Could you take a look at my blog?

[CharlieUniformNovemberTango]

I'd like some constructive criticism for my blog if you have a few minutes to spare?

I was wondering about pictures and photos too. I haven't used any at all because I'm blogging anonymously for now but I could add stock photos I guess. Just wondering if it really needs them?

What do you think about the look of it? be gentle with me

//homelessmummy.wordpress.com

[mignonette]

I'd change the 'facing homelessness' heading to 'Losing your home- what you can do' .

It's an interesting idea so well done. Some colourful graphics,photographs or illustrations are needed in order to draw attention forcibly to what is a very serious and upsetting issue. Would the Big Issue be able to help in any way regarding content or links? You may have a link, but ii didn't see it. The links need to be very bright and clear as they will help boost traffic especially if you can gain a link from them back to your blog.

Have you thought of writing/tweeting the Big Issue and other organisations to gain publicity?

[CharlieUniformNovemberTango]

Thanks mignonette - I'll change that page title then. Yours does read better I agree.

I'd not thought of the big issue - I'll add a link. No idea why as I make a point of buying the magazine!

I've not worked much on the publicity side of this just yet. I primarily set it up as a safe place to vent with a view for others to see how it works if they were facing it too. I would like it to become a supportive place in the long run.

I'm currently helping two other families staring to go through this so feel it's done some good at least.

I've had a bit of traffice from a couple of other homeless charities though. Will start to think about properly getting it out there though.

[time4anewname]

Homeless mummy you follow me and I follow you. I think your blog is fantastic - I wouldn't be surprised to see you in the Guardian very soon. (I know you really want to be in your own home soon)

Hope some more experienced bloggers can offer more constructive advice.

[CharlieUniformNovemberTango]

Thank you time4!

I'm not sure about the guardian :o Every time I venture into the comments section my blood pressure hits the roof! I'd spend all day replying to the clueless shouting about moving to cheaper areas and all that!

[mignonette]

I think you need to focus on increasing traffic and maybe consider including a paypal link that allows people to donate to a homeless charity (charities) of your choice....

Publicity can = ability to effect change if that's what you want as a main focus. Although it may eat into your main goal of being supportive re time....

[strawberrypenguin]

Hi, just had a look and you write very well. I can't imagine how frustrating and heartbreaking it must be for you, I hope things improve for you soon. As far as your blog goes I do think some colour might help break things up a bit and make things a little easier to find. Your follow by email for example is quite far down the page and blends in with everything else. It might not even need pictures - have you thought about changing your theme to a more colourful one?
Feel free to disagree, i've not actually been blogging that long myself!

[choochy]

Hi!

Love your blog, but agree with others, perhaps a bit of colour to keep readers on the page. Or striking graphics, as I know you don't want to undermine the serious subject matter.

Also, apart from Big Issue, approach all homeless charities, asking if they can link to your blog? Takes time and knockbacks, but third sector orgs are much kinder than private businesses!
Good luck and I will keep reading,
Choochy @ //www.stumblinginflats.com

[CharlieUniformNovemberTango]

Thanks for the advice guys.

Changed the follow me email link. And I'm going to have a look at the themes in a bit. The trouble is, the ones I liked were all colourful and kind of 'happy' iyswim. They just didn't feel serious enough.

I will have a scout though.

Still getting to grips with the whole wordpress thing but enjoying the process so far.

I will spend some time this week looking at getting the blog out there more. Not at all sure about the paypal for donations thing though. I might do a round up of homeless charity campaigns and nudge people to donate directly to them though. It will go on the list of posts to write :o

Thanks again!

[MmeLindor]

I like it. I don't think you need lots of pics but one or two would be good. Don't feel you have to have them though.

Take this bit out right now

I am not a blogger. I am not a writer by any means! Don?t expect perfect punctuation, brilliant spelling and an entertaining content. It will be messy and self indulgent and probably amount to drival but it?s real. Or as real as it feels when I am writing it at least.

You ARE a blogger, and your writing, spelling and punctuation looks pretty good to me. You write interesting content. Too much self-deprecation is off-putting, and in this case totally untrue :)

Could you explain a bit about the jargon - you mention Section 21, but I have no idea what that means. And could you explain exactly where you are on your journey - where are you living at present? That is not clear on your About Me page.

Don't think about asking for donations yet. Your blog is too new for that. I like your section on charities etc - if people want to donate to them, then they will.

[CharlieUniformNovemberTango]

Mme - thanks :)

I have jigged the about me page. I have linked a timeline post that I update with new news. But actually, I think I may make that a page so it's easily seen.

And I took most of the paragraph above out ;) I was very shy about it all at the start and felt I needed to excuse it all I guess!



Anyone know of a good free image site? I don't actually have a camera myself anyway but I'd like to put the odd picture in to break it up a bit.

[MmeLindor]

I use Flickr - click 'advanced search' and scroll down, then click that you only want images that are free under creative commons, then link to the images when you use them.

[MmeLindor]

Timeline is a good idea - but the link is not working.

[CharlieUniformNovemberTango]

Think it's fixed now. Thanks!

I'll have a look at flickr. On a dongle that hates all intensive stuff so will have to see if it will load. Won't let me stoke my pintrest addiction anymore!