Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Things look different on Stereogum! The day before SXSW is as good a time as any to launch a redesign [Oh wait, no it's not. Dammit.]. Hope you enjoy the improved navigation and community features. You'll notice that the page is now formatted especially for people who live in 2008. Also, we cleaned up the logo and ... removed the headphones. We've been itching to do that for a while. Most important: you can now have a user profile. Go here to register your name and upload a clever avatar before someone beats you to it. As part of the upgrade, we've added nested comment functionality (respond to someone's comment and your reply will be indented underneath) and comment ranking. Additional community features will be rolled out in the near future. You can still comment anonymously, but registered users' comments will appear in darker text, and thus be taken more seriously or something like that! We are already getting some valuable feedback, so thanks. Keep it coming. There are still some bugs being exterminated, but if you have any technical problems, do post 'em in the comments or contact web@stereogum.com.
Posted at 12:36 PM
http://www.quoteworld.org/quotes/2435
Score = 2
methinks the scoring of comments will get very petty
Score = -65
I love the new layout! It's really readable, and I like it- I have a love affair with Helvetica. I'm not sure if I'll set up one of those user profile things, and I do miss the headphones. But those are small complaints.
Love it!
Score = 0
I love the new logo! Very nice. It's all exciting!
Score = 1
I love the new look guys! It's neat, and readable- I have a love affair with Helvetica. I also like the nested comment thing, although I too have hesitations about comment ranking. I do miss the headphones, and I'm not sure if I'll get a user profile. But those are very small concerns indeed.
Love it!
Score = 1
i just want to post a comment, so here's a comment!
Score = -4
sexy
Score = -5
I like the colors but I'm not a fan of the wide margin to the left of the content well. It's far too large. Basic web design usually tells that people read web pages like a book, starting in the top-left and working down. With this layout, you have to look to the middle of the page first.
Score = 25
I have to agree with the whole left to right idea. My eyes are distracted whenever I'm trying to read a post.
Score = 14
Thirded.
Score = 1
sorry for the bugs, everyone.
Score = 0
I can has avatarz?
Score = 3
waaaay too much going on. i like the old style..
Score = 10
looks great, guys! keep up the good work and have fun at SXSW!
Score = 2
i'm digging the menus that come down from the category names at the top of the screen at least
Score = 2
Wood?
Score = -5
It looks more like paper bags stacked then the image is turned sideways. But yeah, I see what you're saying. ;)
Score = 0
The redesign is OK, thought it's not like much has changed (I agree that the bar on the left is unnecessarily wide). I do like the new comments system though, since the threading is very useful to actually have a conversation and the points system is a pretty good idea, since this site has some awful (and some quite good) comments.
Score = 10
i'm so... confused
Score = -7
for some reason it's easier for me to read everything now that it's 2/3 of the way to the right. i really like where the main text has gone. i knew something was wrong when all of everything was all the way to the left and now i know what it was! yeah!
Score = -2
Looks great, but I agree with adrienne. The comment scoring system is a bit petty. I liked how Stereogum kept it simple and real before. But I'm sure I'll adjust to the new look. I'm still in shock.
Score = -1
we're trying to find a way to do it without the petty
Score = -2
score me!
Score = -36
yay fun i registered!
Score = 0
i registered too but my comment isn't in bold
:(
why?
Score = 1
try holding down the shift key when you reload? it might take a second for the site to realize that you're not commenting with your old comments cookie. or that's something else to fix.
Score = 0
Were you signed in when you commented?
Score = -1
yes it says I'm signed in as poopster
Score = 0
I think it might look more aesthetically pleasing with the left and right columns switched. Feel free to mark this comment down to -342 if you disagree.
Score = 36
It's just like...looking into...a mirror.
Score = 1
It is a little distracting until you get down and don't have the right bar competing with the left for your attention. Maybe just switch to two columns instead of three.
Score = 7
The way things have been flipped has left me a little disjointed and leaning to the left.
Score = 6
The new layout isn't bad. I like that we can reply directly to comments.
BUT, did Stereogum always have these ads? I never noticed them before. Maybe the layout was distracting me.
Score = -1
Yep - ads were there before, tho' perhaps we should rethink the unlimited looping animation....
Score = -1
stereogum is the blog of the future.
great move guys
Score = -2
Yes, the blog of the future, as it was in 2006.
