Thursday, February 12, 2009

What do you Think?

I am considering moving this blog to Typepad. Here's why:

1. Typepad blogs just look nicer. I don't know html, or have the time or interest to learn html and so, this blog looks yucky. I have always hated it, but without more time and knowledge, I am stuck with what blogger offers.

2. Typepad makes it easier to share the blog through social networks.

3. Did I mention Typepad looks nicer.

What do you think? Will you be sad if I switch, or will you get used to it quickly? How do you arrive at the blog? Do you link through our home page, another page, or type in the address?

Have you used Typepad and Blogger? Which do you like better? I have a week and a half left of my free trial and I just need a bit of help making up my mind.

On another note, I have always loved this project by Natasja.

I think it's so great how she used the matrix as a background. When I first saw it, I wanted to make a mini album using matrices as pages. Well, I never got around to that, but I did get around to this:

73 comments:

{ lori } said...

The perfect look for my next circle journal. Thanks for the inspiration!

Marlis said...

I too just started a blog. Blogger is limiting, but as far as the html, it's copy and paste. I've seen Blogger blogs that are absolutely charming. the new kid on the block is Wordpress. But it is definately a bit more of a learning curve. I've got a link and go from there. I suggest that if you move you have a link on this blog to the new one for a while...

JJ Sobey said...

I read blogs through a blog feeder, so the formatting will make no difference to me - I don't see it.

AmyR said...

I say go TypePad!! I've been using it for over 2 years and originally went with it b/c it looked way easier (I couldn't do HTML if it hit me in the face) - plus they have support and whatnot. I've had to lean on them more than once and they've always helped me out ASAP.

So yeah there's my .02 :)

Maren said...

Love that mini album! :-)

Either way is perfectly fine with me, whatever works best for you. I have you in my google reader and you would stay there regardless so I suggest you make your blog not look yucky! :-)

Tricia T said...

I know that I have a lot of trouble leaving comments on some -but not all - typepad blogs. Don't know why exactly, but it's irritating!! :) That and sometimes the full blog feed doesn't come through on my Google Reader and that makes me less apt to click through to visit since I don't see the pictures on my Reader. Oh, and I've heard the Typepad can be kind of pricey if you have high blog traffic.

Other than that... do what works best for you! :-)

Unknown said...

I use blogger and like it, but I am by no means a pro, and wouldn't even know how to make anything look good regardless of where it was hosted. :) I also read your blog through goggle reader most of the time, so it doesn't make too much of a difference to me. :)

Unknown said...

I read your blog in my Google reader. We use Word Press and to set it up is a huge hassle. For writing posts, it is easy. But, then again, my blog is definitely not 'pretty' but gets my message across. I have learned some html for my links.

Jenn said...

love the projects.

I haven't used typepad but I love the follower option of blogger. Sorry not much help here (I don't know html either, that's what hubby is for! lol)

Jingle said...

Personally, I'm a fan of the blogger format, but I would still follow you to Typepad if you switched. It's a lot easier for me because my blog is on Blogger, so I don't have to log in again to leave comments and stuff.

Create It Simply said...

I use blogger for all of my blogs. Like that it is free ;)so I just tweak it to do what I want. I'd follow you wherever you are. I'm also one with Google Reader and don't see anything but new posts anyhow.

Tina said...

No idea on the blog questions. I use blogger, but I really am not overly concerned with how it looks, I guess...maybe I should be.
However, I LOVE this idea of the matrices. I ahve thought about doing them using the buck naked empty chipboards and just haven't yet.

Maureen said...

LOVE the projects today!! I never would have thought to use the matrix (didn't know that's what it's called!).

As for Typepad or Blogger - I say go with whatever's easier for you. I wouldn't worry about "ugly" (although I don't see anything wrong with the clean white look) since the important thing is the inspirational projects you post!

I read through Google Reader so if you switch, I'll just have to put in the new address.

Unknown said...

I use Google Reader to read your blog daily... so the formatting doesn't mean much to me. The only time I really see it is to add a comment!

I love that project... I think I will have to try it... maybe put my Cricut to use!

jacque4u2c said...

