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FIRST....
 |
| I'm a survivor! |
I got my A to Z Survivor T-shirt shortly
after last month’s IWSG post. After a theme of natural and manmade disasters, I
figured I deserved this. ;) It is really well made and super comfy. You can get
yours HERE. Major props to Jeremy Hawkins for creating this!
**************************************
Blog Insecurity:
I got this comment
on my blog from an anonymous person:
Dear Fey
Your site is an enormous help to any aspiring writer, no doubt. But the look of it is an eyesore and an example of a very poor web design. Too many colours, too many different fonts, awful.
I am very proud of my blog, so that comment stung. I’m not a web designer and I like the black
background, although I know some people don’t. I won’t be changing that. I did
however change the fonts and colors so I’m only using white fonts, all of which
are Arial. The green fonts are links and will stay that way because it’s my
favorite color. Although it wasn’t mentioned, I cleaned up the sidebars
and put all of the awards in my “About Me” page.
A week later, I got another anonymous comment (obviously from the same person) saying, "You need to work on the aesthetics of the pages. I can't believe that you see them as even acceptable, let alone good. They are too busy for any good taste. Can't you do something about it?"
QUESTION: Is this person BS or is my blog appearance a failure?
Update: I removed the book background because a couple of people with widescreen laptops said it was too overpowering. I'm still trying new things....
A week later, I got another anonymous comment (obviously from the same person) saying, "You need to work on the aesthetics of the pages. I can't believe that you see them as even acceptable, let alone good. They are too busy for any good taste. Can't you do something about it?"
QUESTION: Is this person BS or is my blog appearance a failure?
Update: I removed the book background because a couple of people with widescreen laptops said it was too overpowering. I'm still trying new things....
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Dedication Insecurity:
In April, Ghost of
Death came out. In May I realized the dedication is wrong. Half of the
dedication I gave my publisher is missing. That is a HUGE bummer. Not only for
me (the author), but for the people who deserved a thank you: my beta readers and editor. I don’t
ever want them to think I don’t appreciate what they did for Ghost of Death, and I’m afraid they do.
I tried contacting my publisher about this error, but I don’t think it’ll be
fixed.
So
here is the real, full dedication for Ghost
of Death:
To
Gina Stoneheart for being such a wonderful friend, and to my mom for coming up
with the names of the bar and the drink Jolie loves.
A
big thanks also goes out to Crystal Collier, Annalisa Crawford, Sittie Cates,
and Jassie S. for beta reading Jolie's story, as well as Lori Graham for seeing
the potential the original story had.
Amazon US / Amazon UK / The
Wild Rose Press / NOOK
/ KOBO
**************************************
Last month I received
this gift card holder from Liz A. She hosted a giveaway during A to Z and I was
one of the winners. The “C” wasn’t available so I chose “Z.” I thought it was
really cute and perfect for completing the Challenge. Check out Liz’s shop
HERE.
QUESTIONS: Do you think my blog is an eyesore? Has there even been an
error involving one of your dedications or acknowledgments?
One star reviews will come and go. As for the blog hassling nut, bah, do what you want. The only thing I will say as some people avoid blogs with black background and white writing as it can be hard on the eyes of many folks.
ReplyDeleteI know that about black backgrounds and white font, like I mentioned, but I really don't want to change it. I've only had one person ever say it was difficult on the eyes. Unless others aren't saying it...
DeleteI think the comment was spam. I get rude comments like that often, and I just delete them, and don't give them another thought. I think your blog (and mine) look fine. I am not yet published, so I don't have a one star yet.
ReplyDeleteI figured it was spam, but for once there were no spelling errors and no link to another website, so I paid a little more attention than I normally would. I thought maybe it was someone who came to my blog and didn't want to leave that comment with their name attached to it.
DeleteI had a thought. If you still care about it, you could search your comment file for the same IP address. If they left comments before with their name you will know who they are.
