After a week of trying, I finally came up with a new layout, which I have now posted. If you can’t see it, you may need to refresh the page.
You may notice that I no longer list affiliates in my sidebar—I have decided that I don’t want to have affiliates anymore. I don’t like how I am not close with many of my affiliates, and there are others who I know better but who are not my affiliates. I just don’t see the point, so I will no longer be participating in the affiliation “program”. Old affiliates can remove my link if they prefer; there will be no hard feelings. 
I’m getting so sick of how so many website owners have been unoriginal in their layouts lately. I’ve seen several people copy Catherine’s style, specifically the scribbles she is currently using for header text backgrounds, and many people have attempted to copy Georgina’s unique typographic layout. I could name names, but I won’t.
I don’t understand why people feel the need to copy what others create. I can understand being inspired by other website layouts, but that does not mean that you should copy what they do. It’s sad to see that so many wonderful website owners let their own creativity be compromised by trying to copy someone else’s style.
When I set out to make this layout, I set out with the thought in mind that so many websites are starting to look the same, and that I wanted to make something unique. Even though I don’t copy others’ styles, I still wanted to experiment and push the envelope of what I was comfortable with. I wanted to make something that was like nothing I had ever tried before.
With that thought in mind, I created one or two different designs, but I didn’t like either of them. When I became discouraged, Georgina reminded me that since I wasn’t copying anyone, my new layout would be unique in SOME way no matter what. At that point, I stopped pressuring myself and just started playing with some of Photoshop’s custom shapes. I hadn’t even intended for it to turn into a layout, but here it is now!
The point is that if you don’t worry about trying to make an amazing layout and just let your creativity take you places, you will be able to create something that you love. There is no need to copy others, and there is no need to put pressure on yourself, which can lead to copying others’ designs.
If you are truly at a loss for inspiration, you could try following a tutorial (I sometimes refer to the tutorials at Spoon Graphics and Smiley Helper for inspiration), or even just listen to some of your favorite music.
Just please, please don’t copy. It’s boring for us all, and makes you look bad. I don’t mean to be offensive, but it’s the truth (at least to me), and if it offends you, I’m sorry.
I realize this blog might be a bit hard to comment on, so I’ll ask some questions. I would appreciate it if you would avoid only answering the questions, however.
- Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
- What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
Wow, you have an amazing layout. I’m in love
Thanks. I reckon I did make a good choice coming back
I’m enjoying it already ;]
Yeh, hopefully the whole credit crunch will be less pressurizing soon though ^^ I do like living here in Spain. They have much better weather than any place I’ve lived in before :]
I am enjoying learning Spanish, I learn more and more of it everyday. It is hard trying to pronounce everything correctly, I just hope that we stay here long enough for me to learn fluent Spanish
Then I can go back to Britain and work as a translator or something, that’s what I plan XP
Your layout took my comp a long time to load:( i refreshed twice. and wow it’s different, i like it because your being unique and yourself. *snaps* for you:) I dont really think i copy people because usually i just mess with ps, i dnt really look at someones layout and am like I LOVE IT LET ME DO IT. i usually go I LOVE IT.. haha and thats it I know people copy vicky@audiorush a lot too, i think it’s because she has pre-mades. but yea Catherines site (i dont talk to her though) gets copied a lot, everyone uses her stuff. All myspace layotu content sites look the same=/ I use to have a myspace site but hated making stuff haha, but some of my friends still own them and all their layouts look the same. “preppy” ish style, gosh i cant stand it sometimes.
Anyway i dont really have affies either, i guess though i call them that at times. I dont care about hits, i link people so i can remmeber their domain names lol.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss? anywhere ;p;
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately? people with pre-made stylesheet, u come across a site that looks good and bam they dnt make their own layout. templates are good but dnt rely on them.
Target is much cleaner, or i think it is. And in the long run Target has better worker policy, walmarts sucks.
and i bought a domain because i was very into it (once i left colorsplatter) but then my three best friends online all quit. so i didnt have as much drive. Im getting back im getting one to come back and maybe the other.. lol so maybe i just have to take the lead lol
and nah i want to do architecture lol or art teacher maybe or something like that. Maybe graphic design on the side? lol i dont consider myself good, my coding isn’t good and neither are my graphics, i just do it for me lol
Oh, wow. This layout is really different from your last! I can tell you spent a lot of time on it.
Awe, pity you got rid of affiliates… I guess I know what you mean though; perhaps you can just put your closest friends up anyways?
I actually haven’t seen anyone copy them… mostly everyone I see has some other style; the same but, another style. Dx I’m glad I draw my headers. XD
Not many people are creative so, of course they can’t really thing of anything imaginative but, I agree; copying and inspiration are two completely different things. I guess they don’t really understand the definition.
I’m sure everyone will get it eventually.
1. Eh… I just doodle randomly in a notebook; sometimes I’ll come up with a doodle that I like, then I’ll re-draw it on another paper. From there I find a premade that matches and the rest is history~
2. People that complain about things and repeatedly apologize; you’re sorry! okay, we get it. XD
Hello
Haha, yeah I was petrified when they exploded
Umm, yeah I’m using my sister’s straightners at the moment; cos she’s decided to leave her hair natural now. I would leave mine natural, but it’s curly and looks ridiculous. But then I think that using straightners every day isn’t good for my hair; so it’s hard to decide what to do, haha. Leave it natural or maybe damaging my hair? 
