Should I change, or expand the current site?

Recently, I've had more than one person ask my why I don't use one of the many blog engines available for building my site.

The answer simple. I take pride in being able to completely code my own site. Call it masochistic, but writing nearly 17,000 lines of code gives me a sense of pride. Plus, I know my site inside and out. If I want to make a change, I know my limitations and where to change what, and what effect my change will have on the rest of the site.

BUT, I can see the appeal of a more blog-like site, from an aesthetic point of view. Clean, fast loading, etc. More of the Web2.0 type appearance. Lots of white space.

So, I've been doing a bit of coding, and I've got a good start to a blog-engine. I've included a snapshot of the data contained at my original site, for testing purposes.

What I would like to see is some feedback on which version you like better.

The old, versatile version is at:

http://www.fortypoundhead.com

the new, blog-style version is at:

http://www.fortypoundhead.com/blogmode

Be warned - The blog mode version is not feature-complete. The search works, you can view posts. The archives display is correct, but you can't click anything. The graphical parts are bit shy on the new style, as well.

I'm just trying to get a feel for what the consensus is, and if I should continue down the blog-style road. So post away! Let's hear your thoughts!

 

Yeah, I'm digging the new blog style, once you finish porting over the rest of the stuff (logo, supplementary pages, content, etc.)

Seems cleaner and less cramped, hopefully not because it is missing the stuff not added yet

But yea, i'd continue in the new direction, a breath of fresh air I'd wager as far as you are concerned too.

 

Thanks! There's not much more to port, except the newest content. All the rest will be brand new: admin pages, commenting system, archives.

I don't think I will be bringing the forums over. Not much activity there, 'cept for spam bots.

 

I prefer the old one. http://www.fortypoundhead.com Or did you get them muddled in your post?

 

Nope, that's the old one. The new flava is the one with /blogmode on the end of the URL.

Also, on the layout of the main page, there is one column on top, two columns below, with a "panel" on the right, which runs the height of the page.

The new version is purely blog-i-riffic: header, content, footer, with a right panel for archives 'n' ads.

 

I like the old one as well.
Great title, btw

 

I'd prefer the old one as well, looks better

 

The old version of the site looks better than the new version.

 

wow, I wouldn't do that it'll save heaps of time where i could be spending my time else where.

 

yep.

I've asked around at several of my regular haunts, and the consensus is that I should stick with the current design.

Thanks for the input, and honest opinions.

 

Stick with the old one and just make a new domain for the new one...

 

I like the old one better,the layout is simple and user friendly.I think just because most people jumps on the blog band wagon doesnt make it right.You have a talent in coding and you must use it,that will set you apart from competition.Keep up the good work

 

I prefer old version than new one. I don't feel any trends to go blog like layout.