Does This Look Ok?

[Darren Frey]

I went ahead and make my own website which I will later buy a domain for but for now I want to work on making some friends and building a fanbase for when my book gets published. Does this site look ok? I know its simple but I think it gets the job done.

http://darrenfrey.zxq.net

[dpaterso]

Gotta say that plain gray background is awfully dull looking. I can't actually read the spattered title (tho' the title bar tells me your name). A website doesn't necessarily need frills but an appearance that's kinder on the eye might get you something. Just my opinion.

-Derek

[TMarchini]

I would also reconsider your front page text. It sounds as though you might not be updating the website until the book is published, and even if the book was bought tomorrow it wouldn't be on the shelves for at least a year and a half. People might not come back, thinking there won't be anything going on for a while. :-/

[Darren Frey]

Gotta say that plain gray background is awfully dull looking. I can't actually read the spattered title (tho' the title bar tells me your name). A website doesn't necessarily need frills but an appearance that's kinder on the eye might get you something. Just my opinion.

-Derek

Thanks for the feedback. I think the gray is pretty easy on the eyes actually. I like the font I used for my name but I suppose it would be best to change it so people will know who I am.

I would also reconsider your front page text. It sounds as though you might not be updating the website until the book is published, and even if the book was bought tomorrow it wouldn't be on the shelves for at least a year and a half. People might not come back, thinking there won't be anything going on for a while. :-/

Good idea, I fixed it to make it seem more on an appealing place. Hopefully I will have a few short stories published soon to add some content to the site.

[alleycat]

When I first clicked your link and the website came up, I momentarily thought I was getting a defunct page (because of the limited graphics and the gray). Of course, I quickly saw that it was an actual webpage.

I think you could make it a little more appealing and still keep it simple.

[Darren Frey]

When I first clicked your link and the website came up, I momentarily thought I was getting a defunct page (because of the limited graphics and the gray). Of course, I quickly saw that it was an actual webpage.

I think you could make it a little more appealing and still keep it simple.

as far as web building goes that is about as much as I can do. Got any ideas?

[Shakesbear]

The grey is not easy on my eyes - it is tiring. I like the simplicity but felt there could be more b'zazzzzz! The blog is more colourful. The message board - the blue is my favourite shade but I cannot read it as it seems to be too bright against the black background. Content looks like it will develop into something interesting.

[Darren Frey]

ok thanks for the feedback guys. I hope the way it looks now is more pleasing to the eyes.

[BySharonNelson]

Hey, I like the way it looks; kinda edgy. Also, if you can you could make your blog your homepage and it would make it easier to update more frequently. I have found that people don't really like to go searching for the most recent data they just want it to be there without having to click through. :) Great job.

[Darren Frey]

Here is a better version with a domain this time. http://www.darrenfrey.net

[CaoPaux]

I suggest losing the pop-up. Aside from the annoyance factor of the extra click to get rid of it, it's too similar to an error message. You don't want a visitor's first thought to be "WTF is this site doing to my computer...".

[thothguard51]

Be very careful about revealing too much info before your book is published, or, you have bought the domain.

Reason...there are domain jumpers out there that search the web for stuff like this and then buy the domain name of your books title or even the authors name ahead of time and then will sell it back to you for 10 times the price, or more. And it is legal...

Be very cautious about jumping too soon...

[Darren Frey]

ok I took off thr popup box. I guess I can see where you guys are coming from.

[Matera the Mad]

Points for atmosphere plus readability and flexibility with no browser probs. Lotsa points. :Thumbs:

And of course a few suggestions. :D

The header could use a tiled background image so it doesn't have that sign-sitting-in-the-middle look. I suggest the tiled image because if you just make a header image that "goes all the way across" on YOUR screen, it will knock the page all to hell on mine. A transparent-background text image, centrally positioned within a fixed-height division having an appropriate background image, will look good at any resolution and window size.

All text centered: Bad. Looks amateurish, lazy, oldschool Geocities free site made for the pet dog. :tongue It also makes the header image look more billboardish.

I would use an external stylesheet; it makes tweaking layout so much easier. You can add all sorts of special "containers", font styles, and whatnot without editing every page, and likewise make overall changes to the whole site with one shot.

Not enough contrast on the nav buttons -- don't forget, a lot of people are color-blind, and red on black is the worst for the majority of those. Otherwise, very handsome buttons, and even I can read them! To help out those less favored by the Gods, use alternative text for each image. That will also allow users of screen readers or text-only browsers to navigate. 'Cause without the images, there is presently no way to get anywhere.

A javascript file containing your links could be referenced on each page, instead of having the shole shebang on each page -- again, easier to make changes.

Speaking of reading...a font that you have specified, Century Gothic, is not installed on my computer. Nice font, suitable for Web and all, but I'll never see it on your site. :( A looser specification, like just sans-serif followed by a few suggested fonts, keeps everyone happeh.

There now, I chucked in a whole bloody dime's worth! How's that for busybody TMI? :D