I agree with the prior comment (meant to comment some time ago but I wanted to observe a little longer). The front page hardly updates. The choices, a few of them changes one every few days... Some are there for over a week. The news it about the same. I think daily randoms for each category would be better than picking at this point.
Okay, while not having time to sign in here as much as I'd like to, I have noticed something due to my (now) infrequent visits.
With the new updated fandom submissions on the front page, there isn't a new updated Community News acting likewise. It almost looks like nothing much is happening site-wise (but not member-wise), especially when you look at the date for the most recent Site Update posting. Now it seems that the front page text isn't looking fresh and vibrant. There needs to be some emphasis on texts if it's to remain on the front page, otherwise it just makes the front page look strangely new and old at the same time.
Last edited by Pleiades Rising at 11:39:58 PM CDT on October 22, 2014.
Another thing I'd like to bring up or suggest to theOtaku.com site leaders/mods is would be to expand upon the mobile wallpapers available on the site. Not everybody has an iPhone or iPad.
I myself have a Blackberry and I'm sure other members would like more mobile wallpaper options as well. Maybe expand the mobile wallpaper section to include wallpapers for other types of smart phones and regular cell phones (ie: Samsung Galaxy, Blackberry (legacy devices and BB10), HTC, Nokia Windows Phones, etc)? It would be nice if the options weren't so limited and be expanded to have something for everyone.
Also a mobile friendly version of the site would be nice too. So its easier to navigate around theOtaku when browsing on a smartphone and a mobile friendly comment box should be included too. :)
Again these are just some suggestions and a thank you to whoever reads this.
To my fellow Otakus here, do you think a mobile/tablet friendly version of theO should be made availiable? Also what are your thoughts on expanding the mobile wallpaper section to include more wallpapers for more different smart phones/cell phones? If anybody has any thoughts, please reply to this comment.
Thank you again for your time.
~Judai
I wish the main page was a little more cohesive maybe. Better thumbnails for the "Mod's Choice" works cause they really don't get the attention they should be getting. Bigger thumbmails would solve this problem I think or a special feature section and maybe members here also choose some of their favorite works to highlight as well? Would be cool anyway. *shurgs* Just a suggestion to maybe consider for the future. But I love theO. Been here for 7+ years now. :D
I was also wanted to bring up the idea of being able to customize our "world" blogs a bit more. Maybe offer more color choices and combonations to allow for a more unique world. I've always wanted a red and black layout and the "Gothic" theme doesn't deliver. Also a rainbow theme would be cool. Just more customization for world blogs would be nice. I hope somebody reads this and hopefully we'll see more customize options in the future.
Thank you to whoever reads this for your time. I love theO dearly. Its like a 2nd home for me. Also I sent something to SunFallE about changing/updating my username, I'd appreciate if somebody could get back to me on that as well.
~Judai
The new main page design is....ok but it leaves a lot to be desired. Like a lot of fellow Otakus mentioned, it does seem a bit empty and slightly cold. What I mean is it doesn't make the site feel very personable. It doesn't seem like enough works get highlighted. I miss the "Today's top 8" for each section that highlighted a random selection of each fanworks section. It is still new and we will have to wait and see how it plays out.
Somebody else brought up a point of filling the empty space with news links/articles. Maybe bring back fanwords? This would encourage people to write stories again and it was an awesome feature. Also maybe feature tutorials for new Otakus just joining the site. The introduction section isn't enough. And also make it easier to contact mods and site founders too if we need help with something. Just a suggestion.
Honestly there are many things that need improvement, maybe a better color scheme. I don't know. But I love theOtaku and I'll keep coming back. And yes a front page submit button would be nice. Maybe bring back that cosplay photos section too. Miss seeing those. Anyway have a great day everybody.
~Judai
Last edited by Klassic at 2:46:55 AM EDT on September 20, 2014.
I like that second example you gave there. Did you intentionally make it so there would be more slots for the most submitted works (Fan Art > Quizzes)?
Call it karma. Call it luck. Me, I just don't give a... BOUNCE!
Agreed with what you brought up too (the messiness resulting from mixing up walls and fanart). IMO, having them organized into their own sections is/was much better.
