Sep 08 2008
Muckbeast: Blog Issues
The purpose of this post is to discuss a few functional things with my readers here to try and make Muckbeast a more enjoyable blog.
First, I will ask if there are any things about the blog that particularly annoy you or detract from your ability to read and enjoy the blog. I am very interested in that. I cannot change ads and such, as those are put there by Today.com (the kind people who pay me to write here in the first place). Also, I know the inability to have blank, “white space” lines in comments is a pain. For main posts, I have gotten around it by using a spacer graphic (but that’s a pain). I will continue to post in the Today.com VIP blogger forums to look for a real solution. In the meantime, we are stuck with those . on a blank line I fear. Suggestions for remedying this are very welcome!
Second, how often would you all like to read new posts? Assuming I could post every day, would that detract from the comment discussions? Sometimes I think it would. But on the other hand, are more frequent main posts something you feel is more interesting?
Third, are there any useful widgets you blog experts out there suggest I should try to use?
Fourth, any suggestions for improving traffic? More readers and more diverse opinions and feedback would be extremely valuable.
Fifth, what do you think of the comment area? Sometimes I find it hard to follow when it gets long, but then I read the posts right on the site rather than through a reader. What are your opinions on this?
Sixth, thanks for reading and posting. 
Cambios wrote: “Second, how often would you all like to read new posts?”
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I think if you posted three, maybe as many as four, new articles a week it’d keep it fresh without being overwhelming.
Well, my one complaint about your blog (this isn’t really just yours, this is everybody who does this- the Dilbert Blog does it, too)- I like to get the whole post in my RSS reader!
Now, obviously, there are two things issues surrounding my very selfish desire.
1) This would mean putting the whole post in without that break that puts part of the post on the front page, causing people to “read more”.
2) I don’t get ads. (not bad for me, this one :p)
Also.. I wanted to point out that you -are- getting a blank space in your posts. See my post? I put blank spaces between mine and they show up.
This is in your stylesheet:
p, blockquote, ul, ol {
margin-top: 0;
padding-top: 0;
margin-bottom:0.5em;
}
This is why! Margin on the bottom, but very small. Perceptible, but not overtly.
I don’t have any complaints besides the obvious you allready mentioned. I am not reading through some reader program so I would hate for the whole post to be on the frontpage.
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I have been enjoying the posts and the discussion back and forth and I think you are right in keeping it at 2-4 new topics a week.
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I am looking forward to some posts about your experience as a developer, designer and the customer interaction you must know first hand as a MUD owner.
3-4 solid topics a week is more than enough, but feel free to put up a thought on “off” days. So far, they’ve all been interesting ideas that have led to a lot of discussion.
I would say 2-3 doesn’t hurt, that what I try to maintain. it keeps it new and helps build your reputation. I say keep up the good work my friend.
Writers block?