(amazinfuckup)
It would be perhaps difficult for me to say specifically when I started reading... I read a lot when you first requested, about two years ago, then I took you off my buddy list until recently. I also read a lot for your review, starting in February and reading through April. So I think I've had a pretty fair sampling.
This latest group of entries I've read are such a huge change from what I used to read before... I think that says a lot about the dynamic growth of you, as a person, and your ability to express that in each entry. You're happy now, and that's a lot different than I remember.
I would say that you are a really great writer. Some of your entries struck chords in me that I almost don't want to examine more closely, like this one, with the first sentence brings up all kinds of personal emotions, that gives you an excellent writing skill. You also carry a narrative that doesn't really require that I know a lot about you or read regularly, which I may start doing again. You are succeeding, and I am proud to be able to watch it.
Interestingly, I have you on my AIM though I'm not sure when I added you! I can't really find much to critique in your writing. I really do enjoy it, especially now. Nicely done.
Favorite Quote:
"I found out I have this weird ability to handle high pressure situations. Guarding lives, not talking to the police, saving relationships and preventing shitty decisions. I've also realized this isn't something I get from my father, whose first reaction under pressure is to get angry and yell until problems go away. It's also not something I get from my mother, whose first reaction is to hide until things leave. This is something I forged myself, carved out of wood into a human girl doll..." on February, 29, 2008
Design: (20/30)
This is an incredibly simple design... I'm not sure how I feel about it though. It works, but it so black and white... maybe that's the idea; maybe you're making a statement that life is black and white... but it's not, and I don't think you feel that way anymore either.
I think at this point, you are so used to it that anything I say is not likely to change it. I don't suggest you switch to some gawdy one with a slightly off focus picture and happy title... but I think subtle color can help provide some dynamics to a page. That would be my main recommendation.
Updates/Archiving: (8/10)
I am a huge fan of your organizing things by your age... I think that speaks a lot to the focus you want people to have when reading your entries, and it's really unique. The only thing I don't like about it is how many entries are then on each older.html page. I like it to be succinct, marked by months or seasons. That's a personal preference though. You update pretty regularly, certainly enough that not a lot has changed from entry to entry... unlike myself, so kudos for that.
Navigation: (5/5)
Incredibly simple, but also very efficient. Works for me.
Errors: (5/5)
People survive on the internet by not having errors. You've been around a while and you know your stuff.
Contact: (5/5)
You have both email and IM on your FAQ page, as well as notes in the main navigation. I know you get online, so I feel like I can get a hold of you if I want to.
Bonus: (15/15)
Boy, waht do I even put in this section anymore?
Your FAQ page is incredibly comprehensive, and I like the fact that the switches between your two diaryland diaries are seamless for their designs. You still have a link to us, always nice... You have a sitemeter that is through the roof! 41000 hits--WOW!
Total: (88/100)
Further Comments:
I feel like this overall score is lower than I feel about your diary. Beyond the personal preferences that I have (and you asked me to evaluate with), I really like your diary. I'd say the content score matters more than any of the other sections.
Music of the Review: Mute Math
Reviewed by: Valerie