I’ve been going back and forth for some time now trying to decide between two different “layouts’ for the home page of Between Naps on the Porch and I’d love to know your opinion. Sometimes you just can’t see the forest for the trees and I think I’m too deep into the BNOTP trees to see the forest, now. :) (Please note, this only applies to the Home Page layout which is what you see when you first arrive at the BNOTP website.)
So here’s the skinny: When BNOTP moved from Blogger to WordPress I had planned to go with the layout you see below for the home page. It’s the same way the rest of the blog pages look if you scroll to the bottom and click on “Previous Entries.”
In this design, the posts excerpts are lined up neatly down the front of the home page as shown below. And you just click on the “read more” for any post you see that strikes your fancy.
When BNOTP was moved to WordPress, at the last minute, while we were working on the final details of the blog design, I changed my mind and decided to go with the current layout you see on the front of the BNOTP blog, which looks like this below. Instead of the post excerpts being lined up down the front, they are “2 by 2″ or side-by-side, going down the home page. The reason I went with this design over the other one was I knew I could make the picture that shows in the excerpt a little bigger with this layout. It’s also a pretty layout, although it may feel a little less “organized” to some folks. That’s where I need your advice.
Most WordPress blogs I visit have the first layout with the posts neatly lined up down the front. One part of my brain likes the more orderly “lined up down the front page” layout and the other side of my brain likes the way it is now, with the slightly larger pictures in the excerpts. The way it is now may feel less orderly or a bit more cluttered to some folks, so this is why I’d like your opinion.
For a Bigger View of the Two Options:
For a bigger, better view of the two options I’m considering, go back and take a look at the home page as it is now when you first arrive at BNOTP. That’s one option.
Next, scroll down to where you see the words “Previous Entries” just above the blue “seasonal” footer at the bottom. Click on “Previous Entries” and take a look at the next page where the posts are lined up down the center. That the other option, although I can probably make the pics in the excerpts a tad bigger than you currently see on that second page.
Those are the two looks or layouts I’m trying to decide between for the Home Page here at BNOTP.
By the way, if I do change to the orderly “lined up down the front” layout, I should be able to make the picture excerpt a little bigger than what you currently see when you click on “Previous Entries.”
Please vote in the poll below and tell me which “look or layout” you would prefer to see on the home page of BNTOP when you visit. Thanks so much for taking time to share your opinion!
Oh, all voting is completely anonymous so please feel free to vote for the layout you really prefer. Thanks so much for sharing your preference!
I did vote in your poll however I don’t really like any of your choices. I’m not one to click on the “read more” or “continue reading” link no matter how much I’m enjoying the article. I like to see the whole article on one page so I can read it without having to click through. I don’t have much time and it seems that just being able to read the whole article without having to do anything else is what I prefer and stick to. Don’t know if this helps or hinders you, but thought I’d give my two cents.
Debbie, thanks for you thoughts on that. I have it that way so the page will load faster for those that don’t have super fast connections. It would take forever for the page to load if I had the full post visible with all the pictures. This layout gives the visitor/reader a chance to see what posts are available to make a decision which they prefer to read, as opposed to opening up a page and having to wait for a bunch of pics to upload and only having one post to choose from without clicking “Previous entries” for every single post.
Totally agree, whichever layout will make loading faster. Waiting for pages to load is getting extremely annoying so anything my fav blogs will do to eliminate that problem would be greatly appreciated!
I love your blog! I just have a suggestion….few pictures, please….or actually, fewer pics of the same. I think an overall big picture, then a single close-up are plenty. And if you’re chooseing the home page format with the bigger pictures, there’s more pressure for good pics! I really appreciate that you put yourself “out there” and all, and I’m no expert on blogging, but my ADD must kick in when I’m reading some of your posts….I find myself scrolling too fast and logging out. And I really do miss seeing a picture of what your new posting is about. I have a tendency to delete the blogs out of my email basket that do not have pictures and descriptive sentences…..as I get 100+ emails a day, many from blogs. So, I’m just sayin’….thanks for listening!
I wouldn’t want to see you change a thing! I love your site just the way it is, but I think you know that from me by now!!
