These are the two finished headers from vonWaltoncreative please choose one. The header with the most votes and supporting comments will become the official header image for The Survivalist Blog.net. Please click on the image for a full sized view…
Header #1
Header #2
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102 comments
I voted for #2 because that just seems to capture who we are–the Wolf Pack.
I agree. We need the wolf left in. Just fits better…
My thought, too.
yes on the wolf pack vote for #2
I agree. I like #2 with the wolf the best. #1 is nice also, just my personal preference is 2 for the wolf pack.
well it appears im in the minority. i like the first one best of all.
on second thought, it looks like one is winning!
both great, but I like Header One better,,,,actually has asspects of surviving displayed,,still aknowledges the Wolf Pack with the foot print…
I agree with you about header one. The first one captures your attention within the first few seconds of visiting the site- a crucial few seconds important to visitor retention.
The wolf idea is nice, but it conveys the concept of hunt and kill. It does little to demonstrate the purpose of this site. The first conveys the idea that people visit the site for; planning, preparing and surviving what may come in the future.
The second one is outstanding!!
Looks like the wolf pack wants the wolf :)
My how things have changed in a hour. :(
It’s been a long time since I’ve posted, but I was still here reading everyone’s awesome wisdom. I stopped posting due to concerns about “who was watching”. I don’t think it even matters anymore. They are like Santa. “They know when you are sleeping, they know when you’re awake…”
Anyway…I have to agree with Brad (BCT). I think for the purposes that MD is looking for, header #1 got my vote. Don’t get me wrong. I love the wolf. My son and I created the one replaced a couple headers ago and it had a howling wolf. It has to be for what’s best for newcomers. I doubt most here even pay attention anymore to the header since we come here for the content anyway :)
God Bless!
Me, too, Sheri. Both are very nice so I didn’t vote. I love the wolf one but totally see how the first one is more visual of what we are trying to do here. Good job, MD!
Millie please use your right to vote it is how we change things 1 vote at a time.
helloooooo sheri! great to see you!
Hey Brad! It’s good to be back :)
I like #1 best. Although no wolf, it does strike me as more planned.
I consider myself a sheepdog rather than a wolf:
http://www.gleamingedge.com/mirrors/onsheepwolvesandsheepdogs.html
I voted for the first one.
I voted for the first one, there is something that isn’t quite right for me on the wolf on the second one. I don’t know, just me. The header doesn’t make the page. It is the information that is shared here on the site that makes it someplace that I come when ever I happen to have some free time. (something that hasn’t been happening for me to often here lately. God Bless, one and all.
Me too about the wolf – I liked the one where the wolf was facing you so I voted for header #1 instead. Both are fine tho.
#1 got my vote – because in the header it goes to what we’re about. While #2 is pretty, and while we call ourselves the WolfPack, you gotta ask, which picture is more descriptive of the site? Because the picture is what will clue people in as to what is written therein… A blog about wolves, or a blog about survival?
Just my 2 cents… Annie
I’m with Annie, I voted for #1 as well.
They’re both good but I like #2. The wolf captures the spirit of the blog.
I think #2 will attract the bad ass that will bolt to the woods with a match and a fish hook, and #1 will attract a more balanced audience.
#1 all the way
I voted for #1 because it doesn’t look as “wild”. It still includes the wolf pack’s print, which I really like because this “family” can leave a positive print on the lives of everyone who visits this blog. It gives me more of a vibe of a group of people who’s goal is to become more self-sufficient as opposed to a divide and conquer vibe that #2 gives me. Just my opinion.
I really love them both. I voted for # 1 because I think it is better suited to MD’s goal of increasing readership.
I actually prefer the second header as it is far less cluttered but I suspect that header one is the more compressive one.
I voted for 1. I feel it is more ‘approachable’ and thus may pull more readers and contributers. While we are all the Wolf Pack, wolves have a unique hierarchy and I believe the first one opens a better door.
THIS pack welcomes everyone…except drooling tolls!
Had to go with #2… less cluttered looking, simple, and elegant….
#1 is great and all, but is cluttered in comparison
I looked and voted and then read some of the comments. I love the wolf.
I love #2 but from a welcoming for everyone perspective I would chose # 1. #1 is a good visual introduction of what this site is about. #2 could scare off some beginning or non preppers who would think they stumbled on a militia site. Most of my friends and myself have quick attention spans and move from site to site quickly just looking at the headers before getting in to blogs or moving on. Header 2 captures the spirit of the TheSurvivalistblog.net but header 1 could bring in more web surfers as it is “less scary?” for the average person. Just my humble opinion.
I like # 1
Is it just me or does it make you want a chocolate bar.
Love this site, have learned much from you all . Thanks
cak,
I think some of you need to eat…. soon! I don’t see a “chocolate bar” anywhere in the header.
