Site Update: Alpha

[chrono]

Originally Posted by Aceman

also.. the site's new tag line is: "A 3D Graphics Community focused on Science Fiction" unless someone comes up with another one.

The tag line should be:

"A 3D Graphics Community focused on Popular Modern Science Fiction"

This is far more accurate given the communities trendiness towards whatever is 'hot' SF at the moment.

Oh and the look is fine especially since most of the forum goers come directly to the forums and only the image thieves(aka the other 70% of the registered members) have to use it.

[Comco]

Well, I for one would like to see the main page of Scifi-Meshes become more than a splash page for the forums. I want to see some featured content, such as model features, artist interviews possibly etc etc. The forums are, of course, the hob for the community/social activity, but I want to see some more content being shown off to the world.

As to the alpha image...I really like the very background of the site (as in, the dark grey textured background, not the flat grey background that is over-layed on top. The effect created is subtle but effective.

I do agree with Ramiel, however, when it comes to the lighter grey background...It does appear to be a little to eye-catching at the moment and detracts from the actual content being the focus of the site right now...

The "Stardock"/"Vista Aero"/sudo-3d look is effective. Nicely done.

I'm not a huge fan of the current menu system. A horizontal menu bar at the top of the screen would probably be a better way to go and would free up space for more content (latest Gallery image/highest scoring gallery image maybe? etc...).

Following on from my thoughts above on liking to see more featured content on the main site, it would be cool to see a couple of blocks where info such as that could be placed..."New Featured Model" or "SFM Contest" info etc etc that can link to a new page featuring more info.

I like the idea of continuing to integrate forum threads/post info on the main site in some form of summery. Although I don't believe this should be the main focus of the site personally. Placed on the bottom of the main page and taking up...Say 1/4 of the page or less is fine by me.

Anyway, just some suggestions from a tired Aussie. The alpha looks damn nice and with *ahem* (key government official-type voice here) with further community consultation, it should prove to be a complete success.

Keep up the great work Ace.

[limdaepl]

I like that 'out of this world 3D graphics' line at the top. Considered using that as the tag line?

Oh and you can make the site as ****ty as you want. It wont prevent me from coming here. So no worries

Keep up the good work
Regards Roman

[DAve]

I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO THE SITE!
IF YOU DO THAT I'M NEVER COMING BACK!

... Ahem

Seriously though - the important thing is how well the site 'works' i.e. can we find all the features easily. Also I agree with nhall about not losing the header - that really adds to the community feal IMHO.

DAve
(who is only just used to the new red site that replaced the blue )

[chrono]

Comco, that's a nice dream by the community can't support it unless it gets around 20-30 more pro's and extremely talented people to support it so the content doesn't get stale.

[biotech]

It kind of makes me think of robot wars, I like the new header, but could do without the yellow and black stripes.

Not sure about the interlaced look either, it could have the effect of making peoples eyes go out of focus if you have to look at it for long lengths of time.

[Comco]

Originally Posted by chrono

Comco, that's a nice dream by the community can't support it...

It doesn't take a pro to write an article mate. It just takes people with a little commitment and drive.

[Aceman]

header's not going anywhere.. my get a new look.. but it's staying.. again.. I said this was an alpha.

[Berticus]

I like it but it is way too busy. Fewer colors might do it (I am by no means a graphic designer) or a more cohesive color scheme.

The background (behind all the frames or whatever) was what caught my eye first. And then the really cool looking image behind the logo.

You have definitely hit the industrial theme on the head. I just worry that it is too busy or like someone else said: gamish (modified to fit here... ).

I looking forward to what you come up with,
-albert

[chrono]

Originally Posted by Comco

It doesn't take a pro to write an article mate. It just takes people with a little commitment and drive.

I wasn't talking about people to write them, plenty of writers around here, but the people to fuel the materials for those writers.