepreneur Diary - What do you feel is missing exactly?
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Wow new theme. I thought you like to be unique so you decided to have a new theme but why did you purchase this theme. Seems that this theme has been used already by many blogs. If you can’t afford unique theme, why you did not look for a great premium theme that is not common. Hmmm..
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I think this theme is great, no matter how many other sites use it. At least it’s simple and cool.
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Great theme!!! I admire people who give their effort for their blogs, definitely stumbled your blog. Congrats
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Very nice one. Layout and color balance remind me of theme I am using at my blog. Only yours looks much better (mine is free one).
Bit too much stuff in sidebar. And maybe make footer dark to match header, it creates nice frame effect.
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@Sly -
The cartoon branded you, so I would definitely bring it back.
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Ok guys. I listened to what you guys had to say, so now the 125×125 banners are above the fold!
Next step: bring back The Sly Guy cartoon!
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I’m also using the Fresh News theme, and it’s actually really nice. As long as you continue to incorporate your branding efforts, I think you’ll do well. I have incorporated a “cartoony” character with my logo as well, and it really helps the brand recognition. Look forward to seeing how you do that.
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Nice theme,but i agree the logo cartoon its a brand and you blew it…bring it back men.
Best Regards
Soares
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Sly,
Great theme bro!
Going premium is definitely an upgrade!
I’ve seen this theme before, a lot “flippers” use it.
I bought a premium theme too, Revolution Magazine. But my theme was used by a lot of people; it’s all over the Web.
So I got my premium theme re-designed, so that it’s completely unique.
I see you did the same.
It looks awesome!
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Yup, that looks better.
Gerri - Show Me The Money’s last blog post..Earn Money on Ciao’s Consumer Community
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Wow looks very cool man!!
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Really great theme, I’m loving it!
Woo Themes’ stuff are really good…
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awesome theme
salwa’s last blog post..Sunday Link Love - September 21st 2008
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Fairly speaking, this theme definitely give you a face lift because it is perfect magazine theme. Have you bought it? If so, how much? Just curious… I’d give it an 9/10
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@Adsensing - I can’t really disclose how much I bought it since I got it from a Woo Themes theme developer (who also helped me with the design).
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Sly,
I recently purchased this theme as well. I like it! It is all good. Your last theme wasn’t bad, but this was a good decision to make this move.
My main site, http://www.investwithpassion.com, I have been thinking of moving it to this theme, but I love the old one so much. Just got a baby review from an online friend and they reminded me that it is so basic. I am using the Bradford Magazine theme on that site. I had to let him know where I came from and it was a long way.
Nevertheless, good stuff and can’t wait for you to get back to that sweet content!
Peace Bro!
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This theme is not bad but I recognized it right away when I came here. It’s used on a lot of blogs that I’ve come across. Once you get bigger you should get a more unique design.
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