Site Check #2

6-6-02, 11:06 PM

hey guys,

i just uploaded my new site and i wanted to know what u guys think. im still working on it, i havent put in any work in my portfolio section yet but this is just to get your overall impression.

heres the link http://www.pcdsigns.com

thanks

Jeff321 · 6-7-02, 11:02 PM

I would say it looks very, very good! I do have a couple things I'd like to mention though:

First, all of that blue kind of hurts my eyes... maybe it's just me, I don't know...

Second of all, a minor technical problem... when you go to the Links page the chain image appears, but when you move the mouse back up to the menu it changes into the mail image. This doesn't happen on any other page but the Links page.

- Jeff

6-8-02, 04:20 AM

Howdy!

There is a lot of color in the site, and that's not a bad thing at all. I think I'm used to shades of blue similar to that used here because I'm running XP now...ha.

The site has a LOT of graphical content. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, either, but the resume graphic alone (resume_13.jpg) weighs in at 85017 bytes. That's not really a problem for a cable modem connection, but dial-up users might get frustrated by the wait for so many graphics.

In the resume graphic, the first section (Objective) contains a spelling error ('there' should be 'their').

Just a suggestion: If you are comfy with frames, I would put the header image and the navigation in a header frame, and put the content in a frame underneath it. That way, the only thing that will 'flash' when moving from page to page will be the content that is actually changing.

Nice site, though!

6-8-02, 01:35 PM

IF its under construction...great!! But if not....well...it doesn't show anything when we click the links on the porfolio(sp?)

One of the best sites i have seen!! Very cool

Jeff321 · 6-8-02, 06:23 PM

Grendel, I don't know if your frames idea would be good in this case. It seems that many people are trying to stay away from frames these days. When somebody does a search and gets a page that should be in a frame, there would be no navigation at all. Also, if somebody wanted to add a specific page to their favorites/bookmarks, that would not be possible with the frames. I think that in this case the tables look great and I don't see any need for frames. Sure, there would be no "flash", but is it worth it? I suppose that's a matter of personal opinion.

- Jeff

alphadesk · 6-8-02, 08:26 PM

The graphics and overall design is Sweet. Totally custom. It looks great.

I agree with Jeff and only use frames as a last resort.

6-8-02, 09:01 PM

Howdy all,

I only suggested frames because there is a LOT of static graphical navigation content that ends up getting redrawn each time a page is changed. It's purely a pet peeve of mine to have that much 'refresh', and that's why I offered frames as an alternative.

Anytime I use a frameset, I code the page to be search-engine friendly, and to redirect to the main frameset if a page is loaded outside of it. As far as the bookmarking issue, there are some things that are better made impossible to bookmark. Usually, the most dynamic part of a site is the front door, and if someone is coming in the back all the time, they'll probably never see the new paint out front. In a site that featured my resume, portfolio, and catalog of services, I would not want people bookmarking my services page, or my pricing information, or my client list... I would want them to come through the front door. Later, when the structure of my site has changed, their bookmark is irrelevant anyway unless it's my index...

Frames can be overdone, no question! But when used judiciously, and with careful consideration, they aren't as bad as their stigma suggests. Just my penny's worth...

(jj) · 6-8-02, 09:33 PM

Since my first visit to your site, it has grown nicely and is shaping up really well. I'm sure as you add more content and make a few changes here and there (like correcting spelling errors) that it will be a good representation of what you have to offer a potential employer.

As for frames, if I were looking for a designer to work for me and his/her web site was built with frames instead of using some of the newer coding technology that exists today...I'm afraid that I'd just keep looking.

Frames were a good tool in their day, but their day has come and gone. With things like SSI, PHP and CSS there is really not much need or desire for the use of frames. Sometimes frames are necessary, when a host does not support or offer other options, but when you have all of the options available to you try to make good use of those before relying on framesets.

Just my "For What It's Worth"

Jeff321 · 6-8-02, 10:59 PM

I used to use frames, and I still do as a last resort when I can't figure out how to get something to display properly. Today, however, I use a combination of PHP and tables. I feel that frames are just too restrictive.