It’s the color of the carved wood ‘sign’ and the shape makes it look slightly like a chocolate bar…mmm now I’m hungry.
I didn’t think it looked like a chocolate bar, I thought it looked like a welcome mat.
Very difficult to vote on, and I realize only one can be chosen. While I like the look of the wolf on the second one, the first one, while cluttered looks more mainstream.
So, are we mainstream or are we radical?
The only thing I can say is that I cannot remember what the one looked liked when I first started reading this blog. But, I think I will vote for the wolf as I like the way it looks.
The one question I have, is how many hits did you have while you were experimenting with both headings? Did one have more of an influence in your traffic then the other, if so, no matter what the vote, that would be the one to choose.
The second one is purdier.
Gotta go with the Wolf (#2), stay with who you brought to the dance!
I liked both, they are both very professional looking. But, I identify with the second better.
M. D. …. You have to ‘imagine’ the chocolate bar – really= number one looks like a chocolate bar with or at least a ‘very’ dark small block of wood that has been routed or may-be a block of dark-basalt stone that has the works carved into it.
I vote for number two … as one posting indicated = stay with the one you brought to the dance and another indicated that the number two header ‘captures the spirit’ and correspondingly less cluttered.
Since a great part of survival is the ability to adapt, I believe that those most resistant to change will be at a disadvantage when/if tshtf. If changing the header increases the chance that more people hitting the site for the first time stick around to glean excellent info from all of you…? Well, then I say better prepped people = 1) More folks not left in the dark after the sun throws a huge CME our way 2) Less children starving to death after the economic collapse 3) More people surviving the “winter” after Yosemite blows, 4) Less gangs of ruthless idiots (zombies) roaming & pillaging after the alien invasion… and so on. There is a tremendous wealth of information here. Adapt, survive, learn, move forward. Change what we must. Discard what doesnt work. The header? Very low on my list of priorities. Would rather spend my time thinking about what I can do to improve my family’s survival rate should any of the above scenarios take place. It is, after all is said and done, the most important thing. Dontcha think? Steppin off my soapbox now. Thank you, M.D. for all the work you do to keep up this site for all of us. It is much appreciated. :)
Well, I’ve already expressed my opinion about header #1 and it hasn’t changed and all I can say about #2 is “That’s supposed to be a wolf?”. Even The Boss agreed with me on that one, though she liked image #1. Artists, go figure.
But once again, you could put up unicorns, rainbows, or leprechauns for all I care, I’ll still read the content. Might block those images….lol, but I’ll read the content regardless.
I like Header #1 the best … don’t care for the wolf on #2. I think the gear in the background of #1 will catch the eye and interest of new visitors. If I can be difficult for a minute, I think the right side of #2 would look good on the left side of #1.
I don’t think I will vote. I will be comfortable with the ‘packs’ decision.
I’m hooked either way, I like the information, bantering back an forth and updates.
I hope M.D. gets the new traffic needed, an let’s challenge every one to contribute $10.00 or more.
Unleashd,
I don’t won’t anyone to make a donation unless they can truly afford it… I don’t want anyone doing without because they made a contribution. Thank you.
Certainly we do not want people going hungry. But most of us can make a donation of something routinely. If you went to the movies or out to eat you would spend more than $20 or more. Each month we get so much from our fellowship and this forum is definitely more valuable than Netflix. $10 a month for most of us is doable. Those who can should give more. Just saying…your tax dollars go to *****-stan. Some of your money needs to go to Tn so we have a neutral venue to discuss current events.
Unleashd,
I matched you and raised you. Anyone else?
I voted for #1 because it visually encompasses a lot of the great info that is available on this site. What I want most is the one that directs the most people to this site to learn and contribute the most info to benefit their lives and to help M.D. I am very thankful that I happened on this site when I typed survival skills or something like that.
Voted for #1. I think it shows more of a self reliant lifestyle. The wolf is nice but more of an aggresive ‘militia, feel.
The second one is certainly nice, but to be honest, I’m not going off to become some lone wolf mountain man should the SHTF tomorrow. To be honest I’d rather people didn’t think of me that way.
I like the more down to earth, regular guy, all inclusive feel of the first header. Regular guys can be ready when the SHTF without having to feel like they have to become Jeremiah Johnson.
I voted for #2 because it’s less cluttered and something about the colors feels more natural & inviting. I agree with some others that the wolf image itself doesn’t look quite right – maybe because it doesn’t show quite enough of the head to see it’s a wolf and not just a dog???
#1 still seems too cluttered and artificial. I know the artist said the blue square at the bottom center of #1 is a solar cell, but, honestly, every time I see it all I see is a condom wrapper. If you stick with #1, please have the artist make the solar cell look more like a recognizable solar cell.
