BleedZao
 

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. :)

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.

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..

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

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?

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!

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,

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.

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.