Archived Review
- Reviewer: agpolarbear
- Review date: 6th Jan 2009
Hi, I'm Alex, and I'll be looking over your site and reviewing today. I'll try to give some help with coding as well.
First Impression:
I really like the colors of this layout. They are very sunny, especially since it is winter. I also like that it is centered. Your site name isn't very unique though. I mean, it does have your name in it, which makes it yours. Try thinking of something that represents you instead, though. Then you could drop your host's URL from your name, making sure to keep their button on your sidebar, of course.
Coding:
It's interesting how you actually just wrote your site name on your header using coding, instead of in a program. I think on your next layout to make it more unique, take the photo yourself, or edit a stock photo you use, instead of just cropping and writing your site name on with text. Since you edited someone else's CSS template, I'd say I can't really look over it. I started that way too, and now I create my own. I have a tutorial on making your own CSS, which you can find here: http://alex.heartdrops.org/tuts-htmlhelp03.php
I hope that tutorial helps :)
Sophie:
At the top of the page it would be nice if you put a header to title the page. You have a good amount of info. It's not too much, or too little. Perhaps at the end add what you are reading, or what music you are listening too. Also, I know you said you are unorganized in your second paragraph, but perhaps have some sort of organization on how you are writing, so it doesn't jump around.
Visitor:
There's a header on this page! lol Wow, you sure have a lot of movie reviews. And they are very good summaries of the movies. I never did understand what Seven Pounds was about. Except, these are more summaries than reviews. If you want to make them more like reviews, explain why you did or did not enjoy them, how many stars you rate them, ect. Same with your book reviews; explain why you enjoyed them. And there is no header title on the book reviews page. I can see you don't have any site reviews done yet. Some people like to know how they are being reviewed, so if you can try posting a structure on that page of how you'd review them.
In the other section, your portfolio is a broken link, so I can't view it. Those are some cute brushes you have there, and it's great you made them all! There's a funny space between the first and second image to click. Also, write what program these can be used for at the top, even if they can be used in any program, so people know. In your tutorials section, use the enter code, so it isn't as messy. These are basic tutorials, although I love all the images for help. Very nice website help article, I like that you mentioned the use of larger (or at least normal sized) fonts, because itty bitty fonts are soo annoying.
Portfolio:
Again, portfolio link doesn't work. Better fix that quick!
Anything else:
You should definitely add a page that should be linked on your sidebar called "site" or something of the sort. There, you can explain why you made your site, show off old layouts, put up buttons people can link you with, give a credits page (for any sites or people or programs that have helped you), and have another list of your affiliates. Also, its fun to have a tagboard or cbox where people can chat quickly instead of always commenting on blogs.
Final Overview:
I think you are definitely on your way, and I really love the clean feeling of your layout. Such a good start means your next one with more work in it will be even better (and more your own). Make sure to fix the broken link, and a page about your site would be nice. Also, try making some more resources for visitors, such as your brushes.
Good luck with everything Sophie!
UPDATED 06 Jan 09:
EDIT: Oh, I didn't realize that I could click the movie or book names to see the review. Sorry for that!