We recently launched a streamlined layout for the frontpage so that it would load faster for readers!
The feedback was great, so we made it the default. We told the Bees that we hoped to see an increase in views and comments, but after going over the data… we realized that traffic to the blog has actually gone down. So we made the painful decision to revert the default back to the expanded frontpage.
But if you prefer the streamlined layout, never fear! We’re leaving it as an option so you can continue to view Weddingbee in the streamlined version.
Just mouse over the word “expanded” at the top of the page, click “switch to Streamlined”, and Weddingbee will show up in its streamlined version when you visit.
I love how fast the streamline view loads on my iPhone, but I also love the big pictures on the expanded view. I find myself more likely to click into a post though, when I’ve had a chance to sample a bit more from the frontpage.
Which do you prefer — expanded or streamlined?
For me…I like it either way. But I think for new readers or for someone who just found WeddingBee it might be an easier read with the expanded version. I hope this brings your numbers back up because WeddingBee is awesome and I love it. I actually told two new brides at our taste testing about WeddingBee! 
Yay – I’m glad the old version is back!
i prefer streamlined, but this is fine too. i probably prefer streamlined because i’ve stalked weddingbee long enough to know what contents i’ll (usually) gravitate towards.:-) thanks for all the hard work!!
Depends on how much catching up I have to do! If I’m stalking it all day long at work, I like the expanded view. But I loved having the streamlined view when I got back from my honeymoon!
I agree that the expanded version is much more likely to pull me in to a post. But it’s nice to still have the streamlined option. Thanks for all the effort you put in to making The Bee such an awesome site!
I’m a photo freak – so I have to admit that I like the expanded site!
What was the timeline on the streamlined launch? And are you sure the drop in visits is due to the site change? I only ask because recent posts, in my very distinct and humble and quite possibly lonely opinion, have been slightly lack-luster. I don’t know why but I can’t get into a lot of them. Maybe its because there are so many recaps at one time. It can be exhausting to follow so many. But again just my opinion. I like the expanded so that I can see more of what’s what before I commit.
Definitely expanded. I also loved the script on the old Weddingbee where you can “read more” and it doesn’t load a new page.
I read streamlined on my blackberry, but prefer expanded. I don’t have a good reason why, maybe its just the old faithful
I am definitely a fan of the streamlined layout. I was so excited when it was launched a few months ago! I’ll definitely keep my hive streamlined!
I like the expanded version! I kind of liked the streamlined at first, but lately I’ve found it harder to follow and get the real gist of a post with the streamlined. Either way, thank you for giving us options!
@heather25: You’re right, there are a lot of recaps going on right now. Some readers love recaps though!
The types of posts on Weddingbee at any given time vary a lot at any moment in time. Sometimes we have a lot of DIY, and sometimes we don’t. Either way, we will get complaints that we have too much DIY… or not enough! So people’s response tends to vary, even to the same content.
In any case, we’re sure on the timing of things.
I guess I like the streamline better because that’s how it was when I first joined. I can get through the posts quicker without doing so much scrolling. When I come to weddingbee I open each new post in a new tab and then go and read them all. I’m not really a big fan of clicking on something and then going back and then clicking on a new one and then going back..
I am definitely keeping mine switched over to streamlined version!
Haha Mrs. Bee…I was definitely going to say that I wish there were more DIY right now. But I am sure its different strokes for different folks. Ms. Poodle is saving me right now. Glad you gave us options! Good luck.
I’m more of a streamlined person, but I’m glad there we have a choice between the two options still!
I love the streamlined look! I’m so glad you guys were able to set that up for us .
I never noticed a difference personally.
i like the streamline because i have been reading for a while and it allows me to scan and find the bee blogs I am most interested in…but I can see how this would bring site traffic down.
either way its still great!
Mrs. Bee, New York Age and Occupation: 29, Weddingbee Publisher Fiance's Age and Occupation: 33, Internet Engagement Date: May 7, 2004 Wedding Date: March 5, 2005 Venue: Westside Loft, New York About Me: Yes, my name really is Bee! I love my blogging, wikis, and tabasco sauce!
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