I left it natural today and loads of people at school were saying ‘Ooooh, your hair looks nice!’ but I wasn’t sure 
Yes it was a lot of fun
haha, I loved it when they turned on all the lights down the street and in all the trees. Aaaah, I see. I actually have a few friends that don’t celebrate Christmas either, but they’re still looking forward to the 3 week holiday we get 
I agree with your blog; but I hope my layout is unique enough
Come to think of it, that is really annoying. I never really thought about it, but now I see what you mean, a lot of sites do look the same! Hehe 
You’re welcome. (:
Well I dunno, it just seems unusual to see a blog that doesn’t have some type of “blogroll” if you know what I mean. Dx But, I get you… It’s starting to get hectic with some of my affiliates; even though I only have like, 17. x) The majority of which, I talk to on Twitter 24/7 anyways.
Haha yeah, that’s true. Some people might copy it… I dunno, when I was drawing my last one (the one with the Godzilla thingamabob); I had the site title in a like, a banner. I was thinking that someone would erase my name and put there’s instead. Dx People are desperate like that (I would imagine). Oh, never heard of her before; I’ll check her site out.
I blame the media! The media isn’t getting too creative either… have you seen the celebrity shows? Like, the ones that follow celebrities and give you gossip? Yeah, they had one where they were all, “So and so, IN A CAGE WITH LEMURS? Find out why when we return.” THE HELL? HOW IS THAT ENTERTAINMENT? XD It’s a worldwide epidemic I’m afraid.
Wow, you have yours tests right before Christmas?
That blows… well, at least you get them over with soon.
Haha YES! It feels very good.
Though, when I get to college, I’m just going to have these stupid finals all over again. >=[
Yep, I colored it entirely out of Photoshop. :3 I’m asking for markers for Christmas so I can hand color them; I think they’ll look better that way. I never use Photoshop so, I had absolutely no idea what the hell I was doing.
Alright great! I’ll look for it later. XD
Yeah I know but, I was reading through some review sites (to get an idea what I should/shouldn’t add) and people were complainging because they didn’t have an “About Me” page? Dx “Ohh, you need a page to tell who you are! What if your visitors want to know more about the person behind the site?! HOW ELSE WILL THEY KNOW?!” o.O” It’s like a do or die situation. =.=
Ohh yeah, we already ran into that problem; we’re having two categories. One for online and another for offline. Some people weren’t comfortable handing out their address so, we have something where they can make graphics or whatever; not as “creative” and “fun” as offline but, it’s still nice to do. =D
Thanks! Good luck returning yours too. ^^
Hey ^^
I like this layout, it’s very unique! It looks almost grungy (in a good way, obviously) and I like grungy things.
I’ve given up the whole affiliate thing too, but I’m linking my very very very good friends online still. The whole affiliate thing is getting old though, and it’s tiring, because there are rules to it.
Catherine’s layouts are always incredible, and there will always be douchebags out there who will copy her style. And Georgina always pulls something off that looks great – especially her current layout, which is one of my favourites so far!
People will find better inspiration from within themselves (yeah, that’s cheesy but whatever) then anywhere else!
People really need to learn the difference between “copying” and “being inspired”.
I try and go out of the box but never go too far.
I think I’m getting better though 
Music always inspires me. ^^
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
Webdesignerwall.com andoutlawdesignblog.com, also Skylish and Heartdrops and Audio Rush
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
Oh man. O_O Where to start. Probably the whole copying deal.
Nice layout –
I totally get what you are saying and where you are coming from – hearing me say that is probaly a shocker cause I probaly look like one of those folks who which you are so against – copycats
I can be original but when it comes to WordPress – it is a complete foreign language to me. I am use to basic HTML and photoshop layout design in which I would code from scratch – now that I can be totally original with – no restrictions there
Whereas WordPress – well I need some help there and I rather pay a professional WordPress designer/coder to design a theme for me but what I like when I work with my friend when she did my WordPress theme and even on my other WordPress sites – I can put my input in so is not all them. I admitt my theme on my personal blog look alot like her own blog theme but is not like hers EXACTLY…I add my own personal touch to it…
But I totally get where you are getting at and as shocking as this may sound cause when it comes to WordPress am one of those who are in a sense unoriginal but I totally agree with everything you just said here…
I always say if you going pay someone else to do a theme for you – make sure it is something you want and not the exact same…or not like most sites out there – strive to stand out and be unique. Add your own personal touch to it so that you don’t look like a total copycat – as long as you keep a piece of you in it – that is all that really matters…
Anyways, have a good day
I totally understand what you mean! I try not to copy whenever I can, but sometimes I look at a design and am like thats awesome! Three or so weeks later, I subconsiously come up with something simular! I really don’t mean too! Heres what annoys me: Seeing things like “fail” or “epic fail” on a blog! I’m kinda getting annoyed with sayings like that! To look for inspiration I go and google a random word, or go on differant photography, graphic, and graphic magazine sites! They have some GREAT stuff!!!!