DeleteOne star's are a badge of honor. Ignore them. Your blog looks fine, everyone has an opinion, just stick to what feels right for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Yolanda! My blog does feel right to me. :)
DeleteUgh on the one star and the negative blog comments. I try to be open, hear what people say, then make my own decisions. You're doing fine! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I did. :) I figured I could fix some things on my blog and did that. As for my story, I know why I mentioned senses the ghost didn't have, because it was a learning experience for her. And I know my story is unique, which is why I let that one star just slide right off me. :)
DeleteRather than just ignoring one star reviews, you should perhaps think about what they say and check that the reviewer isn't right about what they said. It is, after all, a learning process. As for the appearance of your blog, if you are satisfied with it, then that's fine.
ReplyDeleteI didn't ignore the one star review, Jo. I read it. I considered the things mentioned. I compared it to what others are saying and how I know I wrote the story. I personally think this person was a bit crabby that day. It happens. And I learn all the time from critiques.
DeleteI read "Ghost of Death" last night and found the writing to be refreshing and crisp. I enjoyed it and it's not a genre that I often read. As for your blog's appearance (and I didn't make any anonymous comment), I do find the books that are on the side (I am using a wide screen) to be overpowering. But the writing is easy to read, the green links are helpful, and I don't mind the black background.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sage! That's a huge compliment!
DeleteAgain, thank you! Those were the main things I was curious about. As for the books, that's a new widget...I can try to scale down the size a bit.
I think it may be more overwhelming for those of us with widescreen as almost half the screen is the book background, leaving the black text area the middle half (if that makes sense)
DeleteOh, I see what you're saying...the book background. Got it! I'll see if I can remove that or fix it.
DeleteHi Chrys -
DeleteThat is really funny, I was going to make a similar comment about the book background and was going to suggest that you narrow the sidebars to make the middle, text area larger and the books less distracting, but I see you've removed the books altogether - that works too. I think it's a good idea to have the writing white against black, it's easy to read. I have seen blogs with a dark background and purple writing, and while I love purple, it can be almost impossible to read against black! I think you've done a great job with your blog.
1 star reviews? I've had two, both of them for my debut novel 'the book of my heart' as the cliche goes, and they really hurt. One was from a professional review site and hurt the most because the reviewer not only accused me of contriving a twist ending (It wasn't at all contrived, in fact, the decision to end the story that way came as a surprise to me too, but after a lot of soul searching and consultation with crit partners I decided it was the only logical way the story could end) but she gave away the ending too. The second was from an Amazon 'reader' who also gave away most of the plot and headed it 'Don't buy this book'! Ouch! You have to compare reviews like this with four and five star reviews for the same book and you'll likely find more people like it than don't. After all, the publisher would have rejected it it if wasn't any good!
I haven't had any of my dedications 'go missing' but before my first book was published, I had several editors before the final one who polished it and made it shine. I'd already sent in the dedication for that and the second book which I'd submitted almost at the same time, without naming my editor, and was too inexperienced to think of changing it. I hope I've rectified it with my third book, by mentioning her, although I have a different editor for this one, and I'll want to acknowledge her too.
Don't worry about your insecurities, looks like you're doing fine!
Lyn, I prefer black against white more than white against black.
DeleteOuch! Those reviews are nasty. I don't know why they have to be so nasty for.
Thank you! :D
I don't think your blog is an eyesore at all. It's so subjective. I do wonder if that was the same person sending both messages! And yes, one star reviews do make you an official author. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm an official author!!! WHO-HOO!!!!! ;P
DeleteLet's hope each of us has different tastes or only one book would be worth reading and only one man would be worth marrying. The good news is someone keeps coming back to your blog and another was kind enough to say why they didn't like your book. Some fly-by's are much more cruel and less specific. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
Thank you so much, Anna! I loved you're comment. You are so right!
DeleteIgnore them. I know it hurts and stings, but our lives as writers are full of rejections!! Ugh, I wish it weren't true, but it is. Think about all the good things you've accomplished. Hope you have a better week!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about our lives being full of rejections. Thank you, Jennifer!