I don’t know if my vote went through because I didn’t get any confirmation but I hope that it did. I was certain I preferred the home page design that you have been using until I looked at how it would be with one under the other. It turns out that I prefer that one better. Either way, BNOTP is great, Susan!
I love the 2 posts side by side….love the larger pictures….your blog ALWAYS looks great!!
Hi, Susan! You know I love your blog & I’m of the school: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”! Obviously others think the same way, but whatever you do, I’m sure your followers will stick with you – you always have interesting & innovative ideas which are fun & informative to read! Not to mention, I just LOVE Max & would love to introduce him to my girl Callie! LOL
Thanks, Faith! Max would like that, I’m sure!
I have such a silly question. Either last summer OR last autumn 2011 on the header of your blog/homepage in the adorable yellow house I could swear I saw a couple through the window. So, the question is…will you show the couple again in the little yellow house at the top of the page?? I really enjoyed seeing them–so cute!!
Geri, that’s not a silly question…love that you asked! You have a great memory! They (the couple) are both visible in the Christmas header and the lady of the house is visible carrying a pan of fresh baked cookies in the winter header. They may be a bit harder to see when I upload those this winter, now that my banner/header is smaller. I hope they will still be pretty visible. Maybe we should add them to the other seasonal headers.
I love the side by side. You can scan 2 times as much information that way..I am more visual than a reader so the larger the picture-which by the way you do a great job on-sells me more than a lot of black and white typing. Just my thoughts. Sorry you are having to change up so much. can’t wait to see what you have for us next
I voted, but either one is ok for me. My only suggestion to you and a lot of other blogs is to increase your print size. I have my screen size increased, and it’s still small using reading glasses. I know I can increase each page, but it’s just more pleasant to click on a page and be able to read it comfortably. You have a great blog and lots of inspiration!
Shirley, I know what you mean. When I first moved BNOTP to WordPress, I had my developer increase the font size twice. She advised against making it any bigger than it is now, said it was going to be too large. One thing you may want to try is this: Press Ctrl and the + button a couple of times. That will increase the page for you. Then when you’re done reading, press Ctrl and the number zero and it will return to where it was. Hope that helps.
Susa,
I can see the trees in the forest and the view is gorgeous!!!
I L O V E your blog! Change or NO Change…I’ll still be following!
Fodly,
Pat
Thanks, Pat! You are a love…appreciate you!
I see I’m in the minority–thus far!
1st, I’d like to say that, even though some hate it, I like truncated posts, I can quickly see if I’ve missed any–and I really enjoy your blog!
I really like the simplicity of each truncated post in an orderly, singular fashion because it’s clean, simple, and I don’t have to “study” for a chronological order in case I’ve been busy and missed a post! Does that make me lazy–?!
And, just one other note on the side-by-side arrangement—coupled with the side bar, it’s just a lot to figure out where to look 1st and at what! Like a really “busy” business card–I don’t want to spend that much time trying to figure out some basic info! I am lazy, aren’t I–?!
Catherine
Thanks Catherine for the input…appreciate it so much. I can’t wait to see the final results…it’s looking kind of close so far.
I also like them lined single file down the page for the same reasons you stated, no matter what happens I will still follow.
PS thanks for the tip on just hitting ctl 0. I always uses +&- to enlarge and go back.
Hi Susan: Not sure I can add much that is new to this comment thread, but I prefer the 2-column layout, because it does provide you with more of a focus on your gorgeous photos! But either would work nicely.
For me, the other layout is better. You’ve also got a slideshow running under your header but before the two column layout begins and that is too distracting for me. If you are going to keep the two column, I would definitely lose the slideshow effect.
I know how you feel! I go round and round about the design of my blog and it can start to drive you a little crazy. Either way, you have a beautiful site. One is just more calming and less busy to me which I think is important since your blog title is about napping on the porch. Go with that simple, calming feel that you are trying to create because it makes more sense with your title and theme. Just my two cents…
I also like to click the “read more” buttons because I scan down the page the articles I want to read. I ctrl-click on the “read more” link and it opens them in new tabs in my browser. I then read and close tabs until I am done. Helps me to book mark the specific pages I want to look at later too instead of always hitting the back button. Efficiency is of utmost importance!
