It’s always useful to get a second opinion on how your blog is going - try as hard as you might, it’s always hard to be objective about your own creation. There are many blog review sites around, but too many of them delight in tearing blogs to pieces, simply to increase their own readership. One that doesn’t, and comes highly recommended is Soapbox Jury.

Soapbox Jury is run by Tom, an experienced blogger in his own right, and he provides a brilliant service with comprehensive, always constructive reviews. I submitted Thermal last year, and got a very good review, so I was happy to submit Blog-Op as well.

I was very happy with the review, both with the compliments, and also the constructive criticisms. As a result of the review, I have moved the archives to a more visible location, and reduced the number of posts on the front page to 5. I still like the green design myself, but if enough people say otherwise, it can be changed.

Soapbox Jury occasionally closes to new reviews, which is a good thing, as it demonstrates the time they spend on doing reviews properly and fairly. Bookmark the site, look out for it asking for new submissions again, and submit your blog. It’s an invaluable way of getting a second opinion.

If you have any comments on Blog-Op, good or bad post them below (polite though please!)