The World According to Christy
Style
It’s funny, because this is a Christian layout, but has really dark colors, black and red. Plus, there’s a surprisingly amusing cartoon (by this guy), but most of the image is actually of little devils. It’s quirky. It’s also neat and orderly, with everything in place as it should be. I was very content…until I got to the scroll, that is-- sigh. It’s not your fault, and it looks fine, but these scrolls can be a massive pain in the rump. Since you make your own designs I’m sure you could change it. The problem is, especially for a new reader, the process just isn’t natural, since you have to scroll once for the layout and once for the entry. I’ve seen this a lot in diaries, and it always annoys me. Then again, I’m a frightfully picky girl, so take this with a grain of salt.
Substance
Obviously, your audience is coming to you for a proudly Christian perspective. Best of all is the opportunity for you to teach something, communicate something about your faith. This is a great example—lots other denominations wouldn’t understand adult baptism, and here you explain it, in a clear and conversational tone. It’s interesting to see the role faith plays in your life, the way it seems to touch all these prosaic little daily things.
This was hysterical, where a dying Neopet’s “contentment” signifies it’s religious leanings. And you run an online bible study, so you’re obviously communicating with your audience. A person needs not be a Christian to read this, but they certainly must be interested in Christianity and in the life of a religious chick. No, not everyone will like it, but for what you’re doing, you’re doing it well.
Suggestions
I think the main goal is to find your audience. Diaryland is a good place to start, but have you registered here? Also, check out blogs4god.com and the weblog index at jesusjournal.com. And never say Jessica Lovejoy doesn’t do her homework— we aim to please here at the Lovejoy School of Reviews.
ARRrrr, and fix the scrolls. Maybe just a different color— clearly you’ve got design skills, so I’m sure it’s doable. Hey, while you’re improving, why not take it to the next level? Include a new bible verse daily, not occasionally at the end of an entry, but as part of the layout? Maybe add a forum- the tag board is a nice start, or you could put the comments on the actual page. Las thing—your name-”[The World] According to Christy”- doesn’t really tell us anything about the diary. Anyway, you’ve found your niche and are doing a darn good job.
B
I’m a tough critic, so take it as quite high praise. And you were very close to a B+. And this coming from a heathen! :)
By the way, I find it odd that your favorite actors are John Travolta and Nicole Kidman—aren’t they both Scientologists?
