I was wondering if a few people could do some usability testing for me. Please quickly look at my site, http://www.flyawaynetwork.com and tell me if (1) you immediately understand what the network and its sites are about and (2) if it is easy enough to navigate through the network.

Thank you! :-) I'd also appreciate knowing about any problems you encounter. I've tested the database systems over and over again (it runs off of five databases,) so everything should be all set... but let me know if you get into any trouble. Thanks.

-Rob

I'd much rather see the Writing Exchange as the main site and incorporate the teen zine site INTO it. It's relevant enough and would increase traffic throughout all the areas of the site(s).... and then you could also skip the first page (after being there for a bit, it seemed in the way)... all the user would need to remember is " www.flyawaynetwork.com ". Consider using "Fly Away Network The Online Community for Young Writers" instead of the Writing Exchange. Keep the focus on the creative name and brand it with your audience.

Some padding in the white cell (writing exchange) would be nice.

The databases are awesome... great job on this!

Searching the writers submissions isn't working for me. The submit just isn't working.

I really like the "talk about it" links. I'd also like to see a link in the Navigation to a page where members can post their recommended reading... their own favorites from the submissions.

btw - on the first page: spread your wings.

Linda

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[This message has been edited by LB (edited 10-22-2001).]

I was unsure about my homepage as well. The Writing Exchange was a relatively successful site before I decided to roll it into a network site, but with FLN I do not want to focus on the Writing Exchange. I have ideas for future sections for music and art... and other things that might be considered "creative."

That being said, I'd appreciate it if you (or anyone else) would check out a draft of a new index page that I am considering using. If I use this, I'll be changing the W.E. to Fly Away Writing and the Teen Zine Zone to Fly Away Zine Zone.

http://www.flyawaynetwork.com/newindex.asp

It lays out the content a little more quickly, while giving both sites equal time. If you still think it would be better to focus on the Writing Exchange and incorporate the Zine Zone a little further down, please let me know.

I agree that the W.E. is a little more interesting than the Zine Zone. But then again, I'm a teenage guy, not girl. A female friend of mine had the idea for the Zine Zone, and I think it could be really really successful because these zines are a huge thing for teen girls online (my friend publishes multiple zines... one with a subscriber list of 700 people, and she's only been doing this for a little while.) So the audience coming for and from these zines could potentially be huge.

BTW, I'm working on the search buttons. I just can't get them to work yet.

Thanks.

Other opinions? Come'on... there has to be someone else around here, isn't there?

Linda

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I believe you should leave the Exchange and the Zine related. You audience will return to your site for more than one reason.

Regards,
Andrew