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Hi all,
Reference:
http://news.lugnet.com/announce/?n=3358
and:
http://news.lugnet.com/admin/general/?n=11314
http://news.lugnet.com/org/wishlist
Thanks to all who were responding to the previous draft, here is another one:
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-4.php
A few comments:
Ted Michon wrote:
| | I notice that if I have already visited a top 10 item that it’s compacted and expands when I fly the mouse over it. This is more disconcerting than useful, at least at first.
|
| |
| | Obviously it was too hectic on the screen, so I changed it into a “tool-tip”-like preview box. I hope it’s more comfortable to anyone’s eyes.
|
Kelly McKiernan wrote:
| | the icons seem oversize in comparison to the other graphic elements on the page, and they seem a bit too cartoony.
|
| | Jan-Albert van Ree wrote:
| | The icons on the top are IMHO somewhat “childish”
|
| |
| | The items are still “cartoony”, but smaller. Please see them as placeholders, I’m also not really happy with them. Do we have an artist amongst us who could draw a few sketches? Suz? Mike? Greg? That would be great!
|
Kelly McKiernan wrote:
| | The Helpful links are very good too, although it might be a nice idea to rotate some of the links randomly, or on a schedule - both to keep other content owners happy and avoid charges of favoritism, as well as provide fresh content for new and experienced users.
|
| |
| | That’s a great idea! I haven’t implemented it yet, but put it on the suggestion list.
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Kelly McKiernan wrote:
| | The white space gutters between the three columns seem a little wide. Maybe I’m just used to more condensed layouts, but like the header space, seems like it could be tightened up a little.
|
| |
| | I guess the new draft uses better ratios.
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Kelly McKiernan wrote:
| | Will the non-newsgroup content be updated automatically or by hand? Just curious.
|
| |
| | The content in the middle section is created by hand. Despite of all the possibilities to create content automatically, I prefer editorial news for frontpages.
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Roy Gal wrote:
| | At least on my small laptop screen I can’t see the top stories, which is what I visit for most often, so anything to move that up would be good
|
| |
| | Good point. Now that I moved the Top Stories to the upper left sidebar, they should appear even on smaller screens
|
Roy Gal wrote:
| | Another option, though it might be very ‘busy’, is to split the center section into two columns, one with the Welcome and Upcoming Events, and one with the Top Stories.
|
| | Chris Phillips wrote:
| | I also find the float-over text changes to be disconcerting. I would vote for a more static page layout, FWIW.
|
| |
| | This would look weird on smaller screen solutions, like 800x600 or lower. The default Stylesheet should keep the site layout as simple as possible. Specific alternative Stylesheets could use other segmentations but probably those would be static and would require 1024x768 or higher.
|
Nathan Todd wrote:
| | The brickshelf feed might need some sort of filter, not all MOCs uploaded are of a great standard and new visitors might get the wrong impression if they see an AFOL site and then a lump of multi-coloured bricks or random bionicle creation...
|
| |
| | Probably a justified argument. I already have a few ideas, but I have to play around with what I’m able to do in that direction. Added to the suggestion list.
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Marc Nelson Jr. wrote:
| | I really like the Latest MOC feature (and the roll-over help on “MOC” is neat, too), but it looks like it’s done manually. I’m concerned that it might become too much to keep up with and get out of date. Is there any way to automate that feature?
|
| |
| | This feature was already automated, but I have rewritten the code piece again, so now it should generate pictures even from FTX-picture-links. I have to add a rule for plain links to pictures (just forgot it) and maybe I try to let it generate pictures out of external links too (later).
|
Ondrew Hartigan wrote:
| | the nice thing about the current home page is its simplicity. there is no need for bells and whisles. shop.lego.com found this out the hard way. learn from there mistakes and don’t muck up the page with crap that slows down load times and creates havok for anyone who is still on dial up. yea that’s me.
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| |
| | You’re completely right with the amount of data and I took it seriously. So I banned even the small generation of the random BS gallery from the frontpage code. Now you actually get a static page to your web browser, all dynamic content is created and updated every 15 minutes (currently) in the background. I’m proud to let you know, that the new version has even less data to transfer than the current page:
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| |
| | current: 63kB http://webtool.1und1.de/cgi-bin/loadcheck.cgi?domain=http%3A//www.lugnet.com&timeout=10
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| |
| | new: 49kB (depends on actual dynamic content) http://webtool.1und1.de/cgi-bin/loadcheck.cgi?domain=http%3A//www.lugnet.com/index-test-4.php&timeout=10
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Chris Phillips wrote:
| | I think the font sizes could be scaled down and the excess space tightened up a bit. I’m guessing that the larger font is for the benefit of those with vision problems?
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| |
| | The size was set to “normal”, I changed it to “small” in the CSS file. People with vision problems will increase font sizes to their needs anyway. BTW: That’s a reason for having a floating-text-layout.
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Jan-Albert van Ree wrote:
| | I’d like to see the overall look a bit sharper and more angular... to better communicate the medium LEGO, which key features are it’s strong geometry and bright (primary!) colours.
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| |
| | The first draft with the round corners was a <div>-soup anyway :-)
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John Barnes wrote:
| | My only request is that what used to be “Index” - “Top View” be retained. I am always interested in everything that gets posted, not just some specific groups.
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| |
| | Maybe I don’t understand it correctly, but isn’t “Index”-“Top View” (in the current “Newsgroup Shortcuts” area) the same as http://news.lugnet.com/, respectively the current “Newsgroups” link?
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Erik Amzallag wrote:
| | the page is not xhtml valid : there is a <div> and a <p> problem. The ‘legend’ element should be used into a ‘fieldset’ element. (snip) all the ‘a’ elements have to have got a ‘title’ attribute (snip) Add more “Back to top of page” links (which can be hidden in css).
|
| |
| | Thanks for pointing this out. Should be corrected now.
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Erik Amzallag wrote:
| | the ‘a’ element for top stories are too long. Only the title would be sufficient
|
| |
| | Ja, I know. But it’s necessary to provide IE6 and lower with the preview box (:hover works with <a> only in IE6 and lower). Since it isn’t a “barrier”, I decided to leave it as it is. The alternative would be to exclude IE users from the Top Stories preview.
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Erik Amzallag wrote (snipped):
| | the list ‘helpful links’ is not semanticly correct. You mix questions and answers.
|
| |
| | I actually planned to use a <dl>/<dt>/<dd> combo, but I wasn’t able to set up the styles to my satisfaction (so it would look similar in all browsers). I guess I have to practice a little bit more with lists, till then I stick with it :-/
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Erik Amzallag wrote:
| | you can add accesskey attributes which improve the navigation
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| |
| | Sorry, but I’m an enemy of accesskeys in webpages. People who are using them or even have to use some, probably have their own presettings and chances are way too high that accesskeys of a website interfere with the user’s settings.
