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computernewsletter
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 2
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I have just put my new site Computer Newsletter live online.
This site aims to be full of IT News and PC Tips & Tricks.
Please review my site and offer feedback to help me make it useful for all web users.
-------------------- Paul Barnes
http://www.computernewsletter.co.uk/?webusersig
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bumpyride
regular
Reg'd: Tue
Posts: 160
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You've got a lot of interesting content, which is let down a bit by the design of the site, in my opinion.
On your news content pages for example, say this one:
http://www.computernewsletter.co.uk/news/125/ARTICLE/1067/2005-07-31.html
The article is interesting, but it feels to me like the page has been bolted together, and there doesn't seem to be much of a "look and feel" to the site. Maybe that's a "brand" or something like that. Also, the adverts seem to be a lot more prominent that either your header image, or the article.
Also - times new roman for the article text makes the page look unfinished.
The left-hand javascript type menu is well done, but the problem with having transparent backgrounds means that the menu text can be hard to read if the menus open out above / in front of existing text in the background.
The left-hand javascript menu doesn't work on the Firefox browser either. The menu expands so I can see the links, but when I click them nothing happens. The links on the menu which don't open another sub menu such as "home", "news" and "computer software" work okay on firefox.
When following some of the links in Internet Explorer, there doesn't seem to be any content on a lot of the pages, e.g.
http://www.computernewsletter.co.uk/news/65/
From a basic usability point of view, it'd make sense to have your header image linking back to your homepage. And maybe it'd be worth making your header image a bit more striking - possibly - it strikes me as being a little bit bland.
On your homepage, the way you have a grey box, with (currently) a title of "Net criminals 'customise' attacks" seems to throw the page off balance. The user sees a big grey box in sea of white, and again, if you compare how Firefox and IE deal with the same view, they treat it quite differently.
Apologies if I seem to have been harsh in my feedback, but these are some initial thoughts on looking through the site.
All the best with your work
Jim
-------------------- http://www.jimpix.co.uk/
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computernewsletter
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 2
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Thanks for your honest reply Jim.
Quote:
You've got a lot of interesting content, which is let down a bit by the design of the site, in my opinion.
Design still under consideration.
Quote:
On your news content pages for example, say this one:
http://www.computernewsletter.co.uk/news/125/ARTICLE/1067/2005-07-31.html
The article is interesting, but it feels to me like the page has been bolted together, and there doesn't seem to be much of a "look and feel" to the site. Maybe that's a "brand" or something like that. Also, the adverts seem to be a lot more prominent that either your header image, or the article.
Which adverts? Top header or side tower? Was thinking of removing side tower.
Quote:
Also - times new roman for the article text makes the page look unfinished.
What font do you think would be better? Arial?
Quote:
The left-hand javascript type menu is well done, but the problem with having transparent backgrounds means that the menu text can be hard to read if the menus open out above / in front of existing text in the background.
Have changed it so that sub menus also have solid background now.
Quote:
The left-hand javascript menu doesn't work on the Firefox browser either. The menu expands so I can see the links, but when I click them nothing happens. The links on the menu which don't open another sub menu such as "home", "news" and "computer software" work okay on firefox.
Thanks for this. Will look at script to see why it does not work in Firefox. I had tested it on IE and Netscape. Forgot about Firefox.
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When following some of the links in Internet Explorer, there doesn't seem to be any content on a lot of the pages, e.g.
http://www.computernewsletter.co.uk/news/65/
Sorry forgot this page was live. Still working on content for here.
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From a basic usability point of view, it'd make sense to have your header image linking back to your homepage. And maybe it'd be worth making your header image a bit more striking - possibly - it strikes me as being a little bit bland.
Will link to mainpage over next 24hrs. Trying to design logo for header of site. Not very good at graphic design I'm afraid. If anyone wants to give it ago. The best one will be used and a permanent link to their site will be placed on my site.
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On your homepage, the way you have a grey box, with (currently) a title of "Net criminals 'customise' attacks" seems to throw the page off balance. The user sees a big grey box in sea of white, and again, if you compare how Firefox and IE deal with the same view, they treat it quite differently.
Will look into this.
Thanks
-------------------- Paul Barnes
http://www.computernewsletter.co.uk/?webusersig
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Ulthwe31
new user
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 16
Loc: Nottingham
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Hi i first like to say forgive my english its bad. the site idea on a whole is a good one id like to know were you get all your information from, i know it can be hard sometimes to get a good idea but i think you nailed that one. most of my site isnt finished off the design is there but i havent even started some of the content on one side of the site, but i was told once never to put those under construction signs up people never come back. ok the design of the site could do with a bit of a re vamp but thats simple i would suggest getting away from the white i never liked it any way it does make the site look dated but the good news is thats a simple thing to fix try messing around with some colours, i think it was in the last issue of webuser they reviewed a site that gives you ideas for complementery colours.
I use verdana as a font its a common one so you shouldnt have to download it. I do tend to stay away from java script navagation buttons they do have a tendency to not work in certain browsers i.e firefox.
what sort of web design software do you use i.e front page, dreamweaver, coffe cup or the good old fashioned HTML of which i no very little of.
And what sort of graphics program have you got if any i.e paint shop, photoshop. If what i am thinking is right and you know a lot about html then i would say you are half way there, the design thing will come in time if you would like me design you a header or a web template then no probs just drop me an email and i will send you one you will find my email address on my web site its, www.fire-and-ice.co.uk and go to the email section, and have a look around the site and let me know what you think of mine too. keep up the good work. Rob Shooter
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Madeline
regular
Reg'd: Wed
Posts: 14625
Loc: Wales
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On the whole, I liked it. The homepage seems a little empty at the moment, but it's obviously a work in progress and Good Luck with it. Actually, it reminded me a lot of the way that the CNN site is laid out. Did you get some ideas from there, or is it just a coincidence? Madeline.
-------------------- "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord Acton, 1887.
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ultimatehandyman
regular
Reg'd: Sat
Posts: 256
Loc: Darwen, Lancs, UK
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Hi Paul
I like the site, it is easy to navigate and is a very clean looking site.
The pages on your site only fill about 7/10ths of my screen, so there is a blank gap down the right hand side of my screen, I have a 17" Lcd screen. This happens on a couple of other websites, not just yours! Not sure if you can make it fill the full screen or not?
Apart from that, I like it!
ultimatehandyman
-------------------- DIY
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maslett
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 19
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Dump the top adverts. The site doesn't seem to start until then.
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Ketchupkev
new user
Reg'd: Thu
Posts: 16
Loc: Lincoln, Lincs
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Hi Paul,
I would have to agree with ultimatehandyman when he says that there is a whole load of white space on the right of the screen, I know that it all comes down to personal taste but I think that it would be a bit more balanced if the page was in the centre of the screen.
The newest downloads menu displays ok in IE and Netscape but in Firefox and Opera the menu is dark blue background/blue text and green background /blue text respectively. The menu is especially difficult to read in Firefox.
All the best,
-------------------- Kev
"Happiness consists in getting enough sleep."
www.indulgencetheatre.co.uk
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Madeline
regular
Reg'd: Wed
Posts: 14625
Loc: Wales
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Quote:
The menu is especially difficult to read in Firefox.
I found that too, but otherwise I liked the site very much. Madeline.
-------------------- "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Lord Acton, 1887.
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callum_computermad
regular
Reg'd: Sun
Posts: 38
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you've got a few problems like clicking news>virus gives you a error page clicking back wont get you back on the site also add more games theres only 3!
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