What Does Your Template Say About You?

This is NOT a complaint, but does anyone else have the feeling that this class is going to consume a lot of time…or is it just me? I have spent all night playing around with my blog, jumping back and forth between blogger.com and wordpress.com to see which software I like the best. And, if I have to finger point (chuckle), I blame the class debate. I was -- in my blogging infancy -- quite ready to simply use blogger.com until we probed the various programs in our class discussions. Then, I fell victim to loathing self doubt and had to reinvestigate the software again and again. Even though I set up blog accounts last week, until I actually tried to post a blog and navigate the software at length, I didn’t have a clear sense of what I liked best. And since my blog is currently posted on both programs, it’s clear, I still don’t. Oh indecisive me!

And how about those page templates, eh? Something tells me that the little exposure I’ve had to MySpace has turned me into a real monster. I WANT COLOR! I WANT FLASH! But don’t worry; until I learn how to do anything beyond a basic post, your content-weary eyes are safe from my shenanigans. Although some of this blog is tongue-in-cheek, this experience has made me think (seriously) about what an online presence says about a person. Why can’t I just go with the standard template, post my blog entry and be done with it? Why am I obsessed with getting the ‘just the right look’ for this blog? Shouldn’t the content stand alone? Does the page layout really matter THAT much? Unfortunately, I have to say YES it does. Because this blog (or a webpage, etc.) makes a statement to the world about who I am. It’s my brand. It should be a reflection, not only of my thoughts, but also give you a sense of my style and personality. And a standard template screams BORING to me…much like white paint on a wall. And I am just not willing to put myself out there as plain white paint.

After that rant, you will obviously be paying close attention to the lovely standard template I was forced to choose. But don’t be fooled! This template is only one of the many I am planning to ‘try on for size.’ It was the one that felt the most ‘right’ given the limited choices (and my limited skill in using the various software) available to me tonight. But tomorrow is a new day my friends, and there will be a new template waiting for me to check out and activate. There is, in effect, a new me waiting to be born.

You know, when I think of it that way, it’s rather exciting!