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Erik Amzallag wrote:
| | What about a print stylesheet ? :)
|
| |
| | That’s a good idea and shouldn’t be that hard too do. Maybe someone is interested in creating such a stylesheet? I even think of a CSS contest, once the main structure for the improved site is wrapped up, I have a few LEGO sets which feel bored in my shelves as prices :-)
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Sean Kenney wrote:
| | Lots of cool and interesting things... http://news.lugnet.com/admin/suggestions/?n=1471
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| |
| | Thank you very much for taking the time to write such an extensive review. Without to become too specific here: I tried to bear in mind as much as possible from your ideas and thoughts. I hope you will notice all the little and bigger changes I made on the basis of your text :-)
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http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-4.php
PLMKWYT
Leg Godt!
Rene
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In lugnet.announce, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
Mostly looks good in terms of the layout and features. But a few comments:
Designy comments first:
1) I’m not sure I understand why you wanted to change the colors of the logo and
the background? Personally, I find the new colors a little too bright. Lugnet
always looked more like a professional site because it’s got muted background
colors.
2) Note on the 16x16 logo graphic-- I kinda like the old one better since the
distinction between “blocks” is visible. Comparison here:
3) I guess the other larger logo is also changed too? It seems... somehow wrong.
I guess it looks to me like someone did a quick photoshop job by selecting a
color range and then replacing with new colors. Several spots are kind of
pixelated, and the lines aren’t very well antialised and crisp.
4) I agree with the previous comment about the icons-- Again, I think the colors
are a bit bright, and are a little too cartoony (but not “icon-y” enough). Not
sure how best to describe that...
5) Again, the borders and fonts are really loud, making it look a little
kiddish. I’d be in favor of muting/removing/sizing down some of those borders
that are around the center stories, and maybe even the right-hand side.
Actually, on that note, it should also be a bit more consistant with them-- It’s
got a black border dividing some of the blue/cyan/white areas, and in other
places it doesn’t.
6) The “Read the official annoucement” or whatnot is a little large, font-wise.
Kind of draws attention away from the rest of the content. I’d opt for way
smaller, and probably less text. Something simple like “Read more ...”
7) The search box dropdown looks a little non-fluid. I’d definitely recommend
changing the css settings on the select box to be a little more standard.
Content Comments:
8) I love the links on the side. It annoys me at times when certain sites don’t
cooperate with others (like Lugnet guide has no links to Brickset’s guide, and
Peeron has no links to BrickLink’s inventory). Very handy. I might change the
order a bit, however. I’d recommend:
• LEGO.com (because yes!)
• LUGNET Guide (because LUGNET links should get a boost)
• BrickShelf (seems to be most fan’s #1 browsing spot)
• BrickLink (another big browsing spot)
• LDraw
• Peeron (I’d rather see Peeron show up before PICSL)
• MOCPages
• PICSL
• Legofan.org
• 1000steine.de (not to push 1000steine to the bottom, but for people going to
Lugnet, they’re probably not overly likely to buzz over to a German site with
high frequency)
9) I never really agreed with putting the new member names on the homepage.
Seems kind of spammy or something. Just a thought tho.
10) Is the content in the “Latest MOC” and “Random Gallery” going to be dynamic?
Assuming it’s based on the posts to announce.moc? If so, is it capable of
automatically fishing out the relevant image and scaling it appropriately? Plus,
definitely a good idea to have an administrative tool ready to veto MOCs from
showing up on the homepage.
11) I think I’d change the text on “Register for Free”, and just say something
like “Sign up” or “Register”. Should figure out the best terminology for members
and news setup-- I know it used to be VERY confusing for people what the
difference was between “membership” and “posting setup”.
Nitty comments:
12) Typo: need a space between “Top” and “Stories” in the Top Stories sidebar
area.
Hm. I could probably keep finding more-- however they’re mostly little comments
rather than general critiques. I think for the most part the design looks pretty
good. Just needs lots of tweaking :)
DaveE
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Hi Dave,
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, David Eaton wrote:
| |
1) Personally, I find the new colors a little too bright.
Lugnet always looked more like a professional site because it’s got muted
background colors.
|
I will have an alternative CSS ready in a few minutes which uses
background-colors with less chroma. In general, the colors are changed slightly
to match one “color chart” (don’t know how to describe this in English).
Actually, in the logo it was mainly the blue part that doesn’t match. I try to
make a comparison and will post it here.
| |
2) Note on the 16x16 logo graphic-- I kinda like the old one better since the
distinction between “blocks” is visible. Comparison here:
|
You’re completely right, I changed it to the old one.
| |
3) I guess the other larger logo is also changed too? It seems... somehow
wrong. I guess it looks to me like someone did a quick photoshop job by
selecting a color range and then replacing with new colors. Several spots are
kind of pixelated, and the lines aren’t very well antialised and crisp.
|
That was just caused by too much compression (respectively too less colors in
the .gif palette). I will have this fixed in the next draft.
| |
4) I agree with the previous comment about the icons-- Again, I think the
colors are a bit bright, and are a little too cartoony (but not “icon-y”
enough). Not sure how best to describe that...
|
We definitive need a designer. Anyone here? Even if we use the current GFX for
News and Guide, we would need the equivalents for Spotlight, Events, Links and
FAQ. I even thought of engaging a professional pictogram designer :-/
| |
5) Again, the borders and fonts are really loud, making it look a little
kiddish. I’d be in favor of muting/removing/sizing down some of those borders
|
I would agree with the borders, but not with font-size. Maybe I’m getting old,
but sometimes I find it difficult to read all those xx-small fonts on various
sites and content crowded together.
| |
Actually, on that note, it should also be a bit more consistant with them--
It’s got a black border dividing some of the blue/cyan/white areas, and in
other places it doesn’t.
|
It should be a nearly black (touch of dark blue) border around blue/white areas
and a nearly black one (touch of very dark yellow) around the yellow areas.
Taking the very dark blue border also for yellow areas would look even more
weird (IMO). If you have a look at the current News and Guide pages, you will
notice that Todd and Suz also used yellowish borders for yellow areas and bluish
ones for blue areas.
| |
6) The “Read the official annoucement” or whatnot is a little large,
font-wise. Kind of draws attention away from the rest of the content. I’d opt
for way smaller, and probably less text. Something simple like “Read more
...”
|
Probably “Read more...” and displaying inline should be our choice, indeed.
Though it doesn’t match the WCAG, which says to have different link text for
different destinations. But to whom it concerns, I will add different ”title”
attributes to these links.
| |
8) I love the links on the side. It annoys me at times when certain sites
don’t cooperate with others (like Lugnet guide has no links to Brickset’s
guide, and Peeron has no links to BrickLink’s inventory). Very handy. I might
change the order a bit, however. I’d recommend:
(snip)
|
| |
(not to push 1000steine to the bottom, but for people going
to Lugnet, they’re probably not overly likely to buzz over to a German site
with high frequency)
|
No need for apologies :-) But the link doesn’t lead to 1000steine itself, but to
a multilingual page where you actually get feedback from LEGO (Other than here
in .dear-lego most times). The project was asked by Jake in the year dot,
unfortunately, it never got real attention other than by German speaking people.
