A little old, a little new, in a simple package

weegillis · #1 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006, 06:39 AM

Hi Folks,

You tell me: Too simple; too green; or, too lean?

Wainwright Retired Teachers' Association

We are a little at a loss to determine the right kind of front end for this site, and could use a few pointers. Bear in mind that this is not an SEO site, or for profit, or for mass audience; but, we would like to be able to offer our members some level of functionality beyond the static.

The accessibitlity aspects are pretty much covered, however we would like to know of any concerns since it is clear that many of our audience may have less than par computer and internet awareness.

This ground up approach is fine, if a little mundane. We would like to take the site to another level, though, the above notwithstanding. The question is, what level; and, how can we make it useful without being bulky, slow loading or CPU intensive?

All comments welcome...

Thanks, Roy

davebarnes · #2 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006, 08:21 PM

It is a well-designed website.
Looks good and navigation is easy and straightforward.

,dave

weegillis · #3 (**permalink**) 09-30-2006, 08:56 PM

Thanks, Dave.

Kind of leaves me with my thumbs twindling to just walk away from it, but if it's done, and it isn't broken, guess the best thing to do is put it in the can and move on.

Roy

weegillis · #4 (**permalink**) 11-07-2006, 06:08 AM

If it ain't broke... Always something to be found.

Acting upon provisions recommended in John's SEO analysis, I think most of the high-level issues are now ironed out. Since all the content is reproduction, there is nothing we can do to change it, except build on the front end.

I wasn't impressed by the site: results on Google but Live Search gave this site a full slate of indexed URLs, which impressed me enough to embed Live Search in a few select pages. I'm equally impressed with the results they display. Seldom a page missed. Very equitable, in my view. Score one for MS.

The discussion on print styles prompted a quick upgrade with the addition of @media print{} to the basic.css style sheet. I'm glad this topic came up as it gave impetus to something that is so easily overlooked, and so relatively simple to address. Our implementation was straight forward enough. Proof there is something to be gained from every post.