Haha well make it enjoyable – you can totally do that. I found mine enjoyable – a good chance to see all the shy talent out there, I guess. I got a few new visitors from mine anyway. I’m be glad to help you out, of course!
Make some of my fanlistings? I have about seven to go. I’m excited for them all (GLAC!) but I’ll have to stop applying. Maybe I can live not applying for anything until 2010; we’ll see.
Hehe, thanks!
It’s so cute and funny; rachelonthe.net. You should think up something random but cool. EyeThief was a bit random for me and I was unsure until James told me it was better than, what, tranquilium.org.
Haha they are! And you know me; using “balls” for pretty much everything that sucks. It’s balls.
Possibly. They said you have to get your work processed through different teachers to get a high distinction.
I don’t mind cooking – maybe because I’m so awful at it I don’t care at all. But I like my taco-making. 8D
Well there are some cute LOLcats – otherwise it’s just another sort of meme-joke site to me. XD
I did put a picture on my blog! And on my plog too I think…
Too lazy to look right now, sorry. 
Ooh eek. My laptop is going to die in about 1.5 years then, seeing as it’s about six months old now.
Haha it really is. It’s a clunky phone… I just don’t like it. I sort of regret getting an iPod; I could have bought the iPhone instead. But I probably could not hold off the internet if I got the more desirable “saving money” prepaid phone plan. I wanted prepaid because it would just be easier to deal with stuff, instead of paying $100 a month and so on. But on prepaid, internet was so expensive, and I thought, “shit, that’s why I wanted the phone in the first place”.
Now the regret is coming from the fact that I probably could resist going on the internet.
Haha I have tiny feet; so yeah.
It would be such a shame, but let us dream away and imagine we would fit into each other’s clothes. XD
Come here in your little kayak! XD XD
Ooh, I wish we had snow and ice here. *jealous* I got confused when you mentioned slipping on ice because I thought of ice skating instantly, and wondered why you’d be walking on an ice rink with shoes. LOL.
Story! My ex boyfriend went ice skating once, and he fell. He had his hand on the ice and someone skated over it. I wasn’t there, but he mentioned a puddle of blood on the ice and it made me cringe!
Oh guess what though! I’m wearing those boots today, woot woot. It’s a bit colder today… so it’s all good.
Haha, and you have one. I think I’m glad I don’t have a Facebook (why was I about to write “full stop”?).
Imagine that! I should have gone on exchange or something so I would be able to go to large America! I don’t know why I wrote large, but it sounded more hilarious than “big America”.
Ditto! I still see your comment taking up my whole screen so there’s lots to go… it is in the smaller WordPress text too.
Oh that’s interesting! Our “minutes” are for certain providers. The one you’re on, usually.
Chanukah! I heard that in Home Alone; always amused me for some reason. I can’t believe you’ve never been to a holiday party before though!
No worries.
Ugh, it sounds like it – but you’re getting paid for being bored, if that’s a good thing?
Awww! I’m sure he will come to understand and love Google Wave.
Haha I’ll try, I’ll try. So tempted to get one related to AFS and Ben.
You’re welcome again heheee.
LOL yes. You got what you wanted after waiting… I hate waiting because it wastes time. U_U
Haha, there is. No more of the Beatles to discover except over 10 albums and 2000 songs… nah, joking. There’s a lot out there by them though.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen Pocahontas. Or I just don’t remember. *blushes* People used to say I looked like Pocahontas with my long hair. ;S
Oh shitty, that sucks! At least you know they’re working on something though; AFS hadn’t done anything for over a year. It doesn’t sound like much when you think about it, but albums do take a while to create; they can take years.
Haha you stalker. XD No worries; people look at my Last.fm and say “you’re listening to [band]!”
*cough* Adam Lambert. XD
I know; it’s terrible I think. If you don’t like it, say so… don’t bitch about it with such hate. At least Ben’s pretty much ignoring those messages. :3
I love this layout! Honestly, it IS unique. No bitch is going to come out with such cool autoshape usage and a cool theme as you have. I adore the chalk drawings!
And the navigation actually looks very pretty. If there was one word I could use to describe the layout, it would be authentic. Don’t know why; just fits!
I linked you in my sidebar actually. Along with a couple of others. I want a link! Hahaha, jokes.
But have you forgotten all the people that were there now? XD
You know I was there! *bounces*
Honestly you had unique ideas. You have not copied anyone’s style. You might not come out with something as amazing as Dayna’s layouts, but you have something unique. And when you have something unique people will be more likely to remember it and associate it with you, because it’s what you’ve done. :3
Ugh, people should stop copying my typography style… you could do it differently. But they have to use the same word positioning and all that, with symbols and whatnot. Imitation is the… what? Sincerest form of flattery? I’d like to think so, but after you see it multiple times it’s a little bit annoying.