DeleteThat person doesn't have the guts to leave a comment other than anonymous, so I'd ignore it. Besides, that is just so rude.
ReplyDeleteI agree! Even if I thought someone's blog was hideous (which I don't) I would never be mean and leave a comment like that whether anonymous or not.
DeleteBummer they messed up the dedication.
ReplyDeleteOne star reviews happen. Sucks when they don't even finish the book. I've never thought reviewing an unfinished book was fair. But it's just one person's opinion.
I don't see anything wrong with the layout of your blog.
I never thought that was fair either.
DeleteHonestly, I think that person is a bit persistent. If you like it the way it is then leave it. It's yours and shows off a bit of who you are. Sorry about the dedication being messed up. I know how important it is the thank those who've helped us. But you've made a valiant effort here. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, SA! :)
DeleteI recently received a 1 star because the reader pointed out writing errors, although he did like the story. Hence the re-edits of Breakthrough.
ReplyDeleteWriting errors in a published work is a real blow. I fear that all the time and try not to think about it.
DeleteAnd that's a great looking A to Z shirt!
ReplyDeleteIt is! I love it!
DeleteLiz does great work with the card holders! Glad you were able to get one!
ReplyDeleteI think the blog design of your's is good. If it works for you, that's all that matters. What I have trouble with, especially one that I follow, the background is kind of a paisley print and its really hard to read the words. I can read what you write so it works for me :) Makes you wonder who that anonymous commenter is that they are reluctant (or chicken) to reveal their identity. Easy to hide behind the word anonymous.
I like your attitude about the one star review. Reviews can be so subjective.
betty
Great! That's why I kept the background simple with just the black. I thought it would be easier to read.
DeleteI keep wondering who the anonymous commenter is as well. And if he or she will comment again.
First of all, I LIKE your blog! It's fun! And second of all, ignore them. It's YOUR blog, and the only opinion that matters is yours.
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU, SL! Your comment made me feel a lot better. *high five!*
DeleteYour blog is easy to read - in fact far better than some I visit. There are a few out there that I can't read very easily without peering at the screen.
ReplyDeleteAnd one star reviews are inevitable and usually mean very little about you and your writing - unless they make a constructive comment. But then that should mean at least one more star.
That's good to know, Roland.
DeleteIf there was something constructive in that one star, I would've paid close attention to it and looked at my work. But it was just kind of rude.
When it comes to blog preferences it's a to each their own. If you like it, you like it. As for the one star review, it's your red badge of courage.
ReplyDelete"Red badge of courage..." I like that!
DeleteOkay, this person is a jerk and needs to suck it up. Your blog is perfectly readable, there is nothing that's "distracting". Style is a matter of preferance. As long as your audience can read what you're writing (check) and your content is good (check), then I wouldn't worry about it. That's so annoying, though! Like I am seriously upset about this person right now. Ugh. Your blog is perfectly fine and beautiful and so are you and I love you both. Stupid anonymous comment-leaver needs to get lost.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Anne! I have to agree with you that this person is a jerk. Your comment made me smile and laugh, so thank you! :)
DeleteStyle is everything, whatever works for you really. But the comments were uncalled for really. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteThank you, blogoratti! They really were uncalled for. And I'm glad that everyone is backing me up and likes how my blog looks. :)
DeleteWhat did Gore Vidal write? "Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn."
ReplyDeleteI have a black background as well. I used different color fonts to help with eye-strain but was criticized that it caused the very thing I wished to avoid -- so I have limited the use of color on my blog.
But basically our blogs are our homes -- I wouldn't visit your home and criticize the color scheme of the front room ... unless there was a dead body in the middle of the floor -- then, being a friend, I would offer my help in burying it! :-)
I love the quote!
DeleteHAHA! That was funny. Thanks for that, Roland. And it's nice to know that you'd help me bury a body. ;)
I've never noticed any problems with your blog. I would just ignore this person. It's very rude to leave comments like that. Sorry you have had some bummer moments lately!