Score = 3
Using Firefox 2, the new mp3s and new videos menus appear under the gum mix box
Seems fine in IE7
Score = -1
I agree with the switching of the left and right columns. I'm not sure why it just doesn't look right.
Score = 12
i like it. ar first i was really upset, but it's growing on me. and i like the whole log in idea.
Score = -1
How is this "now formatted especially for people who live in 2008"? i mean i like it, but would i not have if it were still 2007?
Score = -7
Oh no! Now everything I will say will be judged vehemently! Now I know how the artists on here feel.
Score = 5
yeah, that wood paneling thing at the top reminds me of this trailer i used to live in a long time ago... other than that, nice...
Score = -2
I like it.
If people are having a hard time reading the posts. Prob just need a little getting used to it, BUT you can use a js library or something and do "reading mode" via radio buttons that dims out the the sidebars. It's easy to do if you're a coder or something.
Score = 1
I don't miss the headphones... Is that strange?
Score = 2
Oh ya... the embedded "gum mix" mp3 player obstructs the 'new mp3's' and 'new videos' drop-down menus in firefox... i guess it has to do with firefox, anywho, just fyi.
Score = 2
even if you guys don't switch the columns back the other way, there should definitely only be two columns at the top. it's very distracting to have to read in the middle instead of on one side or the other.
i really like the pull down menus at the top, though. and having an account is nice as well.
Score = 2
looking good! now go have fun in austin--you guys deserve it.
Score = 0
Speaking as a person who "lives in 2008" I am so happy to see a fresh face on such a great site. I like the wood, makes me think of old stereo cabinets and tube amplifiers. Great job guys.
Score = -3
i love the wavy lines on the sides of the main column. nothing helps me read better than a nice headache
Score = 3
looks much more clean and modern. and professional.
Score = -2
Looks excellent.
Score = -1
I also like the unique column set-up. Why does every website have to look the same? It is readable and cool.
Score = -1
what would Oystercracker say?
Score = 1
funny!!! or maybe i just feel cool because i get it.
Score = -2
I know! I miss the headphones a ton. All her stuff is so cool.
Score = 0
the layout will grow on me, but i miss the headphones. what would oystercracker say??
Score = 0
Everything looks great, but I agree with those who have said that the 3-column layout is awkward and that, if anything, the side columns should be reversed.
Score = 0
I agree with tom.
Score = 0
It'll take me a while to get used to it, but overall I dig the new layout... I do think that it might be easier if the left and right columns were switched.
Score = 2
I'm usually not a fan of the re-tooling of sites I've frequented for a long time (see: Television Without Pity) but this is really nice. :)
Score = 2
This looks pretty sharp.
Score = 0
speaking as a graphic designer, this is a big upgrade
Score = 0
let's hope I get bold comment status now
Score = -2
I'm registered and my text isn't bold either.
I've noticed that the users who have bold type all have a web address listed in their profile. I don't have one, maybe this could be the problem???
Score = 1
We're looking into it.
Score = 1
Overall I like it, but I do miss the headphones...
Score = 0
hmm... i dunno. in general I am a fan of more light/clean design as far as web stuff goes. the wood look is just kind of weird to me. and, as i just mentioned. its too dark? i dont like black, im a sad bastard as is cmon guys.
• kind of visually overwhelming
• as others have mentioned, i wish the main content was actually on the left... or wider, or something?
• the updates to the comment area sounds cool, and i like the idea of using avatars as long as they stay pretty small...
bottom line.. still dunno how i feel about it. change is good i suppose. but i dont think this is really any MORE professional or clean looking than the old one.
Score = 3
Oh! Maybe *that's* why they didn't jump out at me before. They don't bother me, I thought I'd mention, I just had never noticed them before. But now that I think about it, the Dewar's logo does pop into my mind as something I've been seeing here for awhile.
Score = 0
Oops! This is supposed to be a reply to "Angela Ad Sales" a little further up the list. Remember to check the "in reply to" box, people, or you'll look really stupid like I do now.
Score = 3
yeah, left margin sucks. haven't looked at this thing too closely yet, but first impression is that it's feels dry and lost it's character. and first impressions can be important.
Score = 2
well one things for sure, on a closer look––
the ads definitely pop more. which i suppose is good for the gum.
Score = 1
I think the brown little music player shouldn't be. Brown that is.
Score = 3
i miss the old but change is always good...i guess
Score = 1
wheres the avatar?