I dislike it when people copy anyone. Usually it’s obvious who came up with the idea first, and when you see someone do the same thing it’s obvious and it’s a bit of a turn off – it doesn’t really appeal.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
I seriously just listen to music, like you said. I think of an awesome line, and I try and use it in a layout somehow. I don’t use images so much anymore but I used to look into my photography and see how that all turned out.
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
The whole issue with hits/comments. People constantly advertising their site. As Vicky said, a tweet on Twitter doesn’t mean that people will bother commenting on your site and visiting.
Not just talking about person we’ve been talking about for a while, but I have in mind someone else, who constantly tweets their website. I am angry because they return everyone’s comments except mine. My blogs too long for you? Well at least be decent enough to somehow return the favour, dick.
Seriously? Your on smoshed and UHH. I don’t like when a place gets crowded. I get all angry and stuff.
I’m good thanks for asking. (:
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
Uh I don’t know. ):
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
UHH I don’t know? LOL everyone is busy making holiday layouts.
Yeah! Tomorrow is December 1st! I can not believe it! Oh how time goes by! Madonna is so wrong. (LOL – Time goes by, so slowly… Hung up.) Haha anyways.
Haha, I know right? Took forever to do but, was worth it.
I really love this layout. It’s so, I don’t even know how to describe it. It’s different than anything I’ve ever seen. Good job!
No affiliates?!
Lol, I was gonna apply but. 
You should do what I do. Have a few, well, I did. 
Keep ones you really like, and talk to often. 
That’s what I’m doing.
I absolutley love the new layout! It is very unique, original, and beautiful. Yeah, it is very hard to get inspiration. Hehe, I’ll answer your questions:
1. The word thats on my mind. Then I look it up and find more details and get a kind of cool idea. Or, Deviant Art.
Thanks
. I’ve been trying to, but I don’t think I could edit it. If I could do
!
that, I probably wouldn’t get FanUpdate. Haha, thanks again
2. When they ALWAYS talk about what they are going to do in the future. (Sounds like me! lol)
I gave up affiliates a long time ago, for the same reason as you. Plus, it was a hassle. Now I just add people’s links that I like to read.
I love this layout ! I think the originality of it is what allures me the most. The poop smilies do well also ( ; Or are they chocolate chips ..? hahaha
This blog is very well written. Did you proof read it or just write it off the top of your head ?
I understand what you mean about how a lot of sites are not original or unique anymore. I think it’s because a lot of webowners provide very nice premade themes, and many beginner webowners are using the same ones.
It’s hard for me to try to be unique because, well, I don’t care enough to for one. And the other reason is that I feel so limited when I can only manipulate CSS for layouts. I don’t have PS or PSP soooo );
I really haven’t seen many typography layouts. I saw Georgina blogging that a lot of people are using that style, but I haven’t seen any. I know some people are using Catherine’s scribble style.. but I think Ben used that style a lot on his own before it was the cool thing to do, lol.
Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss? Everyday life. My previous layout was because of something I saw in a baking magazine, haha. My current one is because I wanted a bright pink and green layout with a dark background
What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately? Not so much SEEN.. but read. A few people that I follow on Twitter do nothing but complain and gripe about EVERYTHING. It’s so awful.
Hey!
I didn’t have many friends, because the two I was really close to started to work and the ones I had in year 10 weren’t even at the same school. But it didn’t take too long until I found the awesome friends that I have right now
Hehe, did you ever win a domain from a contest on Twitter? I think I’ve seen some hold by NameCheap but never really took part in one
She really did
I would love to have her skills for sure!
Yeah this whole affiliates thing isn’t that great anymore. Because sometimes I am closer to my visitors than with some of my affiliates. None of mine have complained about the fact that they aren’t on the main page anymore.. I am curious if they even noticed it
Ermm.. he was talking about how big my boobs are and how much I love that guy and stuff like that.. and why is he even paying attention to something like that?! He’s a married man – the only boobs he should look at are his wife’s!
—–
This new layout is really cool! I am 100% sure that I haven’t seen something like that on any site before! Great job
This whole copying this is really getting annoying. And it really sucks if people just steal the ideas of other site owners and use them the exact same way on there websites.
The same thing happened when Vicky started to display her date on the left site of the blog, and then suddenly a lot of sites did that too.. it’s really not like she way the first one – but everyone started to do so after she did it.. it’s annoying.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
Hmm.. I don’t know. I don’t really look at certain things. Sometimes just a magazine cover or an ad in a magazine inspire me or my affiliate’s sites.
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
I guess stealing and copying. The rest can’t really annoy me as much as stealing and copying.
Hey Swetlana~. I’m returning your comment through a nested reply on my site, because your site is closed. I’m sorry I took so long to return it; I probably could have posted it on your actual website before.
Sorry!
Yay, that’s great that you found new friends so quickly.
I think I’m starting to find new friends at my school too, and thankfully I still have SOME old ones.
Haha yep, I’ve won lots of domains from NameCheap. I’ve won at least six, but I’m not sure how many for sure. That’s not as many as some people, but I’m satisfied.
“The only boobs he should look at are his wife’s!” – I love that.
It’s true though! He should not have been saying those things about you. It’s kind of creepy too! 
