Those visiting ProBlogger today will notice that we’ve just released a new theme. It isn’t a complete overhaul in terms of look—rather, it’s an evolution or refresh of our existing design (much needed). Hopefully you’ll find ProBlogger a little easier to navigate and a little less cluttered.
There are quite a few changes in the back end of the site, though, in that we’ve moved over to the Genesis framework. Brian Gardner from StudioPress has been incredibly helpful in getting us set up—I can’t recommend their themes enough!
I’ll let you look over the theme for yourself to see how we’ve gone about it. There are a lot of small changes including:
- threaded comments—something that has been requested a lot
- more prominent social media promotion of our Facebook and Twitter accounts
- a refreshed front page with new featured-post layout
- videos now are full size on single post pages (not more squinting)
- those who leave comments will be depicted in an avatar alongside their comments (pulled in via Gravatar).
There are a few other small tweaks around the site, and there will be at least a couple of new additions in the coming weeks.
I’m sure there will also be a few small bugs that we’ll need to iron out, but overall things are pretty stable and I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback (give those threaded comments a workout)!
PS: Some people have commented on Twitter that they want the Subscribe to Comments feature switched back on. I’m interested to hear whether that’s the consensus—let me know what you think.
Studio Press definitely has some great themes as I use their Orange theme on WezeeMall.info :)
As for my answer to your question, you absolutely MUST switch Subscribe to Comments back on…it is the main way of keeping up to speed with a certain post which is what attracts ppl to this blog.
I -like many others- am one of those readers that want to know how a particular discussion is going as that is what builds further understanding on a given post topic.
Looks awesome. Right away I got a professional feel from your blog. Especially since the competition is so thick for this type of website, it’s important to stand out from the rest.
Love the new theme! Though it’s not as intimate to me as the other one.
Love the new site!
I made the switch to the Genesis framework just yesterday…Loving it!
Blessings,
James Artre
Noice!
I like the new look.
I vote for the subscriber button. I for one have a great many sites trying to hook my attention. Your site is one I follow for the fresh information you provide. What I sometimes miss is the info I could have gotten from subscriber comments.
Darren,
I like this refresh! I’m actually thinking about switching to Genesis in the future just because of the simplicity, functionality, and quality of design.
I too would also like to see a subscribe to comments section.
Do you also plan on creating a podcast?
Best,
Derek
Congrats to Darren. It looks awesome and better than the old design and loads faster too :-)
congrats on the site update, looks like a good fit :)
The new template is really cool. Pretty decent design, good color combinations, as a web designer I really appreciate the work done by the designer. All da best Darren. But one thing I didn’t sen is Poll section? Where is Polls?
If the subject is compelling enough, I want to keep track of it.
There are times I learn just as much from the comments as the actual post itself (not yours, of course :-)
So yes, subscribe to comments is good….
It always makes me nervous when bloggers change their template/design.
A nice and refreshing theme update. I guess this answers the question of which premium theme ProBlogger would use, Thesis or Genesis? Now we all know the answer.
I like it! I have 2 suggestions if I may:
1) Add a border around the comment form fields. Right now being a blank workspace, seems a bit odd and could be confusing to some as to where to enter their info. The border may make the comment form feel more “inviting”.
2) * threaded comments—something that has been requested a lot
* more prominent social media promotion of our Facebook and Twitter accounts
* a refreshed front page with new featured-post layout
* videos now are full size on single post pages (not more squinting)
* those who leave comments will be depicted in an avatar alongside their comments (pulled in via Gravatar).
Thumb up for sure. I’ve found StudioPress very easy to work with behind the scenes and for making adjustments.
I guess I just commented out my own comment above:
* videos now are full size on single post pages (not more squinting)
I meant to point out the (not more squinting) in case you meant to say (no more squinting).
Oh yeah, “Thumbs up for sure” not my “Thumb up for sure.”…lol (we’re all human)
I like very much this new design using Genesis. One question. For you Genesis is better than Thesis.?
I am thiking using thesis but i see that Genesis is a good option to consider in my blog too.
Excellent look! I love the new changes!
I entered the URL as usual but while it is loading i have checked the URL twice. and recognized that the theme has been changed.
Nice look….
Very nice. I especially love the adding of Gravatars.
I love the new theme. It looks more professional to me that the other one. Thanks for all of the wonderful internet marketing tips you guys offer. It is really great advice for marketing my dental practice.
The new ProBlogger is so so so easy on my eyes. I Love the new design! This is why I also use Genesis!
Really like the new look! Nice colours and tones – fresh!
Much Wider and Cleaner, I like it…
The new template gives Problogger a more refined look.
Like the new themes. The colors are a little warmer and brighter.
Congratulations Darren! Your blog has a far better look. I love it. :) You really did a good job of building a good brand in the realm of blogging.
And yep… just like the Copyblogger, seems like everyone now likes Genesis Theme frame work. :)
You’re right, this is a much needed overhaul.
I just feel like I’m in the old days of problogger, less clutter and very refreshing. Congrats on the overhaul. ;-)
It look much better than the previous one. I currently using Thesis theme but seeing this result from the Genesis Framework, make me want to check out more about it.
This looks soooo refreshing !!