I've pretty much criticized without offering too many new ideas, so picture this for a layout:
- nav bar with links to major galleries stays the same;
- right below it, News section with links to articles, with a line as a preview;
- below that, a "Wallpapers" section as wide as the body of the page. Will contain the 3 or 6 most popular items submitted in the last 1-2 days;
- below that, a "Fanart" section similar to the "Wallpapers" one;
- (optional, depending on #/frequency of submissions) a "Mobile Walls" section similar to the two above;
- below that, content is divided into two columns: one for "Fan Comics" (which displays the most recently uploaded or updated one) and "Quizzes", with the most recent 5 quizzes submitted;
- below that, a section as wide as the body of the page, divided into two columns, detailing the most recently created and almost finished challenges;
- below that, the footer.
That's what I'm seeing as better than the current layout.
Edit: can't spell at 6 a.m.
Edit #2: in my previous comment I mentioned "too much scrolling"; yeah, there's gonna be some scrolling here too, but you'll see content instead of blank space.
Last edited by sweetdevil at 11:35:38 PM EDT on September 12, 2014.
I like the idea of delving deeper into the diverse group of members we have here on Theotaku, New and Old. I also look forward to learning more about other members and what makes them different when it comes to anime, art, etc.
I like alot of the ideas that people have listed, and it would be cool to see some different versions of their ideas fused together on the main page, especially with some different color schemes. keep working at it and im sure youll be able to build up a version that is beneficial to everyone visually and from a moderation standpoint. I'll always be here if you need me :)
Too much scrolling. People are lazy (know from personal experience a.k.a. myself) and don't want to subject their mice/trackpads to that much abuse.
Too much emptiness. I don't even mind the spaces on the sides as I have a large enough resolution (1360x768), but there's this empty white column smack dab in the middle of the front page and that isn't the good kind of empty.
Too much emphasis on text. OK, so we get the title of the submission + the creator (which are 1/3 the thumbnail), and the section it belongs to. Why so much emphasis on the text instead of the images? I'd either:
- have two columns, side by side, with the existing thumbnail + text layout OR
- have 3 columns, side by side, with the text below the thumbnails.
Refer to point 2 for the reason why I dislike the current layout.
Why the emphasis on mod picks vs. popularity? I'm just curious. The old layout favored popular submissions as opposed to a select few.
Maybe include snippets from the articles below them? Like the first line of the article or something. The News section doesn't take up that much space and only adds more height to that empty white column in the middle of the page.
The thumbnails could be a bit bigger. But that depends on how much you want to emphasize text vs. images.
ETA: News on the right is 50/50 for me. On one hand, it'd look neat; there's not much going on aside from the titles in that section, display-wise. On the other hand, since the side of the page is generally "ad space", I feel that not many people will look at it. And it would make the body of the page look even more empty.
Last edited by sweetdevil at 4:05:42 AM EDT on September 12, 2014.
State Alchemist (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/11/14 | Reply
I like the hand selecting the works but I don't like how it goes from fanart, wallpaper, fan comic then fanart again, etc. It just needs to be a tad bit more organized. I did a few examples because I got bored. http://i57.tinypic.com/i580me.png and http://i62.tinypic.com/29wk9wk.png (if you still want to go with the row layout)
Last edited by edisshort at 7:26:11 AM EDT on September 11, 2014.
Call me "Obiri" (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/10/14 | Reply
If the news was put the side, that would be a great idea since it feels "empty" still. Also, I wish there was an option to change color themes to our own liking (including the white foreground)
Instead of a long strip, a grid would be great to see just like you had it before but with a mixture of stuff all together. Maybe a randomizer so that it changes when we refresh.
What else...an individual tab for contest since it's hidden. A direct submit button should be around the page instead of always having to go to the backroom. The backroom should only serve as a purpose to check new messages, comments, replies and faves.
I'm sure coding is hard as it is...but it would be great to attract more people if the layout had a "professional" feel to it while keeping the "fun" factor. //w//
Last edited by Samedi-Mai at 1:13:46 AM EDT on September 10, 2014.
As most people have said, I like the idea but I think it could be organized better. I would like to see the categories grouped together better, (like wallpapers and ecards on one side, fanart and fancomics on the other, quizzes on the bottom, etc.)
I agree with others about how the main page looks empty and how a two column page would help with this issue.
