Well, I got smacked by the nice folks over at IT2M. If you are not familiar with this site, you should go check it out, you will definitely get a few laughs. Basically you submit your site for review and they either “smack” it if it is liked, or rip you a new ass if it is not liked. So if you do submit your site, make sure you can handle some criticism!! Charred did my review and here are his comments:

This review is for soapbox.SUPERSTAR.

Really.

I promise.

This template is actually rather decent; while the color scheme is not something I’d use, it’s a long way from tasteless. The Web Divas have done a good job implementing your design.

I Do have a few issues with the layout, though:
For someone who claims to be “anally organized,” you sure do have a lot of crap in your sidebar; simplify it.
If you insist on having your sidebar justified-right, then your renter’s screenshot should also be justified-right.
17 posts displayed on your front page is a bit much.
The pictures leading off your posts should be centered.
At least you have the good sense to keep them all the same size.

I hate animated gifs with a passion.

Your content’s ok, but not great.

Punch it up a bit.

In my last review, I recommended Keys for Writers: A Brief Handbook by Ann Raimes. I will repeat that recommendation, and add Writing With Style: Conversations on the Art of Writing by John R. Trimble.

As far as my sidebar goes, I have seen much worse, but I will see what can be skimmed down. I am not sure where you go in EE to change the number of posts displayed on the front page. I am a very visual person, so I love putting pictures with all my posts. Some blogs I have gone to have nothing to catch your eye and make you want to read them. I do like doing the pictures as animated gifs, because it takes up less room.

All in all it was a great review and I am thankful for Charred’s constructive criticism! And for smacking me, he has given me one more thing to stick in my sidebar (HA!)