I will think over the order nevertheless!
| |
10) Is the content in the “Latest MOC” and “Random Gallery” going to be
dynamic? Assuming it’s based on the posts to announce.moc? If so, is it
capable of automatically fishing out the relevant image and scaling it
appropriately?
|
Three times “Yes”.
| |
Plus, definitely a good idea to have an administrative tool
ready to veto MOCs from showing up on the homepage.
|
That’s a nice idea, but I guess this would go more towards “Cool MOC of the
Week” or something. The “Latest MOC” box should really contain the latest MOC
(from .announce.moc).
| |
12) Typo: need a space between “Top” and “Stories” in the Top Stories sidebar
area.
|
Thanks! I’m very interested in all upcoming spelling mistakes too, they will
happen to me for sure ;-)
Leg Godt!
Rene
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
We definitive need a designer. Anyone here? Even if we use the current GFX
for News and Guide, we would need the equivalents for Spotlight, Events,
Links and FAQ. I even thought of engaging a professional pictogram designer
:-/
|
I was thinking about these and came up with some ideas, René. I will work them
up this weekend and present Monday.
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
We definitive need a designer. Anyone here? Even if we use the current GFX
for News and Guide, we would need the equivalents for Spotlight, Events,
Links and FAQ. I even thought of engaging a professional pictogram designer
:-/
|
I was thinking about these and came up with some ideas, René. I will work
them up this weekend and present Monday.
JOHN
|
thanks for taking the time, John, I’m looking forward to see the results!
-Rene
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
We definitive need a designer. Anyone here? Even if we use the current GFX
for News and Guide, we would need the equivalents for Spotlight, Events,
Links and FAQ. I even thought of engaging a professional pictogram designer
:-/
|
I was thinking about these and came up with some ideas, René. I will work
them up this weekend and present Monday.
JOHN
|
thanks for taking the time, John, I’m looking forward to see the results!
|
Well, I procrastinated my work today, and voila:
I thought that it would be cool (and consistent) to retain the LUGNET “triangle”
feel of all the icons. Your spotlight idea, as mine, also has a triangular feel
to it.
The events icons is supposed to represent banners that might be used for a
special event. The other idea I had was to recreate
the LEGO element flag, or one of the other
banners TLG makes.
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
Well, I procrastinated my work today, and voila:
I thought that it would be cool (and consistent) to retain the LUGNET
“triangle” feel of all the icons. Your spotlight idea, as mine, also has a
triangular feel to it.
The events icons is supposed to represent banners that might be used for a
special event. The other idea I had was to recreate
the LEGO element flag, or one of the other
banners TLG makes.
|
John, I really like these a lot -- especially the Links icon.
Only thing I’d change is making the colors a little more saturated, darker.
--Todd
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
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Only thing I’d change is making the colors a little more saturated, darker.
|
Done.
I sampled the colors from the front page logo.
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
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Well, I procrastinated my work today, and voila:
|
Hi John,
they’re wonderful, I’ve used “Events” and “FAQ” for draft #6 (was too lazy to
convert also “Links” at the moment ;-)
THANKS!
René
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
Well, I procrastinated my work today, and voila:
|
Hi John,
they’re wonderful, I’ve used “Events” and “FAQ” for draft #6 (was too lazy to
convert also “Links” at the moment ;-)
|
Hey, no need. Just LMK what size you want it and I can send it to you.
Todd: I’ll sample the colors from the homepage logo.
Glad you liked them, René!
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
(was too lazy to
convert also “Links” at the moment ;-)
:-) HTH:
Also, check this out:
I adjusted the spotlight slightly and I really don’t think it looks too bad at
all.
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, David Eaton wrote:
| |
2) Note on the 16x16 logo graphic-- I kinda like the old one better since the
distinction between “blocks” is visible. Comparison here:
|
Yeah, let’s be careful not to lose the studs.
--Todd
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|
Hi, Rene.
Firstly, thanks for all the work you are putting into this. I did not get a
chance to comment on the previous draft
(Draft #1), but I’ve now got the latest draft (Draft #2), Draft #1, and the
current LUGENT front pages up side-by-side so I can give you my thoughts.
Overall, I find the Draft #1 to be most
aesthetically pleasing in terms of color and layout. I did agree with the small
criticism that there is too much empty (wasted) space at the top of the page on
that draft, so I was pleased to see this addressed in Draft #2, and I do think
that adding the static Welcome message to that area was a good solution. But in
all other regards, I find Draft #1 to be easier on the eyes than Draft #2.
Now let’s talk about the middle column. I agree that the middle column is a
good place to put occasionally-changing information that the LUGNET admins
consider of general significance to all LUGNET visitors such as the info about
upcoming fests.
I think this is fairly well implemented on the current LUGNET front page
(leaving aesthetic issues aside). The only somewhat confusing issue is that
this occasionally-changing information is followed by the “Where minds connect”
and “Fun things to see and do” sections which are entirely static.
In Draft #1, I liked the look of the middle section very much. The dark blue
text over the light blue background was quite pleasant. The problem here is
that having the Welcome message at the top gives the visitor the idea that
everything in this middle column is static content. This was somewhat mitigated
by the Brickworld 2007 info having a date in the headline itself and a date on
which it was posted in parentheses, but I think you want a clearer separation
between static and changing content, so that’s why I approve of putting the
welcome message in the top section of the page. I also approved of moving the
Top Stories section back to its position in the left column as it is in the
current front page.
On Draft #2, aesthetically I dislike the dark borders and white on black text
of the middle column. But the larger problem is that it’s unclear to the
visitor what sort of content is being presented here. They way each story is
boxed and dated makes it look like these are dynamically generated Top Stories
(or something like that). Perhaps what is needed here is a section heading for
this middle column. Something to let people know that what follows is
occasionally-updated information hand-selected by the LUGNET admins. That’s not
a very snappy title, so perhaps we can come up with something succinct.
In Draft #2 it also looks a little weird to have the top border of the first
middle column box higher than the border at the top of the left and right
columns. I liked the look of Draft #1 much more in this regard.
As for the Welcome message itself, I would suggest shortening the text back to
something like it is on the current front page and also not having the text
stretch beyond the middle column. This would be easier to read and free up some
space in the upper right corner of the page. That upper right corner is already
a bit empty, so what I suggest is that we clear enough room to put the Search
LUGNET thing there.
I kind of like the magnifying glass icon you used in Draft #1. I suggest seeing
if you can fit the Search LUGNET in the dark blue part of that upper right
corner with the icon. OI am very pleased that the default search has been
changed to “News” instead of “Set Reference”. I generally do about 100 news
searches for every time I do a Set Reference search, so it was pretty annoying
to have to use the pull down menu each time.
Moving the Search LUGNET to the top right corner would also allow everything in
the right column to move up a little. I really like the dynamically updated
Latest MOC image, and it would be nice to see that at the top of the right
column.
Concerning the LUGNET logo in the upper left corner, I like Draft #1’s version
the best in terms of size and colors, though I would suggest centering it over
the left column as you did in Draft #2. (I’m just not so enthused about it
being made smaller and put in a box.)
I agree with DaveE that it’s never been all that clear what the difference is
between “Register for free” and “Become a member”. It might be good to just
have one prominent link on the front page that covers both of these (and perhaps
links to a page explaining the difference). Such a link does seem important
enough to be given more prominence than it gets in Draft #2 (though Draft #1
seems to devote too much space to it). I suggest adding an icon for it to the
row of icons across the top of the page. Perhaps call it simply “Join In” or
“Membership” or something appropriate, giving it a tooltip text that explains it
a little more.