ReplyDeleteLove the t-shirt, that's awesome.
Thank you, Julie! Definitely have had some bummer moment lately. Hopefully that's the end of it for a while.
DeleteAs far as I'm concerned, there is nothing wrong with your blog or how it looks. That said, it's none of my business anyway; our blogs are OUR blogs, and we make them to suit our own personal style. Whoever keeps posting those comments is incredibly rude, and they obviously know this as they've posted anonymously. If I were you, I would take no notice.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura! I could probably work on the background as a couple of people with wider screens say the book background is overpowering. I don't see this because my screen is small.
DeleteGreat shirt! Ignore Anonymous. Your blog should reflect you, not someone else’s idea of good design. Despite the fact I use a lot of white space on both my blog and website, I actually find white on a black background easier to read. I don’t think I’m alone. It’s just that folks who prefer white on black are given less to complaining. ;)
ReplyDeleteAs long as the page loads in a timely manner (yours does), and it reflects you (it does), and it’s readable (it is), you’re golden.
VR Barkowski
I can read white on a black background a lot better too!
DeleteTHANK YOU!
So getting the shirt!
ReplyDeleteChrys, I sent you an email with some suggestions. Criticism without suggestions is just complaining. Ultimately, you have to love your website. :-D
Thank you for the email, Tanya! I appreciate it. :)
DeleteI don't think your blog is an eyesore at all. I can even easily read the white text against a black background, since you use the right kind of typeface, at the right size. I've been unable to read some blogs because they not only used a bad contrast of colors, but also what looked like size 10 text. Some of the pages I was able to save from my old Angelfire site are just awful, barely able to read. I meant some of them to match the colors on the books and albums I was reviewing, but now they just look like a seizure waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteI got some out of left field hate mail awhile ago, from someone unleashing all these misogynistic insults and canards because I listed his child's name (Kaden) as an example of a recently-created names trend. I personally hate that name, but I never even said I hate the name, and just mentioned it in passing as an example of one of the names some writers use when they predate naming trends. He was blocked and reported, and I had to update my Contact Me page to include a warning to people who can't read and want to send hate mail anyway.
I'm glad you don't have a problem reading my blog, Carrie-Anne. :)
DeleteSmall font on any color background is hard for me to read and makes my eyes go cross.
Yikes! Hate mail/comments suck!
Opinions will be what opinions will be. Stay strong in your choices unless you get specific, logical, and actionable reasons to consider. Then consider them, and decide if you'll stick or change. :) We'll support you.
ReplyDeleteNice advice, Loni! :)
DeleteSounds like a troll to me and I wouldn't even give them the time of day. The fact they're anonymous says it all. Nothing is wrong with your blog. Yes, I do prefer black on white, but I have no problem reading your blog - the content is excellent which is the important thing. I'm glad the one star reviewer gave an honest opinion rather than just a rant - those are the worst!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad everyone is okay with the black on white. :)
DeleteRants are horrible!
Those comments seem so strange. I think even if a blog's appearance bothered me, I'd never actually say it in a comment (especially in that way!). The white and black on green doesn't bother me.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah!
DeleteThere will always be people who believe their thoughts and suggestions have value. Did you ask that person for their opinion? No. I would dismiss them without hesitation. You need to please YOU. That's all. Happy YOU, happy life, happy readers. End of discussion. LOL. IOWs, I have often stopped at a blog and thought PHEW, that was hard on the eyes. But it certainly didn't deter me from reading what they had to say. Quality over aesthetics every time. Your blog looks like a nice place to stop and visit. Sorry you had to experience that and the review. Life is tough sometimes. Smiling is the remedy.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you think my blog is a nice place to stop and visit, Joylene! :D
DeleteHi, Chrys,
ReplyDeleteYour blog is YOUR BLOG... Forget what that horrid person said. And an anonymous one a that... For some the white type is straining, but for a blog post it's not a major issue. Your posts are never too long and always interesting!
