Let’s face it, people can be judgmental. They see something or someone and instantly make an assumption.
Drive a flashy sports car and it implies you have money. Live on the “wrong side of the tracks”, some people think you’re “less than”. Wear wrinkled, dirty clothes and you could be labeled as “low life”.
It’s often written we only have a short amount of time (usually seconds) to make a first impression.
But what about online? On your blog? Does the same apply?
Yes, it does.
Today’s Lesson
I often stare at my blog and ask myself if it reflects my intent, if it reflects “me”, and the message I’m trying to convey.
When I look at my header, it fits my personality. It’s nothing elaborate, not too fancy, not too flashy, actually, rather simple, but professional looking. (I think.)
The body of my blog, shows others what’s important to me.
My content takes center stage. (well it’s not in the center, but you know what I mean)
My left sidebar starts with the most recent New Blog Of The Week. (you all know I love to promote new bloggers). Next, is my answer to Digg’s front page. It lists my highly most commented posts. ( I love comments). Below that are the most recent commenters, complete with the avatar and name. (I want to promote other blog authors, too.) Below that are random posts, and my blogroll.
The right sidebar is mostly for navigation purposes. You’ll find my subscribe buttons, what my blog is about, my most recent posts, categories and the beginning of my book review section.
As you’ll notice, what’s important to me is, or starts, above the fold.
As I visit other blogs, I look and make an assumption of what’s important to them. If everything above the fold is ads, that blogger is (probably) hoping to make money from their blog. If it’s half ads, half content, that says something too, as do photographs.
Today’s Assignment
If you look at your blog through a reader’s eyes, what will your readers first impression be?
Are you are on target with how you want your online presence portrayed?
Or, does it need to be changed?
P.S. Mine has changed many times since I started blogging.
Photo Credit: pedrosimoes7’s photostream
Hi. I'm Barbara Swafford & I'd like to welcome you to Blogging Without A Blog. Grab a seat, share your thoughts and join in the conversation. 
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This is the one I
useused.Today’s Lesson
With avatars, you can do one of two things.
1) You can make your own avatar by using a favorite photo. Crop or resize it to 80 px by 80 px. Save it. It’s now ready to use.
2) Find one online for free. Just search for “free avatars”. You’ll find thousands (maybe millions) of choices. Search through the sites, find one you like, and download it.
I found mine at www.allavatars.com . Photo credit goes to “Aerythes”. And, as a reminder, read the avatar user policy.
Here are a few samples of other avatars I found online:
After you have saved your avatar, go to “Gravatar.com” where you can register your avatar for free (linking it to your email address(s)). Once registered, your avatar will follow you throughout cyberspace.
I also activated Avatars in my comment section. Being technologically challenged, I opted for a plugin. The one I am using is named “Easy Gravatars” and was created by Dougal Campbell. Thank you Dougal!
This plugin is download as all others. Once activated, I changed the “Default Image URL”, (under options – Easy Avatar). My image URL now matches the default avatar. The default avatar will display in the event you have not registered an avatar with Gravatar.com.
Remember….your avatar becomes your “brand”, so choose wisely.
An added note: According to Web Tools Collection, avatars will be included (preloaded) in WordPress version 2.5 (which is currently being tested).
Today’s Assignment
What are your thoughts on avatars?
Are you using them in your social networks? Comments?
If not, do you have questions?