I recently updated the layout and features of my blog. Initially when I downloaded dasBlog I was sort of dissapointed with the themes which it had to offer. After searching around for about a month for a theme that I really liked, I decided to go ahead and make my own. I understand that most people would rather subscribe to your blog feed rather than actually visit your site, but I figured it would be a good idea to have something which was customized for my appreciation (even if nobody pays a visit to it).

In addition to a my theme, I created a Macro footer for my blog posts which will hopefully give my site more visability. (I know that this is not a new idea but I wanted to learn how to create dasBlog Macros most of all). For more information on how to create dasBlog Macros check out Kris' Blog post.

Lastly, I added the Categories Tag Cloud to the sidebar. This was a new feature in dasBlog version 1.9 but was extremely difficult to find documentation on. After search around for quite a while, I sent Mr. Scott Hanselman an email and he so kindly explained the intricate details for adding the Tag Cloud. Just add : <%drawtagcloud() %> . (Its always good to send one of the most famous .NET developers in the country the stupidest questions. Make a note of that if you're an aspiring developer:) )

If you are going to add the Tag Cloud Macro on your blog, make sure that you define the necessary styles so that it doesnt look like crap.

.tagCloud { }

.smallestTag, .smallestTag A { font-size:xx-small; }

.smallerTag , .smallerTag A{ font-size:xx-small; font-weight:bold; }

.smallTag,.smallTag a{ font-size: x-small; }

.mediumTag, .mediumTag A{ font-size: x-small; font-weight:bold;}

.largeTag, .largeTag A{ font-size: small; }

.largerTag, .largerTag A{ font-size: small; font-weight:bold;}

.largestTag, .largestTag A{ font-size: medium; }

Caching Issue : In order to see the blog layout changes you will need to clear out your cache for my page. I know this sounds really lame but I had to enable output caching on the main page so that it wouldn't allow visitors to change their theme for my blog. Sorry.

You should see a page which looks like this if your cache is cleared. (The pic is from my honeymoon in Fiji)