Let’s Talk About All The Changes…
We are in a whole new world.
Ragamuffin Soul has a new look and it was built for you.
I recorded a video tour because I can’t type that fast.
VERY IMPORTANT>>>I WANT ALL OF YOU TO TELL ME WHAT YOU LOVE, HATE, AND MISS!!!
We will listen to you and make this place work for you.
There is a poll at the bottom of this post.
Fill it out and then comment your life away.
Loading ...Talk to me…
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
Truthfully, while I'm glad you are always progressing and growing, I have to agree that the flash header is way too big. People who love this site will take the time to scroll down but most newbies here may not take the time. Your other site was very streamlined and easy to access without a bunch of show.
Hope you don't mind the honesty.
Good thoughts. Might be a mind trick though as the last template measured out the same as far as size.
I like it bro. There are a few things I have seen:
One thing I have seen is sometimes when you try to navigate back to the home page you have to move around over your logo a little so that it lets you click on it to go back home. Seems to do with the changing flash just below it.
I would move them comments over to the right a little. so there is some space.
Other than that looking good. Way to go Carlos n john.
Got it. Thanks!!!
I like the art, but I'm not sure if I like it better than the other stuff. It's very introspective, which is cool, but there was a certain exuberance to the other stuff. It may be not a matter of "better or worse" but just different.
I really like the clean look of the theme. It looks pretty cool in general. I agree with the thought that the front page probably has too many posts. It's sorta overwhelming to scroll through all of those.
Also, while I'm not partial really to either Disqus or IntenseDebate, I do like IntenseDebate and it seems pretty simple to use. I feel like the rating of comments makes much more sense in IntenseDebate, which I like.
The one other thought I had is that I have to do quite an amount of scrolling to get to the bottom of the sidebar (at least on this post page). I imagine that shortening of the category listing will have a significant effect on that, but I'm wondering if there's any other way to make things fit together more closely. Just a thought. I've seen much longer sidebars in the past.
As a whole, it looks sweet! Color scheme is great, I love the template, the footer is cool, and I really feel like I have access to a lot of content when I look at the site. Nice job!
Thanks for the feedback. It is crucial.
I don't like that you have to click "continue" to read a full post. I liked that the last site was all content on the main page. So it was a quick scroll and read model.
Yea. That was my biggest concern. What about the fact that you had to click through to comment b4? Contemplating. hmmmm
Yea. You guys rock!
Um. The top of the page might need some tweaking.
The biggest adjustment is the click to read more. Will people do it?
That is yet to be seen.
Los
Yeah, not a fan of click on read more. IMHO it's better to click on your page and see the whole thing right there.
hmmmm. You are swaying meee….
I love, love, LOVE the new banner at the top. Not so crazy about the layout of the actual posts though. I think I like the old way better. I also love the section for latest videos (I'm not sure if you had that before). I like the color scheme mainly because I love neutral colors. But your old colors had a certain edge and vibrancy about them that I kinda was diggin. This feels a bit more subdued. I guess just all depends on how you want to come across.
Brin git.
Thanks
I hate the adds. They are not pretty. Love Hillsong but that banner takes away from your pretty header.
I take it you hated thm on the last one too?
I'm on Tokbox today if you want to talk about usability. I did a quick mockup of some thoughts this morning
I thought they were unattractive on the old one but not freaky distracting from it's beauty, but on this one, they really take away from how nice it looks, especially the header. I think. Under the post it's not SO bad.
Good thoughts. It may get ditched.
looking good!
Love it, the colours, the banners, the clean look. Looks amazing.
But I agree with wat Kyle said: "One thing that I felt made your blog stand out a little bit is the content in the old header. The two short paragraphs on each side was extremely informative to your new readers about what defines you."
When I first came here that short text immediately made it clear to me what this site was about.
what about having to click "continue reading"?
You basically has click to continue on the old site. You either clicked the headline or the link at the end of the excerpt
You basically had click to continue on the old site. You either clicked the headline or the link at the end of the excerpt
Yea. You guys rock!
