Has Money Killed Blog Design?
Thursday, November 1st, 2007 at 6:00 am
The cloning process
Have you noticed the similarity in layout and design of many “successful” blogs? The following popular blogs all generate revenue by placing ads and seem to follow a tried and trusted recipe for their layout:
So, what’s wrong with these designs?
Well, nothing I guess. They are orderly, well structured, functional and they make money… but I do find the look and feel of these blogs to be pretty monotonous and uninspiring.
Is the design centered around prominent ad placement? It does look like the advertisements are limiting design possibilities to a large extent. These websites also attempt to deliver the maximum amount of content within a confined area. The result is very little open space for the layout to flow.
The alternative
The following are a few examples of blogs that do not place ads. The freedom to explore layout possibilities without the constraints of ad placement is evident in their designs. Of course this means sacrificing the possibility of revenue, but the goal of these blogs is not to make money.
Okapi Studio (via Styleboost)
Tobias Baeck (via Styleboost)
Best of both worlds?
Lastly, I have to mention WebDesignerWall. They have used the same layout seen in the first examples - accommodating ads in the right hand side-bar - yet design flair (albeit very ornamental) enjoys prominence.
Is there a way to resolve this conflict between form and function, or has money killed blog design?
sbpoet Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 7:16 am
You are so right — they are functional, but boring. And I don’t really understand it. They are supposed to be models for the rest of us, but they all look like generic-brand magazines.
I love your examples of fun blog design, though they all seem to have been done by ‘professionals’ — that is, folks with more skill than I have. I think they’re great, but beyond emulation, for me.
It is a tough balance, I think; especially when one is told, again and again, that ‘minimalist’ is the way to go. Which I think it is, for many sites. But what if you just aren’t the minimalist sort, but still want your blog to be functional?
I like your blog, and the design — but I do have a hard time with the light text on dark background (you do better than many, though) — easily resolved by reading you mostly by feed.
I don’t forget what it looks like here, though, and the design is certainly part of the attraction.
Cameron Low Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 7:16 am
Just for the record, NxE ain’t making that much money. In fact, we are in the negative. But I agree with you that overuse of ads can destroy a blog’s design. I have seen quite a few site which were quite good before they went crazy on monetization. There are also some that went from bad to worst. But the examples you used, including my site (NxE), can be considered what ‘to do’ if you want to monetize your site without much loss in the quality of the design.
Danny Foo Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 8:41 am
Most of the clients who approach me say they want to have ads on their blogs. And because the standard sizes of ads, designers need to create around the fixed sizes. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t design the blog to look great.
As for experimentation, true enough if you just wanted to provide the content then the layout could be whatever you wish. Then again, it’s the content which needs to be given focus and a blog should be designed to bring out the content. Thus most importantly is to not let the advertisements overshadow the content. :)
nomad-one Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 9:44 am
Um, I have to disagree on a few points here. That would be like saying that because blog solid has a right side menu with many links in it that its the same as any other blog with right side links which is not the case. While your site is very nice to look at there are a few usability and readability issues as well for one white text on the dark background becomes difficult to read after a short while especially for people with eye problems.
The example of freelance switch is completely off. Yes their ads are in the same place, based on the function they perform and the purpose for including them. The design of their site is very much not boring and You should be fair in that. BOG Solid does not use ads but that does nto make it 100 times better in its design even though the design is quite impressive. Maybe some of the other designs on their are a it tame but that’s got nothing to do with the position of their ads.
Don’t get me wrong, I love this site and the design, but your assessment is based on a few misdirected points. Ads do not necessarily kill a design and ads are a regular part of the blogosphere so it’s about how everything else comes together around them.
Though I like some of the illustrative appeal of web designer wall it is a bit chaotic from a design point of view. The sites you are criticising are excellent in content and their popularity, at least some of them is based on this, so they are structure to be more clean and easy to read. I do think Smashing Magazine is in need of some design help most definitely.
my 2 & 1/2 cents
Blogsolid Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 10:37 am
Hi sbpoet. I think good web design means enhancing the usability of a site through layout and graphics. You’re right, that is a tough balance! As soon as you add design elements, there is a risk of “getting it wrong” and fighting the content. That is probably why minimalist design is often advised, but even the simplest of designs can have a unique flavour though.
