Site design/layout advice

[leversole]

Would like some opinions on my latest creation...I have just
been delivered from notepad to Dreamweaver/Fireworks/FrontPage.

Whataya think about the new page...

www.eversole.us (http://www.eversole.us/)

Here is the old on...

www.eversole.us/default_old.htm (http://www.eversole.us/default_old.htm)

Thanks in Advance

Leslie

[ogoy]

I'll admit I like the new design better, but it's still good old Notpad for me, lol

[Kelli]

I'm with Oogy on this one. Notepad really si the better editor. :) But yah, the new site's a lot cleaner and easier on the eyes.

[sumobaby]

I've got to disagree. well done for moving from notpad, although I hand code, I can't imagine anything worse. But I would also advise you not to use frontpage if you have dreamweaver, as it tends to write more pointless code. (at least frontpage 3&4 did)


If you're happy with hand coding, I find homesite a brilliant product, it has a built in ftp client, meaning you can work on files live and there are also lots of handy little extras to aid you on your way if you wish.

you're doing a great job so far.

[SnakEyez]

Welll I will have to second what sumo said. Don't use FP and DW. You will find that FP will add extra code like he said, but sometimes code between the 2 programs can be misinterpreted when you look in a program that the file was not made in. I was realizing this problem because at one time I was using GoLive and FP, and more recently DW and GoLive. I mostly use DW MX right now but I would say I use GL 2nd and FP 3rd (mostly because I use a mac now). All are good programs alone, but it's not good to mix.

[ogoy]

I'll think about homesite. I used it a bit a few years ago, but haven't touched it since.

Heck, maybe I should develop my own Homesite-ish proggy, with some features I've been thinking about that I haven't seen in other similar tools.

[RightClicked]

While the new design is easier on the eyes, it looks like a template to me. I think the older design had a more original feel to it.

[leversole]

Thanx everyone....

FP is in the trash, the things I liked about it initially are the same things I hate about it now... kinda like AOL, it's great it's great the first couple of days, but it's power fades fast!...no offense to AOL users :D

I'm learning more and more features of Dreamweaver MX...I'm beginning to love it...It is very powerfull! (and I can still hand code whenever I feel like it!):p

[johca]

I thought both original and second attempt were good. The issue in great web design isn't so much the use of FP or dreamweaver or template or orginal design, it is does the site do what you want it and your visitors want it do do in an efficient and cost effective manner.

I lack ability to draw so consequently I stick with templates. Templates have the advantage that they do work until you can create something more original to your liking. More often or not the coding and script part of the page is easy. It is the inspiration for original backgrounds and other graphics that is my problem. I can't draw to save my life.

[Tammy]

Your layout looks simple and functional. I think that is the best way to set up a personal website. I like your changing banner at the top, very creative!

[Myke]

i personally like the old one better, theyre both kind of ghetto looking, but the new one looks boring. constructive critisism! use it as inspiration.
thanks

[uhsites]

I like the new one better :-)

I remember when I used to use notepad... I think it's the best way to start, but boy, dreamweaver saves a lot of time :-)

[intricate]

It's excellent, I would take the drop shadow off of leslie's world and the banner.

[u6crash]

I agree with the removing the drop shadows. Also, a good rule of web design is to only have two fonts on a page, and to keep the use of them consistent throughout the site. Some people will disagree with me on this, but that's just what I've found. I do like how the menu is set up and the fact that it appears to be very friendly to all resolutions.

[uhsites]

I might have to disagree with you... well, not really. Generally it looks best to keep about 2 fonts, but I have seen some sites that look great with several fonts. I guess it just depends on if the designer keeps things neat and doesn't just randomly apply different fonts (then it gets to looking kind of freaky).

[u6crash]

Oh, there are definitely exceptions, I've just been taught that it's a good general rule of thumb.