I kind of like the “Newsgroup Shortcuts” on the current LUGNET front page. Not
only are they handy quick links to read those groups, I think the list gives
newcomers an idea of the different popular topics of discussion here on LUGNET.
OK, that’s all my comments for now. I know it most be maddening trying to
please so many different people. Your efforts are greatly appreciated though!
-Brendan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
I find Draft #1 to be easier on the eyes
than Draft #2.
|
Ja, me too, but obviously eye friendly distances are threatened with extinction
:-)
| |
it’s unclear to
the visitor what sort of content is being presented here middle column.
They way each story is boxed and dated makes it look like these are
dynamically generated Top Stories (or something like that). Perhaps what is
needed here is a section heading for this middle column.
|
You’re right. Maybe “Editorial News”?
| |
In Draft #2 it also looks a little weird to have the top border of the first
middle column box higher than the border at the top of the left and right
columns. I liked the look of Draft #1 much more in this regard.
|
There’s something wrong with my CSS, but I wasn’t able to figure it out. The
next draft will be without borders in the middle column, so probably this will
be fixed by itself.
| |
That upper right corner
is already a bit empty, so what I suggest is that we clear enough room to put
the Search LUGNET thing there.
|
To be honest, I haven’t found a way to position the whole fieldset there (please
note, that the HTML doesn’t use tables for creating the layout). I will see what
I can do, probably it will leads to a few more HTML containers to seperate the
icons from the search fieldset up there...
| |
I agree with DaveE that it’s never been all that clear what the difference is
between “Register for free” and “Become a member”. It might be good to just
have one prominent link on the front page that covers both of these
|
Ja, that should be done. But I have to build the page beyond such a link first.
Will do this in the near future.
| |
OK, that’s all my comments for now. I know it most be maddening trying to
please so many different people. Your efforts are greatly appreciated
though!
|
Thanks, Brendan!
Leg Godt!
René
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| |
|
Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
>
> [<http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-4.php>]
> PLMKWYT
My immediate recations were:
- It looks quite good! But...
- The top bar takes more than 20% of my available browser window (1152x860
display), but doesn't have content to match.
- Why isn't the search in the top bar? That's where I'd expect it.
- The black box around each news item is too distinct. I'd be happy with
just a single line between items.
- The 'Read on...' links are confusing and takes a lot of space (sometimes).
What's the difference between: "Read the whole announcement.", "Read the
entire announcement.", "Read SCLTC's entire announcement.", "Read the
details.", "Read the official announcement.", "Read more about BrickJournal
5."?
"Read more..." or just "More..." should be enough
- The bold header for each item could be smaller and still stand out.
- I actually expected the bold header to take me to the articles, too.
- Today, most people use the word "Forum" instead of "Newsgroup" - might
make it easier for newbies to realize what's behind the links ("News" is
uninspiring info written by others, "Forum" is where I can talk myself :-)
- Maybe the "Top Stories" header should be qualified "from the Forums"
- Don't know if it is my FireFox, but the line spacing seems a bit too
wide - lot's of space wasted. No, just checked, and it's even more unused
space in IE6, FF actually shows more content, despite its tabs. You should
definitely be able to show more than three items on a 1152x864 screen.
All of the above is IMO, of course.
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
|
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> - The black box around each news item is too distinct. I'd be happy with
> just a single line between items.
I will try this one on the next draft, let's see how this catches on.
> - The 'Read on...' links are confusing and takes a lot of space (sometimes).
> What's the difference between: "Read the whole announcement.", "Read the
> entire announcement.", "Read SCLTC's entire announcement.", "Read the
> details.", "Read the official announcement.", "Read more about BrickJournal
> 5."?
> "Read more..." or just "More..." should be enough
WCAG. Please see my answer to Dave's post. I will change this nevertheless.
> - The bold header for each item could be smaller and still stand out.
I will try one single step smaller, but not more. Than it's enough :-)
> - I actually expected the bold header to take me to the articles, too.
Yes, I guess this would be neat, but not necessary? It would inflate the whole
HTML file too much. I'm proud that I made it smaller than the current one, in
spite of all the invisible mark-up that is necessary to match the WCAG.
> - Today, most people use the word "Forum" instead of "Newsgroup" - might
> make it easier for newbies to realize what's behind the links ("News" is
> uninspiring info written by others, "Forum" is where I can talk myself :-)
Ja, we had this issue before and it could be easier for newbies to call it
"Forums". Though it would be a reorientation for existing users, especially
because they are in fact "Newsgroups" nevertheless.
> - Don't know if it is my FireFox, but the line spacing seems a bit too
> wide - lot's of space wasted.
*deep sigh* :-)
Thanks for your thoughts!
Leg Godt!¬
Rene
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| |
|
Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
>
> > - Don't know if it is my FireFox, but the line spacing seems a bit
> > too wide - lot's of space wasted.
>
> *deep sigh* :-)
:-) My eyes are not that good anymore, that's why I can't turn my screen up
to 1280x1024, but have to stay at 1152x864. This means that there's not so
much screen real estate left when all the window frames, logos etc. have had
their place. But, I just had a peek at your test-5 page, and seeing that
most of my suggestions are there, I can't say anything negative about it,
actually, I like it :-)
The old Lugnet pages uses a too small font for me, I have to increase one
step in the browser. With your new layout, I don't have to do that except
possibly for the left side bar - the bold blue on blue is very difficult for
my eyes, the black on yellow to the right is fine. I have very strong
glasses, refracting different colours different amounts (chromatic
abberration), and as blue is at one end of the spectrum and red at the
other, any color containing both blue and red gets very smudgy for me (I can
separate the red and blue pixels by just turning my head).
I could probably adjust my own browser preferences for links and visited
links to make it better (testing... yep - that works fine, thanks for not
locking the page to your preferred colours!).
Still think just a line between middle column items would be enough, but
it's your call.
Thanks for keeping lugnet alive, and listening to our moaning!
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hi,
Thanks for all this hard work! The new page is growing on me ; ) I still
think it lacks a certain ‘plain yet effective’ quality but realize that is what
also has to be sacrificed to bring in mew users.
My only big suggestion: Could the search be at the top of the screen. I
seem to search Lugnet a lot, and always like to see it loading first : )
Many thanks again!!!
God Bless,
Nathan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Nathan Todd wrote:
| |
My only big suggestion: Could the search be at the top of the screen. I
seem to search Lugnet a lot, and always like to see it loading first : )
|
Hi Nathan,
in draft #6 it is (finally)...
Leg Godt!
René
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-6.php
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In lugnet.announce, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
much much better!.
a few minor sugestions:
eliminate the baby blue bar across the top of the page with the welcome note
and put the welcome note in a white box at the center of the page much like the
“announcment boxes”. this would bring all content up a little.
i would also make the darker blue at the top of the page as tall as the lugnet
logo, offset it with the search tool on the top right hand corner and center the
other “cartoon” clickable links between them.
speaking of the cartoon links, i really don’t mind them too much but, i would
suggest changing the events and spotlight one to something that convays there
meaning better. the spotlight one i see as a desk lamp much like the one in
PIXAR’s logo. as for events i don’t have any good ideas. if they don’t change
i’ll deal with it and it really won’t bother me a ton but it would be cool.
other than that it looks 1000 times better than the confusing first version.
thank you for actualy taking suggestions and thanks for the info on loading
content. it was interesting to see. ondrew
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ondrew hartigan wrote:
>
> i would also make the darker blue at the top of the page as tall as
> the lugnet logo,
I don't agree. The logo overlapping the bottom of the blue field shows that
there really are "no limits" :-) I like it as it is, it keeps the visual
balance of the page. Having the blue field as large as the logo makes the
page top-heavy, shrinking the logo makes it a bit too small.
