[pcoskat]

Originally Posted by Princeton

this is not about comparing sites ... this is about what makes a site a BIG success

• content (most of your resources should go into content)
• good design / usable interface / colors
• marketing/pr

Just imagine where you would be today if you started with a 'professional' design.

You could have 2 out of the 3 (from the above list); but, 'success' would take longer and it would be harder to achieve.
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I completely understand the point you two are trying to make. What you fail to understand, however, is that I disagree.

My site started around the same time as one with a more 'professional' design, however, we currently have double the members. Mainly due to very good content, excellent site structure and navigation, and very good PR. (By good PR, I mean good articles and mentions in national press)

There's no need to try to convince me of what you feel is the huge importance of a so-called 'winning design'. We'll just have to agree to disagree. k?