Hi Susan, Well, I have go agree with Debbie above. I also like to see the whole article on one page. I prefer the format where I can read and scroll through everything at once as it all opens at the same time. However, it sounds like you are going to change, so I prefer the 2 x 2 side-by-side picture. One of the other blogs I read daily changed to have excerpts lined one under the other down the page and I hated it. It really seemed rather impersonal. For some reason she has changed back to the whole page format and I know I am much happier. I just felt I missed things because I didn’t feel like clicking through. I am not sure what made her change back. I am just not good with change of any sort. Love your blog though, I have learned so much from you and will continue to read your blog.
Thanks, Debbie. Appreciate that input! I’m learning a lot about what everyone likes.
I voted for the posts lined up down the page rather than side by side. That format just seems not as confusing to me:) But I will follow you no matter what. XO
Thanks, Pinky! ♥
I voted for the old style, but I would still read your bog what ever you decide. I’m still very new to finding my way around how to blog, but I know what I like & found yours as soon as started to follow blogs. So just keep on doing what you do, I love it.
Hi Susan:
I to like the orderly fashion, its actually easier for the eyes to catch it all when scrolling down, instead of the bouncing back and forth.
But whatever you go with is all your choice of course, and I will be right along with you! Love your site!!
And the Deer Head arrived yesterday, its so neat!!
Paula
p.s.I like the shiny brass too! hehee
Paula, you are too cute! Glad you like him! I love mine…he’s just the right amount of whimsy in the office. We need to give them a name, don’t we? I’m amazed they can pack them where they don’t arrive broken!
I voted to keep it the way it is now, but…quite frankly I’ll read your blog no matter what you do! You have a beautiful blog, lots of eye candy and info…you’ve created a fantastic blog, Susan!
Thanks so much, Donnamae!
LIKE IT JUST AS IT IS…THE WAY I FOUND IT…IT SPEAKS VOLUMES AND GIVES GREAT PLEASURE…I ALWAYS FEEL AS THOUGH I AM PERSONALLY VISITING WITH YOU. MAYBE THAT’S THE SOUTHERNER IN ME, N’EST-CE PAS?
JOYFULLY,
SYLVIA FAYE
I’m a new subscriber to BNOTP, so my vote may not count as much as others, but I definitely prefer the old-fashioned way: the posts neatly lined up down the front. That’s how I’m formatting my blog. As you said, it just seems more orderly, and it’s easier on my eyes. Plus, too much information at once on a page, and my brain says “More than I can handle right now!”, and I click off the page. I also love sites that incorporate categories and tags.
Welcome Kim! Glad you’re here! When you say categories, do you mean like those across the top of BNOTP or do you mean category list on the sidebar? I’ve been thinking of adding some category lists on the sidebar. I do add tags to the posts, but I don’t think they show up…have to see if that’s a setting I need to change.
Although I am not a friend of “read more”.. I voted for the 2 across layout, or as it is now. This layout puts more data in the users face at a glance. Instead of seeing one blog post on open, they see two. If one doesn’t catch their interest, then the second one probably will. I just think BNOTP would fare better in this format. I know I’ll still be reading more either way!! hugs, marlis
Are guys allowed to chime in? We can! Okay, ditto the above comment. There’s more info on the screen w/o paging down.
Fyi, I’m not a dishaholic but I do like the stuff that goes on top of them. Come to think of it, I just had my first meal at a fancy restaurant in San Fran that offers “molecular gastronomy”. Even their dishes are interesting to me if you can believe that. Anyway, check out the web site for Atelier Crenn in SF. That’s as high on the hog as I’ve ever eaten.
Oh course, guys are definitely allowed to chime in!
I’ve never heard of molecular gastronomy. Wow, sounds hi-tech! 
