Let's Talk About MySpace Layouts

Everyone has a Myspace it seems, from the 15 year old down the street to your Grandmother. It also seems everyone wants their Myspace to scream, "This is me!" You see all sorts of layouts and styles all over. Some are really good, tastefully done, something anyone would be proud of. Others, well they make even those of us that aren't web page designers cringe.

There are general rules of thumb that everyone should follow when they are choosing a Myspace layout. There are some great sites out there that have wonderful graphics and layouts that you can use. If you are at all HTML proficient, then you can also make your own Myspace layouts. But always remember that you must give credit where credit is due. If it is just a single graphic or a whole layout, give the artist or designer credit for what they have done.
Now let's get down to the nitty gritty of Judilynn's rule of thumb for Myspace layouts. I know I should probably do ten, but we are going to start with 5 and work our way from there.

Number 5 - You must always remember you are putting your Myspace out there for everyone to see. That may include your elderly Grandmother. If you are using something a bit risqué or gruesome always keep in mind that anyone can see it. This may include current or future employers. Do you really want your boss to know you are into all that?

Number 4 - Tacky is Tacky regardless of age or taste. There are just some things that should be used in moderation. A little bling or sparkle is great and adds to your layout. When you have your Myspace literally loaded so that it is flashing and sparkling your visitors blind, it goes from nice to tacky.

Number 3 - Putting up way to much personal information. While this may be ok if your page is set to private, there are a lot out there that aren't and have too much information. We always hear about kids and personal information on the internet, but it is something we all need to be aware of.

Number 2 - Pay attention to that bottom scroll bar. The one thing that can really annoy people is if they have to use the bottom scroll bar to got back and forth and use the vertical to go up and down. While those graphics in your layout maybe way cool, if they don't fit in the average screen size, either make it smaller of use something else. This goes the same when you are leaving comments for someone and using a huge graphic. Be aware of the sizing issue.

Number 1 - This is a huge no-no in the Myspace layout world. Readability. I can not stress this enough. Let me explain if you are using a background that is mostly white or a very light background, don't use white for your font color. You need to have a contrasting color that stands out so people can see what is written there. And as long as we are on the subject, let's talk the readability of your font. That curly cursive font that is your all time favorite is not a good idea. Remember while your Myspace is supposed to reflect your personality, what good is your personality if no one can read what you have written?

Now with these rules in your mind there are a number of great places around the web and at Myspace itself to find great layouts. The big ones such as My Space Pimper and My Nice Space are great place to find layouts. But the issue here is that is where everyone goes to get layouts. Try googling Myspace Layouts and you will come up with a host of great places off the beaten path. I personally recommend Miss Dayna Layouts and Leslie's Layouts. See Resources for web address for these great Myspace layout sites.

The one key to a Myspace layout is that while it is your place to let your personality shine through, you are still creating a place for your friends to come and visit you. So make your Myspace a nice place where your friends and neighbors can drop in. As well as keeping in mind that anyone can stop in at anytime, like your future boss from your dream job.