So I had my days mixed up. I go to work Monday, not Sunday. I decided to go ahead and switch themes and get started.
So what do you think!??!?!
You’re probably seeing a bunch of ‘blank boxes’ when browsing through the categories. This is because the new theme utilizes a feature for thumbnails that haven’t been set for the previous posts. I’m working on making the front page look good(with thumbnails), as well and adding ‘front page categories’. If you have any suggestions for a category that should be on the front page, let me know. I’m noticing a lot of categories don’t have that many applications in them. I know they will fill up as I do more reviews, but with over 300 reviews so far, so categories still only have 3-5 applications.
At the top I have the Free and Paid categories highlighted. Since I can’t list applications from all 20+ categories. . .this will make sure every single application reviewed here will be on the front page. There is a ‘Recent 20 Posts’ widget, that I have put at the top of the left sidebar, but the titles are small that they might get looked over. I’m thinking that the daily readers will look at this sidebar to find the latest reviews. It’ll be easy for someone to scan down and find the latest review they remember. Since it lists 20, readers are actually able to check back over an extended period of time(2-4 days, depending on my posting frequency).
On the right side of the front page you’ll see the Applications for Sale, Updated Applications, and Tips and Tricks categories. All 3 list the last 10 posts for the category. I am thinking about breaking the ‘Daily Deals’ post up into different posts for each discounted application. I am also thinking about doing the same for Updated Applications(I want to start doing those again). The reason why I didn’t do the Updated apps anymore, and the reason why I clumped the daily deals applications into 1 post was because I didn’t want to flood the front page with posts. With the new theme I don’t have to worry about that. People will be able to use the RSS feeds for these categories and quickly scan through them(instead of loading a big post). It will also be easy for people who hit the front page to see the latest applications for sale, latest updated applications, and latest tips and tricks.
Now, about those white boxes. I mentioned earlier that I’ve done over 300 reviews so far. The last time I checked Revver, there was something like 334 total video reviews. Some didn’t make it(removed from the App Store), but that was only like 5. . .10 max. I simply do not have the time to go back through all 300+ reviews, take thumbnail shots, upload them, and edit the posts. What I will do is take some time over the next month and go back about 10 posts per category(which will be the first full page) and setup those posts. So if you go back further than 1 page, you’ll see white boxes. We have about a dozen to two dozen of hardcore readers that will notice this, but it will be just fine for casual readers.
If anyone has any comments or suggestions, sees a bug or something that just doesn’t look right then please let me know.
The site looks great! I love the new theme. :D Everything seems to be much more organized and easier to access. Keep on reviewing apps! ^_^
Hey awesome! Didn’t know you’d be so quick to change the theme. Keep up the nice work I check this site everyday :D
The theme is casually optomistic, but it lacks many features that the old website had. Doug, how long until the public can review/rate apps again?
@Tyler Awesome, I’m glad you like it
@David It took just over 3 hours to setup. There is a lot that needs to be done still(like ratings, the footer, the logo, etc.
@T3ckno I hope ‘casually optimistic’ is a good thing. If not, please fill me in on the details you’re looking for.
The rating system will be back, I just wanted to give myself a day to look over the theme and find a perfect spot.
BTW – I know the ‘updated apps’ and ‘apps on sale’ will end up flooding the ‘recent posts’ widget. I am currently working with someone to get this fixed so that it will be more useful.
How do I get to the latest app reviews, this should be blindingly obvious and but I can’t seem to find this link on the new themed website….
must be blind.. F.
@Fabian: The latest app reviews for each category are posted on the main page.
@Fabian, he’s right, it’s on the main page(top left widget) – http://www.appstoreapps.com/category/daily-discounts/
With the new way I’m listing the discounts, you’ll be able to subscribe to the feed if you wanted to – http://www.appstoreapps.com/category/daily-discounts/feed/ – and it’ll be easy to read through what recently went on sale
I love the new theme it makes your site look ALOT more modern, cooler, and professional! But u need a new logo (top one is kinda small)
Look forward to seeing more reviews!!!!
@Noah, Thanks, I’m glad you like it. I agree about the logo, but that is why there is a contest – http://www.appstoreapps.com/2008/10/19/new-logo-contest/
Ummm, where are the reviews and screendumps of the new products? I just see a generic picture and the same text for every product… I also preferred the old way with all the sales in one post…
The site looks better though.
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