Corpus Christi Comp Squadron Website Critique

[Pumbaa]

Ohhhhhh......

Actually Sparky, I am liking the direction of your site.  As many do not know I've been designing sites since before there was the internet.  I was a RIP designer in the day when graphical User Interfaces were becoming vogue for the BBS's.

When designing on the website, I have a few basic rules.  The first question that people ask is... Did I arrive at the right place? (Think Whitehouse.com)  Design the site to clearly tell people they are in the right place.  Next who is the site for?  Prospective recruits?  CAdets? Parents?  Design the main part of the site with that in mind and organize for the rest.

Next always answer the questions, Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.

Be careful in the use of photos.. Only your best and they should tell a story.  Rather 5 great images, than 100 "ehh" ones.

Navigation should be clear, and my rule is for the most part it should never take more than 1 click (2 at the most) to get to anywhere on your site.  So plan accordingly and put it in a logical order.

I have more to share but this is about your site.  I have not read all of the other comments so some might be a rehash.

I'm not keen on your image surrounded by the logos.  Personally I would build the logos into your banner, as they identify who you are.  I would then take your image and put it wrapped in the body of your text.

The way you have it now *YOU* are the prominent subject of the website, by mere placement of your image.

Another thing I would do is not place your 'happenings' on a separate site, in particular through a new window opening.  I hate new windows unless I specifically ask, or i am warned I am leaving the site.  I run Firefox with very high security settings.

That being said, your stories from the happening should be on the main site and at least a few of them on the front page.. You have a lot happening and a lot to offer.  keep people on your site and excited, also watch your font usage and keep it all the same in particular your stories.

here is my group site and you'll see what I mean http://www.ny084.org/  BTW feel free to steal any you need.

OK more later but I have to get ready to get to work and design things to protect our people in the armed forces.  Or as those in Ithaca NY say, build war mongering and people killing things!

[jimmydeanno]

here is my group site and you'll see what I mean http://www.ny084.org/  BTW feel free to steal any you need.

[offtopic]Pumbaa, was that "poster" on the first page something created for the website or is it something that is available elsewhere.  I think it's pretty slick and wouldn't mind having something like that hung in our squadron entry.[/offtopic]

[Pumbaa]

Jimmy.. it is a painting I am working on.  that is my concept image.  that is close to what the finished one will be when i am done with it.

I did another one a few years back but it got stolen when my house got broken in to.