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Dathor Verlox
12-24-2003, 10:00 AM
Hey
Has anyone got anyfree time at the mo (yes, I do know it's xmas) and willing to rate my website for me, designed in fireworks and dreamweaver mx in about 8 hrs.
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/dathorverlox
AdamBrill
12-24-2003, 10:06 AM
It's hard to rate anything without a link... ;)
Dathor Verlox
12-24-2003, 10:09 AM
Another thing I just thought of, is anyone interested in free custom banners made to order or am I being to hopeful and providing an unwanted and unneeded service?
Thanks again

Dathor Verlox
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/dathorverlox
PeOfEo
12-24-2003, 10:21 AM
http://validator.w3.org/check?verbose=1&uri=http%3A//myweb.tiscali.co.uk/dathorverlox/
and I cant even validate your css
http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?profile=css2&warning=2&uri=http%3A//myweb.tiscali.co.uk/dathorverlox/
pyro
12-24-2003, 10:26 AM
You want me to hit asthetics or coding first?

Ok, I'll do the coding then.

First of all, you've got the DOCTYPE and xml declaration on the page twice. Once at the top of the document where it should be, and once right below the <body> tag, where it should not be.

Next, of course, we come to the fact that you are using tables for layout. With such a simple layout, there is absolutly no reason to use tables. That layout would be incredibly easy to convert to CSS.

I couldn't help but notice that you used the <font> tag. The font tag is dead. Again, CSS is your friend.

Now we come to the fact that the page has no real content at all. It is entirely images, even the text. Know what search engines see? They see the link on the bottom, and that's it. You didn't even supply alt text for the images.

Now, if we want to move on to asthetics...

I'd have to say the colors contrast rather badly with each other. The maroon and blue just don't cut it. The gradient text is also a design no-no. I took a look at your "banners and backgrounds" section, and have to suggest that you tame things down a bit, and shoot for some less gaudy banners. Not to be harsh, but honestly, take a look at the sample banners you have on the site and ask yourself if you really think anyone would want them on their site.

Edit - BTW, interesting name for the site... ;)
AdamBrill
12-24-2003, 10:27 AM
Originally posted by PeOfEo
and I cant even validate your css
http://jigsaw.w3.org/css-validator/validator?profile=css2&warning=2&uri=http%3A//myweb.tiscali.co.uk/dathorverlox/ And there is a very simple reason for that: there are no styles. Ok, there is one: td img {display: block;}
Dathor Verlox
12-24-2003, 10:32 AM
The hideous code that can't be validated is due to the way it was made.
1. Basic images made in Fireworks MX.
2. Pages compiled from basic images using Fireworls MX.
3. Rollovers and slices added using Fireworks MX.
4. Copied HTML to clipboard as XHTML using command in Fireworks MX.
5. Pasted XTML from clipboard into Dreamweaver MX.
6. Added one cell invisible table to center the pages.
7. Uploaded.

As the XHTML was generated by Fireworks MX with no alteration it is workable but not pretty or compliant with standards. As I havn't used lots of code I don't know how to change it so it still works but complies with standards. I am willing to change it if anyone will tell me how.
pyro
12-24-2003, 10:38 AM
You don't just need to fix a few errors here and there. I hate to point it out, but the way that site was made is flawed to the core. First, Fireworks is a graphics program, so I would think twice (or more) about using it to generate (X)HTML. IMO, the biggest problem with that site is it's total reliance on images. Text should (in most cases) just be text, not graphical representations of that text. I would highly recommend you think about totally re-thinking that site.
Dathor Verlox
12-24-2003, 10:43 AM
Thanks for the comments pyro, I have removed the doctype thing underneath the <body> tag and have added filled in the alt field for all the main images in Dreamweaver MX, as I said I havn't done much coding but definatly want to learn.
After Xmas I will change the colours but that will probably have to wait until the end of January as I have AS Level exams. The sample banners were knocked together in 5 minutes and now you mention it, no I don't reckon anyone would want them so they will be changed shortly.
Also you mentioned using CSS, I have kind of used this before but never got past using it to define the default attributes of tags (if that makes sense). Is there anywhere I can go to learn proper CSS for free (I'm a student so I'm almost broke).
Thanks for all the help and please keep criticising.
pyro
12-24-2003, 10:50 AM
I can not recommend A List Apart (http://www.alistapart.com/) high enough, though you will want the basics of CSS down before you go there, which you can get at http://www.w3schools.com/css/. Also, once you have a basic grasp on it, you'll want to keep the specs (http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS2/) in mind, as they are the definitive reference. Also, if you are able to pick up a copy of "designing with web standards" by Jeffrey Zeldman, it is an excellent book to explain how you should be creating your sites. A must read, IMO.
Dathor Verlox
12-24-2003, 11:01 AM
Ok, I'm persuaded, the site shall sit where it is until after the 14 Jan (Exam time) and then I shall change it all and spend ages doing my best to learn good CSS and semantic markup. It will be turned into a learning project and shall reappear looking better than ever before with perfect everything (well, as close to perfect as I can get it). Thanks everyone for their help with the site (especially pyro) and expect to see changes in the nearish future.
george71
12-24-2003, 11:03 AM
yeah i'm interested in that css learning link as well
PeOfEo
12-24-2003, 11:27 AM
www.bluerobot.com has some ok basic layouts.
http://www.thenoodleincident.com/tutorials/box_lesson/boxes.html
is ok too.
pyro
12-24-2003, 11:29 AM
Good deal, and remember, if you get stuck and need help, just post in the appropriate section of these forums, and we'll try our best. :)