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Anders Isaksson wrote:
> ondrew hartigan wrote:
> >
> > i would also make the darker blue at the top of the page as tall as
> > the lugnet logo,
>
> I don't agree. The logo overlapping the bottom of the blue field shows that
> there really are "no limits" :-) I like it as it is, it keeps the visual
> balance of the page. Having the blue field as large as the logo makes the
> page top-heavy, shrinking the logo makes it a bit too small.
i think i might have confused you. i would neither shrink or enlarge the logo
but rather match the width of the darker blue stripe to that of the logo. i like
the logo size as is.
ondrew
p.s. i hope i was a little more clear this time. sorry for the confusion.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Ondrew Hartigan wrote:
| |
the spotlight one i see as a desk lamp much like the
one in PIXAR’s logo.
|
Good idea, I made it even more simple, what do you think about this one?
Leg Godt!
Rene
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Ondrew Hartigan wrote:
| |
the spotlight one i see as a desk lamp much like the
one in PIXAR’s logo.
|
Good idea, I made it even more simple, what do you think about this one?
|
That’s good-- that’s kind of what I had in mind. I had the idea of putting a
brick in the spotlight, so as to imply a MOC being highlighted.
If not a brick, I would spin the spotlight around so that the entire LUGNET logo
was in the spotlight.
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
| |
Good idea, I made it even more simple, what do you think about this one?
|
That’s good-- that’s kind of what I had in mind. I had the idea of putting a
brick in the spotlight, so as to imply a MOC being highlighted.
If not a brick, I would spin the spotlight around so that the entire LUGNET
logo was in the spotlight.
|
I’d be curious to see what it looks like with the spotlight coming from the
upper-left, as John suggests.
--Todd
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
| |
Good idea, I made it even more simple, what do you think about this one?
|
That’s good-- that’s kind of what I had in mind. I had the idea of putting
a brick in the spotlight, so as to imply a MOC being highlighted.
If not a brick, I would spin the spotlight around so that the entire LUGNET
logo was in the spotlight.
|
I’d be curious to see what it looks like with the spotlight coming from the
upper-left, as John suggests.
--Todd
|
Hi Todd,
nice to read you!
I’ve tried, but it looks wacky. IMO the contrast is needed to show that the logo
is actually “in the spotlight” and not cased by a cone. Nevertheless, I’m still
not too happy with the current logo set.
-René
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-6.php
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Ondrew Hartigan wrote:
| |
the spotlight one i see as a desk lamp much like the
one in PIXAR’s logo.
|
Good idea, I made it even more simple, what do you think about this one?
Leg Godt!
Rene
|
ROCKIN! looks good to me. visualy it makes much more sence now.
ondrew
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Ondrew Hartigan wrote:
| |
the spotlight one i see as a desk lamp much like the
one in PIXAR’s logo.
|
Good idea, I made it even more simple, what do you think about this one?
Leg Godt!
Rene
|
Hi René,
those are the best icons up to now. I like this approach very much. It shows
that we are on LUGNet here.
Leg Godt!
Marco
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hi all,
thanks again for the feedback, I guess we come closer to a final design.
Here are three more sketches, the difference between them is only the colors. I
moved the Search up to the right corner and tried to thin out the middle section
a little bit.
Version 5:
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-5.php
Version 5 - alternative colors (all matching the same color chart):
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-5-alt.php
Version 5 - classic colors (not matching the color chart and therefore
subconscious “disharmonious”):
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-5-classic.php
Leg Godt!
Rene
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
Hi all,
thanks again for the feedback, I guess we come closer to a final design.
|
I’m really starting to like it! One thing about the LUGNET logo. I work with a
lot of corporations and dealing with their logos. It seems standard procedure
that there needs to be a “quiet” space around any logo, which is often
determined by font height. In the case of the LUGNET logo, the space around it
should be like this:
This way the logo doesn’t appear “crowded”.
HTH,
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
It seems standard procedure that there needs to be a
“quiet” space around any logo
|
I agree with John about this. If the LUGNET logo must be in a box, it should at
least have more space around it. But I also still highly favor the larger,
non-boxed LUGNET logo from this draft.
On an only somewhat related note... the LUGNET logo is comprised of three
interlocked L’s, which I always assumed stand for LUGNET, but the way the logo
is positioned, the L’s are backward. Anybody know why they didn’t flip the logo
around so the L’s are forward? Or are they not supposed to be L’s? Guess this
could really only be answered by Todd and Suz.
-Brendan
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
It seems standard procedure that there needs to be a
“quiet” space around any logo
|
I agree with John about this. If the LUGNET logo must be in a box, it should
at least have more space around it. But I also still highly favor the
larger, non-boxed LUGNET logo from this draft.
|
I really like this draft as well, because of the lack of boxes. The only
problem with not having a box around it this draft is that the logo gets diluted
by the colors passing behind it.
On my own somewhat related note... the actual LUGNET logo IMO is working TOO
hard on the web page. I think it is too prevalent, and should be used more
judiciously. For instance, it shouldn’t be used as a common bullet IMO. It has
more impact when it appears less often, say as when it appears before your name,
René.
We talk a lot about brand dilution WRT the word “LEGO”, but we should be
protective of the LUGNET logo as well. One cardinal sin when using corporate
logos is integrating them into text because it dilutes the brand, which is why I
think that the LUGNET logo should be removed from the word “LUGMAPS”.
Also, I think it’s nice to have the LUGNET logo a hyperlink to a page that talks
about the logo itself.
| |
On an only somewhat related note... the LUGNET logo is comprised of three
interlocked L’s, which I always assumed stand for LUGNET, but the way the
logo is positioned, the L’s are backward. Anybody know why they didn’t flip
the logo around so the L’s are forward? Or are they not supposed to be L’s?
Guess this could really only be answered by Todd and Suz.
|
Interesting, Brendan. I never thought of those as Ls. Here is a little logo
study for you to help make your point:
Verrry eenteresting. I’m not sure how kosher it is to be talking about
manipulating the LUGNET logo, but FWIW, I like the one with the red L standing
up straight.
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
Here is a little logo
study for you to help make your point:
|
Nice, thanks for the illustration.
| |
Verrry eenteresting. I’m not sure how kosher it is to be talking about
manipulating the LUGNET logo,
|
I can certainly understand the hesitation in thayt regard.
| |
but FWIW, I like the one with the red L
standing up straight.
|
There might be some implied favoritism toward the yellow L if we count
this Todd & Suz created
image for anything.
But I was more just wondering and not necessarily suggesting a change in logo
orientation.