Hi Cameron. Firstly congratulations on acquiring NxE! Thanks for dropping by. I find it very interesting that NxE is not making a profit, after all it is obviously designed with monetization in mind. Would the solution be placing more ads, or is it a case of getting more readers? I would be interested to read your analysis of the situation!
Danny, keeping the content king is important. I believe that the first few blogs I mentioned all do this pretty well, and that is why they have a similar approach to layout. Smashing Magazine is crowding their content with that Adsense unit, but maybe they can get away with it since their content is in such high demand?
Hi nomad-one. You are right in saying “ads are a regular part of the blogosphere so it’s about how everything else comes together around them” - that is my point exactly. Is there another way or will all blogs conform to a standard layout?
Oh, and I don’t think BOG Solid is 100 times better than any other blog. More like 150 times… ;)
Brian Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 11:10 am
Its pretty obvious that Blogsolid has the best frekin design ever, and all other blogs need to be redesigned by Blogsolid.
Julia Says:
November 1st, 2007 at 11:44 am
Hey there, great blog. I’ve been annoyed so many times by ads, I cannot count. I never click! There’s something in my brain that just blends out all things that don’t belong to the content. However, you still see them, and it disturbs the flow of the content. Worst are those ads placed directly under the title of a post. When I see that, I usually don’t even read the post anymore, cause I don’t want to scroll past blocks of ads. (I have a laptop, so screen size is an issue!)
Blogsolid Says:
November 3rd, 2007 at 12:46 am
Hey julia. Haven’t seen you in a while, welcome back. I know what you mean, i usually avoid clicking ads like the plague. It’s just my natural reaction. But… I have been thinking maybe I should click interesting ads on other blogs. Many of them work on a ‘pay per click’ system, so my clicks will be helping other bloggers earn money.
Bush Mackel Says:
November 3rd, 2007 at 3:48 pm
“Is the design centered around prominent ad placement?”
Oh those sites that you pointed out, yes.
I mean, it does suck from an design point of view, but then again, I don’t think those sites really care two cents about design and the like. Which is ok. My site, which is an odd hybrid of the two things, design and revenue, doesn’t accomplish either particularly well. Hopefully I’ll have the time at some point to focus on a solution that solves both problems.
Of course I’ve been saying that for quite a while now. (#);)
Robert Eilers Says:
November 3rd, 2007 at 11:44 pm
I can’t stand those sites that seem to be nothing but ads. Especially Adsense ads. Do you want some content with those ads? My philosophy has always been to keep it simple. That’s why I only have one area of Adsense ads.
People can really over do it when it comes to ads. Remember, content is what gets visitors to your site, not ads.
nomad-one Says:
November 4th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
Hey dudes, don’t get me wrong, I love the design of BlogSolid, has it’s own special personality bar a few legibility issues with the white text on dark bg. I too hate ads but have found that after a short while the ads on certain sites i use just fade away and I hardly even see them anymore. I think as long as ads are in plain view on the screen your argument will not be solved.
Saturday Speedlinkin VII Says:
November 5th, 2007 at 12:53 am
[…] Has Money Killed Blog Design by Blogsolid - This is a blog that I stop by every once and a while, and it just about always gives me something to think about. This time Blogsolid asks whether the ever popular right ad space (and premium ad placement in general) is killing blog design. If you liked this post, do the world a favor and share it! var addthis_pub = ‘HFD04246WCU7F8PG’; […]
Forest Parks Says:
November 5th, 2007 at 6:42 am
Your design is awesome. I want to keep my sites monetized in the future but will also be aspiring for great design (something which I don’t have right now) so will be looking for that middle ground.
Anything can be achieved!! I’ll let you know if I see any.
milo Says:
November 6th, 2007 at 8:14 pm
Ugh, the top five blogs/sites looks similar to a Nascar:
plastered with ads and a small window for the driver/writer…
Guillermo Says:
November 7th, 2007 at 6:44 am
Dear sweet jeebus your design is sooo rad.