Thank you so much! <3
Yeah, the copying really is getting terribly annoying. That reminds me, how is your “stop stealing campaign” going? Is its members list still growing? I hope so!
I agree, stealing and copying are definitely some of the worst things I have seen online lately.
I feel like this was a really shitty comment.
Hello again
I’m returning comments pretty quick at the moment, haha. So I don’t forget any! 
Yeah, I took your advice and went to school with my natural curly hair today. I actually like it a lot better than my straightened hair
I think it suits me better, so thank you! Haha. I still would like straightners for Christmas though; I still like to have a straight fringe, and whenever I want it a bit different some day. But I think I will just go in most days with my curly hair 
Yaaay- I can’t wait till the holiday either. I found out today that we only get 2 weeks off to. I thought it was 3 because we normally get that; but 2 is still a good holiday. We have 16 days of school left :/
Ahhh, thank you! That’s good then, hehe. I quite like this layout, but maybe I should have done something a bit more Christmassy ..
I still lovelovelove your layout. It’s so creative, and yours is definately unique! 
i know what you mean. I had no inspiration for my first layout on my new domain, so i just downloaded a theme from vickys (audiorush) website, and soon enough a lot of other sites had the same look. I know it was a download able theme, so i knew others would use it as well as it was amazing lol. But i got tired of it, even though i change the colours and the style a bit, so i created the one i have now. I have someone who constantly steals my coding and ideas, so I want to try something more complex in a sense as shes not very good with coding on her own LOL.
I love this layout though, especially the header. I think it’s the header that makes a website unique, as a lot of people have the same style in there CSS but its hard to avoid. the only differences usually are colour and font style :/
who cares if people are offended by this post, your only stating your opinion and they don/t have to like it or agree.. lol, but i totally agree with you
I usually visit websites outside of “content and resource” like many people here are doing. I just find random stuff on google and maybe take a few ideas from here and there and just put them together
Boxing day is tbh I’m no sure myself but people wake up really early and everything is literally on sale
Wow, this blog has actually touched me!
Catherine ALWAYS has amazing layouts but even though they make me jealous I don’t try to copy it.. it just doesn’t feel right
My current layout I was inspired by my online friend Jenny and kind made it my own thing by the background ect..
I usually get my inspiration from magazines..but most times I let it hit me instead of looking around
I get what you mean about affiliates , I have them but I see them as my close online friends.
Atm I’m not sure what annoys me but there’s alot
Hey, I’m returning your comment with a nested comment on my site since your site is down due to issues with Cherry.nu.
Aww, I’m so glad to hear that! Thank you.
Yeah, Catherine’s layouts are all amazing, but people really shouldn’t copy them.
I think you did a good job making your layout your own thing. It seems pretty unique to me!
I’m sorry this comment is so short; I couldn’t comment on your blog.
The new layout is soo awesome
.
I don’t do affiliates anymore either, I just have “buddies”, I list their sites and they list mine but I don’t mind if I’m their affiliate lol, i don’t think that made sense
.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
My online buddies
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
When people keep asking you to vote for them.
I’m returning your comment on my site using the nested comments feature, since there is something wrong with the code of your layout so I can’t see a blog on which to comment.
Thank you so much!
No, it made sense. I think a lot of people do that where they link sites they like to read and it doesn’t matter if they’re linked back or anything. I don’t think that’s exactly what you meant, but I got the gist.
As long as you get inspiration from your online buddies without copying, that’s fine by me.
Wow yeah, it can get pretty annoying when people asking you to vote for them.
I was really excited when you were talking about making a new layout and I absolutely love it! It’s just so different to what everyone else is doing at the moment. I love the brick wall thingy ma bob. XD
I don’t have affiliates anymore either, I just kept the 12 people I talk to the most. A lot of people aren’t doing the whole affiliate thing anymore.
Since Catherine posted her new layout I’ve seen countless sites using the background behind the headers thing. It’s getting annoying.
She didn’t invent it but why has everyone all of sudden decided to do it when she did? Same with my text shadow and blog date thing, I didn’t invent it but why is everyone doing it all of sudden?
I’ve seen a few people copying Georgina’s layout style. There are so many ways to do typography layouts so why is everyone copying her? :@
I was trying to make something really unique with my Christmas layout but now I don’t want to do it. Every Christmas layout I’ve seen have snowmen and trees, like what I have but in a way different style but it’s just meh.
Like you said, your layout doesn’t have be AMAZING like something like Dayna does, it just has to be creative to look unique. If that makes any sense what’s so ever.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
- My inspiration died a long time ago and I still haven’t found it haha
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
- Um that’s a hard one because a ton of things annoy me LOL. I hate it when people write one paragraph and call it a blog. Or when people write HUGE blogs and don’t use paragraphs. Heh.
Haha I hope they’ve got the hint. I think it’s because they don’t want me to password protect them again. Before, and even now my premades get like 10+ downloads each a day (mainly my new ones) but when I put them on password only about 6 people emailed me for the password lol.
I just miss school. It’s so much hassle trying to find a job, even though I have a temporary one, I have to travel so far. I’d rather be back at school.
