Would like y'alls opinion... (Full Version)

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EwanG -> Would like y'alls opinion... (5/1/2002 15:54:56)

Am in-between contracts, and have been working to clean up the site, etc.

I am trying to decide if I should keep the current front page as the first page folks see, or if I should have a more static/faster loading initial page with a link to the new photos and archives. I would also be interested in any suggestions on how I could get a more integrated store using CafePress as the fulfillment engine.

Site is "POTD" at www.a1161.com

Thanks for your time and consideration,
Ewan Grantham





tterrifc -> RE: Would like y'alls opinion... (5/2/2002 17:32:19)

Here's a quick reply.

Just start with a faster loading page...anything would be better. I'm on DSL and load time was horrible. Photos are exquisite. Make things faster please with a thumbnail layout. Just my opinion.

I also don't know much about CafePress, but it feels like I went to a completely different site, which we did, but it was too different. I don't care for that.

Terry Ellis
http://www.protectall.com



BigBlue -> RE: Would like y'alls opinion... (5/2/2002 18:00:45)

I agree with Terry. You might be able to have one featured photo that is larger, and just thumbnail the others. The page currently has several large photos.

The contrast between the menu text and the gray background was too subtle, making the text difficult to read.

The forums section looks similar, but different enough that the transition feels unpolished. If you could move to the forums without repositioning things on the screen, it would "feel" a lot better.

As for Cafepress, you can create your own "catalog" and "product detail" pages. Be sure to check the Cafepress forums for tips on how-to, and look at their featured sites for some examples. One of the better ones I've seen is http://www.onlineracin.com/store

Jeff Hester
www.BigBlueBall.com - Everything about instant messaging & chat!



beachmerchant -> RE: Would like y'alls opinion... (5/2/2002 18:01:00)

Hi Ewan,

The large photo pages did take a few seconds to load on DSL but on dial-up it would be tough. Great photography. I've never worked with CafeExpress but I did notice it's free which usually means as is. The coaster photo's are a great idea. You wouldn't want to share how its done?

Grant




EwanG -> RE: Would like y'alls opinion... (5/2/2002 21:28:25)

I'm going to try to address all of the messages so far in one to save time/space.

It sounds like there's general agreement that the main page needs to change, so that will be one of my first priorities. I'll also see what I can do to make the text a little more obvious, and the transition from the "main" site to the forums a little less obvious.

The store is a much greater issue. Most of the tools I've read about so far for making an easy transition to a customized store for CafePress are very Unix-centric. In fact I've tried to help beta test ports of a couple to no good end at this point. However I'll be happy to take a look at the recommended site to see if they have some tricks up their sleeves I can apply.

For the person asking about the coasters - CafePress makes it very easy to setup items if you have your own images/photographs. The basic coaster/hat/t-shirt is theirs, the photographs are mine. You simply upload your images, and they print them on the items and then do all the order fulfillment. Which means I can concentrate on the marketing - not that I seem to be doing all that well at it even without the other distractions. But I suspect that's a topic for a different forum (suggestions appreciated as always).

Thanks again for the time and reviews,
Ewan
POTD - www.a1161.com



Charles W Davis -> RE: Would like y'alls opinion... (5/12/2002 19:13:00)

Ewan,

I have a great 21 inch monitor with high resolution. The photos are great. I also enjoy the benefits of a 1.5 MB cable connection. Download time with Opera 6 was great, noticeably slower with IE 6 and NN 6.

I did have a problem with text size on all but the home page. Changing the browser's text size didn't work in either IE6 or Opera 6. However, it was changable in NN 6. So much easier to read! I enjoyed your comments about the images.

Enjoy! It's your endeavor!



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