The Infinity Program

[Tanapangarap]

Hi.

The last time I sought review, it was early 2008 and I'd recently converted to vBulletin 3x. Before that time, I was using phpBB2 since the forum was started in June 2004. That said, I think it's about time to get more of a guest's perspective and first impressions on my forum.

As it may come up as a criticism, I should probably point out that I already have in mind to modify the colors for some of the thread markers for enlighten, the default template, as it was not originally a blue theme. Markers already modified are forum_new, thread_hot, and thread_hot_new.

Anyways, as per the rules:

Specify exactly what you are looking for in a review.
There is no particular area I'm looking for reviewers to focus on. I simply want any thoughts that you, as a first-time viewer and experienced forumer, feel compelled to share.

Include URL (clickable link) that you would like to have reviewed.
http://theinfinityprogram.com

Provide a 1 sentence description of site to review (max 100 words).
It's a stand-alone general discussion forum. I run it as a hobby.

Regards,

Kevin

[Bigwrenn]

Really nice looking site, good color combination. Didn't find anything wrong with functionality wise but I'm not a big fan of "skinny" forums, just my opinion though ;).

[ChopSuey]

I'm not a big fan of "skinny" forums

Ditto.

[Gio~Logist]

The colors steer away from making the user want to read and make it seem as if the hold website is just one blurred image. Also, for general forums you either want to have loads of content or loads of incentives. Otherwise, your website will just pretty much blend as your design does!

Nonetheless, this is your first website and I do wish you the best of luck, you seem to be on a decent start.

[Tanapangarap]

Thanks for the criticisms, Gio.

The colors steer away from making the user want to read and make it seem as if the hold website is just one blurred image.
I'm sorry, but this comment leaves me confused. Can you elaborate more on this to help me understand? Maybe an example of how I may remedy the problem? Do you mean the blue sticks out too much in contrast to the brown? Or do you mean the top-aligned user info and the signature squashing the actual posts? Or do you mean there should be more contrast between the shades of brown?

Also, for general forums you either want to have loads of content or loads of incentives.
Yeah.

Nonetheless, this is your first website and I do wish you the best of luck, you seem to be on a decent start.
Thanks. I actually intend for this to be my only site, but I'm always looking to improve it.

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Gio,

I stumbled upon an article you wrote, and the following struck my eye:

Contrasting colors
Many people are extremely mislead when it comes to contrasting colors. Just because colors look good together doesn't mean they deserve to go against one-another. What do I mean? If you have a website with nothing more than every kind of brown known to mankind (light brown, dark brown, tan, wood, oakwood, morning-wood), yes - they will look decent, it's only logical. But is it the right move? Does it really contrast?

Contrast compare or appraise in respect to differences.

The keyword here is differences. Take vbulletin.org for example. Dark blue headings, light gray/white content backgrounds. It keeps things in perspective, makes you continue to read since the text contrasts perfectly (sticks out) against the backgrounds, and it keeps people browsing as oppose to simply glancing around.
I think I get your meaning now: you were referring to the different shades of brown. Maybe I can start by changing the far <- and -> sides of the template, outside the centered area, blue instead of brown.

[Gio~Logist]

That would be a good start :up: I'm assuming you mean the content background, right? not the page background itself? It would definitely look better with a more contrasting color ;)

Right now it makes for decent eye candy, but it just makes me continue to scroll down rather than stop and grab a read based on what I outlined on contrasting colors.

I also just noticed your Q&A, definitely admire the fact that you took the time out to make one rather than using the default FAQ which no one ever updates, heh. Dedication is always of the essence!

[Tanapangarap]

Thanks, Gio; your argument on contrasts gives me a new perspective on design.

Also, I'm glad you like the Q&A. I even named it Q&A in order to try to attract attention to it. My reasoning is that people have seen the basic FAQ listed as "FAQ" on the nav bar of so many vBulletin boards so many times that they've learned to ignore it; on the other hand, with the unfamiliar Q&A, they may be curious to know what it's about. That's the theory anyway.