Bossip’s New Design Steps it Up
by Maurice Cherry
Moguldom Media Group’s flagship site, Bossip, recently launched a new design in early December 2009. Sporting a lighter backdrop and a sleeker version of their logo, the new design features more space for advertisements, as well as sections for highlighted articles. These subtle changes help shift the feel of the site to reflect an online publication rather than a simple blog.
Atop each page are distinct links for content syndication and sharing (RSS, e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter). The WordPress site also features WordPress.com integration, allowing you to maintain a login across any of the MMG websites. On first look, there are a few new sections that Bossip plans to expand on in 2010.
Bossip’s video section features videos curated by Bossip’s staff, including exclusive video interviews with celebrities, documentaries, and other typical video site fare like funny clips and infomercials. Most videos listed already boast thousands of views, with new videos added on a regular basis. Popular Bossip content is now easily reached through the navigation, as shown by the Exclusives, Sex & Relationships, Top Ten Lists, and Celeb Directory categories. There’s even a Bossip glossary with definitions for some of the site’s most used phrases. Along with the site’s refresh, there’s also been a refresh of their mobile site. Just visit bossip.com/mobile and sign up by entering your mobile number.
The new Bossip Store already features a diverse inventory of shirts available for purchase. Hopefully, Bossip will tap into their community to submit new ideas for t-shirts or even start a commission-based sales program for more revenue. There is also integration into MMG’s other web properties, with links to the latest four stories on HipHopWired, HipHopWired Politics, and BlackVoices in the footer of each page. The site was designed by Huny Young, creative director at Phattygirl, and former interactive art director at VIBE Media Group. Young is also the creative eye behind MMG property HipHopWired.
While the new design is certainly a win for MMG, Bossip’s readers have been voicing their displeasure. A recent poll shows 31% of those who participated think the old design was better. 17% said “it sucks”. Despite these opinions, Bossip is clearly carving its own name in the entertainment/celebrity blogging sphere. During Yahoo’s 2009 Year in Review, Bossip placed 7th on their top ten blogs of 2009.
How do you feel about Bossip’s new look?
Category: Featured, News | Tags: bossip, hiphopwired, phattygirl, redesign, wordpressDid you like this article? Share It!
DJ Diva says:
Huny Young is a great designer! People don't like change but Bossip's old site was too busy. Kudos to them and you for recognizing real talent!
Guest says:
Design Fail!! Too many ads, stories getting weak. Used to go to MTO and Bossip, now I go too MTO and necole bitchie. Sorry
Guest says:
Design Fail!! Too many ads, stories getting weak. Used to go to MTO and Bossip, now I go too MTO and necole bitchie. Sorry
hdot says:
the number of ads and the quality of the stories isn't a design fail. those things have nothing to do with the design, actually. those are marketing and editorial choices. sorry.
cheap nikeshox says:
Hello, I like you very much of this article. But my English is not very good, this article for you see not easily understood.
website builder says:
You're wrong there. A website with a lots of ads is a big turnoff for visitors.
hdot says:
I agree, but then again, I didn't say anything adverse to that. what I said was that the number of ads was a marketing choice, not mine as the designer, which is the only POV I'm commenting from.
Naples web design says:
Yes you are right about the ads because those are related in the sales and commissions for a site and not with the design. It can affect the look and design of the site but it's not a design failed for just an ads. One of the designed fail which I can considered is when the look of the web page is choppy wherein the quality of images are not that good. Ads are purely for sales and not with the design concept.
Petya Noname says:
I think that too it gives much unpleasent impression about it's owner so you even don't want to read it