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Review for Resentful Thoughts Design
I am quite taken away with your layout. It looks very cute! Your choice of image and the layout style goes wonderfully together. Just by the layout, I am already taken away with the cuteness and friendliness of the site. Although it looks more like an anime fansite than a graphic site at first impression.
Information
Site: Resentful Thoughts Design
Type: Resource
Owner: Piyo & Gloo
Reviewed By: Misao
Date Received: 07/07/06
Date Completed: 10/08/06
Preview
Presentation
It’s quite disappointing when a graphic site has a crappy layout (for the lack of a better word) or a pre-made layout from another site. Resentful Thoughts Design does the opposite. Not many people can make layouts using the 90 degrees rotate and still make it look wonderfully designed like yours. The quality of the layout is unquestionable. A quick scroll shows easy and organized navigation, a short brief introductory paragraph, and the most recent update. There is nothing more to ask.
However, on closer analysis on your layout, I find two areas of improvement. Not saying that it’s wrong but that improvements can be made to make it better. Firstly, the navigation boxes’ background is somewhat out of order. I like the background colour contrast, but the way the darker blue texture bar gradually appears but abruptly ends. It sort of portrays a repeating background effect. Try moving the small blue blur a little over to the right. I know how confusing I can sound at times, so here is a visual example:
This also applies to using the same background for the welcome box and the update box. It wouldn’t be too much of a problem if the darker blue blur is lightly feathered/blended into the lighter blue background. Secondly, the welcome box is larger than your updates. It could very well be intended, but the size difference is rather noticeable, and rather out of place as well. It would look much better if the sizes of these boxes are kept consistent, especially those lined up in a column.
The footer image is rather large in terms of its height. Although it looks great, sometimes having that extra large image at the bottom of the layout makes the area look rather empty and plain. However, you can code it into a background property for one of your cells. All the affiliates links are working properly, but the text link to Divine Judgement and the button link to Reckless Addict are no longer active. You might want to look into that.
Even though HTML validation is declared in the source, there is a small error (that isn’t even your fault). The BidVertiser Javascript is throwing everything off, and I’m not sure if there is a way to fix that. The rest of the coding looks great, with one small area of improvement. Since an external style sheet is in use, consider pasting the table cell’s background properties into the style sheet. For example:
<table width=”588″ border=”0″ cellpadding=”0″ cellspacing=”0″ align=”right” style=”background-image:URL(’images/bg.jpg’);”>
can be replaced with table id="container", of which all the table’s properties will be listed in the style sheet as:
table#container {
margin: 0;
padding: 0;
background: URL(images/bg.jpg) top no-repeat;
}
It allows updates and changes to be made faster and more efficient. There are a couple small errors in the style CSS. For starters, same category attributes can be incorporated together as one. For example, instead of specifying the margin size for all four sides, simple write margin: top right bottom left or margin: top/bottom right/left. In the second example, margin: 5px 10px would mean the top and bottom are marginalized at 5 pixels, and both the right and left are marginalized at 10 pixel. This method certainly cuts back on the amount of extra typing that is not required. This applies to text, font, padding and background specifications. There is also no need to specify the background to text-related style as transparent; it is set as transparent at default.
Content
The main update page looks very well organized. Kudos for displaying the most recent update on the main page, and archiving all old updates. It is very annoying when I go to a graphic site or any site, and see 20+ links to previous updates, like they think I would track down and read the updates from two years ago. I really like the butterfly background for the section headings. It is very cute and coordinates with the layout. I notice that many people are displaying commercial advertisements on their website to make extra money (even though I haven’t gotten paid through mine yet). It definitely is a smart idea to display the advertisement at the bottom of the page rather than at the top where it might overwhelm visitors. I really like Piyo’s avatar, although instead of bordering it at 2 pixels, do just 1 pixel. It’ll match better with the content border style.
I like how each affiliate is addressed by the owner’s name and a small synopsis about the site. Since sometimes the text on the button links are hard to read, I suggest also spelling out the site’s name next to the owner’s name. The number of spaces open for affiliation is crossed off since July. Does this mean that affiliation is closed? If so, state so on the page before your inbox is spammed with affiliation requests.
On the sponsors page, there is one small error in Silversun’s synopsis: her blending skills are beautiful and will keep you wanting to check back for updates.
Sitely
About: A very detailed paragraph of how Resentful Thoughts Designs’ moved around. There is no information on how the site came to be. Why did you decide to make a graphic site as opposed to other sites? What happened when your account as hacked on Myth-Springs.net? Did you have any backups of your old files? Are any of the graphics on the site now from when you first started the site as Anime Pure? Although the locomotive history of the site is rather descriptive, it is of no concern or interest to me. I am more interested in reading about the site as it progressed and expanded. Of which, has X-Tenshi hosted the site yet? If so, this section must be updated.