I love your site. We will get used to whatever choice you choose. We may find out we just thought we preferred a certain way and it will turn out we were mistaken. I have done that multiple times. I’m with the lady that suggested opening multiple pages by doing a command + click for a mac. When I read your link party I will open 5 or 6 sites at a time then quickly preview. If I particularly like something I put it in my reader. That is why I am so glad you did a color change for your links. It makes for quick review and I get the best of your participants. If it is something I am not particularly interested in I can quickly move on until next week. With all the clicking we do I don’t understand someone having a problem with this.
Here is something I just found out about. In my research I have read that themes should be “responsive”. You may already know this, but your readers will be able to read your blog by their mobile devices or ipads. That may not be important to your group of readers. It is just something I found out about recently and thought I would share.
Thanks, Madonna! I talked to a developer about that a couple of months ago. Eventually there will be a lot of “responsive” themes. The developers still have to learn how to work them, I think. But it’s coming on the horizon. It just means whatever devise the person is reading a blog or site on, it will be optimized for that device. What I’m really looking forward to is I think it means the screen will expand on our home computers to so a blog page will fill up the whole screen instead of just being down the center. But, yes things will look better on phones and such, too. The developer I talked to said EVERYONE is going to want a new theme for their blog when that happens. Wish they could just upgrade our existing themes. It probably won’t be inexpensive to make the theme change, but will definitely be an asset for those who visit the site.
I like the lined up version, but I love love love your blog and I’d click ten times to read it if need be!!!
I’m with Debbie (your very first comment). I dislike the “read more” version on blogs too, and have to admit that I don’t spend as much time reading those blogs. Thank you for explaining your reasoning though. I always wondered why anyone would choose to use those versions, and now I know!
Regina, Google actually penalizes sites that are slower to load. I’ve been reading a lot about that lately. They use different algorithms to decide which sites they will place higher in search engines and they punish sites that are slow to load by placing them lower in their search rankings. I personally much prefer the sites with the excerpts because I can quickly scan their last 5-6 posts and just click to read the ones that sound like something I’m interested in. I don’t want to have to scroll through a post that I may not be that interested in, to get to the one I am. I know a lot of it is personal preference. But bloggers are always looking for ways to make their site load faster, while providing a lot of good content at the fingertips of those who visit. We (Bloggers) want y’all to hang around and visit a while! Put your feet up, have a glass of tea and stay a bit!
Preferences are often based on learning and cognitive processing styles–and for this ADD-afflicted senior citizen (brought on by too many years of multi-tasking and sensory onslaught of the new media-driven workplace), an orderly listing of topics, one under the other, is a boon . . . with the side-by-side (and the ads on the far right), it’s “noisy” otherwise. Presentation is everything, or so some think! A digression: Am curious how the web designers are taking into account the increased visual onslaught afflicting our culture–or they allowing for a “quiet meandering” that one wishes to find, creating a “place” for one to savor the delicacies between naps on the porch? Methinks those who have grown up in this culture (i.e. those who didn’t learn to type on a typewriter!) may not understand the insidious process that rewires the brain . . .
I absolutely love your site and look forward to seeing and reading it everyday. I know I will always find something informative and inspiring everyday no matter the format. I voted and thanks for the option. Keep up the great job of bringing creative, fun and colorful ideas to your readers. I never leave the sight empty handed!
Nancy P.
I voted for the in a row orderly fashion…mainly because when I come to your page I feel the boxed grouping feels like advertisements on the side. I feel the wide paragraph style is more distinguishable and understandable.
Personally, I would rather be able to read an entire post without having to click the ‘continue reading’ button. I find it a hassle to have to click a button in order to continue reading :/ and I could quickly scan the post to see if I wanted to continue reading without having to click, wait a bit and then pick up where I left off to scan some more. It’s just a bit of a nuisance. I understand the concept of the ‘continue reading’ click, but I just don’t like it
Anyway, since that’s not an option, I much rather prefer the other way that you posted…with them being lined up one after the other. Having a little bit more to read before having to click is more appealing to me. The side-by-side posts are just too busy and I would find myself going back and forth, back and forth instead of focusing one at a time. And, as much as I love reading your blog…it is one of the very first that I started following…I have found myself not reading them as much as I did in the past.