I skimmed through the article. I just want to hump its (font) face
Kosta Kontos Says:
November 7th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Hi Imar,
Very interesting question you ask.
I’ve always believed that blogs shouldn’t have adverts. I for one never click on them, and the idea of clicking on an advert to increase per-click-count just to support a good blog doesn’t sit well with me.
But we want to make money. We work hard on our blogs and want to see some kind of return. I guess we could continue giving our brains away, asking for nothing in exchange (I can’t stand “please pay me” paypal begging either), only hoping to grow a loyal audience and thus build up a good reputation.
Reputation = money.
For example, you’d make a great Blog Consultant. So one idea is to use your blog to share your knowledge (which you’re doing very well, keep it up!), and then use your reputation to your advantage for consulting purposes.
I like what you said in one of your other posts, and it is appropriate in this context: each blog needs to evolve to meet the unique style / goals of the blogger. Adverts shmadverts. Indirect income for the win.
Cheers,
Kosta.
Danny Foo Says:
November 9th, 2007 at 11:55 am
The one thing I detest most is blogs who incorporate a 300×250 adsense (or whatever ad) below the post title. That is just so plain ‘I want to make money’ approach for a blog. They’re literally putting a blind eye on towards their readers. Just because your blog is popular doesn’t mean you should do this. Might as well start a membership and charge them for reading your content.
That way readers have a fulfill their reading and you earn some cash. But of course, you’ll lose traffic because not all your readers are willing to pay you. Seriously, I’d never put a large ad like that on the top of my post. Be it above the fold or whatever excuse. Ew! :P
Blog Theme Machine Says:
November 12th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Yeah, we’ve been paid to design sites JUST like those other “successful” blogs but we’ve also had the chance to give our own personal input on designs and I personally like those better. If John Chow or Shoemoney changed their designs right now to something different, the whole world would skip out on the three box header style and follow them. Sucks for the “originality” of their sites, but hey, they have sheep follow them :(
Bush Mackel » New Design Says:
November 16th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
[…] 125×125 Ads - These are the little guys that are sweeping the blogosphere. The problem with this is, I’m pretty confident I could fill the spots every month, but then I think that spot would look like everyone else’s… Ay yi yi yi. I think I’ll end up incorporating them in the end, but I still can’t shake that Blogsolid article. […]
Milan Says:
November 19th, 2007 at 11:25 am
Hi you’re so right, but I use AdBlock PlugIn for Firefox so I have Ad-Free Blogs. But in my case I like simple and clear structure and minimalistic styles! I think your Blog is a good example for a well designed Blog, I like it :-) Sorry for my English… I’m a bit of exercise…
Blogsolid Says:
November 24th, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Haha milo. Nice analogy…
Uh, thanks Guillermo… I think :) It’s not actually a typeface, but I’m thinking of completing the design of a full range of characters and releasing it as a font.
Hi Kosta. I do believe the indirect benefits pay off in the end!
Hi Danny, I know, Adsense units really throw the whole design and flow off balance, but I think placing them below the title is required in the Adsense terms and conditions. Am I right?
Blog Theme Machine, it seems like there are always “trends” people feel compelled to follow, but at least you get to apply some design creativity once in a while :)
Thanks for the compliment, Milan!
Gravityone Says:
December 10th, 2007 at 5:05 am
Even as a web designer for e-commerce sites I hate ads. But in order for me to make money from my clients they all wants the ads. So, I say work with it and see if you can integrate the ads into a great design. Sounds like a very big challenge though.
will creativity save the blogosphere? at living in svensworld - surfing & creativity Says:
December 20th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
[…] has been a post some time ago that comes across pretty mind changing for a lot of people, they ask if money has killed blog design? Who doesn’t ask himself this question when he sees the next blog. Not only the design […]
i blog too Says:
February 5th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
I agree completely. I definitely enjoy reading blogs better when it doesn’t seem like their main goal is to make money.