Since the site was originally named Anime Pure, it is a nice idea to include a small snippet about it. How did you come up with the current name though? It just popped into your head, or did you have to check a dictionary? When did you rename the site? The small details are very important to a site’s history. There is one small grammatical error. When using the word ‘also’, it needs only to be used once. (IE) Also, the name also described a bit of me.
Awards/Gifts: I like the organization of this page. However, the links to Lost Reality, Lu Drei Creations and Immortal Snow are no longer working, and the link to the wallpaper contest award held by Window Hope is mislinked. The link displays the design award from Itoshii Designs.
Contact: The properties of the select menu can also be set to display the content background as well. It follows the same rules as specifying a background to regular input fields.
Contests Joined: This page is very thoughtful as it helps with advertising contest other sites are hosting. But there is one small problem. All the contests on this page have already ended. You’ll need to update this page on a more regular basis, even if you don’t make an update on the main page.
Frequently Asked: Obviously, the most frequently asked questions are all addressed here. One grammar mistake in the answer to the second question: I take this seriously and will not tolerate any jokes. As well, the last question is a repeat of the first.
Linkage: It’ll be a good idea to include a small note that the banner is a thumbnail, and visitors need to click on it to view the full size. I like the idea that you do link exchanges. Many graphic sites are unwilling to include links to other graphic sites in fear that they will send their visitors away. Just one thing, make sure these links are checked regularly to ensure they are still working. Kit Kat Inc. has moved, and Solitude is no longer online. The rules to apply for link exchange are fairly straight-forward. A couple errors: it has to be a graphics site, and you have to tell me if your site closes or when you go on hiatus. Since application needs to be sent using the contact form, it is a great idea to link the contact page in the instructions.
Past Thoughts: I like the name of the page. I hadn’t realized that it corresponds with the site name. Where it the information for the current layout? If you know where layout images are from, include a credit link with the rest of the layout information.
Resources: Scratch what I said above. I found what I was looking for. Why is Animepaper linked under the information of the current layout? For the sites listed under images/pngs, make sure the gallery path is linked, and not the main site directory. For example: Aethereality, Celestial Star, and Digik. The main site is linked, rather than the gallery.
Webmistresses: There is no need to capitalize the first letter of every single word when listing hobbies and dislikes. It is actually grammatically wrong to do so. The avatars that you both use for your updates will go well alongside the profiles.
Resources
Terms of Usage: Again, these terms are very straight-forward, although number 6 is not a term. It should be included at the bottom of your terms as a side note. (IE) Note: If you believe I have stolen content, please contact me with proof (screenshots and links).
Designs: I don’t like the use of a resized layout screen shot as the preview method. It is hard to view the actual quality of the layout, and doesn’t allow me the freedom to scroll the layout and have a feel of it. For example, I can’t use the scroll option to get a feel of the iframes for My Prayers, and I also don’t have the chance to roll my cursor over the links to see if there are text decorations added to it. Although the layout itself already contains the image credit, it is a good choice to also include this along with the layout preview information. Instead of having the artist name in the title (Piyo), move it down into the content box. My favourite of your layouts are My Prayers and Flying Wings. Very beautifully made.
Icons: Beautifully made. I like the mouse-over information. Not many people do that. Since the page holds 3 icons per row, I suggest 24 icons on each page, rather than 25. There is a single icon at the bottom that stands really lonely by itself. Also, are they displayed from oldest to newest or newest to oldest?
My Contest Entries: I really like the banners you’ve made for X-Tenshi’s anniversaries. I am curious about the type of font used for the letter ‘h’ in both these banners. I also really like your wallpaper entry. You should consider adding a wallpaper section to the site.
Textures: The page title says ‘Icons’ even though it should say ‘Icon Textures’. They are done exceptionally well. However, in your navigation links, this section should be linked as icon textures. When I see a texture link, I automatically expect large 800×600 texture images for wallpaper. By which, have you considered resizing these icon textures to larger sizes? It would be really pretty. Again, display up to 24 images on one page only since each row can only hold a maximum of 3.
PNGs: Wow, this section is huge! You could probably fit about 16-18 on a page (use even numbers because each row holds 2 PNG thumbnails). It allows a larger viewable selection on a page and reduces the amount of pages. Most of the PNGs are done very well, but there is one consistent flaw. The borders are not always the same size throughout. For example: PNG 191 of Inuyasha, notice the uneven border width of the snake-thing that surrounds Kagome; and 109 of Subaru from Hack, the width of the border varies all over the image. On all the pages, the HTML end tag is not closed properly, so there is a </html at the bottom of each page. There are too many PNGs for me to check each link individually, but I have clicked on 5 random links on each page and they are all linked properly.