Haha yes, FanUpdate is in the past. :3
Yeah it really annoys me when people ask me questions ALL the time when they could easily search Google for an answer. Haha that comic is funny/cool. XD
I do have the agency number in my phone but they phone from a withheld number so no number shows up at all.
Haha, I love grey. Maybe because I used brown for a layout a little while ago. But grey is the best. It goes with everything.
Well my step dad is pretty skint at the moment haha. I worked out I get about £180 on the 11th December so that should see me through, I hope.
Hehe me too. I hope she does a Christmas themed layout, it would be so cool. Not sure she celebrates it though?
I did find melly.me a little cluttered but nevertheless I could never make anything like that. XD
I know, I prefer to see the same layout over and over than going to a site that changes it like once a week. :|
Like I said, I’ve kind of given up with the Christmas layout now haha. Too many people use snowmen and trees. I’m kind of stuck what else to add really. I haven’t touched it since I started it. o_O
I guess it’s OK to get addicted to domains as long as you know you can afford them and keep up with them haha.
Wow, 4am sucks. I thought 5am was bad haha.
I think I would have left, I’m not really that into DVDs so I wouldn’t have waited, heh.
IF I continue with the Christmas layout then I’ll probably put it up around the 15th maybe.
I want to know which girl you’re talking about now haha. I THINK I know, but I’ve probably got it very wrong lmfao.
Haha I know, some people really have no logic or common sense. Amuses me.
Though, I hardly ever comment anyone “new” I end up just returning the ones I have. That takes up a lot of time. o_O
OMG I’ve noticed a few people doing that!! There’s one person who comments me, first comment is usually nice and long, I reply with a long comment then they reply with a one liner? I mean WTF? I guess they want more comments but I barely return it haha.
Aw thank you, I love my nephew.
He’s my step sisters son, so it’s not my real nephew but my step sister lets her elder son who is 3 call me Auntie Vicky hehe.
Yeah! It’s really insane! Haha, no problem. And it’s okay! I understand what you mean! Yeah, lol. Mostly all my weeks are busy so, why not another one? I’m so used to only having like 2 or 3 days of school though. We’ve been having a lot of random days of recently.
Lmao, yeah. I really didn’t either. All I knew is those 2 things, and I’m sticking to em!
Haha, yeah it is actually made out of gingerbread. And still smells like it, so weird! 
I’m returning your comment on my site because yours is on maintenance mode.
Me too! I have had soooo many shortened weeks recently, it’s been amazing. After break it’ll be back to normal though.
Haha wait… so if the ornament is made out of gingerbread, how do you not get ants and stuff?
Yeah I just ate crowds for some reason. I feel uncomfortable. -___- Just feels UGHH.
Haha. (x
Yup I have no idea what to make. ): Aw, I didn’t get to see the layout.
Oh well, I know it was AMA-ZING!
Ah, I see. Yeah, that would probably be best. I’ve noticed that a lot of people have been giving up affiliates; is it some sort of trend?
That’s true but, still… not many of the things I’m offering don’t have my site name or anything on them so, I’m thinking that would give people the chance to easily steal them. I don’t care really but, it just irritates me. Anyways, not many people know who I am so, I’m pretty sure they’d get away with it. XD
That’s what I said! I don’t know why?! I guess they just think seeing a celebrity in a cage with lemurs is the most intriguing thing ever. Probably because they have nothing better to do than bash on Miley Cyrus anyways (seriously, I’ve never seen anyone on the news more than her). Haha, have you seen all the reality shows on VH1 and MTV?! The ones where people are trying to find “love”; though the most ridiculous, I have to admit, they entertain the hell out of me.
That’s true… well I don’t either! XD I mean, I already did my finals. It would suck to have homework over Christmas vacation; I know in some places, they give you homework during summer vacation. o.O
Yeah, I’m interested to see how they come out too! =D Though, I was never really good at coloring anyways… still, it should be pretty interesting.
Yeah, it shouldn’t be a big deal but, I don’t want to get “marked down” over something so stupid, you know? XD Might as well just have one to say you have one; nobody (that I know) takes them seriously anyways.
Ohh, well you had to look at Kari’s blog. LOL She kind of explained it… You kind of have to mention it on the form I think; same rules apply as the offline one but, it’s online instead… if, that made any sense.
Yeah I heard someone copied Georgina’s
And a lot of stupid copying…. My layouts… seem to all have the same style 
Boring. HAHAHAHA. I’m working on it.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
I like to look at pretty pictures. Often, I just look through deviantart’s stock pictures and start messing around with Photoshop. But I like to listen to music and then think and design.
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
People putting really stupid short comments. Typical stupid people.
EGAD, I saw your comment… and I was like whoa this looks long. And I think I’m crazy for trying to return it so late at night and so soon after I received it
I got purple skinny jeans
I LOVE THEM. (:
Well, my parents.. put all my money in the bank and I have no access to it. So I end up using theirs when we go shopping
I always tell them, IF I HAD MY OWN MONEY THEN MAYBE YOU KNOW. 
I’m trying to beat the clock.. about 15 minutes to return 3 comments.
Yeah, one day I’ll perfect my layout colors.