-Brendan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
There might be some implied favoritism toward the yellow L if we count
this Todd & Suz
created image for anything.
But I was more just wondering and not necessarily suggesting a change in logo
orientation.
|
It’s a good question, Brendan. It’s been 8 years and I can’t recall exactly
what the decision process was, but I do recall we felt that certain
orientations looked upside down, while others looked right-side up. I think
we looked at 12 different coloring/orientation permutations before choosing
the final.
Somewhere on an old hard drive, I have about 20 Visio drawings tracing the
evolution of the logo, back in August 1998. It didn’t actually start out as
an “L”, but other (pre-block) logos in 1997 (which never saw the light of
day) did have an “L” and an “N”.
I’m really happy to see this whole thread...and everyone working together to
give feedback to Rene in a constructive way.
When a final rework is decided upon, Susanne and I will want to give our
input on certain subtleties of the way the logo is rendered (particularly
the coloring and the spacing), but I’m still very happy to see brainstorming
and cooperation. :)
--Todd
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
On an only somewhat related note... the LUGNET logo is comprised of three
interlocked L’s,
|
Not quite.
ROSCO
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
Hi René,
personally I like this one the most.
Cheers
Marco
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
>
> Version 5 - alternative colors (all matching the same color chart):¬
> http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-5-alt.php
I prefer this one, it's the one most easy to read (for me).
--
Anders Isaksson, Sweden
BlockCAD: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/proglego.htm
Gallery: http://web.telia.com/~u16122508/gallery/index.htm
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
Hi all,
Version 5 - alternative colors (all matching the same color chart):
<http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-5-alt.php
|
this is the one i like. looks good and i have no complaints.
ondrew
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| |
|
Hi, Rene.
I put together a mock-up image of my suggestions for tweaks to the new LUGNET
front page. I am using index-test-2 as
a basis since I prefer the overall look of that draft to any of the ones since
then. (Not that the latest
draft is not good, but I prefer the colors and look of the columns in
index-test-2.) Here’s what I came up with:
Click image for the full-size
view.
Starting in the upper left corner, I kept the LUGNET logo as large as it was in
index-test-2, but centered it over the left column and avoided using the box
around it at all.
I tried moving the Welcome message to the very top of the middle of the page. I
am not so sure we’ve come up with the best actual Welcome message yet (I am not
even sure what “services” refers to here; and we’ll need to settle on whether
we’re calling them discussion groups or forums--I prefer discussion groups, but
maybe I’m old school). But I think what would be best is something succinct,
giving people a quick and friendly description of what LUGNET is all about.
I also tried putting the large icon links directly below that, in effect
swapping positions with the Welcome message. I also tried adding a “Join/Login”
icon link centered above the right column of the page. This was inspired by the
same yellow key / gray key icon that displays on most LUGNET pages depending on
whether or not you are currently logged in. The change here would be to have
this link to a single page where you could login if you are already a LUGNET
member or find out how to become a member (or just get posting privileges) if
you are not.
In the top right corner, I’ve managed to squeeze in a search field with the
icon. I could see perhaps sacrificing the icon for space reasons. And I wasn’t
able to fit in an “Advance search” link (though I suppose the icon could
function as that very link with a tooltip explaining it).
On the left column, I’ve put the Top Stories as it is in the latest draft
(index-test-5). Personally, I’m not so concerned with what goes beneath that on
the left column. As I mentioned before, I always did like the links to popular
newsgroups, but I don’t have a strong feeling about this.
At the top of the right column, again I’m following the latest draft, just
trying to keep the look and feel of index-test-2.
In the middle column I’ve tried adding a small headline letting the visitor know
what sort of content follows by putting “We bring to your attention...” That
sounds a little corny, so I would certainly like to hear other people’s
suggestions. As I mentioned before, I really liked the look of the dark blue
text over the very, very light blue background of the middle column in
index-test-2, so I’ve kept that. But I did move the posting date in parentheses
to the very end of each blurb, just after the standardized “Read more...” link.
By the way, please ignore the actual text in these middle column blurbs. I just
did a bunch of copy-and-pastes to fill in the space to make it look appropriate,
so the text itself is mix-and-match gibberish. :)
I think that covers all the changes I made. I’d be interested in people’s
comments on those changes, or to hear what people like better about
index-test-5 (or one of its
color variants) than this mock-up.
-Brendan
P.S. Is there a way for the parent post for each new draft Rene creates to be
automatically given enough highlight/spotlights to ensure it stays on the front
page’s Top Stories for a few days? I think this overhaul of the LUGNET front
page is pretty monumental news, and yet I get the sense that a lot of people who
might feel very strongly about it aren’t even aware of it because they don’t
make a habit of reading lugnet.admin. I know I don’t, so I feel fortunate to
have stumbled across it when I did!
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Sorry, the link to the full size image did not seem to work.
Here’s the link again: http://www.thereverend.com/suggestion01.png
-Brendan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
Starting in the upper left corner, I kept the LUGNET logo as large as it was
in index-test-2, but centered it over the left column and avoided using the
box around it at all.
|
Looks great without the box!
BTW, the “shadows” in the logo should be darker versions of the brick colors
(e.g., dark blue, dark red, dark yellow) instead of black. But in terms of
a mock-up, that’s just a minor point.
| |
I also tried putting the large icon links directly below that, in effect
swapping positions with the Welcome message. I also tried adding a
“Join/Login” icon link centered above the right column of the page.
|
Another minor point: “login” is an adjective (e.g., “your login name”),
whereas “log in” is a verb (e.g., “click here to log in”) Similarly,
“Setup” is an noun (e.g., “that’s a cool setup”), whereas “set up” is a
verb (e.g., “let’s set up a giant moonbase”). So the text should really
say “Join / Log in” there.
| |
This was
inspired by the same yellow key / gray key icon that displays on most LUGNET
pages depending on whether or not you are currently logged in. The change
here would be to have this link to a single page where you could login if you
are already a LUGNET member or find out how to become a member (or just get
posting privileges) if you are not.
|
I like the combining of joining and logging in with the text for both
beneath. :)
| |
In the top right corner, I’ve managed to squeeze in a search field with the
icon. I could see perhaps sacrificing the icon for space reasons. And I
wasn’t able to fit in an “Advance search” link (though I suppose the icon
could function as that very link with a tooltip explaining it).
|
I like the way you put a tiny LUGNET logo inside the magnifying glass. :)
--Todd
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
| |
I like the way you put a tiny LUGNET logo inside the magnifying glass. :)
|
I am little surprised about that, Todd. Actually, I am worrying about the
dilution of the LUGNET logo by using it freely within other graphics.
It is clever, but I fear too clever by half. Bad branding.
.02,
JOHN
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, John Neal wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
| |
I like the way you put a tiny LUGNET logo inside the magnifying glass. :)
|
I am little surprised about that, Todd. Actually, I am worrying about the
dilution of the LUGNET logo by using it freely within other graphics.
|
I like it because I think it readily communicates what the icon means:
“Search LUGNET”. I would color it slightly differently and make the studs
show subtly, but that’s just a refinement.
| |
It is clever, but I fear too clever by half. Bad branding.
|
To me it feels very similar to the way the logo was used when we made the LUGNET
News logo:
I kinda like the idea of it appearing within icons, as long as there’s a good
reason, and the usage is consistent, and it’s subtle, like these:
--Todd
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
| |
I kinda like the idea of it appearing within icons, as long as there’s a good
reason, and the usage is consistent, and it’s subtle, like these:
|
Okay, I see your point; I can live with the magnifying glass:-) But I draw the
line at bullets.
