by Skellie

Photography: Makes you think by timtom.ch
Update: Due to overwhelming demand I’ve had to close off requests for now. If I’m able to accept more I’ll announce it on the blog. You can subscribe via feed or email if you don’t want to miss it.
I’m a strong believer in the benefits of web simplicity and reducing clutter.
One thing I’ve previously enjoyed doing is giving one-on-one feedback to bloggers and webmasters on how they can simplify and declutter their sites, strengthening their core message. It’s also something I don’t get to do often enough.
In an attempt to change that, I’ve decided to offer personalized email reviews of your blog or website, with a focus on simplicity and clutter removal tailored to you.
Opening date: 5 September 2007
Closing date: Offer is permanent
How do I get a review?
Read first: I’m happy to review any site, as long as it is not adult or potentially offensive.
Email me via my contact page with the subject line ‘Simplicity review’. In your email, include a link to your blog or website so I can head over there and start evaluating. In the mean time, you’ll receive an email confirming that your review has been received.
When you get that email, rest assured you’ll get a review eventually. I have no idea what kind of a demand there’ll be for this service so I can’t provide a time estimate as yet.
I’d be happy for you to give me some direction in your email, if you want to request feedback on specific elements. Otherwise I will evaluate what jumps out at me when I visit the site.
What do I have to do in return?
Nothing. You don’t have to link to me, you don’t have to write a review of this site, or commence any other action. This is simply me trying to exercise skill #21 of 101 Essential Blogging Skills: “Give without expecting to receive.”
You’re more than welcome to reproduce the email wherever you like, or to tell friends about the review service. You don’t need to be a reader of this blog to get a review.
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20 Comments, Comment or Ping
Michael from Pro Blog Design
Wow. I think Skellie’s level of free time is about to take a nose dive…
Good luck with these! It’s very good of you to offer such feedback.
Sep 4th, 2007
Tammy
Skellie,
That’s a really generous offer, thanks!
I’d love to see, down the road, a post you write based on the experience of conducting the simplicity reviews…maybe something on the common successes and pitfalls you noticed across sites.
Sep 4th, 2007
skellie
Haha, you could be right Michael! Hopefully it will be worth it :).
@ Tammy: That’s a good idea. I will definitely give it some thought.
Sep 4th, 2007
maldives honeymoon vacation
a great idea
Sep 5th, 2007
Xavier Donoso
Definitely a great idea…thanks a lot for the review!
Sep 5th, 2007
skellie
@ Maldives: Would you like a review? Email if you’re interested
@ Xavier: My pleasure!
Sep 6th, 2007
Tad Chef
Skellie, I hope you earned this month’s money already
As you probably remember I failed miserably to review most sites I promised to… until now…
Sep 6th, 2007
skellie
@ Tad: I had Wednesday off so I spent most of the day doing about 20 reviews. I did another 3 yesterday. Now that the post is off the main page the review requests have slowed down to a more manageable rate, but it was actually pretty exciting to get such interest. Also, yes, very time consuming ;).
Sep 6th, 2007
Suzanne of New Affiliate Discoveries
Skellie,
I’ll definately link to this! When I am satisfied with my design (I’m not yet), I’ll ask you to take a look at it.
Sep 10th, 2007
skellie
@ Suzanne: Thanks — I look forward to it!
Sep 10th, 2007
Steve
Thank you for offering this service without any strings attached. So often people want to be linked to or this or that which I do understand, but it’s just REALLY nice not to be pressure into doing that. I look forward to your feedback about my site and any advice you might have about its appearance and content. Thank you so much again.
Sep 19th, 2007
skellie
@ Steve: No problems! I’ve found not expecting anything in return has made the process *much* more enjoyable for me. It feels like a gift, rather than a laborious transaction.
I’ll be sending your review soon
Sep 19th, 2007
David Airey
That’s a very kind offer, Skellie, and one that many will benefit from, judging by the uncluttered style you’ve got going on.
Sep 24th, 2007
skellie
Thanks David — let me know if you’d like a review
Sep 25th, 2007
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