Oh that’s what deffered means.
That … doesn’t sound pleasing.
Seriously love you for the amazing long comment. It’s won’t fit on my screen… I have to scroll down a lot
Majors… I actually don’t know. I was looking into communications. But then the whole social worker thing has caught eye a bit. But I also wanted to get into the arts. I do like the program offered at SU. 3 years high school then I’m off to humanities.
It sounds cool. But not sure yet.
Well, the song was playing (it’s on autoplay)…. soo yeah. I love the song Gravity (: But it breaks my heart
Bittersweet.
Soulful blogs. Haha most of the time. I’m glad though (: I write… from the heart, as my friend put it.
Ohhhh, that’s great that you read it (: It’s fine that you didn’t comment. It was rather long and yeah tis fine. It was depressing. I don’t feel as depressed anymore (:
My grandpa.. is cool. He fought in WWII.
He’s always bragging about killing a Japanese 
No offense to Japanese people I love them, he’s just proud to say it :/
Aw, *hugs* I’m sorry about your grandma. That’s it was with my grandma. I’m better, but whenever we visit her in the graveyard. I almost feel like crying, because I recall everything that happened those few years ago. And it brings tears to my eyes. But I picture her… telling me to be strong, because she’s okay. (:
Yeah, I blogged again today. :/ Really, it’s an addicting habit.
I really like your layout and I love people’s layouts that are jsut completely unique. Things that make you stop and check them out.
I use a very simplistic web design style so in my case it would be kind of hard for someone to copy it or really obvious if they did but that’s just how I like my site to look!
Good job on the layout. Just by letting all your creative juices flow out into Photoshop
:) Yeah, I haven’t seen a really really unique style in a while…
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
Sometimes, I browse through DeviantArt or just look at random pictures in my hard drive
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
Hmmm… several bright colors splashed badly in a page. BLINDING.
Oh yeah, I forgot about smileyhelper. I never really used to visit that site a lot but I always thought it was quite good.
lol. Nah, I don’t even know how to describe them really. I’m beginning to think they’re an English thing though because not many people know what they are. 
As if you don’t know what jaffa cakes are
I know what you mean about Outspoken Kate. That was one of the main sites that everyone looked up to, but looking back I’ve realised that actually her content wasn’t that amazing. I don’t think it was any different to what other people had at the time.
I really like the layout, by the way. It’s really different to what you usually do.
Your intentions worked! 
It is unique, I really like it.
- Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
… I don’t really. I just find it in the most random places, like seeing a billboard or something when I’m stuck in traffic, or an advert on tv…
- What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
… The fact that people’s sites are starting to look the same is quite annoying. (Plus everyone seems to be using the same one of Vicky’s premades)
But I think it’s the fact that everyone seems to be disappearing, closing their sites without saying anything.
I like this layout. It is original and I like the idea of it. Really unique.
Many people seem to be blogging on this, since I mean it’s horrible and stupid how much it’s been happening lately.
There is a big difference between copying and being inspired.
The whole idea of affiliates is starting to bug me too. Most of my so called friends just answer my questions or blow off my blog completely… bahh.. Very annoying.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
Well.. normally I just play with images or when I’m ever just looking at random sites I try to piece things together to make them look good. (Sometimes unsuccessful) Or if it’s a holiday, a holiday theme.
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
Probably a short blog and then they say “Remember to leave a comment!”
And you stand there saying WTF?
Well, my dear, some people might copy other people’s layouts to a tee online, but you’re certainly never going to be accused of doing any such thing — This layout is totally unique and totally rockin’! I LOVE the brick-style background for the header. I think it’s my fave design feature, hehe.
I’ve loved stickmen ever since I watched the Xiao Xiao flash animattions years ago.
; Here’s a link if you’re interested at all! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xiao_Xiao The way the artists makes simple stick figures FIGHT LIKE REAL FREAKIN’ NINJAS is amazing. 
Hi
Street Grunge. I like it! ^^
Aw. I have a few online friends but I do have my definite favourites, if you get my drift.
But others are still my good friends so I link them anyway!
I remember that. When people said you had to be on a subdomain/ domain too, that annoyed the hell outta me as well as them asking for a certain amounts of hits. It was just so obvious then that they only wanted advertising. ¬.¬
Thanks!
They’re unique in their own weird way XD
I do draw my layouts, indeed ^^ They’re never great but they’re not too bad.
Aha thanks.
It’s not really a layout as such at the moment. But it’s almost a template. I was going to spruce it up a bit and offer it as a premade.
And again, thanks. XD But I’m getting lazy now. I wrote one tutorial yesterday and today I’m still lazy. But I’m returning comments because they’ve been there for ages and I’m a lazy bitch that needs to do something.
Yeah; it’s okay to use a template or something. In my eyes I’d rather someone credited a base rather than didn’t.
Thanks… again again
Take care! xx
Hey Jorja, I would feel really bad if I left your comment for later since it is over two weeks old, but I can’t return it on your site because your site is closed.
I’ll just reply to it on my site.
Haha, thanks.