As for you one star review... remember writing is subjective. Not everyone will LOVE you work and many EXCELLENT writers have received at least one ONE star review in their careers.
This is MY blog! :D Thank you for your comment, Michael. It's great to have the support of my IWSG friends. :)
DeleteYou are an official author now that you got your first one star. I would ignore those comments. Blogs reflect individual's tastes. When I visit your blog, I always think of you a very energetic person. Now I know my blog looks austere and boring so I'm not sure what that says about my tastes. LOL
ReplyDeleteWoot! Woot! :D
DeleteEnergetic? I'll take that! ;) I don't think your blog is boring at all. Rather professional.
I agree with what many others have already said. I see no problem with your blog. I think our blogs should be a reflection of our own style and personality. Hence all the purple on mine!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Suzanne! Purple is a great color. I love black and red. And, like I said, neon green is my favorite color. I can't take that away!
DeleteOh Chrys! I'm so sorry the internet trolls have been after you. I LOVE your attitude about the review, though. Forget the one star - plenty of other people love your work!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is NOT an eyesore. I do like the changes you've made to the font - this is just my opinion, but I think the standard Ariel looks professional. and clean-up is always a good idea, in life or online! LOL. I need to clean up my own sidebars I think :)
I had some fancy fonts for the sidebar titles and the post title. I took those away. It seems I change my sidebars every month, adding or taking things away. I'm so OCD that both sidebars need to be about the same length otherwise I go crazy. haha
DeleteMy first thought when you mentioned the anonymous comment was is that a site designer trying to drum up some business? I had someone tell me I say 'uh' too much on my you tube videos. uh, ya I know. He thought I should take toastmasters course he was offering. ya right. I'm human not a machine, so I'll talk like a human. Kay sorry, I digress. I like your black background and the bookshelf side zone is a nice touch. We do get immune to our own sites just because we look at them all the time. Still, I don't agree with that commenter. I haven't started Ghost of Death yet but it's waiting for me on my ipad. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThere were no links to a website, so it feels like someone who must've visited my blog at least a couple of times.
DeleteThe book background added a bit more to it with a small screen, but after looking at my blog with my new 15-inch laptop (which I don't use for the Internet) I could see what they were saying. It was too much.
Thank you, Lisa!
Upon refresh I see you've removed the bookshelves. Hmmm, it's a little less cluttered but a matter of pesonal taste. It looks nice either way! Lookin' great , Chrys!!
ReplyDeleteI suppose it is a matter of personal taste.
DeleteChrys, you are correct. A one star just means your story wasn't to their liking. There is nothing wrong with that. No one is going to like everything you write. Even your own readers will like some things you write more than others. Don't let a one star bother you, as you say it doesn't. Because there are plenty who do like your writing.
ReplyDeleteAs for your layout, I agree that originally, I felt it was too busy. But now I don't like the white background. I'd prefer if it were all black. But guess what? My opinion shouldn't really matter. Like the one star, no one is going to like the layout you have chosen. I'm certain there are many who do not like the layout of my blog. Sometimes you have to go with what works for you. This anonymous person, I feel, was being a tad too brusque. I don't come to your blog to critique how it looks. I come to read what you write. That's the most important part.
That was supposed to say NOT EVERYONE is going to like the layout you have chosen. But some will like it, many I'm sure.
DeleteLOL! You don't like the white background? I don't know how bug your screen is but with my small computer screen it looks a little odd with a sliver of white showing, but with my new 15-inch laptop which I don't use for Internet, it looks a lot better. It centers my blog more and makes it stand out. If it were all black, it would look like a LOT of empty space.
DeleteGood point. With my set up, I have about 2" of white on either side of your blog. And as I said, I'm not worried about it. I come for the writing and the conversations. And those are as awesome as possible.
DeleteThank you! And who knows? I may end up changing it again soon anyway.
DeleteAnd I just noticed the typo in my previous comment. *big* not bug!