Susan, it has been so interesting to read everyone’s comments! I prefer the 2×2 arrangement because of the bigger pics. But as many have said, I will continue to follow no matter what you decide. Just don’t ever, ever change your header (except for the seasonal changes.)
Thanks, Jane!
Susan, I voted to leave well alone. If you decide to go the other way then, that’s o.k. by me too. I do not understand why an extra click is so difficult, unless you are on a time clock and have to read a million blogs!
What’s a click amongst friends? 
Since I first read your blog, you have come on in leaps and bounds, always something new and inventive and have shared what you have learned.
Queen of blogging? I vote yes!!!
I like the one article on a page format — for some reason; laziness, I guess, I hate to ‘click to read further’ idea. Often I just don’t do it, and I’m sure I’m missing something. Just my two cents worth. Sally
I think I like them lined up one by one. Sometimes if there is too much going on I get distracted and I don’t want to miss anything! Oh, and I disagree, there is no such thing as too many pictures or views of the same thing. Sometimes there is just one little detail and might have been missed in the other shots…it’s all about the details, right?
Dear Susan,
I enjoy your blog so much, and in reading a few of your comments, learned there are reasons why this or that is done…I know you want it to be enjoyable for us, and go to great lengths to make it so. I voted, but I like how ever you post, and I find it interesting when you change things up, introduce something knew to try, or learn! Again, thank you for bringing information and joy every day!
I love, ,love, love your blog!! You do what feels right for you!! You could put it upside down and I still would find a way to read it!! I love all the pictures…please don’t change that…that is what makes your blog special. Love all the shots of Max too!! I hope you get this resolved for your piece of mind soon!!
I voted for the 2 post excerpts, side-by-side in rows down the home page…however, I hafta say that there is only one thing that has bugged me since I began following your blog……………….drum roll please (hahahaha!)……….COLOR! Mos def NEED color on the sides of your page! Maybe change them as the seasons c hange or complement the great banner!? I’m an artist/painter/fotographer-person and of course, ADHD tends to scream when I see too much WHITE! *LOL* Well, thar’s mah 2 sense (I totally know how ta spell it…LOL)!
I thought you were going to say there was too much color! lol Now no one ever accused my blog of needing more color.
I thought maybe the white sides gave the eye a bit of rest. I will definitely take all these suggestions into consideration. 
Hi-I seem to get your entire post and don’t have to click on anything. I have no idea why that is or if it will change in the future. I didn’t vote because I don’t care how it all shows up–I’ll read it as it appears!! I enjoy your site, so just do what you want to do. I tell my kids that are learning to cut with scissors, “You are the boss of the scissors!” So my words to you are–”You are the boss of your blog!” Besides you won’t be able to please everyone.♥♫
I can understand your dilemma! Both options are great, but I guess if I *have* to choose, I like the side by side, only because it’s less scrolling but it’s really not a big deal to do that either! I’m soooo helpful, aren’t I?!
Susan, I’ve loved your blog since I first got hooked on crafting blogs – so either way – I’m not goin’ anywhere! lol However, I did vote for the side by side version. I like the clean look and I can quickly see which one I want to read first. I don’t mind an extra click.
Thanks again for a wonderful blog. I’ve learned SOOOOOOOOO much!!! I retired last year and I may have to go back to work to pay for all my crafting stuff and storage!
Well I voted for the side by side version, nut it is interesting to see the voting results. I love your website and I have heard that truncating posts helps to deter content theives….that’s my two cents worth!
Susan — I was going to vote….but to tell you the truth, I would read your posts if they were upside down and I had to stand on my head! So I say do whatever YOU like…..and I’ll read them all!
Susan, I like the two columns because I get a quick view of several posts at once. I don’t mind clicking for continue reading that is not hard at all. Whatever, you decide is fine and I certainly will be there. Whenever, you ask women what they like best usually they all have a different opinion. You are always innovative so do it the way you LIKE!!!!
Thanks, Bonnie!
Hi Susan,
I think I prefer the lined up orderly down the middle. Even though the other one shows more information it just is too much at once. Maybe I am just more used to seeing the lined up format. There is something to say about familiarity. Good luck with your choice.
