Will You Critique My Website?

[PierceVoice]

What should your site have? Do logos matter? What turns potential clients off? What font do I use??

All important questions that run through the mind of someone handling their own online presence.

I posted a bit more on the subject in the WEB forum of the board.

Later!

[Scott Greenia]

Chadd,

(just looking at the website and nothing else)

Just kinda bland in my opinion.
The initial appearing top text could be used as an additional navigation bar.
The animated gif should be converted into flash for speed, and quality *If you really need an animated intro*
The red buttons don't really match the black color scheme.
The white hover over color change on the sidebar....I'm thinking a shaded dark grey maybe?
The layout isn't centered in Firefox, or IE.
Yeah the arial font, and the mixed CAPS/lower case on the sidebar should go!

Was this a template?

[PierceVoice]

Whooo-wee, you ain't kidding around! I got my html handed to me! Exactly what I was hoping to hear, Scott. Now I will say that my lil piece of the wwpie sure isn't bad for someone who's self taught, but it could use some flavah like you suggested. Thanks very much for the bullets about how I can professionalize things up a bit.

BTW, I'm with Network Solutions-- able to load my own Dreamweaver creation, but am using their template until I've got that down. Working on Flash, tho.

Other weigh-ins, submissions welcome! I think this is a great chance for us to share our techniques... or in my case totally rip off some great ideas:)

[JoeActor]

Hey Chadd,

I'll throw my 2 cents in the ring...
(btw, I do my own site also - 'cause I'm cheap and easy to get along with!)

First off, Kudos on diving into HTML and Flash! Both have a place on the web, and I'm sure you've noticed the larger learning curve for Flash... and potentially greater power.

I'd move the name graphic to the top (if you're keeping it), and definitely pare down the size. Load time is always a factor. I like sites that come up quickly, so small and efficient coding is a must.

Once the graphic is moved, you'll have room to put either demos or links to sub-pages where it's easier to view. I have a bunch of windows up, and had to either scroll or maximize to see your Demo link.

HTML is pretty powerful by itself, and easier for a wide array of devices to render. I know a little flash, but steer clear because of size, load time, and compatibility. After all, the goal is to make it easy for site visitors to find what you want them to see.

You might look into Style Sheets too (.css extensions). They have some great features and can help to standardize your page look and feel.

I know quite a few fans of Flash and DHMTL, but I've never found a pressing need for them. Sure, they're pretty, but do they really add value for the offset in performance and load time? I do have a little flash on my site, but it's in serious need of recoding (load time suckage).

Just my biased view, btw. Feel free to visit my site and "borrow" any code you like ;-)

Off for now,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio (http://www.JoeActor.com)

[AlanSimmons]

Chadd,

I have to agree with the above. The site is a little bland, which is the complete opposite of your talent! The site doesn't act as a very good "container" for your obvious vocal and production chops. Joe mentioned CSS, which I use on my site. Also, if you do use Flash, something I can see in my mind's eye is maybe an intro page with words describing your voice on a fly-out effect. Maybe? I dunno. That's why I do vo and not web design. :) Good luck!

~Alan

[PierceVoice]

Thanks, gang. The bruises were well worth it!

I'll work on it and report back...

[Julie Williams]

Not to bruise you more, but it doesn't say anything about you ...who you are, and what you sound like...

Here's a good one Thom Wilkins professional voice over talent - Voice Actor. ThomWilkins Thom's Voice A well traveled storyteller, Mid-Atlantic to smokey Southern" (http://www.thomwilkins.com)

Branding... "well travelled storyteller."

He also does xyberMEDiA.com Web Site Design, Graphics, NewMedia, Illustration (http://www.thomwilkins.com/xybermedia/)
I don't know what he charges and I know he doesn't do it full time... cos it'll take focus off his VO work...but he might be able to help you!

Good Luck!
Julie

[PierceVoice]

Thanks, Julie! That IS a really great presentation Thom's got there. While I prefer to be a geek when it comes to cool effects, maybe a good simplification's what I needed.

SO... everyone's advice considered, this (in my sig) is a work in progress attempt to correct some "mishandlings". Thoughts are still most appreciated!

Thanks again for taking the time!!!!

[kingglade]

Well, if it means anything, it had me. Thought it was funny and got me interested in hearing your demos.

Nice one.

[Julie Williams]

Much better! I like it much more.
2 months free was a little confusing, though. Is that for imaging if they put you on retainer, or something?

[PierceVoice]

Good question... I'll tidy that one up (just wanted to get the word FREE up there).

I don't need to tell ya that your site's rocking, Julie. I LOVE the new design. Great branding and very unique!!