It’s such a fine line between stupid, and clever. - St. Hubbins
JOHN
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
> In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
>
> > I also tried putting the large icon links directly below that, in effect
> > swapping positions with the Welcome message. I also tried adding a
> > "Join/Login" icon link centered above the right column of the page.
>
> Another minor point: "login" is an adjective (e.g., "your login name"),
> whereas "log in" is a verb (e.g., "click here to log in") Similarly,
> "Setup" is an noun (e.g., "that's a cool setup"), whereas "set up" is a
> verb (e.g., "let's set up a giant moonbase"). So the text should really
> say "Join / Log in" there.
Actually, it's another of those words where common use has blurred what some
would consider the correct usage. Many dictionaries now list it as a noun, eg:
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dict.asp?Word=login
ROSCO
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Ross Crawford wrote:
> Actually, it's another of those words where common use has blurred what some
> would consider the correct usage. Many dictionaries now list it as a noun, eg:
> http://www.thefreedictionary.com/dict.asp?Word=login
Common mis-use, you mean? :)
LiveJournal, SourceForge, and the New York Times all do it correctly, just
to name a few:
http://www.livejournal.com/login.bml
http://sourceforge.net/account/login.php
http://www.nytimes.com/auth/login
--Todd
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Todd Lehman wrote:
| |
Looks great without the box!
BTW, the “shadows” in the logo should be darker versions of the brick colors
(e.g., dark blue, dark red, dark yellow) instead of black. But in terms of
a mock-up, that’s just a minor point.
|
Glad you like the overall look of the mock-up I did, but I should be careful not
to take too much credit. I really just moved stuff around that was in Rene’s
index-test-2 and subsequent drafts.
So any imperfections in the logo shadow were just carried over from that draft
by Rene when I copied and pasted.
| |
Another minor point: “login” is an adjective (e.g., “your login name”),
whereas “log in” is a verb (e.g., “click here to log in”) Similarly,
“Setup” is an noun (e.g., “that’s a cool setup”), whereas “set up” is a
verb (e.g., “let’s set up a giant moonbase”). So the text should really
say “Join / Log in” there.
|
Ah, very interesting. I did not realize the difference and am glad to know it.
I think I had been misusing both “login” and “setup” as verbs.
| |
I like the combining of joining and logging in with the text for both
beneath. :)
|
Yeah, this is one area where I think LUGNET would benefit from copying other
sites. I definitely think the “sign in” or “log in” link should be more
prominent on the front page than it is on the current LUGNET front page. In
fact, until just today I did not even realize there is a “sign in” link on the
front page. I’m almost always logged in anyhow, but on those few occasions
where I needed to sign in, I always navigated to a news page where the “sign in”
icon and link are prominently in the upper right corner.
Many sites nowadays have a link on the front page to that goes to a combination
“sign up” / “sign in” page. As Bill Ward pointed out a couple years back, this
page should also provide links for changing your password and a way to get your
password sent to your e-mail address if you’ve forgotten it. Again, it was only
this week that I realized changing your LUGNET password was even an option. I
was convinced it wasn’t an option since I’d never seen anything to indicate
that it was. But I was certainly very happy not to have to remember that
indecipherable string of letters and numbers anymore. That annoyed me for
years!
| |
I like the way you put a tiny LUGNET logo inside the magnifying glass. :)
|
Again, just to be clear, credit for the logo belongs to Rene. It was there in
index-test-2 but was removed in later drafts. I just reinstated it in a new
place on the page.
I definitely agree with the sentiment that it’s nice to see everyone offering
constructive ideas and criticisms of these drafts. Nice to see you involved
too, Todd! :)
-Brendan
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In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
Many sites nowadays have a link on the front page to that goes to a
combination “sign up” / “sign in” page. As Bill Ward pointed out a couple
years back, this page should also provide links for changing your password
and a way to get your password sent to your e-mail address if you’ve
forgotten it.
|
I’m pretty sure only the encrypted password is stored on the server, so it isn’t
able to send you your clear-text password. But I could be wrong. That is better
from a security standpoint, but means the only way to reset your password if you
forget it is to have the system email you a new random password, which you can
then change if you want.
ROSCO
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Hi Brendan,
thank you very much for taking the time to make this image. It’s really a lot of
fun creating the new frontpage with all the help from various people.
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Brendan Powell Smith wrote:
| |
I prefer the colors and look of the columns in
index-test-2.)
|
The borders are made out of 4 different pictures, each is a background picture
in a seperate DIV-element and therefore there are 4 DIVs only for the background
+ 1 outer DIV for the piece of content itself (including background) + 1 DIV
within the background DIVs for the actual content. I guess that’s too much; but
would have been needed for floating boxes. The current draft uses one DIV
element per box only, but the HTML file includes 3 extra DIVs for each box which
can be used for design elements in future alternative style sheets.
| |
I tried moving the Welcome message to the very top of the middle of the page.
|
I guess we should be consistent with the use of the header, in all sub pages,
the menu icons are in the dark blue band, so I would like to have them there on
the front page too.
| |
I also tried putting the large icon links directly below that,
|
I really like them being centered, but based on my current CSS- and HTML file, I
haven’t found a solution to center them without adding container elements just
to achieve exactly that :-(
| |
In the top right corner, I’ve managed to squeeze in a search field with the
icon. I could see perhaps sacrificing the icon for space reasons. And I
wasn’t able to fit in an “Advance search” link (though I suppose the icon
could function as that very link with a tooltip explaining it).
|
Finally, I moved the search in the upper right corner in draft #6, but also
wasn’t able to place the “Advanced Options” link in a way it looks good in every
browser and also by scaling the font size.
Also I have to play around with the other elements up there, in some browsers
the background of the dark blue band isn’t correct.
BTW: Never use the “alt”-attribute as a tooltip. It is the alternative text in
case the picture isn’t displayed. The fact, that various browsers, including IE
and Firefox, are using the content of the “alt” attribute as a “Tooltip”, is
just misbehaviour of the browsers. E.g. Opera 9 doesn’t show the “alt” text as a
Tooltip, which is correct behaviour.
| |
In the middle column I’ve tried adding a small headline letting the visitor
know what sort of content follows by putting “We bring to your attention...”
That sounds a little corny, so I would certainly like to hear other people’s
suggestions.
|
ME TOO!!!
Thanks again,
René
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.announce, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
renders good in my browser. Looks good on screen.
A few comments, which I hope are constructive:
“Brickworld 2007(1 Dec 2006) BrickJournal” I mention this only because a lot of
the center announcements are for events. This makes it look like brickworld
occors 1 Dec 2006. I’d change this to “Brickworld 2007(posted 1 Dec 2006)
BrickJournal”
Like the idea of most recent moc announcement. I’m not as excited by the idea
of random brickfest folder. (brickfest already has a way of seeing something
similar).
