Welcome to the new Autoblog!
Surprise! Though I wasn't around three years ago when Autoblog first went live, I imagine requests to update the site's design began almost immediately. Admittedly our little blog has never been the flashiest automotive news site on the internet, but the design was simple and unobtrusive, which put all the attention on the 19,542 posts we've written since our initial launch.
We're certainly not ones to change our site on a whim. We've been working on Autoblog's new look for over six months, tweaking this design and changing that function to improve the reader's experience as much as possible. There are many new functions and features, most having to do with our already excellent high-resolution gallery system. After introducing the galleries last December, we listened to every suggestion for improving them you've offered and tried to incorporate as many possible. We also have new modules near the top of the page highlighting both Feature Posts and Breaking News that deserve more face time with our readers than the normal blog format allows. Those are just a few of the many new features available now and that we'll be activating as the week goes on. We'll be sure to bring each to your attention as they're made available.
Rest assured we'll still be doing the same thing we do every day: obsessively covering the auto industry. That's just what we do, except now we'll look better doing it.
We know this is quite a shock, but we're just getting started and have another huge surprise to announce later in the day. Until then, take the new Autoblog for a test drive and let us know what you think in the comments.
Sincerly,
Your Friendly Neighborhood Autoblog Team
PS: We have a list of minor bugs we're aware of and are working quickly to correct, so if something seems wrong or out of place, it will soon be set right!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
darkmastyr 1:45AM (5/23/2007)
Looks nice and clean, not too drastic of a change. I like it. Nice work.
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John Neff 1:52AM (5/23/2007)
Thanks! That's exactly what we were going for. Me and our designer went back and forth over the smallest details so many times I stopped counting, but we're all pretty pleased with the way it turned out. Thanks for reading!
Blake 3:37AM (5/23/2007)
I like that you can reply now.
Rob 1:51AM (5/23/2007)
Sorry guys, thumbs down at this point... hard for me to read the main page. I'm sure it can be great with a few tweaks.
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3cubedminus3squared 1:51AM (5/23/2007)
Like I said in the other thread, I like the new format.
Good job guys!
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Keith 1:56AM (5/23/2007)
I like the new layout a lot. And the best new feature that I like right off the bat? The post reply ranking system. Good job guys.
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Matt 1:56AM (5/23/2007)
I like everything but the Engadget-esque comment system.
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Avinash machado 1:59AM (5/23/2007)
Cool. New look is more glossy. Also thanks for bringing back the recent comments section. Looking forward to the huge surprise that is coming.
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SilverAero 2:00AM (5/23/2007)
Looks Fantastic!
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ruben 2:05AM (5/23/2007)
fantastic job with the new site looks amazing.
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robz4 2:05AM (5/23/2007)
Looks good !! I will be testing it during the day.
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T.C. 2:10AM (5/23/2007)
The new Setup Is Awesome!
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Smart 2:12AM (5/23/2007)
I like it. The colors remind me of Autoweek.com. I guess red and black just make sense for cars, eh?
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Jeff Gilleran 2:13AM (5/23/2007)
Wow.. Suprised the hell out of me seeing this new layout!
Ive been on here for a few years now and was wondering when there might be a new format.
There was a mild overhaul about a year ago, but it was nothing like this.
It really looks fantastic.
Really like the new Header page.
:)
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TheGambled 2:16AM (5/23/2007)
I liked the old Autoblog.
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josh 2:16AM (5/23/2007)
SWEET!
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iQuack 2:23AM (5/23/2007)
Nice, but names are no longer highlighted as links to websites or pictures. Will Autoblog revive that feature?
My iQuack duck is gone!
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Andrew Tanasescu 2:23AM (5/23/2007)
Wow. I was wondering if i typed in wrong address.
Mixed feelings about the style. I sorta miss the old style. Oh well. Just will take some time. Congrats Autoblog!
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Vectortrance 2:24AM (5/23/2007)
Great work John, and everyone else involved in the Autoblog redesign!
I was wondering why the CSS was getting a little wonky around midnight ;)
The overhaul makes for a much more aesthetically pleasing website, and I am uber excited for the big surprise afforementioned.
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Nicole 2:25AM (5/23/2007)
I like the new look. It's definitely easier to scan and read than before. However, I don't understand the change in the logo. You really have to think twice now to recognize this as a tachometer or spedometer without the "marks". Sure, we existing users all know what it is, and the name contains "auto" to explain it. Still. If thought is is a bit too much "reduction to the bare bones"...
So, my verdict is:
- Site design improvements are great.
- Logo changes are not.
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