I hadn't ever considered magazines as being similar to a blog but you're right. However I'm still a little slow in that department as I like my paper based products to be real paper and not an ebook or similar. Though I must add that some of my fav mags are available at approx a third the price of the paper ones electronically.

I will eventually move entirely to the e-format I guess, but for now I still like real products.

And thanks for the links – will enjoy following through on some of those,

It's funny thoughthat a poll I did a while back showed my (active) readers were almost 50-50 split on whether they'd click the more tag or not.

SO it sortof implies that 50% of my readers are happy to scroll and the others aren't! What to do? Build a second website for the 50% that don't scroll !!!!

Hey Dan,

A major disadvantage I find in using a magazine-style template is the need to fill all the slots. I find that my time is limited so I like to be able to focus on the primary rather than the secondary objectives. Another disadvantage is too much information tends to overwhelm me. I tend to I shy away from blogs or websites whose layout looks too busy. A blog or website I will return to is one that I am able to easily search and find information.

I write for the Starfish Files (Canada's House Church Magazine). My particular articles are simple action plans for those involved in small groups generally and house churches specifically. I often find it difficult to take the time to read most magazines online or offline because I have to wade through too much information that does not relate to my interests.

I very much enjoyed your post. There are a number of advantages, as well, to using some of the elements of magazines on a blog or website. However, you will notice that I tend to comment near the end of the day. Time constraints are a major issue for me. Blessings, Rob

Thanks! I'd love to hear more about what your research turns up, and why you didn't see advantages to using magazine-style templates. I know that this task doesn't necessarily suggest that this is what we do, but I'd love to hear your thoughts related to your experience.

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback!

Those ARE some great design observations and ideas! It sounds like it was a fruitful time, and that you've got some more great direction from this exercise! Thanks for sharing your findings, it helps me too…

Seth Godin's blog is another GREAT example of simple. HUGE following, and one of the simplest blogs that I know of.