Yes, there is a new banner. Isn’t it spiffy? You can thank the wonderful slodwick (whose site is still being built!) for designing the one here and the one over on Mark Watches.
Over the next couple of days, I’ll be trying out a few themes and seeing what I can change around here. My designer that I “hired” last year dropped off the face of the planet, so that’s why these sites are so BORING TO THE EYES.
So yes! Despite that I know very little, I’m going to try to spruce up the place. Please use the comments below to provide feedback as I fool around with things. I want to make sure the site is still readable and accessible on multiple devices and for those who might have difficulty reading on the web.
That is all! Thanks!
I love the new banner! And I don't think the site is plain. I think it's perfect for reading. Nothing is distracting.
Hey, Mark! This is just a little thing, but it's bugged me since you switched to WordPress. Can you make it so that the entire text of a given post shows up on RSS readers, like it does for Mark Watches? Right now you just see a few lines and then have to go to the actual site to read the whole post, which can be annoying if I'm reading on my phone.
Thanks!
I agree with this!
The weird thing is, the Mark Watches posts always come up as full entries on my reader, but not Mark Reads. Is there a significant reason for this, or is it some manner of accident? I don't know how these things work.
Ha, I've actually been meaning to ask for the OPPOSITE. Because Mark's posts are so long, I don't want the entire text showing up on my RSS feed! And I wondered why Mark Reads and Mark Watches behaved differently.
Yes, I've been thinking about the same thing. Especially for some of the things I haven't watched yet and don't want to get spoiled about. I like reading a few lines and then going to the site, but I can understand the difficulties with reading it on your phone ^^
Bah. Lost my post, reposting.
I had exactly the same problem, up to a minute ago. Getting all excited when my reader showed a new post, and then having to click through was a bit annoying (although it obviously means I get to read all the lovely comments, even though it's annoying on my phone).
Anyway, I did a bit of a Google search, and found http://www.wizardrss.com/. You can enter an RSS feed that only shows bits of posts and it will generate a full-text feed for you. The one for Mark Reads is http://www.wizardrss.com/feed/markreads.net/reviews/feed.... Hope this helps!
Love the new banner and I'm excited to see what you have in store for us as far as the design goes.
Also, will you be venturing down to Long Beach to see the Descendents and Bad Religion? I know I'll be there, and I just wanted to share my excitement with someone and I just so happened to be on this page.
I love the new banner- looking forward to the other new changes to come!
The new banner looks freaking classy. Awesome.
I don't think you need to add anything else, it's pretty easy on the eyes right now. (Plus, I can totally read in class because it looks plain. Not that I would do such a thing…) But it's not distracting from the reviews, and that's what we're all here for. And I'm loving the new banner!
I am also in the "Love the new Banner" group, but honestly, you don't need to spruce the rest of the site up *that* much; I like the simplicity of the white background and black text; It sort of fits in a way, since you're doing book reviews.
The banner is nice, but I wanted to note that the title text has disappeared. Er, I forget the official name, but, for instance, the name of the tab/window is "http://markreads.net/reviews/" instead of "Mark Reads." The same is true for Mark Watches.
I also love the current format. Very easy to read and nothing distracting!
i love the banner! i think you should have a tab next to the suggestions and such where people can post general comments about the site. For example, instead of everyone commenting on the mockingjay review yesterday about the banner, people can comment there. they could also ask questions or post anything related to the review there. just a suggestion!
There are some great groups that sell templates for wordpress for very reasonable prices! Let me know if you want any links 🙂 I drooled over a few, but then I used tumblr instead.
How did I not know about Mark Watches??? This could be very very bad for me
Hey, so you guys know, Mockingjay is one of the nominees for the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America's Nebula awards:
http://www.sfwa.org/2011/02/2010-nebula-nominees/
Cool! Can we vote?
I could be wrong, but I think we can; Voting starts in March 1st, apparently: http://www.sfwa.org/nebula-voting/
Only thing I would change is have the links in a warmer color. The blues looked good when the prev banner was up since that one was all blues and greens, but now the new banner looks just wonky.
Can you get a favicon for the site, too? Please please please!
YES. This–although just a small update about something not all that important– IS AMAZING.
YES.
<img src="http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/x427/andreah12345/brittanyhellyeah.gif" border="0" alt="Photobucket">
I will only allow sprucing up if it involves technicolor unicorns, rainbows and glitter. Lots of glitter.
haha I think it's fine the way it is! It's very spiffy so far :3
The site isn't boring at all: we all come here to read your reviews which are awesome (not even a little bit boring).
But I do love the new banner.
Hi Mark!
I’ve been lurking since about mid-September. Love the new banner. I agree with many other posters that I quite like the simple black text on white background. It’s clean and classy and makes it easy to read on my phone.
Keep being awesome! Can’t wait till you read His Dark Materials. 🙂 You are the direct reason I read (and loved) The Hunger Games. I came here originally because I wanted to “experience” someone reading my beloved HP for the first time! My friends and I just booked a trip to WWHP in August! Hope I don’t die from the heat!! 😉
Ok, you might want to know this problem: I have a android, and I used to be able to access the latest Mark Reads review from my phone at the time it was posted maybe 7:30-ish or so,untill just recently and now I have to wait midday for it to show though it will say the correct time you posted.
The banner is great. Don't do too much with the site, it'll be distracting and hard to read. It has everything it needs, I think its wonderful 🙂
One minor complaint: The banner no longer links to "home", and there's no home link in your navigation bar. If someone is linked to a post directly, there is no way for them to get to the main page unless they delete everything from the URL except the markreads.net part.
I’ll be back as you update.
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