The Cat’s Out of the Bag and Into My Light Box

The Cat’s Out of the Bag and Into My Light Box

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I can’t keep a secret to save my soul. It’s not that I intentionally blab news for the adrenaline rush of gossip. I just don’t have the filter to keep a lid on certain information. One Christmas, with just a single present left by the tree, my sister wasn’t moving as fast as I’d have liked. So, to encourage her, I pointed to the tall, thin mystery gift leaning against the wall and said, “Come on Allison! Open your easel.”

Oops.

The scary part is I didn’t even realize my gaff until she reacted. Allison, on the other hand, picked up on the content of her gift right away. And boy, was she miffed at me.

To avoid annoying anyone, I’m telling you here and now that I’m moving my blog come September. I won’t tell you where it’s moving, but rest assured it’ll have a proper URL (no .blogspot in the name), a cleaner look and some easier navigation features. Based on feedback from readers, I’m keeping the name Christie’s Corner, the tagline and the burnt toast motif. This much I can tell you.

From previous polls and comments, I have an idea of what sort of content you like, but I don’t really know what features you find useful or irritating on a blog. This is your chance to voice your opinion(s). Love “Recent Comments”? Speak up! How do you feel about Twitter feeds? What do other blogs have that I desperately need to install? What sends you fleeing from a site?

I can’t promise I’ll be able to provide everything you ask for, but your comments will help me narrow things down from the billions of available WordPress plug-ins.

Oops! I did again.

No Comments
  • Cheryl Sternman Rule
    Posted at 11:08h, 05 August

    That's a fantastic picture, and I don't even like cats.

    I love your site, always have, always will, but I'm excited to see what changed you have in store.

    Twitter feeds on blogs annoy me. That said, they might encourage your blog readers to follow you on Twitter so I can see the benefit.

    Recent comments in the sidebar? Never look at them. I click on the post and read through them that way instead.

    I think I woke up grumpy.

  • danamccauley
    Posted at 12:18h, 05 August

    Hey Char – exciting news! Can't wait to see what you do. Keep me posted on your new address so that I don't miss a moment of your blog.

  • Andrew
    Posted at 13:16h, 05 August

    That is one handsome cat!

  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 14:02h, 05 August

    I'm with Cheryl on the cat and twitter.

    My two biggest pet peeves on blogs – and this is only my personal opinion – are the "You might also like" at the bottom of posts and navigating away from the main page when you want to post. I prefer the pop-up comment box.

    As for the rest of most blogs I don't look at much else after the first couple of times visiting. I kind of have blinders on for straight content.

  • Cheryl Arkison
    Posted at 14:02h, 05 August

    I'm with Cheryl on the cat and twitter.

    My two biggest pet peeves on blogs – and this is only my personal opinion – are the "You might also like" at the bottom of posts and navigating away from the main page when you want to post. I prefer the pop-up comment box.

    As for the rest of most blogs I don't look at much else after the first couple of times visiting. I kind of have blinders on for straight content.

  • Anonymous
    Posted at 19:15h, 05 August

    Let the opinions fly.
    I check the comments section every day from the bottom of the blog. I want the "story" and the comments as a set each time.
    I like the "you might also like" suggestions. I have gone back in time when one caught my fancy.
    I rarely do side bar stuff unless directed there from the post of the day.
    I don't like that it won't let me sign my name. I have to click anonymous and sign in the comment box.
    Ultimately I will read your Blog whatever you do. Love. Robin

  • Marion
    Posted at 11:13h, 06 August

    I did absolutely the same thing with my sister when I was five and she was bugging me about what I got her, and I shouted, "If you don't stop I won't give you your Pinkie Ball." Yup. One of those iconic rubber balls for stick ball, stoop ball or just messing around. Sigh. I love this story, and had forgotten mine until I read yours. Thanks so much.

  • Steph - Wasabimon!
    Posted at 03:31h, 07 August

    Let me know if you need any help – my side business if social networking consulting, so I have lots of advice to give.

    Also, Melanie and I toss random WordPress plugins back and forth all day, so either of us can offer advice on what's useful and what's not!

  • Christie's Corner
    Posted at 12:27h, 07 August

    Cheryl, no Twitter feeds! Good to know. I'm not very diligent about Twitter anyway. I'd rather have blog readers than Twitter followers (have I got the jargon right?)

    Dana, I will keep everyone posted.

    Andrew, speak to Cheryl. She clearly needs some guidance when it comes to felines.

    Cheryl A, great point about the "blinders". I am finding so many sites are cluttered with plug-ins designed to drive traffic I think they defeat their own purpose.

    Robin, good to know! This sort of feedback is invaluable.

    Marion, thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one who does this. Only I was an adult at the time. You were a kid so it's forgivable!

    Steph, I'm sure I'll be contacting you. Thanks so much for the offer!!

    Anyone else have opinions???