Tell me what you think

[lisafaith]

Okay, first let me say I am totally technologically inept. I created my very first site using SiteDelux (I know what you're thinking already.) It's been a real challenge. I've been reading critiques here for about a month, and most of the time have no clue what anybody is talking about. But I think I am brave enough to hear what you have to say, especially if it will help me. So, if you would be so kind as to visit http://www.mother2mother.net and let me know what you think, I would appreciate it. :o

[Kitchensink108]

Honestly, it's not as bad as I thought it would be. The layout seems to change a lot from page to page, though, so I'll take the review a page at a time.

Home page
I think you should put the "mother2mother.net" above the nav bar. I also think the banner ad should go somewhere else, but I'm having trouble deciding where. I like how you actually explain what/why your site is on this page. The right-side column is a bit messy, though (too many different things: left aligned text, centered text, different text styles, and graphics). I'd get rid of the "tell a friend" thing. The "last updated" at the bottom of the page might be handy to some people, but I don't think it makes much of a difference.

Parenting tips
First, move the "mother2mother.net" back into the white box. I think you should take the three items under the main paragraph and put them in a column to the right of the paragraph (similar style as the main page). I think that style (main content on the left, smaller column on the right). Remove the bottom "mother2mother.net" and put the "A community of moms helping moms." next to the "mother2mother.net" at the top.

Learning and Education
The page seems a bit unorganized. You have three columns up top (paragraph, image, paragraph) which spans about 90% of the layout's width, underneath which is a single body of content about 70% of the layout. You might want to take the picture and reader recommendations section and put them in a right-side column. Also, I'd put the banners above that site's description as opposed to under it. You *might* want to put a line separating the two sites, just to organize it a little better.

Fun Stuff for you Kids
The three-column layout doesn't work well here, especially with the really thin middle column. Combine the content of the second and third columns and put that column on the left.

College
I don't like the usage of font colors and all-caps. The purple is really distracting from the rest of the text; even being all-caps is somewhat distracting. I think if you want to emphasis a word, make it italicized.

Take care of yourself
Move the ads somewhere else, like to the right column or something.

Preemies
If you move the ad on the main page, move the ad on this page to the same place. In the right column, style everything the same. That is, make the links look the same and either left-align or center-align everything (not one then the other).

Shopping links
I think you should put all the image on the same line.

Link exchange / Contact
Put the link exchange content on the Contact page. I don't see why the text is really big and bold on the contact page.

Forum
I should note that, even though it would be a lot more work, I trust site's that have their forums hosted locally a lot more.

[lisafaith]

Thanks for your input! You've definately given me a lot to think about. Unfortunately, because I'm using SiteDelux I don't have a lot of choice about where things can go on the page. I've downloaded Nvu (which I read about in these forums) but I'm not sure if or when (I have a 7, 5, and 2 year old) I'll have time to figure it out.

[lisafaith]

Ever considered NOT using any of that junk and just type the code with your hands?



I've thought of that, but I have to learn HOW to write code first. I'm not dumb, so I'm sure I will eventually figure it out. But it's not high on my list of things to do each day. Learning to write code is somewhere far below changing diapers, potty training, cooking, cleaning, laundry, 2nd grade homework, doctors appointments, baths, story time, etc...etc...etc... :D

Do you have any helpful input on what I HAVE been able to create so far?

[lisafaith]

I'd get rid of all that stuff about babies and mothers. Change the theme to auto racing :D


Let me guess- no kids? Some days auto racing would be a much more enjoyable line of work!:D

p.s.- I checked out your site and see that you are a fellow San Diegan!:cool:

[lisafaith]

Nice day today huh?



Couldn't ask for better weather! We are so lucky.;)

[Autoload]

Good topic for a web site, but it's 75% ads and 25% relative content. I think you should switch that around.

[lisafaith]

Good topic for a web site, but it's 75% ads and 25% relative content. I think you should switch that around.

I agree, I definately need more content. I am working on that slowly but surely.