Is this replying to most comments per John's advice?
If you have the time, THAT is a great addition and something I have noticed on his blog. It brings more comments, scratch that, I mean CONTENT! 
I like the simplifying of everything. Load time is better. I'm not crazy about the home page idea. To me, it complicates things. I like the simplicity of the old layout, when it comes to that. That's the only thing. All the other changes are great.
i can't see what i type in the comments section. totally invisible until i post the comment..
Really? Hmmmm
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i think it's a firefox thing cause it happens on some other random websites.
LOVE IT! WOAH!
This is killer Los! In the time I began writing this and messed up you've swapped the top ad for your Twitter posts! YES! I dig that.
The rotating banner is sweet! It's a way better way to showcase posts that we all love! This "blog" feels more like a sho nuff "website" and I think that's amazing. Pushing the way for what blogs are to be.
I like the picture representative of a post with the "Click here to read more." I find that if I'm actually visiting a blog and not just reading it in my GReader that I like that layout more.
I'm unclear on what the Demo Ad is because you have some Ad spots a little further below it?
Otherwise it's KILLER! KILLER! Way to go guys!
Hey man,
I’m fairly new to your blog, so I feel like I don’t have a lot of weight behind this comment. However, you’re asking for feedback, so feedback I will give you!
First off, lets talk about the header section.
The .ajax banner at the top is rad, very well themed and stylized. However, just not sure how it’s supposed to work, some of the banners took me where they were supposed to, others just refreshed the page.
Big fan of the nav buttons at the top. And yes google loves the sitemap so you gotta have it.
One thing I’m not a fan of is the ragamuffin soul logo with the huge ad next to it. I do enjoy the logo, however I feel that the huge colorful ad is taking away from your brand and “cheapening” it up a little.
Content Section
I love the latest post section. And I do like the continue reading section. I know most people don’t seem to be a fan, but it really puts everything on one page for you. And from an “analytics” point of view, it really helps.
The photo headers for your posts is a wicked cool (I’m not from Massachusetts) idea, really pushes that artistic button well, especially with your choice of photos. The comment indicator is a nice feature. I do feel like that needs to be shortened up a alttle. 20 posts is a lot, tons of scrolling to be had.
Sidebar
It’s nice, much better than the old sidebar. I would maybe rearrange a few things and definitely shorten up the categories area. Big fan of the flickr add. You have a lot of talent and a beautiful family, great showcase. Really lets people into your world a little further. …….. just as I was writing this you changed something… lol. I like the twitter add to the header.
Anyway, sorry that was so long, that’s how I roll. All in all a nice site, you get a thumbs up from me.
Oh and IntenseDebate is fantastic!
I love the changing banner. Like to know how to do that.
Nice theme man. I like the use of three columns with only two main ones if that makes sense.
Very cool. You can see the Human3rror influence in the page no doubt!
The banners are sick! Ad spots crack me up, but I hope you get some great ads on there!
beautiful. i need me some customage.
i really love how clean it is compared to the old theme. everything has a place and that make my designer/marketer self quite happy. oh…. and the video was about 7 minutes too long.
I'm in love it!! Everything feels good, looks good and is just pure blog goodness.
on "Continue Reading"
LOVE IT! – the 20 truncated posts w/ images loads, quick and fits TONS of content into a small space. Love how all the images are uniform – makes it super easy to scan. I think this works because of a shift I've seen in your blogging where the "real" content is in the comments. Often you are the sparker of an interesting concept and the "content" is how everyone responds. Forget the naysayers and try it out for a month then check your stats. I bet you get more activity on older posts and each post you write gets a longer "life."
Gotta fix the comments –
Clicking for more post content is good. Clicking for more comment content is bad. After 50 comments it goes to a new page. I'd say put ALL the comments on the post page. If you have to split comments for the sake of load time then go for a number like 100 or 200 per page.
