I am also currently using tripod, and I don't like it either. I think that your site is pretty good except on http://forums.xisto.com/no_longer_exists/ some of your images don't show up for me.
I downloaded Netscape 8.0 beta about a month ago and although I did like the interface I wish that they would have added the support for extensions.I believe that Firefox is Internet Explorer's main opposition, but Internet Explorer will always be more popular until Firefox is bundled with new Pc's.
I don't currently have a blog, but I plan on setting one up in the near future.Right now I just don't really know what I would put in there. Once I put more thought into it I think I will get one.