As you might have noticed, things have changed around here. It was time. While we loved the serenity of our our old design, we felt like everyone was showing up at the party wearing the same theme. So we went out and found the blog equivalent of haute couture. Sure, we’re all fancy now, but we’re still the same blog you’ve come to know and love.
…we still need a name for Logo Lady…
No, no, we’re better. We’ve made improvements. Some are obvious, some are subtle. All, we believe, will make your lives easier, and, really, that’s what it’s all about, right? We cannot begin to express our excitement* about the new look, the new feel, the new ways we’re using technology to make the Booksquare machine seem both well-oiled and well-considered.
Our incredible illustrations were done by super-hot artist Molly Crabapple. It is generally acknowledged at BS Headquarters that we were lucky — a year from now, Molly’s going to be a superstar, too busy to take on little projects like ours. We found Molly through the gorgeous Carolyn Turgeon, who, you’ll recall, we met in a seedy Washington D.C. bar. Life is funny that way. Always talk to strangers, that’s our motto.
As the illustrations took shape, containing our excitement became a full-time project. We subjected friends and strangers to relentless sessions of “look at the pretty pictures”. People stopped coming by BS Headquarters. Finally, it was suggested that we keep the redesign project a “secret” — something about ruining the impact of the final unveiling. Didn’t make a lick of sense, if you want to to know the truth, but we’d run out of friends anyway.
Which is a shame because we still need to come up with a name for Logo Lady.
Design and layout were done by Kirk Biglione. While admitting mistakes is not our style, we will confess that there were times when we came dangerously close to earning the title “client from hell”. Of course, closies only count in hand grenades and horseshoes, and we’re not entirely sure about the horseshoes part. Apparently, all it takes to distract us from certain disaster is a glass of wine. Kirk went through a lot of vino during the design process. Some of it, he consumed himself.
Now that the whole design thing is done, we can go back to what we do best: writing, ranting, and raving. Booksquare was recently described as Medialoper for readers. This is sort of funny because we’ve always thought that Medialoper was Booksquare for all other entertainment industries (which is why we stole the love and skepticism line). However you choose to look at it, we remain as fascinated as ever by all aspects of the publishing business. Also, perplexed. Okay, mostly perplexed.
So now we’re back at work. We also have a few guest posts lined up for the week (yes, Jill, that means you have to get your stuff finished and posted!) because, well, while we remain true to our mission, we are also the laziest of the pajama-wearing blog community. If someone else can do the work for us, well, let’s be real — what would you do?
Thought so.
* – Short of the written equivalents of girl-squeals, giggles, hand clapping, and jumping up and down. We have done some research, and this would involve using all caps, swirling and twirling text, and things that blink. Also, we’d have to dot our “i’s” with little books.
16 responses so far ↓
kirkb // Feb 3, 2007 at 8:16 pm
But the logo lady already has a name. It’s hidden somewhere on the new site.
SusanGable // Feb 4, 2007 at 7:10 am
BS, the new digs are GORGEOUS! Molly, fabulous work! Kirk, you, too. What, BS almost becamse the client from hell? Nooooo, I don’t believe it. LOL. (Hey, I get it. We want what we want. End of story. LOL.)
Thank you for not using swirling, twirling text and things that blink. And especially for not using a curor thingie that trails little hearts or books. We loyal BS readers appreciate that.
Good luck with the new place!
Jim // Feb 4, 2007 at 7:17 am
I think that her name should be Loren Ipsum.
kirkb // Feb 4, 2007 at 10:43 am
Hmm. Looks like I’ll need to give some clues. Her initials are BS.
Joan Kelly // Feb 4, 2007 at 10:54 am
Wow, so beautiful.
Bookseller Chick // Feb 4, 2007 at 11:04 am
Gorgeous. Simply gorgeous, and classy to boot.
And the wine was an excellent touch.
Diane // Feb 4, 2007 at 12:09 pm
Any graphic that includes a cat works for me! Congratulations!
SusanGable // Feb 4, 2007 at 12:20 pm
Kirk! Calling such a lovely lady BullS*. (G)
I think you should call her Biblea O’Phile.
David Thayer // Feb 4, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Very nice combination of design and functionality because I think that form follows function and you have built the ultimate blogging machine. And Logo Lady is reading Latin! Saludamas te!
HelenKay Dimon // Feb 4, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Well, well, well. Look at you! It’s just fabulous. Won’t even mention the resemblance with the lady pictured at the top there…
Congrats on the new look!
Sphinx Ink // Feb 4, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Love the new design–beautiful, eye-catching, and captures the essence of the blog. Great, great, great!
Cindy // Feb 5, 2007 at 5:30 am
This is great, what a treat to come here today and see the new visuals. Love the glass of wine!
Brenda Coulter // Feb 5, 2007 at 7:24 am
Snazzy! But did you know that you have only three fingers on your right hand and that you’re drinking red wine from a white wineglass? Also, you really ought to shave under your bottom lip. (But the WonderBra is working miracles for you, and I like what you’ve done with your hair.)
Steve Clackson // Feb 5, 2007 at 7:26 am
Great new look!
She looks like Abby Read to me:)
Cindy Procter-King // Feb 5, 2007 at 1:25 pm
Wow, looks great, Kassia.
Cindy
KathyF // Feb 6, 2007 at 1:31 am
You are so cool.