Qwertyuiop is not the average weblog. It is striking in appearance, stunning in content, and pointedly mixes together a welcomed blend of author commentary and well-chosen links. However, one must have a predilection for British politics and a further interest in world-wide current events in order to truly savor qwertyuiop; for it is not the typical personal weblog in that it does not strive to entertain, but to inform.
The author, Martin Griffiths, is both intelligent and concise in his observations. He does not pander to his audience and he seems to assume that qwertyuiop’s average reader is, at the very least, on par with his own base of knowledge. This assumption may prove too much for the casual reader, as the author offers no tantalizing hooks to draw one into his posts. Either the reader finds the content of interest, or he doesn’t. One does not necessarily feel invited to further explore the author’s posts, despite the fact that he often provides external links. And, though qwertyuiop may be categorized as a personal weblog, it tends to read as a public news source issued with a bit of personal perspective.
The layout of qwertyuiop is quite pleasing, melding a frame-like effect with an easy-to-read content area. Navigation has been carefully constructed and mostly condensed to menus for ease of use; however, many links to other parts of the author’s site are not yet active. The addition of more personal information in regard to the author would be a welcome addition, as it would help define the author’s point of view.
Qwertyuiop, while an excellent weblog with strong overall design, is not a mainstream blog and it does not appear as though the author has any intention of moving it in that direction. This weblog will appeal to readers who enjoy serious, yet dynamic, political content. Readers seeking a light and amusing read will not find it here.qwertyuiop