So how are we doing? – UPDATED
It's been more than two full weeks since we launched the new edition of Babalu Blog and we've gotten a lot of favorable responses but also some that were unfavorable.
So I'm wondering what did we miss? What do you like or not like? Let's be clear, we're on WordPress to stay, but there are elements we can change.
One of the primary things we wanted out of the redesign was to go to a three column layout. Our sidebar was becoming too long and having the second sidebar helps that out dramatically. Curiously it was the sidebars that created the most debate between Val and I. One approach is the one you see here with the sidebars of equal widths and with everything centered. Other approaches would be to have the sidebars be of different widths to accommodate the content and to have all of the content left-justified. I might do some screen captures of both and see what you guys think.
Anyway I'd love to hear any feedback that will make the Babalu layout more appealing.
Also I know the new comments system is causing some grief for some users. For those who haven't really figured it out yet, it's really simple. You must be a registered user (subscriber) to comment. I created a tutorial that you can read below the fold.
UPDATE: There were a few questions in the comments that I'd like to answer.
Having trouble reading the middle column as it is too narrow, so it breaks up the words ...
The new version of Babalu is variable width. If you make the window you are viewing the blog in wider, the center column will become wider. You can thus adjust it to the width that makes for the best personalized reading experience. If the window is full screen and you are still finding the center column too narrow then perhaps your monitor is lower resolution than most or is set to a low resolution.
How do I add my photo to my screen name?
You can create a "gravatar" (globally recognized avatar) by clicking here. Just make sure when you create your gravatar that you use same email address that you used when you registered for your Babalu Username.
I find it difficult getting back to the main page once I've left a comment.
Clicking on the "Babalu Eyes" at the top of any page anywhere on the blog takes you home to the main page. I have also added "Home" link that appears in the navigation of individual posts above and below any comments.
1. You're not a registered user but you want to comment on a post. You click where it says "Habla" at the bottom of the post.
2. You will be directed to the individual "post page" where you will see this:
3. You click the link where it says "logged in" and you'll be directed to the login form:
4. Click on the "register" link an you'll be asked to fill out a form with your desired Username and a working email address:
5. Atemporary password is emailed to you. If you do not receive the email it's probably sitting in your spam/junk mailbox.
6. Log in with you username and the temporary password. Make sure you type both exactly or you won't be able to log in. Copying and pasting your temporary password works well as long as you don't copy an extra space or character at the beginning or end of the password.
7. Once you are logged in you can change your temporary password to one you're likely to remember. You can see and change this and other things about your profile by clicking your Username on any of the comments forms once you're logged in with your temporary password.
It seems much more complicated than it is.
I think it's good the way it is, to tell you the truth.
Henry, what I find difficult is getting back to the main page once I've left a comment. Before, it was easier; I left a comment, signed out, then closed the comment box. Now I have to "back" page my way to the main page after commenting/signing out. Am I missing something? or, can you folks fix that. Otherwise, I think the three column set-up is fine.
Mambi, if you click on the "babalu eyes" at the top of any page of the blog you will go directly to the home page.
OK, that's what I've done a few times. Thanks for clarifying the quickest way back. BTW, my Dad says that dumb-ass Colonel published his anti-embargo comments in the Herald - is it true? Supposedly, they labeled him a "prominent" military officer, or something to that effect. I can assure you of this, the only prominence he has is at being an elitist, psuedo-intellectual, pin-head. He's a nobody who feels empowered to opine his ignorant analysis because of the change in Administration.
Having trouble reading the middle column as it is too narrow, so it breaks up the words ...
Henry I like the new format much better. How do I add my photo to my screen name?
Henry, I'm biased in favor of WordPress so I prefer it
Seriously, I thought your two column layout worked okay because as you would scroll down to see the sidebar, there was also content in the middle of the page (namely older posts) to read. The two-column layout doesn't work if the rest of the page is empty--IMO, anyway. But you guys using a three-column layout also works because you have a lot of content for both sidebars, including new stuff like the calendar. I particularly like how you organized it so links to external sites--of which you guys have many--are on one side and links to pages/posts within the site are on the other side. And I like how you named the sidebars "Pinar Del Rio" and "Oriente." That was clever!
I find the font very hard for these tired old cataracts to read. But I did get logged in to comment finally.
My first login got me directly to wordpress as of I were starting a blog. NOT.
You guys are doing really well. On a scale if one to five loaves of Cuban bread, I would give you four and one half loaves. The other half would be warm, just out of the oven, and for me to enjoy.
Now lets hope this gravitas thing works.
It does, but I really don't like the way I look in the picture. Four loaves.
There that's better (4 1/2). That's my half a loaf.
Henry, my gravatar's not showing but I think it's because I rated it PG and you guys have Babalu Blog set to G (which is the default). Hey, I was being honest when I rated mine, according to Gravatar's official guidelines.
Oops. Sorry.
I'm with castrodeathwatch, I'm biased to Wordpress since it is the platform I use for my personal blog. I found it easier than Typepad although I think Typepad has more widgets and stuff to add. I have no complains, as I've gotten used to the red. Posting is much easier and simpler than before and somewhat "moron proof".
So I'll steal Omar's half loaf and make it 5 full loaves!
I think Omar is on to something, using loaves of Cuban bread as a rating system. I give the new design 5 loaves of Cuban bread and an extra sixth loaf just because you guys are THE place for news about Cuba.
Little Window: FROM MY COLD DEAD HANDS.
SORRY-I'M HAVING A HARD TIME CHANGING MY UGLY MUG TO A PHOTO OF CUBAN BREAD
Omar, you have to add the photo of Cuban bread to your Gravatar account, then you can change it. And now I've been put into the mood for some warm Cuban bread and the bakeries are closed, doggone it!
Last try
Does not work.
If I get a "gravatar", will it give me "gravitas"?
The only thing I dislike is that because it is three columns the number of items is fewer before you run out of space so much of the earlier stuff is not on view and you have to click to get it.
I do use the large page version when I read babalu because then I get the full pictures.
My main complaint is the page looks very cluttered. I guess it's a matter of time getting used to, but regardless, I will continue visiting this page.