Whatever you decide I am going to follow - so you go for whatever is going to help you get the job done.

LOVE this mini-album!

Lulu said...

Adorable projects!!! :) Does not matter to me, but hey, free is free! lol.
I get to your blog through mine, it tells me when you've posted so I know to pop in. No difference if you are using typepad or blogger.

I also think your blog is clean and nice looking :)

Laurabudcody said...

I will still follow you to typepad. I can't say I like one more than the other. They both have pros and cons :)

wendy said...

I'd follow any blog you have. I prefer blogger personally from a blogging standpoint. I tried a few others and ended up going back to blogger.

The look of the blog right now is fun and just fine too.

melita said...

as long as you link us to your new blog, we will find you! i usually read your blog through my google reader.

lfalduto said...

Well to be honest it doesn't matter to me. I could careless how pretty the blog is..I come for the content.

Ann Cicilie said...

I have a link to you on my blog, visit you through that link :)

I think Typepad looks nice, got Blogger myself but like Typepad alot.

jennie said...

I use blogger because its free and I LOVE the "following" thing.

I am trying to figure out how this blog would look prettier in typepad. Honestly its cute now!

Rebecca Keppel said...

Either way works for me. I put all my blog subscriptions into Google's reader so I just check that instead of each individual blog anyway :)

AuBien said...

I am happy with whatever you do and I'll follow whereever you go.

Holly Denghel said...

Please don't move!! I have trouble getting my feeder to tell me when textpad pages are available for reading!!

Corina said...

I get to the blog through my favorites, so i'm with you either way! The main reason I'm a blogger is because it is free! I hear typepad look REALLY nice though. ;D

Heather Byrne said...

I have blogspot but I am not a frequent blgger like you. SO do as you wish...I us google reader to access you...Just let us know either way

Erika M. said...

I don't have a blog so I don't feel qualified to say which is better. I blog surf a lot and have seen both. Love the inspiration that you shared today.

Wiccababe said...

personally I like blogger - but then I've never tried typepad.
and I do already have typepad blogs on my blog roll so it really wouldnt make much difference to me. I'll just add the new addy to my blog roll if you change
good luck
xx

Anna said...

I personally use blogger, but I didn't know about typepad when I started. I keep your blog in my google reader so normally I don't even see how it's formatted unless I go to leave a comment, so it makes no difference to me.

Cute projects by the way!

Cass said...

I have your blog in my bloglines, so I don't mind where it's hosted I'll still find it. :)

Shari said...

I love typepad! And for someone who doesn't know html either - it couldn't be easier to use! I link to your blog from a link on my own blog.

Samantha said...

I say it's totally up to you, whatever method which you are more inclined to post to... If I had a blog that frustrated me, I would want to post to it, and that just defeats the purpose. Also, I use blogger for my blog [www (dot) allsamsidea (dot) com] and I love it! I download different templates just to switch it up every now and then. They are customizable as far as colors and graphics, but really, you can just pick one you think is pretty and there you go! A lot are free too! :-)

Samantha said...

I always seem to have the most interesting typos in my comments... that is supposed to say "If I had a blog that frustrated me, I would NOT want to post to it, and that just defeats the purpose."

Jeez... is it Friday yet? ;-)

Heidi said...

It makes no difference to me which you use, I'll follow :)

Erin-Joi said...

It will not matter to me. I read blogs as feeds. The only tme I view the blog itself is when someone states that they have updated their look or something doesn't copy poperly to the feed.

There are lots of ways to improve the look of your blog regardless of the carrier. A good source is http://easycustomblogs.blogspot.com . If you do not want to do it yourself, you might want to have a geek creative team member. It might be nice to show off new papers or products with an image in the header or scrolling down the side. Just a thought ...

MeanMommyAmy said...

I will follow! I have your blog bookmarked and check it daily.

Sharon said...

You get what you pay for. ;)

But since you have your own site, what about installing a WordPress blog on there. There are tons of templates and it's pretty easy to learn.
And it's free. ;)

BTW, I do like the look of Typepad but I just can't see spending money on it when I have my own site.

Stampin_melissa said...