I prefer the orderly fashion. I agree with a previous comment that I don’t like clicking on “to read more”. I tend to like things in a manner of less distraction and get on with the reading. If I have time, I read another post that I might have missed. Sometimes, it’s hard to know which is the latest post when they are side-by-side. Sort of like FB, greatly dislike the Timeline layout.
Susan,
I’m not very tech-savy but I love your blog and check it faithfully. I like your current side by side format and I always want to see as many detailed photos as possible. I do wish your header was larger as it appeared in the old format. I enjoy the way the scene changes with every season. I hope more people post for Tablescape Thursdays. The group seems to be smaller than when I first discovered your site. You have introduced me to a whole new hobby that I adore. I sincerely hope you will continue giving us your decorating ideas for many years to come. Many thanks. Norma
Norma, I miss the bigger header, too. lol Maybe when responsive themes come along, the whole page will expand to fill your monitor. I’m eager to see how those work.
Susan, I like the other layout so MUCH better (the one where everything is in order). Every time I go to Layla’s blog (The Lettered Cottage) I breathe a sigh of relief b/c the arrangement just makes her posts so user-friendly. And pretty too. OK, that’s my 2 cents.
Susan ~
I like the first one, it looks less cluttered and more approachable.
I agree with the first Debbie above. I think your page layout looks better with the original simplicity you had at first. The two other options take longer to go through. So it is longer to go through or taking longer to upload. I would still go with the latter. Saying that, I will read your blog anyway you present it. And, oh, do not get rid of all your pictures. Your a good photographer and enjoy seeing all of them.
Thanks, Judy! I love a lot of pictures, so it’s fun to share the ones that show a different angle or a close up of a detail for those who enjoy that.
Love your blog either way, but I did vote for the side by side. I like the bigger pictures plus it is easier to see if I missed any posts I may not have read. What ever you decide will be grat because it is more about the content and your content is fabulous!!!
If I had a choice I’d rather see just one post in its entirety. With all the sidebar info, the page gets a little cluttered for a person who likes simpler page. One can always go back or look for older posts by subject. See what you get when you ask for an opinion? No matter what your layout, it appears that blog readers enjoy yours very much.
Susan,
Love your blog! It is one of two I read regularly. I prefer the older stlyle. I’m an organized person, and that is a cleaner look. Also, I would prefer a larger font as well! Keep up the great work!
Cindy
I’m a visual person and love the larger photos in the two by two version (just like the arc). I had started doing the Read More posts about a year ago (on Blogger) and I got so much flack from people that I changed it back to the whole post showing, but I may just go ahead and change it back to Read More again. It makes the pages load so much faster (and I noticed that on your blog now too – it’s lightning fast). And with so many more WordPress blogs out there now, maybe people are getting more used to it.
Pam, it really does help with page load time and Google punishes you in the search rankings when pages take a long time to load. Google that topic and you’ll find a lot of info about it. Page load time is important if you care about your post being searchable in Google. Also, I think those who visit appreciate it if the page loads quickly. Without the excerpts, I’d only be able to show one post on the home page and there would be a lot of clicking back, back, back to see the other recent posts. So excerpts are definitely the way to go, in my opinion.
I wholeheartedly agree with Madonna… Whatever you chose, we will get used to. Your site is a happy place to visit…
I prefer the option with posts lined up down the page, Susan. I find it easier to tell the chronilogical sequence of your blogs and I also think it looks cleaner and a little less top heavy. (But I do like the seasonal blog selection at the bottom of the page… I hope you keep that, regardless of what option you choose!) Take care.
Thanks for letting me know! I enjoy changing it out so glad to hear you are enjoying it. All those posts are linked at the top of the blog under the categories: Tablescapes, The Holiday Home, etc… but I thought it would make it easier for folks if the more topical posts were readily available on the home page. That’s the plan anyway.
Hi Susan,
I love reading your blog. I don’t mind what layout you use.
I’ve read all the comments and your replies and I have to tell you I really don’t understand much about what you all are saying. I can only do the most basic things on the computer and my blog reflects this.