Great point!!! That has not been brought out yet.
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I agree. I started to comment about how I love everything except how it lost my comment when I saw "1 2 Next" above the comment box….Hmmm….Next?
I don't like that all the comments don't just stream beneath the post and that I'd have "next" to see them all. We can be some commenting fiends around here and it scares me as to how many pages that could turn into
You got this already but I totally agree. I made this similar comment on the previous comment page because I didn't want to lose my comment by clicking the "Next" button to see what was on the next page.
oops (in love *with* it!)
I like the new design, your right about too many catagories. don't like them.
off topic, but
i had a dream about you last night.
hmmmmm, that's kinda weird. i have never even met you but some how you still show up in my dreams. weird.
haha
Really enjoy the change.
I would add a few more changes though. Padding in the comments section. And apply the artwork used in the rotating images section to the design of the site. From reading your blog the past year, this design is too simple for your tastes and adding the arrows and sunburst would really add to the simple design without adding too much noise.
I suggest adding the design to the entire rotating images section (across the entire div/screen so it fills the area instead of having it restricted to a box). Then place RAGAMUFFINSOUL over the area, which would make the header section smaller and would allow one post to be above the fold. Then also add the design to the footer.
The clicking throught doesn't bother me much since I am usually brought to your site by clicking on and then seeing the most recent post anyway. But I don't normally comment so to say everyone clicked through before isn't really true if they don't comment or read the comments. Although I do think the home page seems a little cluttered with all the posts in two columns beneath the main post. 20 is alot.
I miss the banner at the top that let people know who you are and how you got that way. When I read that it inspired me to think about who I was, who/what got me that way, and who/what is changing me now. I also think the colors and edge about it expressed alot about this entire page and what the BLOG was about. I really like the new banners too though. The colors and design in them are great.
One more thing I don't really like is the plainness of everything now. Everything seems so streamlined and almost boring with the exception of the banners. Maybe it's just because there are a bunch of empty ad spots but it's just plain and this place should be exciting and inviting.
I like the colors for the most part. The red on the "adopt" banner maybe doesn't go so well with the brown color you have behind the banner…but that's definitely only a preference. Dark green, black, and maybe yellow around up there somewhere would break up the color scheme a bit and make the difference.
The buttons should have a different font or something because they look too boxy and boring, especially on the footer
You should go back to the old way of having full posts on the main page.
Don't display so many posts at once on the main page.
The about section at the top of the page did a lot more than you may realize as far as allowing people to know and remember the purpose and personality of the site. Just catching a glimpse of that every time I visit helps me to remember this isn't just some regular magazine layout cash-whore blog.
Again, like everyone is saying, add some space to the left of the comments.
You already noted the category issue.
I like the new concept…that other theme you were using was available for anyone to download, but this is something new and unique to your site. Again, I say the full posting and the about section really need to come back. What made this blog so popular in the first place, I would say, is its clear definition and unique personality. So…lose that, and theres a problem.
Looks great homie!
Cleaner look than last. One suggestion is to get rid of the CATEGORY section. Use it much like a search bar. As one types in a category they are looking for (the category that matches or close to it) shows up. Not sure that much space is needed for CATEGORIES (there is so much more to offer here).
I really like the new layout los. I think the sidebar on the right is the most bangin part about the new site. Looks real nice and clean. One thing that I don't like much is the top of the site. The ragamuffin logo. In all of your past layouts, your banner has been the sickest part of the page. I'd say ditch the ad on top, and pimp your soul logo as much as possible. Thats all I got for now.
man I wish I had skills to design my blog. or a friend that could do it for me.
I'm starting to feel that too. Thanks!!!
los, the new theme is awesome. The layout really works well.
Love it… But… can you please, please, please add a little margin left from the comments?
Yes. For you anything.
Yeah I'm not a fan of "Continue Reading" either. Like the colors and the look though.