In the end, whatever gets traffic to the site works. A nice side effect is getting ad clicks to defray expenses. Your blog – make it a statement of your message as _you_ see it.
Condoms do have lots of survival uses. They often get included in folk’s mini survival kits. Actually, I never leave home with out two solar condoms. After all, two is one and one is none.
Too much diet mountain dew this morning, Mike?
I like both equally well but #2 was easier to read.
I agree. I like the idea of a wolf pack because they stick together, but the main reason I voted for #2 was because of the colors. On my cheap cell phone, the header doesn’t show up anyway so it doesn’t matter much to me.
Yep, the first one definitely looks like a bar of dark chocolate. Of course, I haven’t had breakfast yet.
I voted for #2, but think that #1 (with a tiny bit of tweaking), should pull in more new readers. Most of us already here, I believe, are here for the content and the companionship on this journey. There is so much support for one another on this site that does happen any where else in my little world….
I voted for number 1, I like number 2 just a bit better, but as someone else mentioned I think the first one is a better fit for M.D.’s goals.
I can’t imagine anyone finding either one a reason not to stay and explore this awesome site, but I’ll defer to the experts that seem to know more about this stuff.
I guess if some people find a picture of a wolf “scary”, then it would be better to ease them in to the concept. The way the world is these days, people are starting to brand those who prefer a self-reliant lifestyle as radicals, and maybe header 1 is a little more inclusive.
I looked for a while for information on “lost and forgotten” skills before I stumbled on this site. I was just hoping to find a good comprehensive site to read, but to have the added benefit of an active and intelligent group willing to help each other the way the Wolfpack does was more than I could have hoped for. I still think those that bounce out immediately and don’t come back really weren’t looking for this information anyway.
Oscar
I think you are a smart man, Oscar. And, “welcome to the Pack”!
Welcome to the Pack, Oscar!
Header one is my choice. It says that skill is involved in prepping, not just a google search. MHO.
I voted for header #1. Has a more sophisticated look to it.
I voted for one because you are trying to attract new people and they would instantly recognize several things that are connected to preparedness while the second one is more of an insider’s understanding of how the wolf relates. Kinda like an inside joke. Great once you are on the inside but not helpful to newbies.
I like #1 but I would add something of the American flag in it. Say just a corner of a tri-folded flag in one of the corners. Not much but something stating “American”. I don’t really know what the little blue piece of ribbon is – maybe the ribbon part of a military medal-not sure. But take that out and put the corner of the flag in there…
I really enjoy your blog and all the fine people that contribute. I read it top to bottom every day!
Tom
LCDR USN (ret)
Greensboro, NC
I liked them both but voted for #1. As others have stated, I believe it will be more inviting to the average person. Number 2 looks more like it would attract a more outdoor type of person. Might turn off someone that is afraid to take that initial step. Just thinking.
I voted for #1. I think it is more welcoming and I like the incorporation of what the site is about under the heading. It seems to be more inviting and approachable by viewers who are searching for info. I’ve always thought of the wolf pack logo as being a part of a community. I’m just thankful for this site because it gives us all great information & I like all of the input by other members. I’m always willing to gleen information and this is the site I use the most. Keep up the good work!
Seems a little BIASED since you haven’t been running banner 2 on this site. Give the wolf a fair chance! Run that banner and then revote.
Header 2 has an excellent shot of a wolf – sure, but overall, to me, the first header has a lot of aesthetically pleasing components to it which capture aspects of the community – the wood-cut sign is great, the coiled rope, shot shell, compass, etc. all give it a very outdoors enthusiast vibe at a superficial level, but pretty deep sentiments to some who use them as tools
Tough choice, both are great.
I chose #2 the wolf …reminds me of ‘surviving to thrive’ that is what wolves do. To thrive and find good in life inspite of the trials we are up against.
I like number 2 better, but I voted for #1 because I think it will appeal to a broader public audience.
I like them both, but Header 2 has a clean look and feel.
I voted for header #1, mostly because I didn’t care for the picture of the wolf in #2. It looks more like a puppy. I also don’t care for the red banner under the site’s name. It takes up too much space, and would look less plain if something else were in it’s place. I do like the placement of survival gear in #1 though.
I’m still partial to the original banner, with the wolf that looked hand-drawn. Actually, it may not be the original banner, but it was the banner in use when I first started coming here.
I like the wolf but I voted #1, MD wants to get less bounce and keep more readers looking, #1 has fishing, hunting, camping and is that the corner of a solar cell? self reliance too. the paw print ties it to the pack.
I think #1 catches the eye of a wider group than the wolf. at a glance is it a site about wolves being survivors? a wolf can be a deadly animal,do we want to promote that survivalists are animals?
we are talking about the very first impression
just my 2 cents (I still like the wolf)
Having been a web marketer in another life, a long time ago, here’s my .02.