Oh, I didn't think it was a typo. I did have a bug on my screen. But I killed it when you warned me about it.
DeleteThanks for that! I needed a laugh. :)
DeleteSend the 1-star reviews over my way, I'll take any reviews I can get!
ReplyDeleteAs for the blog layout, I like it but I've been told I have terrible taste. Go with what works for you, especially if it stands out from the pack. Being different is good!
I'll take any reviews I can get too. This was my first ever 1 star though. I didn't mind it. I'm sure there will be other 1 stars that will cut me open.
DeleteThank you, C.D.!
I think your blog is bright and eye-catching, and I also think the anonymous person who belly-ached about your blog is rude. Way rude.
ReplyDeleteI got a one-star rating from a dude in Morocco. No review, just a rating, and I'll eat his fez with mustard on top if he even SAW my book over there, let alone read it. Got a two-star review from someone else, and it yanked my heart out of my chest and stomped on it for a while, but I got over it. :)
Thank you, Susan! I agree with you comment about that person being rude.
DeleteOne and two star reviews can be so cruel. The good thing is we all eventually get over them. :)
Hi Chrys. Our blogs reflect our personal taste and often the genre we choose to write in so it's really no one's business but our own. I love the black background for overall appearances, but I admit I'm not a fan for reading/commenting. Thankfully there's not too many that I visit regularly so it's not too overpowering.
ReplyDeleteDon't worry about the 1-star review. There are many people who love dissing those who are more successful than they are. (I just don't leave a review if I didn't really like what I read).
Onward and upward, Chrys!
Denise :-)
My IWSG post on Mindfulness
Onward and upward. I like that. Thank you, Denise!
DeleteThe white font against a black background does give some people actual headaches. Personally, I have experimented with my own blog at least a million times over the last 10 years, and I know whenever I did the black with the white font, people complained like crazy.
ReplyDeleteBut, hey, look at it this way. At least someone cares enough to comment. However, you reserve the right to do whatever you wanna do.
Well, no one usually complains about the black on white with my blog...
DeleteI'm not really sure if this person cared, though. That's the problem.
Your first one star means you made it as an author! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteAs for your blog, the layout doesn't bother me, but the white font on the black background does hurt my eyes and I can't read long posts. A simple fix would be using a greyish font, one that doesn't glow against the black. (Just remember for the love of everything holy NO RED. Red causes eye strain like you would not believe.)
I'm sorry that you have a hard time with the white font. What's strange is that I have a hard time reading grey font but I will try it. And no, I wouldn't do all red font.
DeleteThe white print on black does do a number on my eyes, sorry to say. But the way the commenter mentioned that smacks of rudeness. It doesn't appear like that in Feedly, so it's easy enough to read there and then come here and comment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shoutout. Looks like the gift card holder made it in once piece ;)
I'm sorry about that. I'll see if I can fix it.
DeleteI always like to visit your blog because it's so colorful. As for the white print, I don't see well, anyway, so I can't say. I've had one 1 star review. It bothered me at first, then I decided not to worry about it. That person's opinion.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverly.
DeleteI always like the things you post about and find the content very interesting, but if one were to judge the design (in my opinion) your site is overly busy and the colors are hard on the eyes. Would it make me stop reading? No, because I just go with what people want to do. It's your site. I don't agree with people hiding to tell you this.
ReplyDeleteSo it is overly busy? Ouch! I tried to tone it down and took a lot out...
Deletewow, the nerve some people have! I would never go to a friend's house and while I'm sitting on her sofa, point out the flaws of her home. Insulting! This is your baby! Your. Baby! There are blogs that look like pinterest boards and those are super confusing.
ReplyDeleteI like your blog and the background on my widescreen didn't overwhelm me. LOL. Are you kidding? ((HUGS))
♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥
Thank you, Elizabeth! Your comment made me feel a tiny bit better, but apparently my blog needs some work. (According to comments.)
