View Full Version : Submitted for review: www.flaminghotcandy.com
phlembol
5-27-07, 01:33 PM
www.flaminghotcandy.com (http://www.flaminghotcandy.com/)
Flame me if you will. Melt my visions of grandeur. Burn my ego. Just be honest.
I can foresee combining the sample and jar pages into one page as there are new flavors in development.
Rendering is not entirely consistent between IE and FF.
Your feedback is important, thank you.
It suits the purpose for selling the candy. It's brief and to the point. The color scheme fits perfectly for the candy. The only thing I can ding you on is the animated jar spins a bit too fast for my taste. Maybe slow it down a bit.
Too bad you didn't have this a few years ago. I really liked hot candy but since a little bout with colon cancer, I've been reduced to even mild salsa!
Kitchensink108
5-27-07, 08:05 PM
-Some of the text seems unnecessarily large.
-I don't like the animations on a couple of the pages. I think a flat image would be just as effective.
-Might consider styling the nav a bit more
-You should find a way to blend the top (banner/nav) with the bottom (white container element). Doesn't have to be extravagant, just see how it looks with different things added/changed (e.g. gradients, borders, dropshadows/innershadows, rounded corners, whatnot). A small change there can make a huge difference.
Just a few quick things. It's a simple layout, and works as such, but with what might take just a few extra minutes of styling, it could look a lot better.
As for the poll, my jaw's wired shut right now, so buying candy wouldn't really make sense :(
You might want to add how big the jar is and approximately how many candies are in it.
Otherwise someone might be expecting say a 4 inch high jar and get a 2 inch high one and not re-order when they run out.
You might want to add how big the jar is and approximately how many candies are in it.
Otherwise someone might be expecting say a 4 inch high jar and get a 2 inch high one and not re-order when they run out.
and it says.... "8 full ounces (about 50 pieces) of Cinnamon Flaming Hearts Hot Candy in a resealable and reusable glass jar.
Priority shipping within USA included in this price!".....
I am jealous. There really oughta be this sort of stuff for us diabetics... ;)
My bad. Guess I didn't read it well enough. Good catch, Charon.
phlembol
5-27-07, 10:15 PM
There really oughta be this sort of stuff for us diabetics... ;)
I have looked into that. Isomalt looks to be the way to go. It handles about the same as sugar but it costs much more.
I made a couple of simple changes:
The page you are on is now highlighted in the menu.
I did a series of color bars to soften the header/body transition. It was obviously lacking, and this is stopgap, but better than nothing.
More input, please, and thank you.
Would that explain why I got an error message just a bit ago when trying to access the site? Most likely, thinks I.
phlembol
5-28-07, 04:08 AM
Trying to clean up the code and I broke it. Anyone know why the tables won't center in IE? Looks good in FF.
Kitchensink108
5-28-07, 04:11 AM
Looks a bit better. I like the transition-thingy.
Trying to clean up the code and I broke it. Anyone know why the tables won't center in IE? Looks good in FF.Not sure. I'd fix it by not using tables, but that's me. And probably doesn't help you.
phlembol
5-28-07, 05:44 AM
..probably doesn't help ..
I'm learning fast as I can here. If there is a better way that you can convey in a brief message, or an example you could point to, I'd sure be open to looking at it. I just hadn't figured out yet how to define the areas and backgrounds that I needed without tables. And everything looked great in FF. I'd like to not even look at IE, but that's about 90% or so of the users.
phlembol
5-28-07, 11:47 PM
Ok, control has been regained, to an extent anyway. Many tables removed. Seems to work well across browsers. Still planing to combine info to cover a specific flavor all on one page. Anyone else want to whack my pinata?
YvetteKuhns
6-4-07, 11:50 AM
First, I would like to thank you for creating a separate website just for the candy. This will help visitors and search engines.
You may want to include a links page for recipes and exchange links with those websites. You could encourage customers to send recipes that include your product. I am still thinking about those buttons or eyes on the Christmas cookies.
I don't think you should share the recipe for your candy. Make them buy your product. ;) You could/should offer a milder version. I am not a fan of things that are too sweet or too spicy.
The "about us" info was found in FAQ. That is okay, but I didn't see payment, shipping and privacy policies in FAQ. The payment and shipping info appears on the product pages. Include any information to make people feel confident in buying the product and know how the purchasing process will be handled.
I clicked the link and discovered that if I wanted to pay for candy, I get sent to your other website. You should warn your customers that they will be directed to your other store to purchase these items and that this order can/will be combined with orders from the other store. Some people do NOT read FAQ, so you may need to tell them where the link appears.