Have a good week
Barb from Australia
Thanks, Barb…I’m stilling learning this WordPress thing!
Hi Susan,
I like your original layout… The “new” two column format results in as many as four pics across the page.. No problem when it is your beautiful, clean format as seen at the bottom of this page. BUT when the various type styles, colors etc of the ads are included as seen in the two column format, the eye becomes confused… Thus less is more and your wonderful pics get more of my eye’s attention…
Best…
Sheila C
Susan, I have been weighing the options and see value in both ways. At first glance, I say the orderly fashion. However, My scrolling finger does get tired. What I find too busy are the adds and buttons on the side bar. They are busy and take away from your posts. I would prefer it if they were just a tad smaller.
Hi Susan,
When I first saw your blog page, I was drawn to the lovely pictures of your home and tablescapes. I like the posts to be side by side so that at a glance I can select which article to read first rather than clicking one page at a time.
Wow! You sure received a lot of comments. I have to scroll right to the end to put my comment. Is there a way for you to insert the comment box at the top also?
Philo, I don’t think so, I think it’s the way this theme is designed. That would be nice, though.
Susan, maybe my vote won’t count since I don’t read blogs through Google Reader (even though I sign up to follow…silly, huh?) and just pop in to visit regularly. Whichever way will make the page load fastest for readers would be my vote but I’d also voice the comment about not having the slide show on the home page. It feels a bit too ‘busy’ unnecessary since your current page view of the thumbnails and highlights make it easy to choose which page(s) to read anyway.
But even with blinking and flashing or whatever else goes on around your posts, I will still keep coming back because of your warm writing style and beautiful pictures. You make this a lovely home away from home to visit. Thank you for your continued hospitality!
I voted, but have to say that I loved your site the way it was when I found it a couple of years ago. It seemed so much easier to find all your subjects, your previous posts, pictures of your home (which brought me back time after time). I guess it’s just me, but I feel very confused and lost the way it is now. I feel like I can’t find all your tablescapes, all your posts, etc. ALL previous ones- not just a few. And whichever way you decide to do your homepage – MUST there be ads that are as large as your pictures??? Like the one – “Want clean windows”, or whatever it says? It totally competes with YOUR subjects, and feels like your site will become just a big commercial billboard. I really hope not.
….just saw a post from Sept. 13, 5:26 p.m. also from a Molly. That’s not me….it’s a good name, though!
Molly, actually all the home posts are easier to find now because they are all under the category “My Nest” at the very top of the blog. Just click on that and you’ll be in Susan Home Overload.
I can’t remember if the oldest post show up first or vice versa but there are 4 pages of links to posts for my house. You’ll be sorry you asked! 
Tablescapes are under the Tablescape category. You’ll find them broken out there. I may create one massive category will all of them, but right now they are broken out according to holidays, occasion and themed.
Yes, definitely need the ads because those ads pay for my internet connection, the food I eat, my electric bill and all the other bills I have. My blog is my full-time work, so please visit and buy from those wonderful, wonderful sponsors. Without them, there would probably be no BNOTP.
I like blog posts lined up — vs side by side. And the pictures larger (as you mentioned) If possible make your blog post column wider. . . The side by side makes it difficult to focus on the content – the ads can easily outshine the blog posts. I”d make the ad column as small as possible.
Also hope I will still be able to red the content via Google Reader without clicking more. If I have to click, I’ll probably won’t.
Love your porch!
Dear Susan,
I love your blog and will likely keep reading it regardless of the layout(s) you adopt. One question: why has the ability to go directly from one post to the next disappeared?
Lodi
Thanks, Lodi. It hasn’t…it’s down at the bottom of the post. Look for the words, Next Post and Previous Post…you’ll also see the post titles there, too. I’ll see if my blog designer can move it up some where it’s more obvious.
Woo hoo! Thanks so much! (I must be getting old–I completely overlooked this. My apologies.)
It wasn’t there in the beginning but another reader asked about it so I had it added. It just needs to be up higher where it’s more obvious, so you don’t have to hunt for it. Thanks, Lodi!