I'm being TOTALLY honest here. I only see your blog when I click over from my Google Reader to comment and then I'm busy scrolling down looking for the "comment" button and don't pay much attention to your blog layout. *ducking, waiting to be hit* Whew! You aren't beating me up! That being said, if you move I'll just change it in my Reader. However, if I may add one pet peeve?? Typepad accounts seem to add those annoying "verifying comments doo-hickies" if possible please don't use it. Thanks. *stepping off soap box*

Julie said...

Ok, a few things: first, how do you feel about feedburner?

Second, for Holly and others worried about getting typepad feeds on the google reader, it could be that the author has their preferences set up differently. Test out my typepad trial blog! The link is www.cosmocricket.typepad.com.

Third, Melissa, are you talking about having to log in, leave an email, type in the funny looking letters, or all of thee above? I currently have the typepad blog set to allow comments without an account, but unverified users would have to type in those funny looking letters.

Sorry to sound so uptight about it, but the typography and formatting that is standard on typepad is SO MUCH NICER than the standard on blogger!

Oh and if you go there, don't get used to that header. It will be changed tonight. I hate that the reds don't match.... again a little uptight over here!

runrgirl said...

I'm new to blogging too. I get to yours from mine but hopefully I could do the same if you decide to move. Just leave a link...and I'll follow along.

Rachel Greig said...

I use typepad and love it. :) Your blog looks good as it is, but if it's bothering you, move on over to Typepad. It's pretty easy to use.

Anonymous said...

that is fabulous and a wonderful idea!

i have typepad, and i heart it...i have you in my favorites, so i just click on that saved link...i am no computer wiz, and typepad is very user friendly for me...i use wordpress for the store's blog that i design for and it is more difficult...that is about all the info i have for you...
chelle

Elaine said...

I like it here, and am lazy so i may not be able to follow without a hiccup of sorts. (lazy = full time work with long commute and leaves little time for catching up at the end of the day).

FrancineB said...

I subscribe to your blog and just link through from my home page. I honestly can't say which format I prefer because I really don't have a preference. As long as I can get to your blog, I'm a happy camper. :)

Melody (lacyquilter) said...

I read blogs in google reader, so the format isn't important. I don't care for all the fancy stuff on blogs. It just takes longer for the page to load. I'm more interested in the actual posts. It's annoying when someone has only a partial feed to the readers, because that means in order to see the post, I HAVE to go one more step to get to their blog. Yes, I'm sure it builds the number of hits, but to me that just isn't important. If I want to make a comment, then it's my choice to go to the blog, but otherwise, it saves so much time to be able to cruise through my favorite blogs in the reader.

BethW said...

Wow I hadn't realized how many blogs were on Blogger. Some of them are really gorgeous, but some are not. I think it has more to do with the "creative" mind behind the blog. So if Blogger gives your more or easier tools to work with, coupled with your creative talents-ought to be a winner. Of course I love this one-it's warm, friendly and unpretentious.

BethW said...

That would be a huge freaking senior moment-all together now say NanaBeth meant TYPEPAD~!

D's Paper Studio said...

I would go for typepad. I'm on blogger and it's okay, but Typepad is cleaner looking and has more bells and whistles.

julie.schellin said...

go wherever you want...we'll follow you anywhere! :)

mica said...

I'm following some on Blogger. But I have all the blogs I read including yours on my favorite and usually go through there. So, you do whatever your heart desires!!

mommyshawna said...

I'd save your money and ask one of us to help you make your blog beautful! I've some experience with html, so it's easy for me. :) You can see my blog to see if that is what you have in mind. You can't beat the blogger price!

I get here by being subscribed with Google Reader, but I could subscribe to a Typepad page too.

Anonymous said...

Please if you move give a link here incase I loose you...I have this addy link on my blog and that is how I get here...

So how does the old saying or song.??..GO..I will Follow where you may lead....LOL...or something like that.LOL!

Diana Waite said...

I think your blog looks clean and nice, I read it through Google Reader....so jus give us a heads up to let us know when you are switching so that I can update! :) I use blogger myself because...well...it's free... :)

Natasha said...