6-9-02, 09:30 PM

Well, we agree to disagree then, I suppose. Likely, we've all been doing this long enough to know what works and what doesn't, and we can't expect to make any converts.

Frames still do have a use. Possibly not in the sites that you design, and that's cool. Until they are judged by the w3c to be deprecated, they are obviously still seen as useful. As long as a client requests them, I'll make them. The ones with the money are the ones who decide in the end whether frames are worthwhile or not, right?

6-10-02, 02:27 AM

I like the general appearance of your site. the different shades of blue make if very appealing. I do, however, have one comment. i find your Resume page very difficult to read. I suggest a simpler typestyle and more contrast.

- Gail

6-10-02, 03:49 PM

Thanks for all ur input,

about frames.....even if i did want to use them it would be impossible because i have no idea how to use them.

anyway about the resume page, what if i take the white outline off of the text? would that work.....also i wanted to put a link so that people can download my resume( i guess as a pdf file or word i dont know yet but should i still take the outline off even though im putting a linkso people can download it (or print)??

6-10-02, 04:15 PM

OK ... now I'll put on my tech writer hat (that's what I really do for a living) ... a few suggestions:

Leave
OBJECTIVE
EDUCATION
LANGUAGES
etc. in all upper case. However, make them bold and remove the shading.

Change the case of the information in the right column to standard text .. Initial cap for the first word only, all other words (other than proper names) in lower case. Remove the shading.

If you choose to take any of my suggestions, post a reply and I'll take another look at your resume.

Regards,

Gail

6-10-02, 04:22 PM

Sorry ... I forgot to add the following:

I would definitely make the link to a pdf version of your resume. That has the following advantages:

o No one but you can change your resume.
o You can be certain of how it will look when printed.
o The user does not need to have Word or even be using Windows in order to print your resume.

- Gail

Jeff321 · 6-10-02, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by grendel
Well, we agree to disagree then, I suppose. Likely, we've all been doing this long enough to know what works and what doesn't, and we can't expect to make any converts.

Agreed

Quote:

The ones with the money are the ones who decide in the end whether frames are worthwhile or not, right?

If not having frames means not being paid, then I guess you don't really have a choice, do you

- Jeff

6-10-02, 11:35 PM

i agree the layout of the site is wonderful. the blue does seem a bit harsh on the eyes, but the content is put together nicely. great job. BTW, do you have any examples of webdesign you have done

6-11-02, 01:09 AM

this is a site that i created and am maintaining for someone.... http://www.theclubdirectory.com

Im still working on including the work that i have done on my site. should be pretty soon

6-11-02, 01:16 AM

man do you do this stuff(webdesign). take a look at this site and tell me if you could jumpstart it. its real basic cause i'm a beginner, but...chicagotgc

6-11-02, 01:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by pcgui2001
this is a site that i created and am maintaining for someone.... http://www.theclubdirectory.com

Im still working on including the work that i have done on my site. should be pretty soon

Paul, this site is really impressive! I'm assuming that the intro was done in Flash. Pretty neat!

Gail

6-11-02, 01:39 AM

Yes it was done in flash. hey hourglass thats a pretty cool site. what do u mean by....

Quote:

tell me if you could jumpstart it

?

Thanks again for ur comments

6-11-02, 02:12 AM

in the beginning, it was cool, but now that i have about thity or so members, i kinda want to make it more flashy with the intro page. then with the different links i have, i would like to see them more flashy. the forum is fine the way it is. take the pics link for example. when i go to that link i plan on having it set up so there is a picture of every members car(if you hadnt figured it out, were an online car club)then when you mouse over, that picture will be a link to their individual photoalbum. i dont know, i just want some pizzaz. check this site out and tell me what you think. keep in mind it is under construction right now, but i think you will get the idea. thegalantcenter