I know that Adam and the Mods are trying their best to welcome and make other otakuians to feel comfortable about posting their artwork and such. But, I think that if Mods are now able to hand-pick their favorite artworks and highlighting them....it's still the same as having the Top 8 thing that we used to have.... but this time I guess it would mean more (Or more important) because a Mod picked it and not the community (and also they're on the main page). ( I hope I made sense...) So I guess I rather have the old way, which was having the top 8, because it would probably lessen the dissapointment for otakuians.
OR we could bring back the old Top 8 and keep this new thing where the mods pick stuff. So then the main page would be an extra motivation thing..?
Overall, I think that its cool that Adam and the Mods are working hard to make theOtaku a better place!
Along with what I commented earlier, I think you can move the news section to the side with the member log in/access, like right below it. Of course you'll have to adjust the collumn/section proportions a bit but this way more of the art can be shown when accessing the home page.
I don't know if it's just my screen but left and right side of the site are like 1.5 inches of blank colors, so maybe decrease the width of that to fit more displays? From what I can see, I think you should take in consideration of choosing world posts too (probably should ask the post owner first though) and also challenges.
I see that some people are not too fond of the certain empty feel that the index-page leaves, but overall it has its appeal and it somehow catches my attention better.
The idea of hand selecting is also good. It might leave some things based on the personal favorites, but we should trust in mods and believe that they will keep their objective opinions.
Overall, this looks interesting, especially for the beta version.
It's a start. I like the idea you're trying to get across, but perhaps it could use some tweaking as some have suggested. I like that you pick the art (seems more personal than using some algorithm), but I do wonder if certain works will be overlooked because the Mods have their favorites.
Also the layout seems awkward with a lot of scrolling. Thumbnails with brief descriptions (e.g. artist and title of work) below it in more than 1 column would be more visibly appealing as well as more functional (efficient use of space?).
Great job though! Keep it up! Thanks for taking the time to ask for our suggestions.
Chibi Artist Girl (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I think I agree with most people, that scrolling down through the front-page highlights like this is a bit awkward, and it looks strange with the amount of space on the page.
Last edited by kita mikichi at 11:21:37 PM EDT on September 8, 2014.
I like the idea and the progress being made, but perhaps add a few more visible bulletins for the community news section (it seems empty-ish)? Oh, and as others were saying, perhaps utilizing a two column setup would be helpful so that all main page information can be easily viewed without being skipped over.
Last edited by Ritona Raito at 10:44:03 PM EDT on September 8, 2014.
The Marker Maniac. (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I like the idea of mods handpicking art from the galleries, the only thing is that the home page seems kinda empty.
but I think that if you do add more highlights on other things it'll look less empty?
I like the idea of handpicked submissions ^^ I agree with others that perhaps having two columns would utilise the space better... Unless you have other plans in the pipeline for that?
Highlighting member content is a great way to utilize front page space! I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes but so far, I think this redesign is a good one.
I do like the idea of having new art displayed everyday by different artists and fandoms, that way it'll encourage more people to keep submitting art and it'll also make the site seem more active and alive, as well as giving more shine on different sections that don't get as many submissions.
Making future highlights on blog posts and challenges is also a new idea, and I can kind of see the main page being in a column sort of format, depending on how many new posts/submissions/challenges are made? It'd really be a good idea to fill in the extra unused blank space as well, but of course you don't want to make the main page seem too crowded, yet it should be organized and simplified as much as possible.
It's only a little preview, but as far as I can see, you guys have a good idea going and I'm looking forward to seeing the final update!
To be honest, I barely even go onto the home page. And the fact I have to scroll down to even see it, it is kinda much to do. (that's just me being lazy) I wish this hand pick was more onto each sections of this website. Instead of it being the top eight or whatever, it can be random pieces of art work each day? I feel that more people will be able to see different art work from different people besides the same ones who are just popular on here.
I think that is a great idea! A lot of artists get discouraged when their art isn't in the top # because it is more of a popularity contest. Its a great way to everyone to get their work shown off. I personally think the layout is fine but thats just me
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I think the layout of the new page could be a little bit better. I didn't quite like that I had to scroll down to see all the major items. I also think that the thumbnails could be a tiny bit bigger. Other than that though, I think it's a step in the right direction. I especially like the idea of highlighting blog posts in the future. Seems like I do more blog posting than artwork these days.
