Fantasy Worlds review [1 star]
Graphics/Layout
First off, there is a definite line separating a
bright orange background with a dark yellowgoldorange
content area. This can be rectified by making a
background image of about 1 pixel by 1 pixel out of
part of your image to match. The leaves look gorgeous
with the Imladris layout, however there are some
issues. The picture you used is very dark, and the
leaves primarily light. You'll need to significantly
lighten the image and darken the leaves to create
something more even -- or balance it out with a dark
area on the right. Also, lower your site title so
that it is not looking mushily into the dark blob of
the image. Either move it down or up and lighten it.
On your navigation, make sure you spell everything
correctly. The navigation is the most important part
of the site so take the time to look those words up.
Never have anything scrolling more than the equivalent
of one page on regular paper -- that means, you'll
need
to put most of your updates on a separate page, and
certainly your polling and tag board.
>>Content of Home
Never have any headings the same or larger than your
main title. There is a hierarchy of:
1. Title (in this case part of your top graphic)
2. Headings (such as ‘About’ when you are on the
‘About’ page)
3. Subheadings (such as ‘Nominees’ on an awards page)
4. Featured news/quotes/ etc
5. Actual content
The quote from PotC is obviously in the fourth
category. That means, it has to be smaller and less
significant than both the title, headings, and
subheadings. As it is, it is almost larger than the
title. Since the actual content is no larger than
size “2”, try it at size “3” or a bold “2”. That
said, I also think it is a brilliant idea to have that
quote in the position it is as it is reassuring to the
reader that it will be a fun site that truly is made
by a fan for the fans. The updates as I mentioned
earlier, should be mostly put into the archives.
Also, do not underline anything that is not a link or
part of a citation style.
>> Middle-earth
First off, if you can’t even spell the name right, why should anyone believe anything on the area? Fix that right off, otherwise you’ll lose the ringer crowd. When you chose an image to represent the section, make sure it matches your current layout. There are many scenes with a sort of candlelight autumn feel. The random blue and snowy look would be more appropriate to a winter layout. Also, the image of Bag End is a little much – keep it simple. If you are going to have a picture justified to the right of a list of links, have it be the same length. IE tall and narrow. When you organize the avatars – have a link to one page then organize them from there. Keep the banners together, that means have a link to a banners page that has links to both banners and requesting them. The idea is to keep all related material together and easy to find.
>Adopt a Hobbit
Watch the hierarchy. The heading should be no larger
than about size 3 or 4.
That said, it is a very well organized section –
clean, elegant and giving proper credits.
>Banners
It is wonderful that you made all your own and
organized them so well. Do not put the new banners on
the page, the loading is terrible. Instead put a
special list of which sections have new banners, or
perhaps put * after their name if one has been added.
>Request
Definitely well organized, excellent use of negative
space and very clear rules.
>Blinkies
Some of the fonts are difficult to read, but the idea
is wonderful. Just add more and maybe try a cleaner
font.
>Backgrounds
Most of them would not make for a very good site, try
offering some backgrounds that conform to proper
design rules.
>Wallpapers
Good that you offer it in different sizes. Perhaps
make a place for people to send theirs in.
>Avatars
Definitely organize them by character. Also the
technical term is ‘static avatars’ vs ‘animated
avatars’.
>Quizzes
Make your own to match the site. It doesn’t take more
than 10 minutes or so to make one so there is no
excuse not to.
>Links
Try organizing them and offering more of a variety.
>>Hogwarts [no comment]
>>Caribbean [should be no comment but I can’t help
myself]
First off, do you have permission from Mark to use
that image?
Secondly, same as Lotr – choose one of the Lady that
is tall and narrow
and get rid of that weird white. Again – no Bag End
please. Try to have
the nav match the other sections as well.
>Blinkies
The CJS font is nice, try using it with better kerning
on the other blinkies.
>Banners
Ouch! Organize these as soon as possible.
>Backgrounds
You lost me on this page – what’s going on?
>Wallpapers
Some broken images and disorganization.
>Avatars
Desperately needs to be divied up into several pages.
>Quizzes
Same comment as LotR
>Links
Needs to be organized and have more added.
>>Other Worlds [non lotr no comment]
>>Forum
PLEASE have a warning page! Please please please!
>>Games
What do these have to do with the site subject?
>>Fan Section
Organize them by what they are, not by random sending
in.
Make it easier to submit stuff also.
>>About Me
Interesting – you should have a home page or personal
domain.
Needs more on why you started the site etc.
>>Site
>Layouts
Excellent, good screenshots, explanation, etc. Keep
it up!
>FAQ
The form generated horrible ads and was confusing.
Use something that makes sense.
>Affiliates
Well organized and all the same size with related
subjects – excellent.
>Reviewed At
Hopefully you’ll post parts of the reviews you
receive.
>Nominated at
It is sometimes nice to know what categories one is
being nominated as.
>Linking Banners
Definitely break it into pages for each size and
better organize it.
>>Guestbook
Make warning page.
>>Add Link ditto