Yea I assumed you meant adding graphics, sorry bout that.
I agree with the colour, needs more. But I do like the white space, and am not sure using all available space is a good idea as it can clutter content. I am going for the linear approach with one thought/idea/message on it's own imaginary horizontal line. I am also doing this for text readers, and PDAs etc.
I thought it was sparse but not unproffesional. Was that really your first impression? Man, that sucks. I will have to do some more usability studies on it cause that was not what I was going for!
I have been wondering about the nav links. Hmmmm, I'll have to revist that.
What did you mean about the Article Listings?
Thanks again for your input, It is appreciated!