Score = -1
wheres the avatar?
Score = -1
Jim's working on it.
Score = 0
blame six apart
Score = 0
Ahhh I hate it. I fear change
Score = 2
MY EYES!!!!
Score = 2
So do we still read this thing from right to left, or what?
Score = 1
looks pretty! i do miss the headphones... i kind of love(d) them. and i agree with the comments about the left sidebar... tough on my ADD eyes. but it's probably cause i'm just used to the old design. congrats!
Score = -3
Like the old design better, this one is too distractive. Registered though and eagerly awaiting more community features
Score = 1
stereogum, what have you done? you've broken my heart, thats what. the new format is so dark and gloomy. i miss the other version.
Score = 2
I miss the headphones. And to be honest, looks a little busy. I miss the old look/feel. But I'm trying to keep an open mind.
Score = 0
I know I'm not the first to comment on the column layout, but it's offputting. The left column is close enough to the middle in size that it competes too much for my attention.
Score = 2
wow, this is so much better than the old version.
Score = 0
nice, but yeah, the left column is too wide and makes the whole page unbalanced... otherwise, thumbs up!
Score = 1
The left side of the page is way heavier than the right. YOU LIBERAL BLOGGIE SCUM! I'm kidding, looking good, but I can't believe you've added a new layer of hell to reading comments by letting people rank them. SO META.
Score = 1
oh wow, look its spinner.com part deux!
Score = -2
Love the new layout, but can we get an iPhone/ iPod Touch icon to reflect the new layout? i made one with the headphones, but now that appears quite dated
Score = 0
it's easier to move faster in the site and get more out of it -or into it - quicker, like a big dish of potentially tasty exotic appetizers you never saw before
Score = 1
It's nice but I wish that column on the left was on the right. It just looks awkward like this...and a bit busy. Suppose I'll get used to it though. On the plus side, it's look tres professional, so nice work Stereogum!
Score = 0
Please make the left column less column-ey. Too large.
Score = 4
column on left is far too large. makes it near unreadable
Score = 4
I'm with everyone on the left column being too large. Although for me it's just a matter of wanting the article column to be dead center.
I don't mind the comment ratings though. Sometimes it's helpful because it can let you get a ratio of how many people are say, Vampire Weekend fans, without reading the entire column page.
Score = 3
fuck now i can't change my url everytime
Score = 1
Am I the only person who doesn't like the background and the stuff on the left? And I consider myself a person who doesn't complain.
Score = 2
Sweet, me like a lot.
Score = 1
this layout is fucking atrocious, demand your money back from whoever was behind it and go back to the drawing board
Score = 1
not many sites have the main content so far to the right. i think i like it. also: the capital post titles are very nice
Score = -1
You really really need to switch the left and right columns. The main content completely gets lost next to that huge left column.
Score = 7
this layout turns me on
Score = -2
nooooo!!!!!!!!!! this webpage looks like some kind of discount student airfare site... yes there are improvements - but it's lost a special something, that is for sure.
Score = 1
agreed that the column on the left is too large and not aesthetically differentiated enough from the main content column. the result is that everything is washed out and uniform. just because you have the whole screen width at your disposal doesn't necessarily mean you have to use it--the eye requires some empty space to make sense of things.
Score = 0
Pretty good redesign. Love the new logo. Here are my problems, though. The left column, as mentioned, is FAR too large. I wouldn't mind if you switched the left column and the right column, might make it flow better. It also doesn't matter, but it'd be cool to have a more interactive or in-depth profile.
Score = 0
Also, the font on the Gum Mix is too dark on the background. Maybe a lighter shade of blue?
Score = 0
working on it- maybe when we get back from Austin.
Score = 0
I'm not a fan of the wide left margin.
Score = 0
This is new look is a HUGE improvement. So much easier to navigate. Cleaner. Sharper. Faster. Stronger. Better. HA! --- MAJOR KUDOS!
Score = 0
I would have to agree with the left margin comments. I'm sure there's some advertising genius scheme behind it and it won't change, but it has to be said. Also seems like more animation in ads than normal, but maybe it's just the layout confusing me. Font makes me squint a little too.
Whatever. I'm sure I'll forget what the old site looked like pretty soon anyway.
Yup, there you go. Just now forgot.
