Frontpage concept

  • Thread starter Thread starter S31Ender
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S31Ender

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After re-reading my post before I clicked submit, I realized that if you read it you MIGHT take it as criticism. I don't want you to think that. I'm just giving my view and offering a suggestion if anyone agrees with me that might make a difference in the way someone who first sees this site gets their first impression.
-S31Ender


After passing the 7th month mark I realize that the front page seems stale. Now, it's a semi=minimalist design and it's a very nice one.
I LOVE the front page. I don't mean the design when I say it seems stale. What I mean is, Joe Shmoe is browsing the Internet and comes across this site called GTPlanet.net and see's that it's about this video game he just bought used from the store (GT4), but he notices that the last time the web site was updated was in December of last year. Obviously this must be a small fan site and he should look elsewhere for a larger, more active site.
It's not until someone clicks on one of the links on the main page that you notice this site is HUGE and INCREDIBLY active! Too bad for Joe Shmoe. He's going to miss out.

Now, I don't mean spam the front page with a bunch of crap. I just mean to make sure a new post goes up every couple of weeks to keep the front page fresh and "lived-in".
Obviously there is currently no new news. So it would need to be something like a post containing the winners of that month's different racing series. And two weeks later (stagger them) list the winners of the photo mode contest.

That way, you don't have a zillion posts go up in 3 days and make it all cluttered and lose the important news but yet it still looks current.
If you load up the front page and read out any dates that are written on it what do you see? It looks like the last time anything happened on the web site was back in December. Now.....obviously that's not true. But you would never know by looking at the main web page of the site. The front page is the one that when you are just surfing around it grabs your attention and says "Hey! I've got something interesting for you to see! Click on in further!"
To me, the front page currently says "Hey! I had something important 7 months ago but everyone is bored now and have moved on elsewhere, no need to bother yourself with going deeper into the site, there's nothing there that's current."

I dunno, what does anyone else think? Am I just crazy? lol.
 
I agree, there is word that Jordan is upgrading the vBulliten though. I think some news should be added too IMO. 👍
 
I agree, actually. Instead of that front-and-center pic with the blurb about the WRS, perhaps an info box with the latest happenings in the WRS should take its place.

A good suggestion that I'm sure Jordan will take note of. 👍
 
This is a VERY good idea IMO. Even if we do get the vBulletin update, your idea is very good one. Its nice and plain but i reckon we should advertise the forum part of the website a bit more. I reckon this is worthy of +rep ;)
 
I couldn't agree more! The home page has always been a bit of a afterthought due to the high levels of attention that the other areas of the site require. Ultimately, the problem is myself, and my inability to stay on top of everything going on. That's why a completely revamped home page is on its way with GTP9, a new look and feel for the entire site. The new home page will look very much like a blog, except the posts will actually be selected threads from around the forums. Not only will this allow me to spotlight breaking news around the forum with only a few clicks, but I will also be able to extend this ability to staff members, resulting in a very responsive and up-to-date front page. We can also use the feature to highlight racing challenges or popular (quality) threads we feel are deserving. The ultimate goal would be to use the software to post at least two new articles to the front page every day.
 
You mean a new site template Jordan? :scared:

Be careful of what colors you pick. :) Will this GTP template still be available?
 
Yes, you could call it a new site template, and of course I will choose the colors very carefully. I'm not sure if the current template will still be available or not. If it is, it will only be visible to Premium users, but they'll probably want to start using the other new styles they will have access to.
 
I think it might be nice to try a couple of bolder colors.

Maybe something a bit more radical? :D
 
Unfortunately i'm one that hates change, even a little. Please don't get too crazy with a color change, i love GTP's colors right now :scared:
 
Pink - Purple FTW!














Just kidding...


Jordan: Any info on when this new template arrives?
 
MINICOOPER120
Perhaps something like a gulf color scheme, but toned down a bit?
Click to expand...

Oh man, I've just envisaged that!

That would absolutely rock.
Perhaps Monsiour Jordan could consider it for an optional skin? :D
 
Some interesting info and possibly an interesting change coming down the line?


Although to clarify about my original post.

I REALLY REALLY like the nice, clean look you have right now. I am all for getting some activity on the front page, but I'm worried about Jordan's post! Sounds like the front page is going to get really cluttered. I was just aiming for "slightly" more active front end.

A front page should provide a small amount of data that gets the viewer interested but doesn't attempt to "display the whole board". If you understand what I mean.

I'm sure Jordan will make something awesome. After all, he made this one! lol. Keep it up!
 
:lol: I suppose my first post didn't really explain the new concept as well as it should have - rest assured that the new page will aesthetically be almost identical to the current design.
 
Jordan
:lol: I suppose my first post didn't really explain the new concept as well as it should have - rest assured that the new page will aesthetically be almost identical to the current design.
Click to expand...

You can't scare us like that Jordan :lol:
 
I'm so giddy. I can't wait to see the new GTP. :D I've only seen this one. I got here just after the redesign I think...
 
Jordan, I really like the look of GTPlanet.org. There's not much room for pictures in a layout like that though. I prefer its rounded edges compared to the square shapes of GTP.net homepage. But I still can't wait to see what you've been conjuring up!
 

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