UPDATE: After a spirited discussion in the comments, we have decided to keep the template as is. For those of you who prefer black-on-white to read, we remind you (as commenter K S Ferguson did) that you can scroll down to the end of the post and click on “comments.” Just under the title you’ll see “Show Original Post.” Click on that and you’ll get the simple text. We trust that will take care of the major issues discussed here. Thanks, everyone, for chiming in.
From time to time, loyal readers, we have gotten a tweet or a toot or an email asking if we might consider changing the look of the Zone from white-on-black text to black-on-white. It is said the latter is easier on the eyes. And while we like to make trouble in our fiction, we don’t want to do the same to our readers.
So let’s talk about it. Would you like us to make the switch? Do you feel strongly one way or the other?
Killzoneblog.com
I would prefer black text on white background, but my feelings are not so strong that I will stop reading if you choose to leave it white on black.
Yes, please make the switch. Black text on white is much easier to read.
I vote “yes” – change it to black on white, it’s easier on the eyes.
I see nothing wrong with the way it is.
If I was reading very long documents, I might want a change, but for kill zone posts, I like the white on black. It’s refreshingly different.
I like it the way it is. For one thing, it makes the blog stand out from all the others. And black background oozes “Kill Zone”.
Secondly, just because other blogs use white background, doesn’t mean it’s easier on the eyes, because then they use silly fonts and colors. If you want to be technical about it, some off white color would realistically be easier on the eyes then white.
That said, as a geezer whose eyes have worsened over the years, I’m certainly not going to complain if TKZ makes a switch that some find easier on the eyes.
I’m just not convinced that stark white is that much better.
P.S. Far more irritating is the word verification thing. I literally had to enter the content of the boxes 10 times before I translated what my eyes were seeing. Those captchas are what is extremely difficult to read.
Don’t change the format – it’s easy on my tired eyes.
And I agree with BK – the way the page is now screams THRILLER!
Yes, please switch to black text, much easier on my half-century eyes.
I do a lot of work on the computer and the white on black is refreshing. When I can click on TKZ’s site (usually twice a day), with that nice, dark screen, I literally feel my eyes relax. The TKZ site, and the words here, are highlights of my day.
You’re already serving both audiences. On the front page, you have the white on black (for those who appreciate the atmosphere or crave a change from what they read all day).
For folks who can’t easily read that page, they can click over to the comments and expand the link at the top so the entire post is displayed. The comments page is standard black on white. It’s true the comments page doesn’t include the graphics, but readers can always glance over those on the main page since the background doesn’t affect their visibility.
Kathy
Only change i would suggest is to have each author’s name at the beginning of each post. I know it’s a small thing but I kinda like knowing who’s writing from the get-go. I know I am a newbie here, but I didn’t see the small “posted by” tag at the end until my third visit.
I don’t comment here much, but I read, no make that devour, every post.
I like the white on black. I disagree with the black on white being easier on the eyes. I change the background color everywhere I have the option. Stark white hurts my eyes.
And I agree with BK: that captcha thing is beyond annoying. I seldom get it right the first time.
I second everything BK said (except that I’m not a geezer).
Having had eye surgery last year IMO The Kill Zone blog scheme is easier on my eyes than the comments theme.
One of the capchas looks like a light switch, not any recognizable letter or number. I guess I’ll be going through a few before this reply takes.
There’s more to the issue than white-on-black or black-on-white. Typeface and size matter, too. Today’s combo is a good one, a nice change from the other blogs I read, and well in character with the blog’s name.
I STRONGLY agree with PJ about putting the author’s name at the beginning of the post and with everyone who’s said the captchas are royal pains in the tochis. I had to retype a comment on another blog a few days ago because I got the captcha wrong. GRRRR. There are better ways to manage comments and avoid spam.
The Kill Zone will remain one of my favorite blogs, no matter the colors and “theme,” because of the quality of the authors and the content.
I like the white-on-black. The comments page, which is the black-on-white alternative, is too much like staring into a light bulb. Plus, the black background is good atmosphere.
Black on white, please. White on black is perhaps more aesthetic, but black on white is more functional.
I don’t mind white on black. I also have a darker background with white text. Content and site functionality are most important to me.
I agree with BK, the captchas are more bothersome.
I like it the way it is. The black background fits the theme of the blog better than would a white background.
I’ll let others comment on colors, but the captcha thing can be annoying. I would hate to miss comments from our TKZ community.
If we’re only talking about black on white versus white on black, I say leave it. Black on white is just too much.
White on black looks nice, but it is more difficult for the eye. I’m sure you can say “thriller” in black on white too. It’s a matter of design.
I say leave as is. I like the change. Makes me not want to edit. 😉 Not that I would find anything to fix here.
Here I am, late for the party again. Once more, I was out in the woods.
So, the white on black is oh so KZ. It’s edgy. It’s easy to read, too. I blow the whole thing up to the size of Pluto. DON’T CHANGE A THING!
I agree with John. The comment page is like staring at a light bulb, but not nearly as much fun. And those captchas. Ya gotta hate ’em. But they’re a small price for being able to hang out with y’all.