Nice. About the read more,I liked it. I can browse more topics and not leave the page.
i like the new theme. my biggest thing was the hillsong ad that totally took away from your design because of where it was placed… as well as the color scheme. i guess i just dont get it. i like the brown, but its like.. one random strip of brown blocked off by a weird off white? definitely loving the new flash header too! and personally, the click to read more thing doesnt bother me. i almost like it that it gives the site a more condensed clean look.
It flows well.
I do think that 20 posts on the front page, even at the abbreviation stage, is too many.
Even if it was cut down to 14 or so, I think it would flow better.
The GUI is great really.
One thing that I felt made your blog stand out a little bit is the content in the old header.
The two short paragraphs on each side was extremely informative to your new readers about what defines you.
Overall I like it a lot.
It all comes down to personal preference.
There is nothing that sticks out that screams, "THIS LOOKS LIKE CRAP!"
…well besides the obvious, and already stated, categories section.
With all that said, I can't say much, my blog looks completely generic.
I'm just glad my readers like generic and have came to expect it when viewing my page.
Alright, that's all.
Adios
Hmmmmm.
I miss that to. But I wonder how many people read it? Did you>
I read it my first time to the site – loved having that quick insight, but then didn't need it again.
yes. good intro to you.
It was the first thing I read when someone told me to check out the site. I'd try to fit something like that back in for sure.
I read it!
More than once, actually.
I definitely read it…even though I actually first read your blog when you were still at Sandals (the tunnel picture from The Hake captured me). Like the others, I found it informative. I think you can tell a lot about someone by who has shaped them and who is shaping them. Sometimes, that's bosses; other times it's friends, family, authors, etc.
I suggest a simple "About Me" page as the first link under your "About" menu. That way, you keep your header clean but still provide the info.
Los, I love it. I'm a fan of the "magazine style" front page. Plus, I read most things via Reader, but this totally makes the site even more accessible.
Very simple, very creative, very nice.
But no more disqus?!
i like the colors!
Howdy Los! You and John are doing fine work. I just wanted to give you the perspective of someone with a small laptop. Lots of banner, no content: http://twitpic.com/wruk
Also a personal preference…. I like banners that are different with each reload, rather than flash banners. Change makes me woozy
I miss your podcast
Los,loving the new layout! I like the little images on the frontpage that go along w/ the posts, commmenting seems a bit sluggish though, like my key strokes aren't keeping up to speed with me. so thats my 2 cents, keep it comin'!
RagamuffinSoul on IntenseDebate? Could it be? Awesome.
I really like the new theme. Looks like it was based on the Busy Bee theme from WooThemes. Am I right?
What about taking a little space out between the ad on the top and the rotating banner? There seems to be almost nothing to read "above the fold". A lot of scrolling to get down to what I want to read.
Nice job, John!
Yea. The ad might go.
I like being able to see the full post instead of having to click more. And where's the flavas of the month? i liked those!
I really like it! the only thing I can think of is that the weird layout of the home page. also, the comment box takes FOREVER to type in. It doesn't type it as I type it. It takes about four seconds per letter.
you need a Mac
It's kinda annoying having to click on the 'read more' tags' – I like it all up in my face ready to read! The colours are great and the photography rocks.
That change might be coming…
i totally agree with amanda. this was my biggest frustration (i liked everything else)…if i take the time for whatever reason to click to your sight from my google reader, i don't want to click again to 'read more'. lazy? yes.
I don't like having to open the post to read more… Like the overall look and feel, but the pictures in the heading are too cropped, especially the family/group shot.
I think it looks great. Will take some getting used to, to figure out where everything is now, but that's expected. I second others that you really need to add some spacing to the left of the comments. Last night, I noticed the words on left were cut off. Today they're all there, but it's really, really tight. Kinda hurts the eyes. Otherwise, nice work!
Spacing coming. Thanks!!!
I love the twitter update at the top, it is nicer than the ad up there. Still love it!
BTW: I LOVE the headers! I love variety.
Looks good bro. Definitely enjoy ID over Disqus! Way to go H3!!
miss heather's link! i would read you first then click over to her!
