[UPDATE]: Well, most of the changes have been implemented and I'm quite happy with how the blog looks and the fact that those currently reading, playing etc bits make it more personal. There are a few ideas that haven't been realized just yet, but I'm pretty sure you'll see them before the end of next week, along with a minor few corrections and an overall lick of paint. So, uhm, any other suggestions? Like the way the thing looks?
Cheers!
Interesting. But there is a sort of a clash between white center and jigsaw of game box art in the background. Also, too few boxes!
ReplyDeleteExcellent tip that dear Barts, and as you can already see immediately taken into consideration.
ReplyDeletecheers Gnome..nice new sick curtains
ReplyDeleteThanks love :)
ReplyDeleteThe grain hurts my eyes a bit.
ReplyDeleteGrain? What grain? I do not see no grain :)
ReplyDeleteIts a grain damage control thing
ReplyDeleteHeh.
ReplyDeleteI like it! (But I also liked the old design, so I guess I'm easy to please.)
ReplyDeleteI can't decide which version I liked more, but this dithering effect certainly fits Gnome's Lair. Now it's time for a fitting logo, not necessarily only black and white or pixellated, but more in style of "curtains" (as one of comentators nicely put it).
ReplyDeleteOh, and since you are already there with a wrench in your hand, could you tell me which Related posts plugin do you use? I tried a bunch and they were all crap, this would help a lot.
ReplyDeleteI like the central layout for the content. I'd tone down the background with a fill overlay at low opacity, just to knock back the whites, as they tend to pull your eyes to either side as you're reading.
ReplyDelete@ Jonas: That's great then!
ReplyDelete@ Barts: Yes, the logo will be a tough one to get right. Will soon tackle it. Oh, and I'm not using a related posts plugin to be honest. I'm just typing them related posts myself with every post.
@ Dave: I think I'll give this a try too. The stark blacks and whites can indeed be tiring. Let's see whether toning the white down will help.
@ Dave: Problem is a) this is a 2-bit pic and b) I'm not that into pic editing either.
ReplyDeleteOk, toned down the background and darkened up a bit the main font. Think it's alright now?
ReplyDeleteI'd prefer black text if you're going to go for a totally white background, or at least a bolder typeface. But that's just me! :-D
ReplyDeleteNo technical critique to offer here. I'm a pretty simple guy and I see Planetfall, SQIV, and Berzerk for the 5200 so I'm happy. Looks good!
ReplyDeletewait a minute... no Zork?? Gnome...
ReplyDelete@ CaptainD: I'll give it a try and see my friend.
ReplyDelete@ MadPlanet: Yes, well, but, erm, Zork, well, glad you like it. Also, I did include A Mind Forever Voyaging.
oh yeah - I didn't see MFV over there. OK...
ReplyDeleteI like the new style! I think it'd be a bit dead if you were doing a just text blog, but if you keep colourful images in your posts, then they are served well by the monochrome backdrop. The colour really draws our eyes to the centre of the page and catches our attention. Bravo, friend Gnome, but make sure you keep us optically pleased with those colourful images in your posts!
ReplyDeleteAlso, bravo on the "now playing" section. I've been meaning to add one to my blog for ages (in fact, might go and do it now!)
ReplyDeleteI like it! One thing worth keeping in mind: with such a monochromatic look, you have to be very careful with your use of colour. Your mini screenshots to the right of the Gnome's Lair are currently grabbing a lot of eye. For balance you might consider some colour in the main logo, or somewhere else over to the left.
ReplyDeleteI love the speccyfied box scans!
@ MadPlanet: See? Not all is bad. And a Zork feature should appear soon (ish).
ReplyDelete@ Ben 304: Thank you so much dear Ben. And worry not. Colorful pictures -big too- are here to stay.
@ StickHead: You are right. Think a colorful post would offset this? Anyway, I'll try and think of something better... Love the box scans myself. A lot. :)
That's easier on my weary eyes but I'd go even darker, although then you'd lose some of the definition on the boxes. I've uploaded an optionally darker one to http://djbarton.com/gnomes-lair-back-alt.gif - I used it to check on Firebug what it might look like. You can see which you prefer.
ReplyDeleteMore importantly, I didn't notice Grim Fandango until I was editing the file. I think I'll still remember that game on my deathbed (which I hope will be a long time to remember a truly great game).
Why, that's incredibly kind of you dear Dave. I'll give it a shot and see what I prefer. Thanks a ton.
ReplyDeleteAnd, importantly, you are right. I'll have an embalmed version of Grim Fandango in my pyramid.
Oh, and I've decided to go with your lovely gif David. Seems it really makes things easier on the eye... Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help. I can tell you, after 16 hours of looking at a screen, the darker background is a lot easier on my eyes.
ReplyDeleteBit late to the part as usual, but may I say I LOVE the background! Obviously whatever look you decide on is lovely for two reasons:
ReplyDeletea.) The content is what makes Gnomes Lair.
b.) Anything youu do is all good with your devoted army of fans and apostles!
@ Dave: I suppose you are right dear Dave. Thanks again!
ReplyDelete@ fatherkrishna: Ah, dear Father, it really is fantastic seeing you around the Lair again my friend. It's been a different place without you, you know. Oh, and thanks a ton too!
Also shambling in late to the party, although I did remember to bring a bottle.
ReplyDeleteI like the new look, Gnome. It's quite a radical change from the joyous colourful theme the Lair was sporting before, but it's nice to see all the cover art in the background. I didn't see the previous versions but the balance between the background and the central column looks good. There's a clear distinction between the two. I agree with Ben though: colourful eye candy in your posts would do wonders.
I also like the understated red colour on key text. Just a tiny little thing but it makes the blog look brilliant in my opinion. I've tried and failed to accentuate my own blog with those kind of touches in the past.
Hey, I just tried the wayback machine on your blog: there have been some funky colour schemes in the past! Only a couple of years seem to be available though.
I like the Currently Reading etc too. I planned to add similar links to my blog - I did add currently playing but all it says is "Minecraft" ;-) - I don't think I would be able to have so many things on the go at once though. I only read one book at a time.
Liking the changes so far=)
I endorse the darkened background. The grain is no longer a problem for me.
ReplyDelete@ straydogstrut: Ah, but you shouldn't have. Oh, it's from 1999. Excellent year. Thank you! Also, glad you like the background (and the redesign) and -yes- most post will indeed feature colourful eye candy. Cheers and thank a ton for the comment my friend! Deeply appreciated.
ReplyDelete@ Igor: Grain? What grain? You mean Mr Greyne?
I also need to say the new look is great. Less cluttered, but still like it. Generally even if the design was in yellow letters in a white background with red and green lights flickering, I'd still appreciate Gnome's Lair. Also my year reading anniversary of this is in 5th of December. :D
ReplyDeleteWhy thank you brave Dualnames. You are indeed making me blush; thnaks!
ReplyDelete