New Site Look and Feel
December 16, 2011 in Featured, Latest News by ChrisLuv
So, after the survey, there was a definite theme around making the site easier to use, to help people find content and also make sure the homepage had some pictures and text.
Therefore, using some time off this afternoon, I’ve had a quick play and come up with the new theme. There is still work to do, as you can see, but I’m quite pleased with the result. Please let me know what you think.
We can switch back to the old theme at any point if people preferred it.
For contributors to the site then please be aware that if your post includes a photo it would be great if you could set one of them to the  Featured Photo (you can do this from the same bit as you add them to a post). This image will then be used in all the links etc.
Thanks,
Chris
(webmaster)
Looks very chic with the black Chris. The whole thing just looks more professional. I’d like to see EVW a bit bigger at the top of the page but other than that a very worthwhile afternoon. Great stuff that man!!
Yes, I think we need a header image for that space in the header. I’ll put something together tonight. Thanks for the comment Paul.
There’s a lot more options for the site with this theme, and I can even pay and upgrade to the pro theme which will give lots more options if we feel we need to.
Chris, good work as usual.
At first I wasn’t sure about the black but I’ve got used to it.
I like the header and top section and archive sections.
I’m not so sure about the cycling of the top items below the top section.
I like the rss feeds from Notts Birders – can something similar be done for DOS?
What’s the plan with the big buttons lower down – are these intended to tempt you in to find out what they lead to?!
Jim
Jim – there is already the DOS sightings feed, but it isn’t working recently. I’ll chase their webmaster.
The buttons lower down are the latest ten posts, you can hover over them for an extract and then you can slick the title that pops up to visit that article.
What don’t you like about the cycling images?
Hmm, the latest ten post photos started breaking the sidebar, so I’ve turned it off for now.
Chris, I am replying without being ‘logged in’ – is that right?
I’m not particularly keen on content cycling and animation of any kind really for websites – unless it is a video clip about a particular subject etc. Just my preference.
Also, the text at the bottom of the cycling sectio is backed by the image and it’s not too easy to read.
Jim
You must be logged in to get it to recognise you user name.
The feedback from the survey was that people wanted more pictures, etc on the front page, so thats whats behind the cycling content, better than just one image as it gives a bit of variety..
Excellent! I forgot to say the archive feature is good. It’s really easy to reference back to things. Something that was very difficult before. I’ve got the image we used for the banner if that’s any use for the header?
Thanks for the header image Paul – I think it makes a great addition.
Dear Chris
You are a genius,any problems with my web site i know who to contact,a real transformation.
Well done
Yours
Maurice.T
And if we do any more outdoor events next year we’ll be easily identifiable!
The new look website is a fantastic improvement, Chris. The improvements really make a big difference in terms of appearance and visitor experience.
David
Agree with the improvement,but when clicking on recent posts it does not identify the
poster or is it me?eg….http://www.erewashvalleywildlife.org.uk/2011/12/underated-birds-your-thoughts-required/
Yes i agree Garry, this is something I only spotted late last night. It’s for people who haven’t added an avatar photo to their photo. I’ll get it fixed.
I was able to add an avatar to the forum but have never been able to add one to other posts and can’t see anywhere in your profile to do this. Any advise??
Okay, I’ve added the author to the posts. Nice and easy. However Paul is right, I need it figure out this avatar thing – I wrongly assumed it was a profile setting, I’ll post instructions when I know, I did it for me so can’t be too difficult.
Okay – here is how to add an avatar. You need to visit http://www.gravatar.com, and add an account and avatar there. It will automatically pull through to this blog, and any other WordPress blogs you contribute to – which is useful.
You’ve done brilliant job with this new site Chris, I like it a lot. The archive section is much easier to work around now.
Well done.
Don.
brilliant new look chris opened it up this morning wondered if id got the write web page , great work chris your a credit to the group well done
mick c
Very tasteful, really looks the biz ! well done.
Avatar up and running. Cheers Chris.
Looking good!
Very well done Chris. You have put a lot of work into this and it has paid off. The new look site is a huge improvement. Looks much more professional and definitely easier to use. A big thank you from me.
I haven’t tried uploading more than one image at a time yet. Maybe I should have tried that first:-)