Putting it to a Vote: Should FWJ Change its Design?
May 5, 2008 by Deb
Filed under Freelance Writing
Make no mistake. I’m a work at home mom. I’m proud and honored to be here for my son and watch him grow. I began FWJ for WAHMs and watched with amazement as the community grew beyond that of a mom blog.
Now I’m wondering if the work at home in your pajamas design is just a little too cute for what we’re doing here now. I guess you can say I’m having an identity crisis.
What do you think? Do you like FWJ’s current design and logo, or should it be something more professional and business oriented? I do value your opinion.
I just took it as some clip-art lady sitting at a desk. Never picked up on the Pyjamas.
I have a high-speed connection but often cannot load the site. I have the same problem as Leigh (with the screen going blank). This is so frustrating that I often don’t visit the site for a week or more even though I would like to visit daily. I am guessing it is because of all the various ads and graphics, which seem to make my computer go crazy.
On the logo, I think it is cute but could benefit from a new look. I’m not sure what your demographic is, but I was initially attracted by the SAHM feel and tone of your site.
Deb – I never realized she was wearing pajamas! How perceptive is that?? LOL
I honestly don’t care either way about a redesign, but I would like to echo the slow-loading issue. Since the last time I was here, it takes a LOT longer. And things normally load pretty fast on my iPhone. I get the revenue thing. Totally. But are the ads the problem? I don’t see any new ones since my last visit. (?)
Hi Deb,
I think a change would be nice. I’m not particular in favor of your current design. It is too “girly” for my taste.
A redesign would be great since you do have a broad spectrum of readers.
In the end, what matters is what YOU really want. I have a feeling that you already toy with the idea since you are asking. Go with your gut feeling and let it rip.
@ Paul: Thank you for the kind words! I always love to hear that someone has found work from the gigs posted here.
I never realized she was in her PJs. I just figured she was somewhere warm and wearing a tank top!
Never had a problem with the site being slow to load, FWIW.
I love the logo and colors, it’s what helped pull me to your site, it’s unique compared to the standard black, white – cold feel of most sights. It may be the mother in me but there’s just a different feel to the site because of the design.
I normally read your postings through the RSS feed and I always enjoy the quality of your posts.
The first time I visited the site since I subscribed was when you posed the question, and it was actually kind of a surprise to look at the site.
I was expecting to see a more corporate or social 2.0 look.
I don’t think that the design of the site fits well with the voice.
While many might say “cute” isn’t professional — your site has character! A good one, too. Your concerns about the message the design conveys is a good reason for a redesign — but I think it conveys a casual, let’s meet up for coffee in my house kind of message especially since many of us work from a home office.
I never realized those were PJs!
I don’t think it should be too business-like, but I guess it could stand to be less girly if you want more male readers.