Yeah I get what you mean. I’m kind of the opposite; instead of having a bunch of good online friends and some who are my favorites, I have a few good online friends and then some people who annoy me online.
But… yeah, not the point. It’s nice that you link them all. 
Ugh, yeah, everyone just wanted advertising back then. I admit that I was guilty of that myself. Every day I would look for sites that I could apply to affiliate with, and my only reason for hating when they required a certain number of hits was that it wasn’t fair to require so many hits before affiliating when I needed to affiliate in order to get those hits! Ah, naivety.
You’re welcome.
Yes you should definitely offer it as a premade! I think it looks awesome.
You’re welcome again.
Oh psh you can’t be more lazy than me. Before tonight I hadn’t returned comments in three weeks!
You too.
I am really used to sticking myself with a needle, although it was easier before when *I* did it and not some plastic mechanism that shoots it out when I squeeze it. It’s a lot harder for me this way, not knowing when it’s going to go. :/
As for the first question, about inspiration… I don’t, really. I let inspiration float to me as it wants, and then I create things; if it doesn’t come, then I wait. I don’t ever get inspired by things, because then I feel like I’d be over-inspiring (because I can’t think of ways to edit them, I guess. Or it feels like cheating either way).
About your non-affiliation: I will make you a link exchange, then, so I remember to keep talking to you, because I like you.
It is a unique layout, and nice, too. Sorry, I always forget to comment about things like that when I’m first typing a comment. XD
Hey, and yeah by the way, it’s not a hard blog, it’s just the truth, i get inspirations and some ideas from expert websites, but that doesn’t mean that i have to copy them, i mean i won’t be unique and in that way i will not improve in designing, and we all wanna improve, but in that way, we’re just copying, if ppl kept copying they’ll never gonna get their own ideas :S and yeah i wanted to do an amazing layout but it didn’t work in coding, so i thought of this new one
lool it’s really sounds funny, because i was bored and out of ideas, but when i coded it, it looked cool and i like it 
and by the way, you have such an amazing layout, good work
Hi, Rachel!! Long time no chat! I’ve had a rough incident lately so I’ve been kinda in the ‘bad’ spotlight so to speak…
I LOVE THE NEW LAYOUT!!! So cool!! The bricks especially!
OMG IKR? There have been a lot of people stealing ideas and all lately. Like, sometimes it seems so obvious and they’re like.. ‘hmm, what? I don’t understand’. It just makes you so mad. I have a few websites of my own that I find to be copycats, too. Like not crediting for premades, too? And stating that they aren’t the ones copying but the creators themselves?! The NERVE of some people. I think they do this cuz it’s just like you’re online and ‘what can you do?’ sorta thing, you know? Ugh. :/
Have a nice day!! =)
Nice layout, I love the graffiti feel in your header. The emoticons are cool, too. Hello, poop! Haha.
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss?
Sometimes in DeviantArt or in other websites.
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately?
Haven’t been noticing anything annoying lately. I just try to appreciate stuff, even the most simple ones. I kinda agree with you though that a lot of people follow certain trends on the WWW. I don’t mind, it’s pretty obvious that some people inspire other people. I just hate it when other developers copy detail per detail. That’s just unfair :\
Why hello there Rachel
It’s been a long time since I’d last commented on your site, I feel so guilty for having fallen so silent! 
Might I say you’ve such a wonderful layout up 
I like how you’d managed to come up with this very novel concept by playing around with shapes, something I wouldn’t normally do on Photoshop knowing how much those shapes are stereotyped as “ordinary” that those who lack creativity choose to confine themselves to images obtained from “outside sources” *coughs* Hello there, old me. 
Your name on the header image looks totally gangsta, btw 
Not to mention somewhat Japanese, no, I mean perfectly Japanese. 
Well done!
I no longer have an affiliation program, as I’ve replaced this with a mere “links” blocks instead. I find it too stressful, having to check back every once in a while to tend to affiliation requests
Though it does guarantee my site visits, it takes away much of my time, and lately I’ve come to think of it as not at all worth the trouble. After all, people who really want to comment on my site could drop by every once in a while, browse through my content and leave a message with all their heart. 
I hate comments that go, “Hello? Are you still my affie? Respond or else you’ll be deleted.” — they bug me quite a lot.
I believe you’re right. Copying is terrible, though one may always seek inspiration. Inspiration, yes, to come up with original work
I’ve made it a habit to browse through people’s websites with hopes to stumble upon good ideas which I could then consider following AND improving upon.
I understand about the whole affiliates thing. And your logic makes sense. So it doesn’t matter if we are affiliates or not – I still love to read your blog and visit your site
and whoa, I love your new layout! The splatter effect on the brick wall is a nice touch
* Where do you look for inspiration when you’re at a loss? I like to take pictures of what is around me or hang out with my friends and sometimes I get inspiration from having a good time.
* What is the most annoying thing you have seen in the blogging world lately? I really hate long blogs about your day. Like I went to the market and then I met up with friends and it seems a bit trivial and I mean it’s fine to read when it is a couple paragraphs, but sometimes I’ll just see these huge posts. The blogs would be so much better with fun anecdotes or insights. It would really show the person themselves better too.