The idea of a theme sentence was first suggested, I think, by Randy of Imaginary Universe.

The basic idea would be a new theme idea that all sentences would based upon in some way.  The theme would change, probably monthly.

Theme ideas could be suggested by other Scriners.

I’m lukewarm on this.  The themes and challenges that have evolved naturally have been fun. If there was a box that would take you to a theme area that didn’t clutter things up to much it might not be bad.  Or maybe it could be on the top bar, a just a link to “scrinethemes” like the link to “scrineblog.”

One of my biggest worries is clutter.

I am in complete agreement about clutter.  The page is already, sometimes, at risk of seeming (there’s a word that doesn’t look or “seem” right to me) too cluttered.

I will forever lean towards a clean, minimal look for this site.  I do seem to like the addition of a little color in the image links that have recently been placed in the sidebar.  The random sentence that pops up after the first entry is okay, but has always been just a tad bit questionable in my mind.

Actually, I think the ‘one year ago’ sentence could replace ‘random eyes’ without too much fuss.  I know I look to the ‘one year ago’ alll the time and, sadly, nearly ignore random eyes.  If you’re worried about clutter, that could go.Anyway, using that ‘random eyes’ space for announcements like the fortune contest seems to be making better use of the space anyway.

By the way, I partly agree with ‘mouse.  I prefer the natural evolution themes (500 words, fortunes, biscuits).  However, it would be nice to be able to see these in some easy way.  Even just categories, like the Fortune contest.

I do believe the ‘random eyes’ will be going away shortly.

I have a half-baked idea for that random/fortune contest space which I hope I’ll have time to figure out in a week or two.  If things work out, it could be a whole new direction for Scrine. 

That’s all I’m going to say on that at this time.  Some things are best kept as surprises.

Sigh.  I *love* random eyes… and am the opposite to boot, I sometimes glance at the ‘one year ago’ - when I remember but love the delight of seeing old sentences I’d forgotten or missed the first time around.  But, I bow to your wisdom Keith - Scrine is such a nice cozy spot on the web that you obviously know what you’re doing.

In terms of themes, my personal opinion is that I like seeing the themes that just evolve through silliness but I like the idea of having designated themes only for special occassions and letting whim dictate themes for the rest of the time.

At the end of the day, my advice would be - “you can’t please everyone so you may as well please yourself” :)

A sleep deprived grud - I think I’ve forgotten how to sleep for more than two hours at at time.