[MontyPython]

I'm going to have to disagree, I think adding the fourth column was a bad idea. Now there's next to no negative space, and everything feels quite boring and cramped. Once again, utility and design can work hand in hand. One needn't be sacrificed for the other.

The two photo boxes are placed predictably, and do nothing to break the horrible monotony within the columns. I'm sure you'll say "they can move them around if they want", but since this is just conceptual you might as well attempt to use the photo boxes to break up the complete symmetry going on. Just having one higher and one lower would add a bit of visual interest and keep the eye moving around the articles more.

The text doesn't do much for me, either. Obviously the fact that it's nearly unreadable is an obvious flaw, but I'm talking more about the way it's employed within the colummns. Text also can be used to create good negative/positive space, but you're not doing that. You've got some decent spacing on the text from the column borders in the two columns with pictures, but the other two it completely fills the column. I think at least a small space at the top and bottom of each column would help it visually.

Yes, you've given them more space for articles. But from a design standpoint, I feel like we've taken a few steps backward.