The wolf banner is more visually appealing to me. I like canines. The carved wood banner is more inviting to any newcommer. Esecially with the rope and compass. It is non-threatining and makes the sheeeple think of surviving in their car the next time they are in gridlock on the freeway. Go with the wood banner. It will invite more people to the pack, and we can do the rest as far as making an inviting environment for them.
Now to completely change subjects: How do I email you? I’ve. Got some serious questions about your dwarf trees.
Sirius,
I have a contact link in the navigation menu – you can also post your questions here in the comments so everyone can answer also…
To me, the first header will bring bad luck because it looks like a plaque on a gravestone. I voted for the wolf BUT it has a tiny eye, looking away. A much more effective picture of an alpha wolf protecting mate and pups would draw more visitors. There are psychological and sociological studies done on what attracts people. Babies, kittens wuth wide eyes, etc. I think you should check out the scales of attractions and redesign your header. But I liked the original one just fine, anyway!!!
I like number one better, it feels friendlier somehow! Both are well done, though and very nice! Thanks for including us.
Makes me hungry for chocolate, just looking at it… : )
I’m wondering if people were leaving when you had the other one up because dogs are scary. Many individuals, young and old, are bitten every year, the attacks are horrific and the memories are permanent. Header #1 speaks to everyone because the items do not have the ability to harm them if used correctly. I like both headers but, if I wanted people to come on in and pull up a chair, I’d give #1 a few months and see if it makes a difference. If not then I’d go with the second.
Dogs are scary? Try be a dog rescuer, MS…you’ll soon learn that it’s people who are scary! ; )
“Try being”…sorry
I picked number one because it does not conflict with being a sheep dog or in my case a mutt!
I understand the desire or need to have a wolf as the logo as it is a symbol of a family pack an all. However, the paw print still eludes to the pack mentality but allows others who are like minded but consider themselves as protectors of they, their families, those who are left in their charge to include neighbors and friends. I like the symblism of the wood as an earthy connection. To much thought towards marketing you say? Well tough crap! This is a web site designed to capture attention and hold the reader so the advertising can work. Think about it and rebut if you can.
I like the first one best. It has items of the genre included like, rope, knife, lure, compass, and it even has the wolf paw print on a nicely worked wooden placard.
I voted for #1 which definitely appeals to me more – I like the carved wood sign – it has a bit of a “rustic” look and evokes the idea of cabin in the woods or something like that. :) (or chocolate, if that’s how you look at it!:) It also has a serious look to it w/ all of the prepper items around the sign – and we all know that there are lots of little items that we deal w/. The blue color in #2 looks nice, but I think that #1 seems to “fit” better. Just my opinion.
I liked the wolf, and the title is easier to read, so I voted for #2, but I like the modernity of the first one…it was hard to pick…
#1 just gives me a sense of permenence and stability that #2 doesn’t.
I chose #1. There are three kinds of people as most of you know…sheep, wolves and sheepdogs. If the second header had a sheepdog instead of a wolf, I would have voted for that.
Stop over-thinking this; #2 just looks better (simpler) and more inviting. #1 is also very good looking, but it’s a science project. Were I a visitor, I would not be interested in studying a logo. I’d ignore complication and click somewhere else.
I’m howlin for #2. I like #1, but something about #2 just strikes me better.
nUMBER 2 NATURALLY! FROM THE ORIGINAL WOLFE PACK, 81 years and still prepping
I chose #2 bc it was clear & crisp; it didn’t leave me guessing about what I was looking at.
Number one is visually pleasing to the eye. The wording looks as though it has been lovingly carved by someone passionate about their preparedness adventure. The carved look adds “texture”. A few partially seen items of preparation add meaning: compass to give direction, knife for a tool and protection…etc.
This one is a winner for me!
Can we please have that nice UP button back???
I second that request!
Header #1 looks more inviting. Not because it almost looks like a custom chocolate bar, it just looks like a place i would enter.
Doc, we all have our opinion. No need to be insulting. By looking at your comments, perhaps YOU are over thinking it.
I voted #2 for the dog in all of us. The Wolf Pack
Header one is by far the best for the purpose of this website. It held my attention unlike header two – which I just gave a cursory glance. The first three to five seconds at a website are the most important to keep visitors interested.
Richard’s comment below took the words out of my mouth:
“The wolf idea is nice, but it conveys the concept of hunt and kill. It does little to demonstrate the purpose of this site. The first conveys the idea that people visit the site for; planning, preparing and surviving what may come in the future.”
Header one looks more “professional” and has a look that says “credibility,” instead of being just some guy posting about survival stuff. The wolf one is nice, but has a more “this is my hobby” look.
…and being that you do have credibility and are not “just some guy with a hobby,” I voted for #1.
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