tell me what you think about my site

**raffael3d** · 06-25-2002, 06:17 AM

xsibase.com
tell me what you like/dislike.

**Nav** · 06-25-2002, 02:39 PM

Couple of points.

The fixed width you have of about 1024px is too wide, either make it page expandable or reduce it to 800px (760px odd). And make sure that all elements either contract or don't .

Your header graphic is quite large and forces your viewers to scroll to see your featured content.

Looks good, you just need to make better use of space.

**DaveMo~** · 06-25-2002, 07:38 PM

Hi Raffael,

Welcome to the forums. I have some IMO's for your site.

The appearance is good, the colors, fonts, logo, etc. But I agree that the site needs some size adjustments. It looks like there are 3 sizes. The table with the text and graphics are the largest. The logo is next. Then the grey horizontal nav bar looks to be 800x600. The nav and the copyright are center justified for 800x600. The sizes need to be consistent, even if you choose a higher resolution.

The load time was a little long, but the forum loaded much faster. I didn't find any broken links or bugs. I do like that you had a link back to the main page from the forum.

The form matched the purpose (but needs the size work). Someone on there thinks the Softimage needs to be all caps.

It's hard to review a forum on spelling and grammar, but it seems it's okay.

I rate the site as a high 6. With the size problem solved, it would be a 7.

Dave

**praveen** · 06-26-2002, 12:20 AM

loading time was long. and yes the width needs to be less.
but overall it is good.

**conkermaniac** · 06-26-2002, 03:55 PM

Hi raffael3d,

Looking at your website, I must say that the logo and the headers, are extremely impressive. However, it does slow down the speed of the website dramatically. At first glance (on 800x600 res), the website looks amazing! However, then I realize that I'm missing 1/3 of the information, and when I scroll to the right, the page is a mess. The logo, navigation bar, and header are all varying lengnths, and it looks really awkward. You should get all your information to fit into one 800x600 browser, without any scrolling required. I also do not like the huge amount of empty space with those logos (and descriptions) in the News and Features sections on the main page. They simply don't fit with the site design. They also make the site seem very empty and lonely.

As for the color scheme, I absolutely love it, especially that of the forum. This is one of the very few boards that I have actually seen customized to totally match the site design. I commend you for that! There is only one minor suggestion with the color, and that would be to change the red numbers in the "Recent Posts" section. Personally, I would use red for the "Currently Online" text. Again, though, the scrolling problem occurs because of the size of the logo. Also, on 800x600, the links on the navigation bar don't appeared centered anymore. Otherwise, job well done on the color scheme and the forums!

Last recommendation...I suggest that you don't link directly to your e-mail address from the navigation bar. I would instead encourage you to create a "contact" page where the users can contact you by a form. This helps to prevent spam as well. If you do not wish to use a form, I still think it's a good idea to create a page, even if it only has your e-mail address on it.

The Verdict: 5 (once you fix scrolling problems, 8)

**koolmanoncampus** · 06-27-2002, 04:07 PM

I like it... It is really eye catching but yet fast loading(on my cable....teheheheh) I am looking at in 1024*768 and it looks perfect. I can see though in 800*600 it may look a little odd but besides that it is good.

7 and a half :-)

**raffael3d** · 01-13-2003, 10:42 AM

thanks for the comments guys. Yes I know it is not set up for 800x600
this has several reasons
- the target audience of my website will never have that slow monitors, as the software the use requires a much higher resolution. Most people have even 1600x1200. The page is fully dynamic for higher pages, but I did not include 800x600.

I know the average user might find this annoying, but as I said, people who mostly visit this page will never have that small resolution. I also think it's about time to say goodbye to that small resolutions. So I had to make a decision there.

Also for the loading time: I know it doesn't load to fast, but the target audience is for those who have ADSL or a fast connection. However there is a netview version (cick netview button)
or www.xsibase.com/netview which loads much faster and is good for people with a slow connection too. this also fits a 800x600 resolution. The netview version is a sepcial version so that you can browse the webstie from wtihin the 3d software (the 3d software has an integrated browser).

thanks again for all the helpful suggestions.