New design after blog break?

As you might of guessed my blogging has been a little thin on the ground lately - in fact it’s pretty much been absent without leave but now that I’m getting ready to start up the part of my brain responsible for mindless rambling I can’t help but think - do I need a new look?

I have this idea in my head that if you take a break from blogging seriously (read seriously as at least daily) of more than a month then, when you’re ready to return to regular rambling it should be with a new look.

I’ve been toying with the idea of a new theme for Up Your Ego for a while now but didn’t want to do it as my reader base seemed to be increasing - now that I’ve ignored anyone reading this for the last six weeks I think the time might be right.

But I’m not sure and here’s why. Before I had to take a break from blogging due to being insanely busy my reader base, rankings and people linking in was increasing pretty rapidly - then I stopped and the numbers decreased - if I start again will it hinder my progress in regaining readership if the look is completely different?

I’ve toyed with the idea of changing layout but keeping the colour scheme and navigation structure - something I’ve done several times over the last two or three years - but what I really want to do is ditch the orange.

I’ve had my heart set on a pink and black template - similar scheme to my Pownce Theme - for a while but haven’t wanted to make the leap - maybe now is the time.

What do you think? Does design matter, should I go simpler, should I go pink - or should I just leave well alone?

Do I even need a blog anymore given that I have very little time and can already spout nonsense through Facebook, Jaiku, Pownce, Twitter and my Tumblog - should I scrap the blog in favour of the shorter, snappier outlets?

Oh and while on the subject of design - I got to sink my teeth into a bit of design that wasn’t for a banner, TV graphic or promo today - I’m helping a friend out with his company website - for an Estate Agents.

He wants clean, white and simple - I’m thinking big community site where people can share property stories, rate properties and discuss things to do in that area - he wasn’t keen!

You can take the Social Network from the addict but you’ll never take the addict from the Social Network - or something like that anyway.

Oh and if you want an invite to Pownce leave a comment and I’ll send you one - I’ve got 11.

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