Do you allow people to ship to another address for a gift? Imagine all those little Valentines. You could include a gift note (for an additional cost, maybe). Also, try adding a tell-a-friend script, so visitors share your website with others.
Anyone else want to whack my pinata?
Whack! Look at all that candy! :D
I don't think you should share the recipe for your candy. Well, there are a couple of factors there. First was that it expanded my content honestly and I don't give away my "secrets". And then there is that much of it came from others who had posted their own research. I am a sucker for good karma.
You could/should offer a milder version. I am not a fan of things that are too sweet or too spicy. I have considered that. But the thing is, I can't compete with the little circle with the hole in the middle. My market will be smaller for sure, but I have to be different to stand a chance. I've found a niche that I have to run with. Besides, what would I call them? Mild Flaming Hearts? Pink Ladies? :D
There will be new flavors soon!
Do you allow people to ship to another address for a gift? Absolutely! I have seen a couple of Father's Day gifts where I did that, and I have added it explicitly to the FAQ even allowing for a personal message to be included on package label. (With stampsdotcom I can print up to 150 characters at the bottom of the shipping label.)
Know of any open source "gift card" apps I could integrate?
Also, try adding a tell-a-friend script, so visitors share your website with others. I have heard there is an exploit risk involved there and I haven't had time to look deeper. I disabled that in my cart.
I'd like to thank everyone for their input. It is of great value. Many of the changes suggested have been implemented and others may be in the future. Your continued input is welcomed. Again, thank you.
YvetteKuhns
6-7-07, 07:17 PM
I use a tell a friend script that requires image verification to prevent automated submissions. That would be great to see other flavors or colors.
I say stick to what ya know. Like In N Out Burgers. They only server burgers, fries, soda and milkshakes. Nothing else. And the drivethru is always packed.
But hey, that's just me.
YvetteKuhns
6-7-07, 08:41 PM
Hey, that sounds like the original McDonald's! Wish we had that here. :cool:
The site is here (http://www.in-n-out.com/), Yvette. Greatest burgers around. Think I'm gonna get me one this weekend. They used to have bumper stickers that looked like their logo but people were removing the B and the last R from the bottom line!
(check the site out and it will make sense)
And I'm going to order me some of that flaming hot candy this weekend too!
Well, I think you have a very nice simple site and I find it very appropriate for the product you are selling. Since I am not a pro, I will leave the techie stuff to the others and give a critique from the perspective of an art student, as requested.
First, I like the graphic you made for your header. However, it is a very dynamic image and the flames seem to draw the viewer’s eye upwards and away from the text below. A way to resolve this would be to contain the graphic in a manner that would draw the viewer back into the page. Maybe if you brought the flames down a bit and repeated the white dissolve effect you have on your background up above the flames. If you were to do that, I would also move the navigation down into the white area in order to space the flames evenly between white spaces. I am not sure if I am articulating this correctly, so I will just post a link to an image that will illustrate what I am talking about.
example (http://www.scannerparts.biz/images/flame.jpg)
Also, I like the spinning jar graphic, but there is sort of an awkwardness that is created between the text and the image since they are both coming from two different perspectives. The text is viewed straight on and the jar is viewed from above. Maybe if you got a shot of the jar straight on, like the text, things would seem a bit more natural.
Well, those are the two arty things I thought I would bring up. Hope that helps.
-E
Thanks, culthero, for that input. Took me a while to get to it, but, I appreciate the viewpoint and the efforts and will give it consideration.
The site doesn't do justice to the flavor of the candy! I've only found a couple of people at work who can stand the heat.
(this is an unsolicited endorsement for flaminghotcandy.com)
Thanks, Doc. I try to be true to my word. I said it was hot. Though hot is a relative term, I've yet to have anyone complain that my flaming hearts weren't hot enough. A niche market for sure, but if you like hot candy ...
YvetteKuhns
7-10-07, 09:45 AM
The site is here, Yvette. Greatest burgers around. Think I'm gonna get me one this weekend. They used to have bumper stickers that looked like their logo but people were removing the B and the last R from the bottom line!
(check the site out and it will make sense)
My husband liked that. Now he has an URGE to go In and Out! :D
I've only found a couple of people at work who can stand the heat.
So, you are saying that people need a glass of water handy? That would be me. I don't like food TOO spicy. That is why I mentioned a mild version. My eyes water and I make faces.
Water really doesn't help with that candy. It just sort of spreads the heat. Actually the best thing for cooling spicy hot food is a dairy based product like milk or even sour cream.
