Hey all. So, I’ve been blogging at you for a while now, and I want to know what you think. Likes, dislikes, rants, raves? I want to hear them. Post below and let me know.

1. Maude, February 4, 2008:

   You are cheeky aren’t you. And yet accurate.

   I have to say, try as I might I just can’t find a flaw in your blog. It’s easy to navigate. I can look through the archives, use the tool bar at the top of the page, look at recent posts, or even look at the articles that people have been commenting on.

   I also love the tone. You manage to come off as both caring and snarky–a task that more established writers often are not up to. I find myself alternatively laughing and sucking in my breath, trying to hold back those tears.

   I like that your posts are quick and not filled with too much outside commentary. Instead your commentary is held within the way you present the information.

   One thing is I couldn’t seem to locate your blogroll so you might want to put that in a more prominent position.

   Also I think it would be fun if you took old cases, presented them on like Monday, feed us evidence and see if we could solve it by Friday. Bu that’s just because I really like Clue.

   On the whole, keep up the good work and I’ll keep reading.

2. Sandi, February 4, 2008:

   Brenna,

   I think your blog is great. Your writing style and tone are perfect for what you’re writing about, and you’re also very informative. A great newsblog.

   One great feature is the Thursday Crime Beat. I think it’s a good idea to have something static that readers know they can come back to each week.

   I also think the theme you picked for the hosted site works well with the overall theme of your blog, though it seems there are a few kinks to work out. Some of the images aren’t loading (though that could just be on my end). And I’m a little confused by the navigation.

   The only other suggestion I have is to possibly try to include some photos or graphics. That is probably really difficult with the crime beat, since it’s not like you have access to photos ofthe victims, etc. But for instance, maybe a map or something with the Tinley Park post. I know that was the first thing in my mind when I saw the story: where is Tinley Park?

   But honestly, I love the blog, and I think you’re doing a great job. The frequency of the posts keeps drawing traffic, so keep it up!

   -Sandi

3. Heather, February 4, 2008:

   This blog is awesome. I really like that it’s informative but also fun to read. You have a knack for choosing the right posts to show off your sense of humor, while appropriately keeping other posts serious. I think it’s also good that the posts are succinct… makes it more enjoyable to read.
   It’s cool that you’ve linked to some really interesting outside info, such as the photos of the drug addict/prostitute getting progressively scarier-looking. I also like that your posts are on topic but aren’t all breaking news. The one about organized stalking absolutely cracked me up, and at the same time it’s pretty fascinating.
   The layout you chose for the site seems to work pretty well. I like the various pages you have set up – and their themed names. I just wondered if there was a way you could put a list of categories on your main page; it would make navigation easier.
   One thing you might want to watch out for in the future is to make sure that your headline isn’t the only place that mentions the crucial info in the post. I’m thinking about the “top cop found with pot” post, where if you don’t read the headline, it sounds at first like the cop is a criminal because he’s black. That’s pretty minor, though.
   You rock. I’m definitely going to keep reading!