Number 26 on my 101 goals list is to learn CSS/HTML/PHP well enough to design and run my website independently. After much thought, equivocating, and some internal growth on my part I have decided to intentionally NOT complete this goal.
The reason it ended up on the list in the first place is because I am committed to my blog and I like it so much better when it looks nice. I admit it, when I visit a new blog I totally judge its appearance. I won’t not read a blog if it’s badly designed, but if I like the way it looks then it has a higher chance of succeeding with me. I’m sure other people are the same way. (Come on, ‘fess up!)
Right now I have an extremely complicated theme running which doesn’t allow for easy editing. I came to be in this conundrum because my brother is a graphic and web designer, and in the past he has done the bulk of the work for me. After awhile I became weary of my old design, and felt exasperated waiting on my brother to change it. I don’t blame him at all, because he has a full-time job and no computer at home (crazy, right?). So I hastily switched to my current theme without knowing how difficult it would be to work with. There are many things I want to change about it, but can’t on my own. So I wrote goal #26, because I want to be able to do what I want with my blog, when I want.
The problem is that as much as I try to get into learning this website stuff, I don’t enjoy it like I wish I did. It’s not something I can sit down and master in a few hours, and I don’t want to immerse myself in anything I don’t love. I would much rather spend my time on other goals, or with people who matter to me. Giving up on this goal is like breathing a sigh of relief. I’m okay with my blog being “good enough” and not perfect. I plan to search high and low for a user-friendly theme that I love that will work for me, switch over, then do minimal editing from there until it looks pretty. And if that doesn’t work, I can always resort to flattery, bribes, or threats to get the help I need. :)
From Erin:
I gave up on this goal too. Maybe some day when I have an infinite amount of free time, but for right now, it’s just not worth it. I’m perfectly happy to pay a little money once every few years for a new design.
From Just Fine Just Dandy:
I understand you giving up on that goal. I think it sounds like a great idea and would love to be able to design my own page as well…problem is I don’t even know what HTML is, let alone try to understand it! I also like reading “tidy” blogs with good design.
You could also hire someone to do your web page… Although that’s not as good as free if you have a brother that can do it!
From Ashley:
I feel the same way. It’s something I’d really love to learn, but it’s in line behind about a million other things I’d rather spend my time doing.
From Girl w/the Red Hair:
I was the SAME way with my blog design, my mom did practically everything for me. I’ve slowly started doing more stuff myself though and gotten the hang of it.
Google is a LIFESAVER. Pretty much anything I want to change I just google my question and will usually get awesome step-by-step instructions on how to do it!
From Kyla Roma:
Good work on giving it up if it won’t make you happy!
I know enough CSS & HTML to trouble shoot like crazy but forget coding from the ground up- it has to be a passion, and if it’s not I would way rather pay someone to help me by doing what they love =)
From David, The Rainmaker:
I’m sorry! My offer to sit with you through a day to get it up and going exactly how you want it still stands. Heck, I could do it at work and all you people could come up and learn!
From Scott:
count me in!
From kapachino:
I didn’t know that offer was on the table. Problem is, will it take just one day?
From steph anne:
I feel the same way. Not you only learn but there’ll always be new techniques and tools to learn and I can’t keep up! I’d LOVE to learn but I don’t have the time.
I admit I judge by the appearance of people’s blogs too especially if they have audio players setting off music and images/buttons cluttering the page. I judge by the appearance of movie covers too.. I think I have a habit of this since I’m into advertising and media and I strongly believe that it’s important to get your message across by good appearance.
From Kristan:
I definitely do judge a blog by its appearance — actually, no, its readability first and foremost. As in, hot pink on a black background? Not my fave.
But I think relinquishing this goal is really smart for you personally, based on the reasons you listed about. It’s a hard thing to do sometimes – let go of something you set out to do – but when you’ve really thought it through, as you clearly have, it’s so much smarter than stubbornly sticking to it.
And for the record, I think your blog is quite appealing!
From Michele:
I’m SUCH a visual person! I’m the same about my blog – I’m not satisfied with the layout, but don’t enjoy learning & doing coding to make it right. I had a friend helping me, but I didn’t like how it turned out, and that’s rough when it’s a friend! So here I am, stuck. I SO want it personal and to reflect “me” but until I have a few quid extra to hire someone (not really a financial priority), it is what it is. Alright, but not my favorite.