It's a good idea but it does look weird to see them one at a time srolling down. It doesn't really utilize the space well. There's too much blank space left over. I think it would look a little bit better if there were two in a row at least?
It kind of doesn't look good as we have to scroll down to see the updates. Also it looks weird in list form. Anyways, good work. Waiting for better update.
I like what you're doing with the hand-picked submissions. That's good motivation for users to make better art, and it could give unknown artists more exposure. A thought would be to include which mod picked what, but that's not absolutely necessary. My only major concern is if a mod picks a stolen/traced/based work by accident.
I don't see any bugs so far, but if I do, I'll let you know.
Call it karma. Call it luck. Me, I just don't give a... BOUNCE!
Sakaira
Otaku Eternal | Posted 10/23/14 | Reply
I agree with the prior comment (meant to comment some time ago but I wanted to observe a little longer). The front page hardly updates. The choices, a few of them changes one every few days... Some are there for over a week. The news it about the same. I think daily randoms for each category would be better than picking at this point.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 10/22/14 | Reply
Okay, while not having time to sign in here as much as I'd like to, I have noticed something due to my (now) infrequent visits.
With the new updated fandom submissions on the front page, there isn't a new updated Community News acting likewise. It almost looks like nothing much is happening site-wise (but not member-wise), especially when you look at the date for the most recent Site Update posting. Now it seems that the front page text isn't looking fresh and vibrant. There needs to be some emphasis on texts if it's to remain on the front page, otherwise it just makes the front page look strangely new and old at the same time.
Last edited by Pleiades Rising at 11:39:58 PM CDT on October 22, 2014.
Rainbow Dragon
☠Eastsider✰Pirate☠ (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 10/15/14 | Reply
Another thing I'd like to bring up or suggest to theOtaku.com site leaders/mods is would be to expand upon the mobile wallpapers available on the site. Not everybody has an iPhone or iPad.
I myself have a Blackberry and I'm sure other members would like more mobile wallpaper options as well. Maybe expand the mobile wallpaper section to include wallpapers for other types of smart phones and regular cell phones (ie: Samsung Galaxy, Blackberry (legacy devices and BB10), HTC, Nokia Windows Phones, etc)? It would be nice if the options weren't so limited and be expanded to have something for everyone.
Also a mobile friendly version of the site would be nice too. So its easier to navigate around theOtaku when browsing on a smartphone and a mobile friendly comment box should be included too. :)
Again these are just some suggestions and a thank you to whoever reads this.
To my fellow Otakus here, do you think a mobile/tablet friendly version of theO should be made availiable? Also what are your thoughts on expanding the mobile wallpaper section to include more wallpapers for more different smart phones/cell phones? If anybody has any thoughts, please reply to this comment.
Thank you again for your time.
~Judai
Rainbow Dragon
☠Eastsider✰Pirate☠ (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 10/15/14 | Reply
I wish the main page was a little more cohesive maybe. Better thumbnails for the "Mod's Choice" works cause they really don't get the attention they should be getting. Bigger thumbmails would solve this problem I think or a special feature section and maybe members here also choose some of their favorite works to highlight as well? Would be cool anyway. *shurgs* Just a suggestion to maybe consider for the future. But I love theO. Been here for 7+ years now. :D
I was also wanted to bring up the idea of being able to customize our "world" blogs a bit more. Maybe offer more color choices and combonations to allow for a more unique world. I've always wanted a red and black layout and the "Gothic" theme doesn't deliver. Also a rainbow theme would be cool. Just more customization for world blogs would be nice. I hope somebody reads this and hopefully we'll see more customize options in the future.
Thank you to whoever reads this for your time. I love theO dearly. Its like a 2nd home for me. Also I sent something to SunFallE about changing/updating my username, I'd appreciate if somebody could get back to me on that as well.
~Judai
Keba Si Rota
Don't Forget 3 Oct (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/17/14 | Reply
Found a bug!
When a title contains an "&", it shows up as & on the main page.
Call it karma. Call it luck. Me, I just don't give a... BOUNCE!
Rainbow Dragon
☠Eastsider✰Pirate☠ (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/14/14 | Reply
@sweetdevil:
I agree with everything you said Sweetdevil-san. Those were my thoughts too.