Score = 0
Where's the indie feeling? This new design is very bland, now you look like any other website. It really doesn't do the content justice. And the score system for the comments? Who do you think we are? It's an insult to anyone with a minimal vocabulary.
Score = 3
sold out.
Score = -1
but at least the comments load faster...
Score = 1
Stereogum has always been a little hard to look at, and now it's just hard in a different way. I know they're your competitors and everything, but just toggle between Pitchfork's site and yours. Now toggle between Brooklyn Vegan's and yours. Not that Brooklyn Vegan is the epitome of design, but Stereogum's site is like an assault on my ocular cavities. EVERYTHING is way too large, and has been given the same amount of importance. How can anyone navigate the space when everything on the page is screaming at you? Even the article headings are WAY too large.
And not to go on a tirade (I'm really trying to be constructive), but that logo has no presence at all. I don't know why you were so antsy to get rid of the headphones; they were the only thing giving your page any identity, along with the feature icons (which I've always liked) and the blue and brown (THANK YOU, by the way, for changing the brown to the chocolate from the baby shit variety). I think it'd be great if the headphones got an update and were *incorporated* into the logo (and by incorporate, I mean make the type and the artwork the same language, as opposed to just slapping a pair of headphones next to what you already have). But the thing that is currently occupying space in the upper left corner is not a logo as is. It's a poorly designed typeface with some letter centers punched out.
Sorry, Stereogum. I love the content, but the package needs work.
Score = 5
Things I love: The new vertically thinner header, and the tabs for the links. Very nice.
I'm unsure about moving what was previously the right-hand column over to the left is generally bad. A left hand column is good if it's more central to navigation, but the amount of stuff over there is ... a little extra and a bit to heavy to be on the left. It might depend on the style in which people navigate, but I tend to read more chronologically instead of looking for certain categories of articles (ie, I want to see today's / yesterday's articles, and don't tend to browse by saying "I'd like to read all the "Quit Your Day Job" entries.) It's NICE to be able to browse this way or see what the most recent entry was by genre, but it's really distracting over on the left side; it feels more like those are the main focus of the page and I don't think that's the intent.
When you move down a level into each actual article, same comments hold true-- but the thing that I notice here is the size of the links at the bottom to the next/previous article. Right now the font size is the same size as the headline, and they really don't feel like they should be the same level of importance given that I've moved down to this specific article. Also, given the length of the titles that are used as the text of the link, with the size of the current font the page that I'm looking has four-five short lines to comprise the link-- which make the overall impact size on the eye fairly substantial. It's more distracting from the actual article than it is enhancing navigation.
Score = 3
It's very different, but I do like it better.
Score = 0
Would that happen to be a Ben's Brother reference ?
Score = 0
I'm not going to be able to deal with every headline being in caps.
Score = 1
The new look and feel of this site is amazing. Great job guys!
Score = -3
Handsomes
Score = 0
It´s slightly better. Even tough I used to love the old look. Oh, just a note: please, no heads in CAPS would be way better for reading.
Congrats for the new fashionist design. ;-)
Score = 1
How about a forum?
Score = 0
first, we'll nail down the new design/features, then we'll spec out something for the forums.
Score = 0
For once, a site redesign that I actually like.
Score = 0
can i just say, loud and clear, stop with the Liam Finn. please. my god. he's not music he's useless
Score = 0
I just noticed that if I preview my comments, the layout switches back to the old Stereogum layout. Glitch? I'm not sure if a preview'd post goes out or not, since I usually "Back" it to the original comment page.
Thought I'd mention it.
Score = 1
Yeah, I noticed that too.
and perhaps it could be possible to choose layouts? Because I personally like the old one.
Score = -1
yeah, wanted to replace that with a live comment preview, but dropped it for launch. will fix- thanks for the reminder!
Score = 0
love the new look.
Score = 0
Visually confusing
Difficult to read and follow
Looks cheap
This used to be one of my favorite sites to read but now it seems like hard work
A rethink with good graphic designers is needed!!!!!
Score = -1
Visually confusing
Difficult to read and follow
Looks cheap
This used to be one of my favorite sites to read but now it seems like hard work
A rethink with good graphic designers is needed!!!!!
Score = -1
This looks like a cheap template. Or an Internet music blog version of the Pennysaver or something.
Either way, horrible.
Score = 0
i dont like the different commenting thing... having to be logged in to be in black it makes it seem less likely for people to read the grey ones
Score = 0