BleedZao

[KTBleeding]

It's a fansite for an underground metal/metalcore band.

I've had it for years, though I recently moved to vBulletin with it. I upgraded to 3.5.1 so I knew I had to have a new layout.. Well, here it is:

http://www.bleedzao.com/forums/index.php

Some of the links are dead (IE: Media, (we can thank vBa > Photopost for that one ) Tours (not on tour) and donate (cause I don't think that hack works anymore)

All in all, I tried to make this look completely unique and nothing like a message board. I personally love what I've done with it. You may notice that I got rid of a lot of tables on forumhome.. But then I eventually got lazy and started using them.

Oh well, so far my users have loved it. :)

[Tony G]

I like the header, but it needs a background. All the black around the style doesn't compliment it one bit, and it makes it look a bit plain. If you even had a simple background image, it'll have a better effect.

And maybe do something with your footer too, maybe something similar to the style of the header for a better effect.

[KTBleeding]

Thanks,

It's probably too dark to see, but there is a background image. It's kind of a "distorted/striped" look between black, and a slightly lighter black. Maybe if I made that more visible?

And I knew someone would mention the footer. ;) I suck at those.. I'm not sure why but every forum I've skinned has the default footer. I'll brainstorm a bit, cause I honestly think a better footer would rule.

I actually just noticed my copyright was black text. :X Shows how much I never look there..

[KTBleeding]

Only one person? Anyone else? I'd like to know how I did.

[KTBleeding]

BUMP...

I just updated the header.. The old one was cool, but this is just sexy. ;)

Lots of bright colors.. :sigh:

http://www.bleedzao.com/forums/index.php

PS: PLEASE review this time?

[Princeton]

the style is clean - me likes it :up:

PROBLEMS:
- It's hard to see any of the links below the header. eg. No contrast exists.
- donate.php does not work (remove the link)
- the Biography section could be layed out differently. eg. too much text tends to be ignored ... I suggest removing the left column and integrating it's content within the text. Try formatting some of the content with <h1-6>, <strong>, <list>, <div style="float:right">, <hr /> etc, etc. Formatting content makes it easier to scan a page and it makes it easier to read.
- the home section is really BORING ... eg. it's too flat. Provide some photos with vibrant colors (such as the header) to grab the visitor's attention .... if it's a rock band -- SHOW ME SOME EXCITEMENT!


the below is just a repeat of the above -- just making a point on how formatting can help
PROBLEMS:

It's hard to see any of the links below the header. eg. No contrast exists.
donate.php does not work (remove the link)
The Biography section could be layed out differently. eg. too much text tends to be ignored ...

I suggest removing the left column and integrating it's content within the text. USE:

<h1-6>
<strong>
<list>
<div style="float:right">
<hr />
etc, etc.

Formatting content makes it easier to scan a page and it makes it easier to read.

The home section is really BORING ... eg. it's too flat. Provide some photos with vibrant colors (such as the header) to grab the visitor's attention .... if it's a rock band -- SHOW ME SOME EXCITEMENT!

[KTBleeding]

Thank you. :)

I forgot that the donate link was even there.. haha

I agree 100% with the home section.. I always get some good ideas for it, but never find the time to do them.. I was also looking around for an alternative to vbadvanced, but I just now noticed the release of 2.1.0. No more file edits. :)

I'll start brain storming with some ideas.

Thanks again,

[Freesteyelz]

The first thing I look for in a site (aside from the information) is the appeal...And you've done an awesome job. The future of web design is to have a clean and accessible site and I can see it in your design. I've done quite a bit of templating for another board (a few here know who I am under a different nick) and have done something similar to your Forums Display section in the past. :) As someone who focuses on templates I find your layout inspiring.

[KTBleeding]

Wow. :) Thanks a lot.

That's actually the coolest thing anyone has said to me about my work.. I don't recall ever being told that my stuff is inspiring.. Very flattering. :)

Thanks again.