~Judai
Rainbow Dragon
☠Eastsider✰Pirate☠ (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/14/14 | Reply
The new main page design is....ok but it leaves a lot to be desired. Like a lot of fellow Otakus mentioned, it does seem a bit empty and slightly cold. What I mean is it doesn't make the site feel very personable. It doesn't seem like enough works get highlighted. I miss the "Today's top 8" for each section that highlighted a random selection of each fanworks section. It is still new and we will have to wait and see how it plays out.
Somebody else brought up a point of filling the empty space with news links/articles. Maybe bring back fanwords? This would encourage people to write stories again and it was an awesome feature. Also maybe feature tutorials for new Otakus just joining the site. The introduction section isn't enough. And also make it easier to contact mods and site founders too if we need help with something. Just a suggestion.
Honestly there are many things that need improvement, maybe a better color scheme. I don't know. But I love theOtaku and I'll keep coming back. And yes a front page submit button would be nice. Maybe bring back that cosplay photos section too. Miss seeing those. Anyway have a great day everybody.
~Judai
Last edited by Klassic at 2:46:55 AM EDT on September 20, 2014.
Yamchaa
Otaku Eternal | Posted 09/13/14 | Reply
@Adam:
I've been doing alright, I've just been reloading my anime collection, which has gotten bigger :)
Adam
Baron Von Kumichou (Founder) | Posted 09/13/14 | Reply
@Yamchaa:
WOAH! I haven't seen you in ages, how've you been??
Keba Si Rota
Don't Forget 3 Oct (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/12/14 | Reply
@edisshort:
I like that second example you gave there. Did you intentionally make it so there would be more slots for the most submitted works (Fan Art > Quizzes)?
Call it karma. Call it luck. Me, I just don't give a... BOUNCE!
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/12/14 | Reply
@edisshort:
Agreed with what you brought up too (the messiness resulting from mixing up walls and fanart). IMO, having them organized into their own sections is/was much better.
I've pretty much criticized without offering too many new ideas, so picture this for a layout:
- nav bar with links to major galleries stays the same;
- right below it, News section with links to articles, with a line as a preview;
- below that, a "Wallpapers" section as wide as the body of the page. Will contain the 3 or 6 most popular items submitted in the last 1-2 days;
- below that, a "Fanart" section similar to the "Wallpapers" one;
- (optional, depending on #/frequency of submissions) a "Mobile Walls" section similar to the two above;
- below that, content is divided into two columns: one for "Fan Comics" (which displays the most recently uploaded or updated one) and "Quizzes", with the most recent 5 quizzes submitted;
- below that, a section as wide as the body of the page, divided into two columns, detailing the most recently created and almost finished challenges;
- below that, the footer.
That's what I'm seeing as better than the current layout.
Edit: can't spell at 6 a.m.
Edit #2: in my previous comment I mentioned "too much scrolling"; yeah, there's gonna be some scrolling here too, but you'll see content instead of blank space.
Last edited by sweetdevil at 11:35:38 PM EDT on September 12, 2014.
Yamchaa
Otaku Eternal | Posted 09/12/14 | Reply
I like the idea of delving deeper into the diverse group of members we have here on Theotaku, New and Old. I also look forward to learning more about other members and what makes them different when it comes to anime, art, etc.
I like alot of the ideas that people have listed, and it would be cool to see some different versions of their ideas fused together on the main page, especially with some different color schemes. keep working at it and im sure youll be able to build up a version that is beneficial to everyone visually and from a moderation standpoint. I'll always be here if you need me :)
edisshort
State Alchemist (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/12/14 | Reply
@sweetdevil:
I TOTALLY agree on ALL your points.
sweetdevil
Embracing Insanity (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/12/14 | Reply
Too much scrolling. People are lazy (know from personal experience a.k.a. myself) and don't want to subject their mice/trackpads to that much abuse.
Too much emptiness. I don't even mind the spaces on the sides as I have a large enough resolution (1360x768), but there's this empty white column smack dab in the middle of the front page and that isn't the good kind of empty.
Too much emphasis on text. OK, so we get the title of the submission + the creator (which are 1/3 the thumbnail), and the section it belongs to. Why so much emphasis on the text instead of the images? I'd either:
- have two columns, side by side, with the existing thumbnail + text layout OR
- have 3 columns, side by side, with the text below the thumbnails.
