Sunday, May 31, 2009

21. Redesign

You may notice that this blog suddenly looks different, and this post is to explain why and to clarify a few things to anyone who may be confused. The original green "Wizard of Oz" theme was something I came up with in the days after Ozzie's birth. I slapped it together, called myself "The Wizard," and got to work. But I never really liked the design, and I don't particularly like wizards, and it always kind of bugged me.

As I was building Down Town, I planned on ditching this blog altogether and just moving everything over to that site. But it became a huge hassle to do that. I tried - I copied the content over to the new site, and I called it "Life with Ozzie," (a name that's a bit more straightforward than Down With Oz). But I ended up with a really crummy version of a blog. I'm finally just admitting that it makes more sense to manage my blog through blogger.com.

This evening I redesigned Down With Oz to bring it more in line with the design of Down Town, and I changed my stupid "Wizard" moniker to something that actually makes sense: downtowndan. That name may be stupid too, but I think it has sort of a cool blacksploitation vibe, which you must admit is better than a magical-wizard-nerd vibe. I also added a blogroll and a followers link and set up email notification for comments, etc. In other words, I finally got serious about this blog. Hope you like it.

Oh, one more thing. Anyone can now comment on this blog - you don't have to log in or be a member of blogger or anything. That's a gift for my internet-challenged family.

8 comments:

Mommy to those Special Ks said...

New here! Look forward to following along! I have a 5 year old daughter with Ds named Kennedy :).

Cheri said...

I like the changes...and downtowndan is perfect. Before my husband read your profile he commented that you must be a graphic artist by the looks of the website :). Not sure if you noticed that I responded to your comment on my blog with a link to another "dad" blog...he lives in Ireland.

The Hapa Girl said...

Hey I found your blog by way of other blogs! Looking forward to reading more and following you guys on your journey too!

Lisa said...

I didn't realize you had a separate blog. I've listed both this one and Down Town separately on Bridget's Light. I've also passed your link along several times already...and from the looks of it, many others in the Ds blogging community are doing the same. Here's to helping pave the way for newbies, and helping each other along the path, too. I am sure you'll be seeing a big jump in visitors. Keep up the great work!

Claudia said...

Hello comes from Germany as well! I came here through Reids blog und have to say that I`m loving your blog and the Down Town-site, especially the movie is sooooo great! I put a link on my daughter Mia`s blog to introduce my german and english speaking readers to your great sites. As Lisa said before, keep up the good work! Oh, and not to forget the most important, your son looks gorgeous on those photos!!!!

Bye says Claudia

Mandy said...

Hey Dan! Love the new site. I'm no artist or journalist, but I didn't think the wizard thing was stupid.
I can't wait to read the posts of all the families that find comfort in your words. You will be such a blessing to other parents who are walking in your shoes.
Mom loves the Anonymous option...thanks for adding it. See you soon!

Lisa said...

Just heard about your blog and your downtownds site. SO excited that they are a part of my online-blogging-bragging-educating-etc community. Thank you! I've listed both sites on my blog in hopes to disseminate the great work you are doing!

Ria said...

Great new look! And "DownTownDan" is a nice id to tie in your other site too.