As far as your husband and that logo are concerned, I remain silent on the issue!!
YvetteKuhns
7-10-07, 02:09 PM
Actually the best thing for cooling spicy hot food is a dairy based product like milk or even sour cream.
I drink milk during my meals. I seem to drink more when I eat BBQ ribs. It is fun to give water to people who eat the super sour candies. We used to do that at the pharmacy.
phlembol, do people buy your candy for baking or just snacking? I had some customers from the pharmacy that liked to use some potent ingredients in their baked goods. ;)
phlembol
7-10-07, 03:10 PM
.. baking or just snacking?
Feedback so far has been as a snack candy. I can't really picture it as an ingredient in anything as it is rather large at one inch across. You could grind it up I suppose. I have one customer that wants them smaller so will break them up, but, they don't do that very well. They'd make nice buttons on a snow man.
Only 7 months until Valentine's Day! Buy something HOT for the HOT person in your life! How's that sound? :D
YvetteKuhns
7-10-07, 03:19 PM
We have relatives who bake thumbprint cookies. Often, someone places fruit toppings, nuts or candy there. One person puts a Hershey kiss on top of her cookie. I like M&M's or the old fashioned Toll House semi-sweet baking candies.
I still think there could be a hot candy heart on a Christmas cookie shaped like a man or woman. We used to make strange shapes for cookies. We made a mermaid with "bumps" for my dad. ;)
I like smaller pieces so I just give the jar a good shake to break up a few.
phlembol, anyone else report that the longer they sit in the jar the hotter they seem to become? I only ask because I had someone who had one when I first got them who finished it entirely but the next one I gave her yesterday, she kept in her mouth for about 30 seconds then had to get rid of it! :D
YvetteKuhns
7-10-07, 04:00 PM
That sounds like my uncle Kenny's famous steak sauce! I had first taste and it was so hot that I drank a half glass of milk. My dad asked if it was hot and I took a bite in front of him. My tongue was still cool from the milk, so I handled that bite much better. Dad thought it was safe and went crazy after he took a bite of his steak. :D
I can't really picture it as an ingredient in anything as it is rather large at one inch across.
You know, it never even dawned on me the size of the candies. That's big :eek:
Maybe the site should state the dimensional size, or offer some comparative illustration. It probably should have been apparent seeing as there are 4 units that take up the entire width of the baggie. None the less, I would have been quite surprised opening it up :D
Really looks good enough to eat!
symo
Yep. They are pretty big. I couldn't find a ruler in my office so I set up a bunch of the candies along the bottom of a sheet of paper. Almost took 9 of 'em.
YvetteKuhns
7-11-07, 08:42 AM
Maybe the site should state the dimensional size, or offer some comparative illustration.
I agree. I can't imagine sucking on one of those big things for so long. (The mods will have to decide on that sentence.) I imagined the candies to be a bit larger than the common candies used to make buttons on the cookie men. Even a breath mint isn't usually that big. Tic Tacs are tiny and last a while.
I don't know if you would want to take a picture of the common smaller candies next to your bigger ones. Or a picture next to a ruler. A picture of candies in a hand could still be misleading. A child's hand is smaller than mine, but my husband's hand is larger than mine.
Back to the topic.... I like the site because of it's simplicity.
I expressed that same sentiment earlier, Ian. :D And I like the addition of the reviews on the first page.
phlembol
7-12-07, 01:59 PM
Thanks all for the input. I have added this info to the FAQ.
715
I am considering a smaller size also, but, it would have to be just a simple shape, nothing fancy. Smaller means more work per pound though.
YvetteKuhns
7-12-07, 07:48 PM
I like the image. And I also think a smaller size would be great to share with others or for baking. It doesn't need to be fancy.
Just bust them up. I like breaking hearts! :D
YvetteKuhns
7-16-07, 10:28 AM
Just bust them up. I like breaking hearts!
I know! ;)
Seriously, little candies would definitely sell for baking or sampling. How many people here would bite the candy before it completely dissolves or melts? My husband wouldn't bite the candy, but I might.
While I realize that this thread has been dormant for a while... I just placed my order for the sample pack :D
I LUV cinnymon, mon... (read that with a Jamaican accent) HOTT :eek: Can't wait.
phlembol, if I wince even once, you will most assuredly have a product that most of the free world will not be able to savor. If I wince twice, I'll be getting the BIG jar.