Refer to point 2 for the reason why I dislike the current layout.
Why the emphasis on mod picks vs. popularity? I'm just curious. The old layout favored popular submissions as opposed to a select few.
Maybe include snippets from the articles below them? Like the first line of the article or something. The News section doesn't take up that much space and only adds more height to that empty white column in the middle of the page.
The thumbnails could be a bit bigger. But that depends on how much you want to emphasize text vs. images.
ETA: News on the right is 50/50 for me. On one hand, it'd look neat; there's not much going on aside from the titles in that section, display-wise. On the other hand, since the side of the page is generally "ad space", I feel that not many people will look at it. And it would make the body of the page look even more empty.
Last edited by sweetdevil at 4:05:42 AM EDT on September 12, 2014.
edisshort
State Alchemist (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/11/14 | Reply
I like the hand selecting the works but I don't like how it goes from fanart, wallpaper, fan comic then fanart again, etc. It just needs to be a tad bit more organized. I did a few examples because I got bored. http://i57.tinypic.com/i580me.png and http://i62.tinypic.com/29wk9wk.png (if you still want to go with the row layout)
Last edited by edisshort at 7:26:11 AM EDT on September 11, 2014.
Samedi-Mai
Call me "Obiri" (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/10/14 | Reply
If the news was put the side, that would be a great idea since it feels "empty" still. Also, I wish there was an option to change color themes to our own liking (including the white foreground)
Instead of a long strip, a grid would be great to see just like you had it before but with a mixture of stuff all together. Maybe a randomizer so that it changes when we refresh.
What else...an individual tab for contest since it's hidden. A direct submit button should be around the page instead of always having to go to the backroom. The backroom should only serve as a purpose to check new messages, comments, replies and faves.
I'm sure coding is hard as it is...but it would be great to attract more people if the layout had a "professional" feel to it while keeping the "fun" factor. //w//
Last edited by Samedi-Mai at 1:13:46 AM EDT on September 10, 2014.
Alchemic Mushroom
Angel (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/10/14 | Reply
As most people have said, I like the idea but I think it could be organized better. I would like to see the categories grouped together better, (like wallpapers and ecards on one side, fanart and fancomics on the other, quizzes on the bottom, etc.)
HotRamen2Go009
Agent Ramen (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/09/14 | Reply
I agree with others about how the main page looks empty and how a two column page would help with this issue.
I know that Adam and the Mods are trying their best to welcome and make other otakuians to feel comfortable about posting their artwork and such. But, I think that if Mods are now able to hand-pick their favorite artworks and highlighting them....it's still the same as having the Top 8 thing that we used to have.... but this time I guess it would mean more (Or more important) because a Mod picked it and not the community (and also they're on the main page). ( I hope I made sense...) So I guess I rather have the old way, which was having the top 8, because it would probably lessen the dissapointment for otakuians.
OR we could bring back the old Top 8 and keep this new thing where the mods pick stuff. So then the main page would be an extra motivation thing..?
Overall, I think that its cool that Adam and the Mods are working hard to make theOtaku a better place!
Have a good one
Allie Elric
Otaku Legend | Posted 09/09/14 | Reply
if we're going to keep the set up like the beta now, please group categories together. like all fan art, then cards, etc.
Sakaira
Otaku Eternal | Posted 09/09/14 | Reply
Oh me again.
Along with what I commented earlier, I think you can move the news section to the side with the member log in/access, like right below it. Of course you'll have to adjust the collumn/section proportions a bit but this way more of the art can be shown when accessing the home page.
I don't know if it's just my screen but left and right side of the site are like 1.5 inches of blank colors, so maybe decrease the width of that to fit more displays? From what I can see, I think you should take in consideration of choosing world posts too (probably should ask the post owner first though) and also challenges.
LightFykki
Drachen Herz (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/09/14 | Reply
I like this new design, it seems fresh. :)
I see that some people are not too fond of the certain empty feel that the index-page leaves, but overall it has its appeal and it somehow catches my attention better.
The idea of hand selecting is also good. It might leave some things based on the personal favorites, but we should trust in mods and believe that they will keep their objective opinions.
