Help with my website design

[slayer202]

Well I finally have a half decent layout looking somewhat clean, at least compared to what it started as if any of you guys saw it in my old thread. I still need work though, and I ask again for help and suggestions. The main "content" box in the middle needs work I think, along with the box on the right that I plan to use for ads/links. Any suggestions? Constructive criticism is appreciated, but no flaming please

http://www.reggin.net/usa/test2.jpg

 

[Gamer X]

Change the "dirty morrison" font. Also make the upper navigation bar leaner and a bit wider.

 

[jjones]

Definately need to change the dirty morrison font; something off about the spacing and proportions (just doesn't feel right when I look at it); the whole thing looks like its kind of fading in or fading out, take your choice. Can't say I like it the design too much.

 

[Hersh]

First the positive before I give you some opinions, it's a very clean layout. I am not sure what you had before but web 2.0 development is on the rise and it seems like people are pushing the limits of simplicity.

Now, here they come:

Is there a particular reason why you are making those menus and buttons a graphic? They seem simple enough to the point it would be better if you just used normal text and decorate it with CSS if you want.

I also don't understand the top-left hand corner of the gray box in the middle, what is that and why is it there?

The header font, agreed with others. There is way too much white space above the header as well, that area alone takes about 35% of my browser window size and it would not look very good at 800x600.

Oh and I just realized this but your sidebar menu and your top navigation menu... they are the exact same? I would get rid of the top menu and move the content area up.

ESPN logo, try finding one with a white background or at least a transparent background. Speaking of logos, do you have permission from ESPN and NBA to use those logos?

From http://www.nba.com/news/termsofuse.html:

The National Basketball Association ("NBA") name and logo and the names and logos of NBA.com and the NBA teams are the property of NBA Properties, Inc. and the member teams of the NBA. All other trademarks, logos and service marks (collectively, the "Trademarks") appearing on the Site are Trademarks of their respective owners. Nothing contained on the Site should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license or right to use any Trademark displayed on the Site without the written permission of its respective owner. Your use of the Trademarks displayed on the Site, or any other content on the Site, except as provided in these Terms of Use, is strictly prohibited.

Good luck.

 

[slayer202]

Wow lot of good stuff there hersh, thanks. I'll change the header font as you all recommended. Same font as everything else, or would that be overkill?

On the menu/button graphic comment, I guess there wouldn't be any problem making them plain text, but I just through all of that together in photoshop so I can do that after, just working on design for now.

As for the middle box, it was just something so it wasn't just a completely square box. It just seems too boring, but I guess its ok just squared off, however, I think I want to change it anyway. At the least make it a little lighter because it looks too dark.

The 2 nav menus was because the top was looking way too plain and empty, and I figured it would be easier for people to navigate having the option of both menus, but i see your point. Ill consider it. Not sure what else I can add up top, not sure if moving the main content box up would look ok or not.

Good call on the logos. Ill get rid of the black background of espn, and i'll also work on getting permission to use them. I figured they wouldn't mind if I had them linking to their respected sites.

I'll see what I can do and post back

 

[JoPh]

whats the point of this website?

 

[slayer202]

gonna be a sports/NBA news site, just themed around dirty adam morrison