I kind of hate it. It's super confusing and busy.
I don't like the "read more" thing, and I miss having a link to Heather at the top of your page!
but it looks very, very clean. nice job!
Ok, I took my time and navigated around until I really felt I could answer fairly….I like it. I love the color scheme. It's easy to find my way around. I don't mind the click through to read. I do think you need to cut down on the number of categories, but you already know that. I really don't have any preference re Discus v. IntenseDebate. I like the positioning of the ads – they're very noticeable, but not distracting. Awesome work, human3rror! Awesome content, Los!
I would just like to point out that you have the most organized categories of most blogs I know…. well, you and anne.
excellent change, more sophisticated and simple, and easier to get around… it was much needed, great job!!!
Carlos, I was waiting to comment to see what changes you made throughout the day- I totally love that you changed it so that we can read the newest full post on the first page- that's great. I wasn't digging the click through for the new post. And BRAVO for changing the top ad to your twitter feed. I like that mucho. And I love the new video section.
I like it overall, but I don't like how the comments are right up against the left side of the white area. It needs the same breathing room as the rest of the content (approx. 20 pixels of margin). Also, the way some of your post's photos get cropped for the blurbs on the front page make them look weird. Maybe you'll need to start creating those by hand or specifying how they're cropped someway…
Love the new design!!
Glad to see you're rockin' IntenseDebate!
personally i think 2 designs ago it was the easiest to read and navigate. i find it much more work these days to read your blog.
Rss.
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I think you are posting this blog because you want true honesty…not someone that will just blow dust up your skirt saying this is the greatest blog site ever! So…I am going to give honesty…..I liked ragamuffin soul before everything was changed. It just doesn't feel as personal as it used to. I used to log on to your site feeling like I got to know you and almost felt like I was in your home talking to you. Now, I feel like I am on just another sweet, crazy graphics website with tons of ads. Don't get me wrong, I love the graphics and use of pictures and videos you have, but I just feel it waters everything down. I like you, I like your website, I like your beliefs, I like what you are about, I like your look on things…..so, with that said I would rather have more of that and less ads, and less popout menus. I would still love to meet with you someday….I don't know if you remember me….
Jordan
Good points. I've had ads for over a year though. Maybe it was someone elses blog you were readi g?
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los,
john did u good!
oh yeah – and the twitter updater in the header rocks
I seem to be in the minority here but I actually love the new flash "header". I do agree with others, though, that it'll get old pretty fast. To avoid that, I think you'll need to keep it fresh. Possibly incorporate additional content and also change it up on at least a monthly basis. Perhaps this is where you can incorporate your "Flavas of the month".
Definitely think the search box should be near the top, perhaps right below the "This Place Is About…" section.
Spacing within the Categories Section is a bit off (e.g. Creative Chaos appears to take up two lines even though one is blank).
Nit-picky but the link to John's site within the footer isn't wrapped around the full name "Human3rror".
Not a big fan of the H2 Header formatting. If you are going to box them in, I think the boxes should span the whole column (e.g. look at the "Stats" header below).
It definitely shades on the corporate side of design (e.g. a little boxy, rather bland except for the header).
I have to click "Next" to see even more comments???
Even thought I pointed out the things I don't particularly like, I really like it overall.
As I said previously, I really like the re-design as a whole. What about conent upgrades? Anything new planned there?
Sorry, content!
By the way, is it just me, or has it been a long time since the last "Creative Chaos"? That was first what got me coming to this blog regularly…
It's been a while. It's coming back. But not what you think.
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Sweet! You know what I'd like to see in the next evolution… a return to your video discussions of worship at Buckhead Church each week and more video of the creativity you all have in your services! Now that 7|22 is gone, I miss seeing video of worship done well!
Love Love Love the new design….*grins @human3rror*
but
you're lady love's link is not on main page? or am I missing it???
when i redesigned my blog, i got like 3 comments.