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afterthefair
Posts: 9
Joined: 11/17/2003
Status: offline
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Request For Website Critique - 11/18/2003 0:47:56
Hello. I am just about to launch a new website I have designed that is going to feature crafters and artists from across the states.
I am in a race with time, so trying to get the basics down and will tweak the site once I satisfy the basic shopping cart requirements. I need to set up auto responders, a newsletter and mail list.
Does it cost anything to have my site critiqued? www.afterthefair.com is the website. This request is probably premature, but any issues I can address quickly before my gung ho partner starts marketing the site will be a great help.
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Janet M Schilling
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TonyT
Posts: 188
Joined: 9/30/2003
From: Vancouver, WA
Status: offline
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RE: Request For Website Critique - 11/18/2003 14:08:23
K, just a few of my thoughts, since the shopping cart was the main worry at the time.
Personally, I don't like FrontPage themes. They definitely scream to others, "I USE FRONTPAGE!" If you're just starting out, I would consider using a template. They can be had for as low as FREE and up, if you Google it.
I would definitely take your pages content and, placing it in a table, set it to 100% width. That way, it will adjust itself to the viewer's browser and will keep them from have to scroll over.
Just a few observations from me. Hope it helps and keep pursuing good things! =]
< Message edited by TonyT -- 11/18/2003 11:14:05 AM >
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Site Build It Success. As Real As It Gets.
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sidewalk
Posts: 154
Joined: 6/26/2003
Status: offline
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RE: Request For Website Critique - 11/19/2003 9:42:19
ATF, I agree with Tony. You really should reconsider the use of a FP theme. You are displaying individual art. Your site should reflect that individuality in artistic expression. As presented now, your site lacks an aesthetic offering.
I believe you have lay-out issues. There is too much open, loose presentation. It needs to be tightened up considerably. Lose that Times New Roman, especially bolded and italicized. Look at using something like Trebuchet if you must push for an art look.
Here is an example of a art site with good presentation:
http://www.thomasmoore.co.uk/
It is a site that invites me in. He has done something elegant with some simple design. What he has done is very simple to replicate with Adobe Photoshop Elements, 2.0 which costs about $75.
Just some thoughts. Good luck with the site and marketing the art, Dave
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TonyT
Posts: 188
Joined: 9/30/2003
From: Vancouver, WA
Status: offline
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RE: Request For Website Critique - 11/19/2003 13:20:51
Just to follow up on sidewalk's suggestion on artsy or unusual fonts: if you choose to go that route (I tend to personally use Arial, Verdana, or Tahoma....standard fare), make them a grahic rather than text.
A font needs to reside on the viewer's system in order for them to see your site the way you meant it to be seen, but if you put it on as a gif, they will have no problem.
Readability is the main thing, though, so I would stick with the standard fonts. You want people to stick around to gather the information you have, purchase the services or products or services you offer, etc. If they have a difficult time reading, they're going to leave. Avoid Comic Sans.....IMO, it screams, "I'M AN AMATUER!!" hehe
Forgive me if you know anything I've told you already. 
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Site Build It Success. As Real As It Gets.
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Parkheadquarterscom
Posts: 21
Joined: 11/10/2003
Status: offline
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RE: Request For Website Critique - 11/19/2003 17:20:18
For an 'after the fair' site I was expecting more things that I would find at a crafters mall.
I did like the Hand Made Holiday page items. But I don't see a way to buy them. ???
Sorry to be brash, but the items on the site give me the perception they were made in China- the candle lamp/brass base seems to confirm my suspicion and the "Be a Gem" opportunity to resell 3000 items is another indicator. Footprints plate, again....
If they are all hand-painted I'll guess they were Chinese hands. :)
Not what I was expecting, not what I would look for in a Crafts Fair site.
Catlog/default loses the header. Do other individual products to lose header (footprints)?
Cookie cutter product lines and sites do little for me.
How do you like the bcentral shopping cart?
Mark
parkheadquarters.com
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