I said that I cited them. Now I just need some members! I could use some moderators. Apply here.
Shark Reef!
- Thread starter Jntg4
- Start date
I finally got around to checking out the site. The forum looks interesting and like it has loads of potential.
To be honest, I personally dislike the layout of the homepage. In fact, it hurts my eyes. It screams complication...
I always prefer a simple layout, it always seems a bit more welcoming and you're more likely to have return visitors. Maybe try a dark background with a simple link to the forum, a nice, clear logo, and an announcements/news board.
Get rid of all the unnecessary bull**** that you've posted down the side of the page, too. It reminds me of the 'old' facebook where people would just post loads of useless crap that viewers would have to wade, knee-deep through, to get to where they want to be. I mean, come on - you really need an 'AjaxSiteMonitor' on there?
I really think that clarity and simplicity are the keys to making a successful web page. It has to look nice and it has to function well. But don't misinterpret what I mean by 'function well'. It needs to do what the site is designed to do, and that only. Your members don't need to be able to check the time in Singapore, or send a Halloween e-card from your homepage. Simplicity = success!
I always prefer a simple layout, it always seems a bit more welcoming and you're more likely to have return visitors. Maybe try a dark background with a simple link to the forum, a nice, clear logo, and an announcements/news board.
Get rid of all the unnecessary bull**** that you've posted down the side of the page, too. It reminds me of the 'old' facebook where people would just post loads of useless crap that viewers would have to wade, knee-deep through, to get to where they want to be. I mean, come on - you really need an 'AjaxSiteMonitor' on there?
I really think that clarity and simplicity are the keys to making a successful web page. It has to look nice and it has to function well. But don't misinterpret what I mean by 'function well'. It needs to do what the site is designed to do, and that only. Your members don't need to be able to check the time in Singapore, or send a Halloween e-card from your homepage. Simplicity = success!
I tend to agree - that a website should do what it's intended to do. Simplicity is busy. Members should be able to find the information or areas that they are looking for with very little difficulty.
Also a site should easy on the eyes. So the members will want to stick around to read it. Also remember the life blood of any online forum is it's people. So it needs to be warm, welcoming, and friendly.
It looks like your site is more geared towards basic information. But don't assume that everyone of your members is going to have at least a B.S. in Marine Biology. Remember K.I.S.S. - Keep It Super Simple. Instead of having all the species listed by Order names (i.e. formes), try using the common names. Such as - Carpet Sharks in place of Orectolobiformes, or Mackerel Sharks in place of Lamniformes. This may make the species a bit easier to find for the General public.
Also a site should easy on the eyes. So the members will want to stick around to read it. Also remember the life blood of any online forum is it's people. So it needs to be warm, welcoming, and friendly.
It looks like your site is more geared towards basic information. But don't assume that everyone of your members is going to have at least a B.S. in Marine Biology. Remember K.I.S.S. - Keep It Super Simple. Instead of having all the species listed by Order names (i.e. formes), try using the common names. Such as - Carpet Sharks in place of Orectolobiformes, or Mackerel Sharks in place of Lamniformes. This may make the species a bit easier to find for the General public.
well, all those are in the Scientific Section. I will be making more Common Sections. And I'll get more themes too.
EDIT: I switched to a new skin/theme and got rid of some blocks on the left side, and reorganised most the blocks.
EDIT: Made New Simple Sections, moved Scientific ones to bottom of Forum.
EDIT: I switched to a new skin/theme and got rid of some blocks on the left side, and reorganised most the blocks.
EDIT: Made New Simple Sections, moved Scientific ones to bottom of Forum.
cool. I messed up something on it though, in PHPMyAdmin I made my post count on iy be 999999 and instead it says "I am a geek!!!"
Any1 know how to switch the MediaWiki's skins?
Any1 know how to switch the MediaWiki's skins?
Announcement: Shark Reef has expanded. I am now adding Bony Fish, I am probably 50% done with them.