My suggestion would be to spend a little money and have someone design you a cute blog header with some buttons and tabs. It doesn't cost as much as you think, plus it would still be cheaper in the long run then paying monthly for typepad. Also there are some cute pre-designed blogger themes you can purchase. If you need any links email me!

Anonymous said...

YES ... move to typepad ... I researched all of the blog companies out there before I started mine two years ago. It's easy to use ... you can customize it to make it unique. They are constantly upgrading it to make it better. I bought into a level that allows me to have three blogs for a decent price ... I use the others for clubs I have out of my store and can make them private if I wish. It's more professional looking. You'll get used to it so quickly that you'll wonder why you didn't change earlier. Their free blog is nice but if you want it even more professional, upgrade. Happy to share any little tricks I've learned with you.

Jen Martakis said...

Like Lisa F. said, I'm here for the content. ;)

I'm subscribed through feedblitz, so new posts arrive in my inbox.

Anonymous said...

I love typepad! No regrets!

PS You might want to consider purchasing a "domain name" ie. cosmocricketblog.com - then you can utilize that with ANY service (including typepad, or if you want to move to Wordpress you can) and your customers won't get lost along the way.

I'm no expert - but I've been using typepad for almost two years - I'd be happy to try to help in any way.

Claude said...

I read the blog through a blog reader, so I wouldn't see the difference if you switched.

To be honest, I don't believe in paying for something (Typepad) when you can have it for free (Blogger) But maybe that's just me...

ScrapMomOf2 said...

Those projects are so cute! I got to this blog through the blogger email link (feed blitz?), or through your home page. I use Blogger because it's free, and I don't think Typepad is? I'm amazed that I even have a blog and maintain a blog. Blogger has been fine for me. I'll visit Cosmo's blog no matter what you decide to do with it. Good luck with your decision!!

Unknown said...

I like blogger. Check out kellygoree.blogspot.com (I know she's the competition but she uses blogger and her layout is quite different from what I normally see). I like your blog. Just play and rearrange until you see what you like! I think that no matter where you go there is a learning curve and it takes time. There are pros and cons to each host! PS Picked up some Lil' Man last night! I love it!

Rita S. said...

Wherever you go to blog I will follow - I just subscribe anyhow. I find blogger easy to use and the price is right...and I see many nice blogs using blogger. If a blog gets too fancy it takes longer to load...
I love the project - thanks for sharing!

Kris said...

I too have you marked through a blog roll so I will follow - Everyone I know is on blogger so that's where I am too but I'm sure whatever you choose will be fine.

kristina proffitt said...

I've used both and I just know more about Blogger since my personal blog is on blogger. I'll be reading it wherever it goes. :)

It took me a bit to make my blogger blog pretty, but I finally have it the way I like it. :)

Happy Friday!

PamSpradlin said...

Typepad...for sure. This blogger site or whatever it is always seems to have errors somewhere. For example...this will be the 3rd time I have tried to post this.

ScrapAloha said...

I don't really like blogs on typepad because it sometimes takes forever to load and I want to see stuff fast. LOL. I'll just leave if it doesn't load right away. Also, to comment you have to add the verification code which is fine if it it loads fast and then re-loads after you verify, but it seems to take forever.

I do hear that it's great for larger traffic blogs, and you have more options. just my $.02

Good luck deciding.

Charlene Austin said...

I've only ever used Typepad and I love it. I originally went with it because you could schedule a post whereas you couldn't on blogger...until recently. I have heard Blogger doesn't have good customer service but Typepad gets back to you very quickly. I say go for it!

Gine said...

No problems with blogger or typepad. Mine is a blogger blog and it works fine..I'm learning the htlm language slowly :lol:

s zuklich said...

i have the hardest time with reading typepad blogs... now i am figuring it is a fault on my end... either my firewall or my browser or something, but they always timeout on me and i can't read them. i would hate losing the ability to read the cosmo cricket blog!!!!

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kanishk said...

I read blogs through a blog feeder, so the formatting will make no difference to me - I don't see it.

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glitter girl said...

Excuse my ignorance. I'm going to claim that I'm still very new to this game. What's a Matrix?

Thank you!