Version 5 of the Coaster Critic’s Blog is now live!
Happy New Year! As I’ve done every winter the past four years, I’ve given the blog a new look. I’ll be making small tweaks and adjustments over the next few weeks and before the end of the month, I’ll launch some exciting new features that’ll allow you to interact with the site like never before.
A Focus on Content
My main goal of the new site was to showcase more content on the home page. You’ll notice that there’s that huge featured post slider (that shows videos!), and then another featured post carousel (now showing a new category, Pop Culture), a tabbed list of recent and popular posts in the sidebar, and the featured categories at bottom of the home page. I now have almost five year’s worth of content. And I felt that a new visitor to the home page should see more than just my latest posts in the traditional blog fashion.
My New Book: Things Are Going to Get Social
As I mentioned above, there are new features on the way real soon. They’ll allow you to easily interact and participate in a whole new way. In addition, you’ll be able to contribute to my new book via a weekly post. I’ll announce details in the next few days. All of the new social features should be available by month’s end.
I’m really excited about the new look and new features. Like I mentioned in my micro update, this is the biggest upgrade to the site ever. Please feel free to leave feedback. I want to make sure that it’s easy to navigate and read. All feedback is welcome.
What’s Your Take?
What do you think of the new site? Leave a comment below and vote in the polls.
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January 2, 2011 at 07:08
The updated page looks fantastic! Keep up the good work.
January 2, 2011 at 08:39
love the makeover!
January 2, 2011 at 11:22
Looks awesome! I can see you worked pretty hard on it.
January 2, 2011 at 11:25
I like it.
January 2, 2011 at 13:07
It looks Great, what did you do to the picture at the top?
PS-Will the new "Social Features" be closer to the Disscusion Page, (wich is now gone) or the Forums? (wich are now also gone)
January 2, 2011 at 17:57
I tried to give the image a cartoon-ish effect. I used Paint.Net. It's like a free version of Photoshop. I highly recommend it.
January 2, 2011 at 17:54
Thanks for the feedback guys.
You're on to something Quil. Sort of like the old discussion page, but better organized. But also not quite like your traditional forum either.
January 3, 2011 at 02:45
I can't wait to see it, I'm confident that you'll do a great job making it, whaterver it is.
January 2, 2011 at 18:37
I'm diggin the new look! Looking forward to more updates. Happy New Year all
January 2, 2011 at 19:59
Love the new look, it's professional but fun!! Love the choices from articles to videos to pictures.
January 3, 2011 at 18:42
Nice background and picture at the top! The site is awesome, and the best is that it is still so easy to navigate! The layout is great, and it still reminds me of the previous site design. Awesome job CC!!!
January 3, 2011 at 23:00
I like the old one but this one beats its ss
January 5, 2011 at 04:10
For some reason, I can't use the poll, I don't know if it's a problem with my computer or a problem with the site. or both. Is any one else having similar problems?
January 5, 2011 at 08:01
Quil, I am having similar problems. I'm also seeing some formatting glitches on the home page.
CC, other than that, I love what you've done with the place! It looks much more professional and user friendly.
January 5, 2011 at 08:34
Quil and Vince, which browsers are you both using? I just viewed the home page through IE and you're right Vince there are some serious formatting issues. I mainly use Chrome and Firefox. I'll look into what's going on with the poll and especially the home page.
Thanks for letting me know. I probably should've tested the site in all 3 browsers!