I don’t really look at the banner anymore, just check to see if there is a new blog post, and if so, I click through to read the whole thing. If not, I just close the page (since I already have all of your published works anyway).

Good that you are getting feedback from a fresh set of eyes (and from experts, I am guessing?). But one word of advice, make sure updating the site doesn’t become a chore, and still makes it fun/easy for you to continue blogging. As you have already alluded to before, if it isn’t enjoyable you’ll be less likely to do it.

Lukahn’s last blog post was It’s your nickel. Watch it work!

What might spruce up the blog a little is some light and unobtrusive graphics – for example, a faint crinkled-paper background for the main post area. A strong (but not gaudy) banner, which I’m working on for you, will also help give your blog a little more “punch.”

Content is king, though, and the primary focus of any blog should be on the posts. Any graphic design should draw the eye towards them, since they’re the most important part.