Black Web 2.0: Bossip.com New Design Steps It Up
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?