6-6-02, 11:06 PM	#1
pcgui2001 Posts: n/a	Site Check #2 hey guys, i just uploaded my new site and i wanted to know what u guys think. im still working on it, i havent put in any work in my portfolio section yet but this is just to get your overall impression. heres the link http://www.pcdsigns.com thanks

6-8-02, 04:20 AM	#3
grendel Posts: n/a	here we go... Howdy! There is a lot of color in the site, and that's not a bad thing at all. I think I'm used to shades of blue similar to that used here because I'm running XP now...ha. The site has a LOT of graphical content. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, either, but the resume graphic alone (resume_13.jpg) weighs in at 85017 bytes. That's not really a problem for a cable modem connection, but dial-up users might get frustrated by the wait for so many graphics. In the resume graphic, the first section (Objective) contains a spelling error ('there' should be 'their'). Just a suggestion: If you are comfy with frames, I would put the header image and the navigation in a header frame, and put the content in a frame underneath it. That way, the only thing that will 'flash' when moving from page to page will be the content that is actually changing. Nice site, though!

6-8-02, 08:26 PM	#6
alphadesk Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Gulfcoast, TX Posts: 6,911 Reputation: 102	The graphics and overall design is Sweet. Totally custom. It looks great. I agree with Jeff and only use frames as a last resort. __________________ Thanks, AlphaDesk Those who can read and don't are no better off than those who can't. - Sam Clemens

6-8-02, 09:01 PM	#7
grendel Posts: n/a	regarding frames... Howdy all, I only suggested frames because there is a LOT of static graphical navigation content that ends up getting redrawn each time a page is changed. It's purely a pet peeve of mine to have that much 'refresh', and that's why I offered frames as an alternative. Anytime I use a frameset, I code the page to be search-engine friendly, and to redirect to the main frameset if a page is loaded outside of it. As far as the bookmarking issue, there are some things that are better made impossible to bookmark. Usually, the most dynamic part of a site is the front door, and if someone is coming in the back all the time, they'll probably never see the new paint out front. In a site that featured my resume, portfolio, and catalog of services, I would not want people bookmarking my services page, or my pricing information, or my client list... I would want them to come through the front door. Later, when the structure of my site has changed, their bookmark is irrelevant anyway unless it's my index... Frames can be overdone, no question! But when used judiciously, and with careful consideration, they aren't as bad as their stigma suggests. Just my penny's worth...

6-8-02, 09:33 PM	#8
(jj) Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: n/a Posts: 7,279 Reputation: 202	Since my first visit to your site, it has grown nicely and is shaping up really well. I'm sure as you add more content and make a few changes here and there (like correcting spelling errors) that it will be a good representation of what you have to offer a potential employer. As for frames, if I were looking for a designer to work for me and his/her web site was built with frames instead of using some of the newer coding technology that exists today...I'm afraid that I'd just keep looking. Frames were a good tool in their day, but their day has come and gone. With things like SSI, PHP and CSS there is really not much need or desire for the use of frames. Sometimes frames are necessary, when a host does not support or offer other options, but when you have all of the options available to you try to make good use of those before relying on framesets. Just my "For What It's Worth" __________________ If silence is golden, then I must be worth million$ (jj) Jack (jj)'s Playground

6-7-02, 11:02 PM	#2
Jeff321 Customer Since 2001 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: IL, USA Posts: 1,880 Reputation: 14	I would say it looks very, very good! I do have a couple things I'd like to mention though: First, all of that blue kind of hurts my eyes... maybe it's just me, I don't know... Second of all, a minor technical problem... when you go to the Links page the chain image appears, but when you move the mouse back up to the menu it changes into the mail image. This doesn't happen on any other page but the Links page. - Jeff

6-8-02, 01:35 PM	#4
Habib Posts: n/a	IF its under construction...great!! But if not....well...it doesn't show anything when we click the links on the porfolio(sp?) One of the best sites i have seen!! Very cool