Overall, this looks interesting, especially for the beta version.
dr Muraki
Otakuite++ | Posted 09/09/14 | Reply
I like the idea!
but the page organization doesn't seem completely right...
twilight samurai
Redeemed (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/09/14 | Reply
It's a start. I like the idea you're trying to get across, but perhaps it could use some tweaking as some have suggested. I like that you pick the art (seems more personal than using some algorithm), but I do wonder if certain works will be overlooked because the Mods have their favorites.
Also the layout seems awkward with a lot of scrolling. Thumbnails with brief descriptions (e.g. artist and title of work) below it in more than 1 column would be more visibly appealing as well as more functional (efficient use of space?).
Great job though! Keep it up! Thanks for taking the time to ask for our suggestions.
kita mikichi
Chibi Artist Girl (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I think I agree with most people, that scrolling down through the front-page highlights like this is a bit awkward, and it looks strange with the amount of space on the page.
Last edited by kita mikichi at 11:21:37 PM EDT on September 8, 2014.
Ritona
Hunter (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I like the idea and the progress being made, but perhaps add a few more visible bulletins for the community news section (it seems empty-ish)? Oh, and as others were saying, perhaps utilizing a two column setup would be helpful so that all main page information can be easily viewed without being skipped over.
Last edited by Ritona Raito at 10:44:03 PM EDT on September 8, 2014.
"You won't like me when I'm psychoanalyzed."
toyotami kun
The Marker Maniac. (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I like the idea of mods handpicking art from the galleries, the only thing is that the home page seems kinda empty.
but I think that if you do add more highlights on other things it'll look less empty?
Kaerlyn
Tea pixie (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I like the idea of handpicked submissions ^^ I agree with others that perhaps having two columns would utilise the space better... Unless you have other plans in the pipeline for that?
Good stuff ^^
Petie
Otaku Legend | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
Highlighting member content is a great way to utilize front page space! I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes but so far, I think this redesign is a good one.
ElementalNinja
Daemon Devourer (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I do like the idea of having new art displayed everyday by different artists and fandoms, that way it'll encourage more people to keep submitting art and it'll also make the site seem more active and alive, as well as giving more shine on different sections that don't get as many submissions.
Making future highlights on blog posts and challenges is also a new idea, and I can kind of see the main page being in a column sort of format, depending on how many new posts/submissions/challenges are made? It'd really be a good idea to fill in the extra unused blank space as well, but of course you don't want to make the main page seem too crowded, yet it should be organized and simplified as much as possible.
It's only a little preview, but as far as I can see, you guys have a good idea going and I'm looking forward to seeing the final update!
hackerblackrose
Otaku Eternal | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
To be honest, I barely even go onto the home page. And the fact I have to scroll down to even see it, it is kinda much to do. (that's just me being lazy) I wish this hand pick was more onto each sections of this website. Instead of it being the top eight or whatever, it can be random pieces of art work each day? I feel that more people will be able to see different art work from different people besides the same ones who are just popular on here.
nikkeh09
~Nikkeh~ (Grand Otaku) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I think that is a great idea! A lot of artists get discouraged when their art isn't in the top # because it is more of a popularity contest. Its a great way to everyone to get their work shown off. I personally think the layout is fine but thats just me
Darkarax
Resident Dark Lord (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I think the layout of the new page could be a little bit better. I didn't quite like that I had to scroll down to see all the major items. I also think that the thumbnails could be a tiny bit bigger. Other than that though, I think it's a step in the right direction. I especially like the idea of highlighting blog posts in the future. Seems like I do more blog posting than artwork these days.
The greatest fear is that of the unknown.
Sakaira
Otaku Eternal | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
It's a good idea but it does look weird to see them one at a time srolling down. It doesn't really utilize the space well. There's too much blank space left over. I think it would look a little bit better if there were two in a row at least?
Thiefspawn
Otaku Legend | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
It kind of doesn't look good as we have to scroll down to see the updates. Also it looks weird in list form. Anyways, good work. Waiting for better update.
Keba Si Rota
Don't Forget 3 Oct (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 09/08/14 | Reply
I like what you're doing with the hand-picked submissions. That's good motivation for users to make better art, and it could give unknown artists more exposure. A thought would be to include which mod picked what, but that's not absolutely necessary. My only major concern is if a mod picks a stolen/traced/based work by accident.
I don't see any bugs so far, but if I do, I'll let you know.
Call it karma. Call it luck. Me, I just don't give a... BOUNCE!