Interactive
Awards For You: For starters, ‘guidelines’ is spelt wrong both times at a category title. The word ‘tasteful’ is spelt wrong in guideline number 7, of which I don’t understand what you mean by tasteful yaoi. Do you mean some clothes off, clothes completely off, certain body parts covered, or no engagement in some sexual act? So many people use the term tasteful yaoi but they fail to explain what it means. Before going into the guidelines and rules, it would be helpful to visitors if there is a brief explanation on what this page is about. Even though the page is rather self-explanatory, don’t overestimate some people’s ability to comprehend the simplest things. Such as: Resentful Thoughts Design offers custom-made awards to all sorts of sites, or something along those lines.
For the second half of the guidelines, instead of using the dash symbol to indicate a guideline, use the bullet system with <li>. It’ll look more organized. Months is spelt wrong under the special qualifications for the great beginning award. The category title for the contact form says exquisite site. It is most likely a fault overlooked when you copied and pasted.
Awards Given: I’m surprised you kept a list of award winners. Most people don’t, but since you do, these links should be checked regularly to make sure they are still working properly. There is a typo in the great beginning award box. Some site titles are followed by a period while some don’t. Links to Hime Designs, Mystical Designs and Moonshine Illusions are no longer working. Ornate Ataxia, Junk&Trash and Broken Grenade moved. Euphoria Designs have closed. Asking visitors to go and apply for an award without a link to the apply page defeats the whole purpose of asking. Even though the link is provided to the left, it doesn’t hurt to include one on this page for easier access.
Birthday List: Although this page is rather useful and neat, I’m not sure why you have one. This is a graphic site, not a blog or a livejournal. A birthday list is pointless on a graphic, unless the list is made private as a personal reminder.
Find the Season: A cute and fun activity. It keeps the visitors at your site for a longer period of time, while they hunt for Mr. Sun.
Request Designs: It is nice of you to offer designs at fan’s request, but there is one thing that threw me off when reading through the guidelines. Although people are requesting for a layout, it seems that you have the ultimate say in how the layout will look like, what it will have, and the likes. That doesn’t sound like a request. It sounds more like “send me your favourite image and I’ll turn it into a layout for you, whether you like it or not.” It isn’t very user friendly. This is in regards to rule number 3. Here is a scenario to explain the hostility I feel from your guidelines.
You requested a layout from me. Upon completion, you don’t like how it looks like because it just wasn’t what you expected or have asked. I refuse to change it because I like how it turned out. What is the whole purpose of requesting in the first place then? Do you see the rudeness and hostility in the situation?
I understand you also make requested layouts for a fixed price. I would suggest writing a small section with information regarding this so visitors have a slight idea on what you charge and how it will take for a layout. For example:
I also accept requested layouts for a fixed price. The guidelines above apply to the pricing layouts and a little more. [Insert extra rules] My prices are as follows:
- One-page layout design and coding: [insert price]
- One avatar, banner, and button each: [insert price]
The expected time between layout request and layout completion is 10 days. Payment must be made after both of us give the okay on the layout, and must be made via Paypal.
The above is an example only. It gives visitors a little bit of information on what you charge and how you operate, before they decide whether to request one or not. Another thing I don’t understand is that you are okay with male homosexuality (yaoi) but not with female homosexuality (yuri). Isn’t yuri such as disgusting as yaoi if the persons involved in each are engaged in the same activity? I don’t think you understand these two terms in its original meaning. It merely is a term to distinguish sexual orientation and has nothing to do with pornography. Pornography is hentai on a whole different matter.
Final Statement
Overall, the site is doing great! Quality isn’t a concern. Most of your designs and graphics are made with high quality images (except the border issue with PNGs as mentioned above). What you need now is to add more to the site. You have lots of PNGs and a fair amount of avatars, but there aren’t enough layouts. In the future, consider expanding your design skills by adding wallpaper-sized textures, icon templates, wallpapers, brushes, etc.
Just one more note: it seems that Piyo is the lonesome designer on the site. What does Gloo do besides find images for Piyo? Perhaps their role to the site should be properly addressed on the webmistresss page. But you can guarantee that I will be back to your site very soon.
One Comment to “Resentful Thoughts Design”
Piyo Says:
October 10th, 2006 at 4:51 pmHello! Thank you for the review. I’ve read it over and I think you did a nice job on this review. I’ll change the content box’s background sometime. I think I might go on a revamp sometime to fix some errors and things. Thanks again and Gloo helps me once a while. She doesn’t like to update, but she helps me with some stuff.