So, guess what I was up to over the weekend? Well, other than the usual domestic routines and sneaking in some work time, I also managed to re-theme ShaiCoggins.com.
I think I’ve already mentioned before that I’ve been aching to change my blog’s theme for a while now. But, I wasn’t able to find a designer who can work within my limited budget. And, with the unexpected demise of my laptop, that budget shrunk even further. So, I decided just to look for either a free or premium theme for now.
Anyway, some of you may have already noticed a few days ago that I’ve re-themed this blog using the popular premium WordPress theme, Thesis by Chris Pearson. It’s the first premium Wordpress theme that I’ve purchased. And, so far, so good.
I really do like it, even if it’s fast becoming a ‘common’ theme. The fact that it’s simple and relatively easy to customize won me over. You can change it to have 2 or 3 columns, change the fonts easily, etc.
My only real issue with it is that it can be taxing trying to change the customised sections, as the files needed for customisations cannot be edited in the main admin section of Wordpress. You actually have to edit it offline, then upload to the web. It’s okay if you only have one change to make, but it can be a bit much when you’re trying to edit and test the changes. Thankfully, I found a way to make it simpler by using my web host’s online file manager instead of using notepad and uploading via FTP over and over.
Another challenge for me is to understand how to change some of its functions using its customize_functions file without knowing coding language. It’s a hit or miss thing - unless you find ready made codes in DIYThemes’ forum section.
Having said all that, I’m still pleased with the purchase. I actually bought the Developer’s License so that I can have more flexibility with its use.
So yeah, if you’re reading this on the site (not via feedreader or email), you’ll notice the changes I made. It’s my first attempt at customising a theme in this way. It’s still a bit rough around the edges, but I’m really liking it so far. The look reminds me of “inspiration boards”. And, that’s what I want ShaiCoggins.com to be - some kind of an inspiration board.
Hopefully, I’ll get to improve the look of the site as I learn more. For now, my best hope is that it has improved the visual appeal and loading times of this blog.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Eper 10.27.08 at 2:49 pm
Love it, Shai! Just my style: neat and tidy
[Reply]
jen 10.27.08 at 3:35 pm
Looks nice and clean Shai. I too plan to change my look by the end of the year. Just clearing a few things off my plate first.
[Reply]
Heather 10.27.08 at 3:37 pm
Hi Shai,
I like the new look. It was a little slower to load than the other style, though. Don’t forget I am still on dial-up. Lol. It’s a very clean look, too.
[Reply]
blue rose 10.27.08 at 4:26 pm
oh! new look again.
it is so nice and pretty looking anyway. i like it shai.
[Reply]
ahmedaldosoky 10.27.08 at 4:44 pm
hi
IT,S VERY GOOD
IHOPE THAT YOU ARE WELL
AHMED
[Reply]
Heather 10.27.08 at 5:14 pm
Hi Shai,
You’ve been blog tagged! Just visit my blog to see the rules.
Hope you participate!
[Reply]
Hope 10.27.08 at 8:02 pm
Nice! It’s very “you” Shai.
[Reply]
Mitch 10.27.08 at 9:46 pm
Very stylish, Shai. Modern, sleek look, and not overly done. Nice job.
[Reply]
Danny Cooper 10.27.08 at 10:07 pm
You should of included a screenshot of the old design, so first time visitors like me could have seen the before and after.
[Reply]
Patrick K. O'Brien 10.27.08 at 10:32 pm
Your new theme looks great, Shai. But you’d pretty much expect me to say that, wouldn’t you?
[Reply]
Kari 10.28.08 at 1:41 am
It looks great Shai! Very fitting and yes - inspiring! I like the choice you went with.
[Reply]
iHanna 10.28.08 at 9:23 am
Looks very nice! The sidebar is a bit cluttered, but sidebars just comes that way it seams. I do love the top nav though, and I would like a higlight page on my blog. Did that come with the theme? I just installed a spam filter on my blog, Spam Karma 2, and wow, it has improved my life so much. Now I don’t have to read 300 spam comments each time I log on to find one or two comments to aprove!
Have fun dear!
[Reply]
Mitch 10.30.08 at 11:17 pm
I just noticed that your image changes with every visit and every new page; neat!
[Reply]
Ivan Girl 10.31.08 at 12:52 am
shai, i love your blog’s new look!
it looks neater and a lot easier to read. Pleasing to the eyes.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins 10.31.08 at 8:58 pm
Thanks, everyone! I’m glad you all like it.
I think it’s still a work in progress. But, hopefully, I’m getting there.
[Reply]
Nenette 11.02.08 at 10:40 am
Very slick, Shai! I love it
[Reply]