Love the top-level helpful links. I’d make sure that the explanations beneath
the links are accessibile to a non-AFOL. The text above the link is easily
mistaken for text below the link. This could be fixed by a small vertical
separation between link-text pairs.
The newsgroups links are difficult to understand: “Register for Free” “Guidance”
I’d suggest using the tooltip text instead, which isn’t much longer, but is much
easier to understand “Register to get posting priveledges” and “information
about the newsgroup system”.
The search box is confusing. The edit box where one would type a search term
looks almost exactly the same as the static text above. Either they should look
different, or the search box should clear when the cursor is placed in the box.
I do like the idea of moving the search box to the upper right corner of the
page.
The lugnet logo isn’t a link. Since it isn’t a link I don’t think that the
Lugnet logo requires a tooltip. If it adds more information like the trademark
information or artist name that would make it all okay.
Love having the lugnet map on the front page.
Should be consistent whether topstories is one word or two. “Top Stories” at
top of box, “Topstories” at bottom of box.
-dw
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Hi David,
thank you very much for your comments and ideas!
| |
“Brickworld 2007(1 Dec 2006) BrickJournal” I mention this only because a lot
of the center announcements are for events. This makes it look like
brickworld occors 1 Dec 2006. I’d change this to “Brickworld 2007(posted 1
Dec 2006) BrickJournal”
|
I’ve made the date smaller in draft #6, IMO it should be enough, but I could be
wrong.
| |
Love the top-level helpful links. I’d make sure that the explanations
beneath the links are accessibile to a non-AFOL. The text above the link is
easily mistaken for text below the link. This could be fixed by a small
vertical separation between link-text pairs.
|
At the moment, this list is -um...- a “list” (actually HTML element “UL”/”LI”).
I tried to seperate the LI elements, but it doesn’t work. “Margin” and “Padding”
doesn’t have effects on particular “LI” elements and a top-border line is only
as wide as the text entry. Any other ideas from people who have experiences with
CSS?
| |
The lugnet logo isn’t a link. Since it isn’t a link I don’t think that the
Lugnet logo requires a tooltip.
|
It isn’t a tooltip, but the alternative text for the picture. Showing this as
tooltip is a bug of most browsers.
Thanks again for your comments!
-Rene
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-6.php
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| |
At the moment, this list is -um...- a “list” (actually HTML element
“UL”/”LI”). I tried to seperate the LI elements, but it doesn’t work.
“Margin” and “Padding” doesn’t have effects on particular “LI” elements and a
top-border line is only as wide as the text entry. Any other ideas from
people who have experiences with CSS?
|
From memory you have to put the list spacing on the UL rather than the LI
elements. I know you can control just about everything but it has to be done in
the right spot.
Tim
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Timothy Gould wrote:
| |
| |
At the moment, this list is -um...- a “list” (actually HTML element
“UL”/”LI”). I tried to seperate the LI elements, but it doesn’t work.
“Margin” and “Padding” doesn’t have effects on particular “LI” elements and
a top-border line is only as wide as the text entry. Any other ideas from
people who have experiences with CSS?
|
From memory you have to put the list spacing on the UL rather than the LI
elements. I know you can control just about everything but it has to be done
in the right spot.
Tim
|
Hi Tim,
but formatting UL would apply on all LI elements, I just would like to format
the LI elements with a specific class.
If you like, have a look at
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-6-EDIT.php
and
http://www.lugnet.com/style-test-6.css*
to see what I mean (div#box_links)
Regards,
Rene
* This file is messy, I have to clean out the final version :-)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Timothy Gould wrote:
| |
| |
At the moment, this list is -um...- a “list” (actually HTML element
“UL”/”LI”). I tried to seperate the LI elements, but it doesn’t work.
“Margin” and “Padding” doesn’t have effects on particular “LI” elements and
a top-border line is only as wide as the text entry. Any other ideas from
people who have experiences with CSS?
|
From memory you have to put the list spacing on the UL rather than the LI
elements. I know you can control just about everything but it has to be done
in the right spot.
Tim
|
Hi Tim,
but formatting UL would apply on all LI elements, I just would like to format
the LI elements with a specific class.
If you like, have a look at
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-6-EDIT.php
and
http://www.lugnet.com/style-test-6.css*
to see what I mean (div#box_links)
Regards,
Rene
* This file is messy, I have to clean out the final version :-)
|
Hi Rene,
I think the principal is that a list should look the same for all elements. If
you want some to be different you should make two layers of lists or a list
followed by a span or div.
Tim
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.announce, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
renders good in my browser. Looks good on screen.
A few comments, which I hope are constructive:
“Brickworld 2007(1 Dec 2006) BrickJournal” I mention this only because a lot of
the center announcements are for events. This makes it look like brickworld
occors 1 Dec 2006. I’d change this to “Brickworld 2007(posted 1 Dec 2006)
BrickJournal”
Like the idea of most recent moc announcement. I’m not as excited by the idea
of random brickfest folder. (brickfest already has a way of seeing something
similar).
Love the top-level helpful links. I’d make sure that the explanations beneath
the links are accessibile to a non-AFOL. The text above the link is easily
mistaken for text below the link. This could be fixed by a small vertical
separation between link-text pairs.
The newsgroups links are difficult to understand: “Register for Free” “Guidance”
I’d suggest using the tooltip text instead, which isn’t much longer, but is much
easier to understand “Register to get posting priveledges” and “information
about the newsgroup system”.
The search box is confusing. The edit box where one would type a search term
looks almost exactly the same as the static text above. Either they should look
different, or the search box should clear when the cursor is placed in the box.
I do like the idea of moving the search box to the upper right corner of the
page.
The lugnet logo isn’t a link. Since it isn’t a link I don’t think that the
Lugnet logo requires a tooltip. If it adds more information like the trademark
information or artist name that would make it all okay.
Love having the lugnet map on the front page.
Should be consistent whether topstories is one word or two. “Top Stories” at
top of box, “Topstories” at bottom of box.
-dw
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.announce, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
..
Thanks to all who were responding to the previous draft, here is another one:
|
Rene-
The latest draft seems “broken” viewed with Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.8.
Specifically, the picure for the SCLTC story (gee, that’s a coincidence!)
continuously appears and pierces through the black border on the bottom of the
SCLTC story item and into the next story item, forcing the next story item title
to shift to the right so that it starts after the picture ends. I don’t think
this is as you intended!
-Ted Michon
SCLTC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
In lugnet.admin.suggestions, Ted Michon wrote:
| |
In lugnet.announce, Rene Hoffmeister wrote:
| |
..
Thanks to all who were responding to the previous draft, here is another
one:
|
Rene-
The latest draft seems “broken” viewed with Mozilla Firefox 1.5.0.8.
Specifically, the picure for the SCLTC story (gee, that’s a coincidence!)
continuously appears and pierces through the black border on the bottom of
the SCLTC story item and into the next story item, forcing the next story
item title to shift to the right so that it starts after the picture ends. I
don’t think this is as you intended!
-Ted Michon
SCLTC
|
Hi Ted,
is this still the case here?
http://www.lugnet.com/index-test-6.php
Anyway, thanks for pointing this out!
Leg Godt!
Rene
| | | | | | |