As I type this, I just got my email acknowledgment... sorry, but drool is starting to run down my chin in anticipation :D Doc, get me an anti-drool pill!
symo
symo, you are going to love these candies. Collect up the change around your ward and get ready to order a jar or two. I've given some out at work and there are only a couple of people who can stand the heat.
phlembol
8-25-07, 01:51 AM
I just placed my order for the sample pack :D
Awesome! I am still waiting for candyaddict.com to post the review they solicited. Should be coming up soon and that could be huge for publicity.
While I realize that this thread has been dormant for a while... I just placed my order for the sample pack (big smilie face here)
I LUV cinnymon, mon... (read that with a Jamaican accent) HOTT :eek: Can't wait.
phlembol, if I wince even once, you will most assuredly have a product that most of the free world will not be able to savor. If I wince twice, I'll be getting the BIG jar.
As I type this, I just got my email acknowledgment... sorry, but drool is starting to run down my chin in anticipation :D Doc, get me an anti-drool pill!
symo
They're HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
While I disdain quoting my own posts :confused:
Here we go with the totally unsolicited, unabashed, unpaid, un-anything else review...
These freaking things are HOT!... Lo, be they perfect. The Emergency Room staff say that I'll be able to speak again in a day, or two :D
My first morsel caused visions in my head of Doc C tossing my fat but* off the top of Nakatomi Tower (Twinkie in my hand).
The second morsel delivered the warm, soothing sensation of a tropical isle... in hades :eek:
Wince, twice I did...
Oh, by the way, could someone call 911? My wife is on the floor convulsing ;) She only had one...
Just kidding! Well, except for my wife on the floor thing... Not to worry... I'll call tomorrow morning ;)
Good candy... better, GOOD cinnamon.
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In posting this, it appears that I used eight smilies.
ERROR: You have included 8 images in your message. You are limited to using 7 images so please go back and correct the problem and then continue again.
Images include use of smilies, the vB code [img] tag and HTML <img> tags. The use of these is all subject to them being enabled by the administrator.
We apparently can now only use 7 emoticons. I know that I have used upwards of 10 to 15 in previous messages. Oh EIG you are getting so close to another KMA long time user, but let's not sully this thread.
symo
phlembol
8-31-07, 01:53 AM
Made me laugh, thanks. :D
YvetteKuhns
8-31-07, 10:23 AM
You are limited to using 7 images so please go back and correct the problem and then continue again.
You could wait a minute and make a second post with up to 7 more smilies. ;)
phlembol
9-10-07, 12:38 PM
The review!
http://candyaddict.com/blog/2007/09/10/candy-review-hot-cinnamon-flaming-hearts-candy/
YvetteKuhns
9-10-07, 01:37 PM
That website is fun. My son would love it, but...they had an advertisement for candy cigarettes! That is a BIG no-no. I had hoped that those would have been banned or sold to adults.
The image of those candy cigarettes in children's mouths just make me imagine them with real cigarettes in their mouths later. I hate those. But then there are those gross candies that look like bugs, poo, snot and vomit. I don't like them, either.
Of course, I limit purchasing and consumption of junk foods in my home. And I don't even allow my son to drink colas. He drinks milk, juice or water. He snacks on fruits or home baked snacks more often. But Halloween will be here soon and I will have to sort through the junk. No Pixie Stix for him.
Poor kid. Kids need junk food. It's one of the basic food groups. Kids who are deprived end up on towers with sniper rifles. :)
YvetteKuhns
9-10-07, 02:39 PM
He just ate chocolate birthday cake.
Then he'll be OK for a while. :D
(just funning w/ya, birthday girl!)
YvetteKuhns
9-10-07, 04:02 PM
Mark has been known to trade oranges for candy bars during school lunch time. I can only try to be a good role model as I snack on a Snickers bar. While I was pregnant, I was on a diet. I dreamed of Snickers bars.
After Mark was born, my mom sneaked a candy bar into the hospital for which I was grateful. The hospital said I couldn't have them while breastfeeding! Come on, just one?! I don't smoke, drink or take drugs. Can't I have candy once in a while?
Candy is good for the soul. Everyone should have "some", unless they are diabetic. Some of those people are the people who didn't stop at "some". My dad is on a diet and couldn't have the BBQ ribs. He ate the plain ribs and only had one little piece of cake. He lost 25 pounds!
Boy, I keep thinking how I would love to get those flaming hot candies for Mark's classmates for Halloween. I would love to see their faces when they eat them. :D
You oughta do it. He'll either be the hero or the goat!
And it'll be good for phlembol's wallet. Everyone wins! :D
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