DeleteMy lovely friend,
ReplyDeleteI don't really pay that much attention to the layout of a blog. However, now looking at yours, I see no problem and besides, the main thing to me is the written content. You do a fabulous job and your promoting of others is an admirable, respected quality.
You are a five star in my books and even Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar concurs.
Look after yourself and keep smiling, even through gritted teeth :)
Gary
Thank you so much, Gary! I value your opinion. :)
DeleteThe shirt looks really cool. Congrats! Oh and congratulations on the release of your books, Chrys! Thanks for the copies. Will read them later.
ReplyDeleteYou're so very welcome for the copies! Thank you!!
DeleteBoo hoo, I did like the old color scheme. Dear Fey: the bright white hurts my eyes.
ReplyDeleteWell, can't please everyone Chrys, so may as well please yourself. I'll show up no matter what.
Love the t-shirt. Jeremy did well. And yes, wear that 1 star as a badge of honor. She read the book, right? People are entitled to their opinion. And as a person who writes reviews, I know sometimes when an explanation for the rating is given it sometimes helps others decide to buy the book. Again, can't please everyone.
I'm still playing around with things, so we'll see what happens. :)
DeleteThank you, Dolorah!
If a criticism is polite, I'll take it to heart and change what I want to change. If it's rude, I imagine the person behind the computer to be some annoying person who nitpicks at every little thing. I don't bother with people like that.
ReplyDeleteI love the shirt.
I should keep that in mind, Medeia! Thank you! :)
DeleteYou have a good attitude towards criticism. My first reaction is always "I'll never blog or write again." But after a few hours, I'm back full force :)
ReplyDeleteI've had my moments where I've said, "NEVER PUBLISH!" But that doesn't stop me in the end. :)
DeleteAw, don't worry about the fun-haters! You're terrific, Chrys! Look at all the folks that check in all the time (including me!) who certainly do enjoy your work, your thoughts and blogs.:-)
ReplyDeleteWell, shoot, I kind of liked the book background...:-)
Haha! A few people have said they liked the book background, but I've had that since 2012, so it was time for a change. :)
DeleteLove the T-shirt! I need one of those. Except...what do you do when people in the real world ask you what an A to Z Challenge is? I fear having to explain it constantly would be exhausting.
ReplyDeleteLOL! I'm not sure if anyone would look that closely at my shirt if I wore it in public anywhere. I will definitely wear it out a few times next March. So I'll see what happens. :)
DeleteThat is a cute t-shirt! I'd get one, but it'd be lying haha
ReplyDeleteSeriously, I find nothing wrong with your blog. I mean, I have a black background too. People are just haters. As long as everything is easily found, and it is, there shouldn't be an issue.
You took that 1 star with amazing stride. Awesome! I think I'd go curl up somewhere and cry for a little bit :(
Thank you, Madilyn! I personal love black backgrounds on blogs and find it easier to read white font on black.
DeleteThanks, but if it were cruel (as many 1 stars can be) I probably would've cried.
There have been a few blogs that had color schemes I didn't like, or a ton of stuff on the sidebars I found distracting, but I wouldn't say that to the blogger in question unless they asked my opinion. And in a couple cases, it got to the point where I can read them and live with what I dislike, or just ignore it.
ReplyDeleteVery true, M.R.R. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. :)
DeleteI've never had trouble reading your blog and always find a good post which I bookmark and come back to read.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That made me feel a lot better. :)
DeleteHi Chrys,
ReplyDeleteI know black backgrounds with white text could be taxing on the eyes but I also respect your wish to want it to appear this way. It's not a big problem for me. And I know green is your favourite colour so please use it more often! I like the current font choice. Reading your blog is comfortable. (And I wish the anonymous person, however well his initial intentions, had been less rude.)
I have had a reader drop my book because it just wasn't the right story for her at that time. And I was okay with that. I'm a reader and I've had to drop books, too. Doesn't mean they were bad stories.