6-8-02, 06:23 PM	#5
Jeff321 Customer Since 2001 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: IL, USA Posts: 1,880 Reputation: 14	Grendel, I don't know if your frames idea would be good in this case. It seems that many people are trying to stay away from frames these days. When somebody does a search and gets a page that should be in a frame, there would be no navigation at all. Also, if somebody wanted to add a specific page to their favorites/bookmarks, that would not be possible with the frames. I think that in this case the tables look great and I don't see any need for frames. Sure, there would be no "flash", but is it worth it? I suppose that's a matter of personal opinion. - Jeff

6-8-02, 10:59 PM	#9
Jeff321 Customer Since 2001 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: IL, USA Posts: 1,880 Reputation: 14	I used to use frames, and I still do as a last resort when I can't figure out how to get something to display properly. Today, however, I use a combination of PHP and tables. I feel that frames are just too restrictive.

6-9-02, 09:30 PM	#10
grendel Posts: n/a	oh well Well, we agree to disagree then, I suppose. Likely, we've all been doing this long enough to know what works and what doesn't, and we can't expect to make any converts. Frames still do have a use. Possibly not in the sites that you design, and that's cool. Until they are judged by the w3c to be deprecated, they are obviously still seen as useful. As long as a client requests them, I'll make them. The ones with the money are the ones who decide in the end whether frames are worthwhile or not, right?

6-10-02, 02:27 AM	#11
gwissen Posts: n/a	I like the general appearance of your site. the different shades of blue make if very appealing. I do, however, have one comment. i find your Resume page very difficult to read. I suggest a simpler typestyle and more contrast. - Gail

6-10-02, 03:49 PM	#12
pcgui2001 Posts: n/a	hey guys Thanks for all ur input, about frames.....even if i did want to use them it would be impossible because i have no idea how to use them. anyway about the resume page, what if i take the white outline off of the text? would that work.....also i wanted to put a link so that people can download my resume( i guess as a pdf file or word i dont know yet but should i still take the outline off even though im putting a linkso people can download it (or print)??

6-10-02, 04:15 PM	#13
gwissen Posts: n/a	OK ... now I'll put on my tech writer hat (that's what I really do for a living) ... a few suggestions: Leave OBJECTIVE EDUCATION LANGUAGES etc. in all upper case. However, make them bold and remove the shading. Change the case of the information in the right column to standard text .. Initial cap for the first word only, all other words (other than proper names) in lower case. Remove the shading. If you choose to take any of my suggestions, post a reply and I'll take another look at your resume. Regards, Gail

6-10-02, 04:22 PM	#14
gwissen Posts: n/a	Sorry ... I forgot to add the following: I would definitely make the link to a pdf version of your resume. That has the following advantages: o No one but you can change your resume. o You can be certain of how it will look when printed. o The user does not need to have Word or even be using Windows in order to print your resume. - Gail

6-10-02, 11:35 PM	#16
hourglass113 Posts: n/a	i agree the layout of the site is wonderful. the blue does seem a bit harsh on the eyes, but the content is put together nicely. great job. BTW, do you have any examples of webdesign you have done

6-11-02, 01:09 AM	#17
pcgui2001 Posts: n/a	yes i do this is a site that i created and am maintaining for someone.... http://www.theclubdirectory.com Im still working on including the work that i have done on my site. should be pretty soon

6-11-02, 01:16 AM	#18
hourglass113 Posts: n/a	man do you do this stuff(webdesign). take a look at this site and tell me if you could jumpstart it. its real basic cause i'm a beginner, but...chicagotgc

6-11-02, 02:12 AM	#21
hourglass113 Posts: n/a	in the beginning, it was cool, but now that i have about thity or so members, i kinda want to make it more flashy with the intro page. then with the different links i have, i would like to see them more flashy. the forum is fine the way it is. take the pics link for example. when i go to that link i plan on having it set up so there is a picture of every members car(if you hadnt figured it out, were an online car club)then when you mouse over, that picture will be a link to their individual photoalbum. i dont know, i just want some pizzaz. check this site out and tell me what you think. keep in mind it is under construction right now, but i think you will get the idea. thegalantcenter

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