Tagline trends that need to die, quick
I hate to hate, but in jest I just have to have a hack at these terrible "trendy" taglines… (how's that for hard to read?)
Because Google was taken…
Hey, is that a lame attempt to qualify your cheesy domain name with a witty admission of how you, average Joe, would have opted for something a bit more famous if it wasn't, gasp, already taken?
It's no surprise that you ended up with your cheesy domain name anyway… after gooogle.com was taken, and groogle.com, and goozoogle.com, you were clean out of options!
Musings of a…
musings: (noun) deep contemplations.
If you claim that your weblog comprises "musings" of, say, a 24-year-old software architect, then I expect long, scholarly essays about complex algorithms, programming theory, and current research topics in the world of software architecture. Posting your favorite links from Digg and your Flickr photos is false advertising.
Just another Wordpress weblog
There's nothing worse than using the standard tagline installed with your blogging platform!
Not just another Wordpress weblog…
Oh, you must be full of witty ideas!
Seriously people… I know this is all in good humor but having a unique, honest tagline is actually an important aspect of making a memorable blog that people come back to. It doesn't even have to be catchy or trendy; it just has to be suited to the content or personality of your writing.
Hahahah that is funny because when I set up Wordpress I decided to put a play on that default tagline, and made mine, Just Another Web Design Blog… Alas only 2 people in the past year have noticed the play on words…
Well, I have to admit, that's more unique. I haven't seen it anywhere else.
Christian Montoya - blogging since alpha alpha
More Zen than soya lettuce
Johnny Beloved — From my lips to God's ear
I thought it was good, but in retrospect, I'm starting to doubt myself.
Salazar, that tagline seems a little pompous! Maybe "From my lips to your ears?" Something more along the lines of speaking to the masses might be better.
Johan: I've been blogging for a little over a year??
Christian,
In your view, should a tagline be short and snappy or more descriptive?
OK, well, in my (not so humble) opinion, you have two kinds of taglines: the "catchy" tagline (e.g. "now with less ugly!") and the informative tagline (e.g. "a weblog about design and standards"). To be honest, either way should be short so that it is easy to remember. Long descriptions belong on the about page.
Thanks. Good point. I need to shorten mine down a bit as it's a mouthful.
A tagline is a tagline. When you really break down the more memorable ones, they don't articulate much at all. A concerted, consistent branding effort, supported by decent and steady content is crucial. I would agree that many attempts at "cheekiness" fall flat, however, it ultimately hinges on your audience. That being said, I would prefer to play it safe and go more "descriptive" than "funny." When repeatedly subjected to the same phrase, humor tends to feel more tired.
"When repeatedly subjected to the same phrase, humor tends to feel more tired." I like that thought. A tagline must appeal to a first-time user but not wear thin after numerous visits.
Jerry: I guess it depends on the focus of your blog, but I see what you mean. A serious, straightforward tagline that communicates a "brand" is much more effective than a witty, funny line. As this is my personal site, I'm bound to push the witty ones, but considering that jokes can get old, I try to change my tagline with every redesign.
Then again, I've never grown tired of a good tagline. I'm just like that.
Interesting comments about taglines. At the Usability and Accessibility day long conference/seminar I was at yesterday, the morning presentation was a review of 10 different websites. For each website without a tagline, the presenter recommended they add a meaningful tagline.
Christian: My comments were definitely not intended for your tagline–they should be viewed as supportive of your post (not just another wordpress blog, etc. are in a whole different category). I think your personality should definitely shine through. When that happens, you probably will be more satisfied with the result.
Deborah: That sounds very interesting–do you recall the name of the presenter?
Deborah: I wish I could have been there! Sounds like I would have enjoyed it.
Jerry: Understood, thanks
tagline for a blog: an idea
Hey, don't leave me - you just got here!
I question the need to have a tagline at all. Sure, it may help you remember small business websites but does a personal blog need one? I get plenty of loyal/repeat traffic and new visitors without a tagline..
Jem: You are just being a spoilsport
Sorry ;(
"From my lips to God's ear" is an old cliche. It's just another way of saying this is a prayer.
Oh wow, I did not know that. Thanks!
This is why my blog doesn't have one (yet.) I can't come up with anything I like.
The blogger I admire for having interesting taglines, and changing them monthly along with her header, is Dooce.
Secretly, I wish my blog were as good as hers overall, but I'm ok with attracting about 20 regular visitors (4 of which are people I coerced.)