And I'm sorry about the dedications. I'd rather my editor tell me before publication that it was too long and needed to be shortened instead of finding out it'd been cut later on. (By the way, have you heard from Gina? She hasn't been around for a while and I tried tweeting her. I just hope everything is all right on her side ...)
Thank you, Claudine! I appreciate that you said it's not a big problem for you and to use more green. :D
DeleteI agree. There have been a lot of stories that I stopped reading because I wasn't in the mood for it at the time. I never rated them though.
I'm not sure what happened to the dedication. I don't think it was cut for being too long because the dedication for Witch of Death is fully intact.
Gina is okay. I've talked to her recently. She's going through a no blogging phase right now. I'm hoping she'll be back soon, though.
Good to know!
DeleteI told her that you were asking about her. She's planning to blog tomorrow! :D
DeleteI guess you have to demand the final galley sheets for the dedication, as well as for the manuscript itself.
ReplyDeleteI guess so, Mark.
Deletehere's the a to k of blogging
ReplyDeletea. anonymous commenters are cowards
b. blogging is an expression of you, not to please everyone which we
c. can't do, can't please everyone, hidden meanie
d. don't listen to just one opinionated person
e. everyone is allowed an opinion
f. it's a free country
g. but giving positive is a
h. heck of a lot better than being
i. insensitive
j. just who made them the judge-worthy?
k. tell them to kiss your black background butt!
i could continue, but u c my point!
and i got a one-star because the guy thought my book was full of conspiracy theories - h aha hahahahahahahaa, he cracked me up and i cherished his one star *)
i also love your z stitchery - i won an iphone stand from liz a while back - she's awesome!
and so are you! express yourself , btw you can turn off your anonymous comments, i had to anyway for all the spam
"kiss your black background butt" HAHAHA! I loved that! Thank you so much, Tara!
DeleteLiz is awesome. Thank you, Tara! You're awesome too! This comment is proof of that. :D
Oh pooh. I am not sure what the person complaining about the blog colors is saying--I think you have lots to catch my eye. I think some people enjoy complaining... And the shirt is fab!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Slamdunk! I appreciate your comment. :)
DeleteSo sorry to hear about the nasty blog comments. Some people just don't know how to be nice. Everyone has different styles that appeal to them. And the one star review, they happen. I remember the first one. I've had people give me one star for bad language or because my books have gay characters.
ReplyDeleteLove the shirt!
I hate it when people give 1 star just for foul language and especially HATE it when they do that for gay characters. I noticed a couple of those reviews on your books and down voted them for being silly. It's not like you hid the fact that you had gay characters in your books. People can be dumb!
DeleteHere's a question for you, Chrys. Do you like your blogsite? If so, ignore the comments. In fact, I'd delete them as spam and block the sender. You don't need that kind of "help". Too bad about the 1 star. You can't please everyone all the time. Chalk it up to someone having a bad day. It still hurts--I know.
ReplyDeleteI do love my blogsite. :) But I am happy with the changes I made for those who said it was hard to read and too distracting with the book background.
DeleteHi Chrys,
ReplyDeleteSorry that you got that comment. I like your site, particularly because it is unique in its colors. You stand out from the pack! Also, about the 1 star reviews--you're in good company since Steven King and Margaret Atwood also have them, Keep writing!
And I like to standout. :D I don't like to be like everything/everybody else.
DeleteI like your blog design and whoever made those comments is not worth it if they aren't even willing to reveal themselves. I think there are some people that have vision problems that make a black background with white letters hard to read, but there are also some who have a hard time focusing on the ordinary black letters on white, so there's no way to please everyone, lol. You just have to make it how you like it. I know I'm about to change my colors or background again because I can barely see the black font on my About Me and right side links with the current background :(
ReplyDeleteExactly! I find black on white to be hard on my eyes.
DeleteAs someone whose eyes get very sensitive to bright or white backgrounds, I've always liked the way your blog looks. Of course, now I can't see what it used to look like, but if it bothered them that much, maybe they had too much time on their hands.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debra! My eyes are also having a harder and harder time with white backgrounds.
Delete