Re: Website Appraisal

Hi Anthony,

First let me say that I am very uncomfortable giving a critique becasue it
is so subjective.  But, I do have to do it once in awhile since I ask for
critiques on my sites from time to time.

That said, here I go.

I am going to give my opinions from two different points of view.  The first
as a "surfer" and the second as someone that may wish to hire a person in
your field.

Surfer:
(Please take into consideration that I do not have any Flash skills and
admire people that do.  I am just "pretending" I am a normal surfer
wandering the web.)
1).  I do not know if it is just my browswer (IE 5.5, 19 inch monitor set at
1024x768, true color 32 bit) but the word under logo on the homepage is not
very visible, I had to press my nose to the screen (figuratively) to read
the word "entertainment."  (not sure if this is the way you want it or not)
2).  If I do not see an option to bypass Flash, I will very rarely enter a
site.  Unless it is a site that I really wish to get into, I will not wait
for Flash.  I find it to be an impediment to my internet surfing.  I get
impatient with it.
3).Once entering your site it took 2+ minutes to load (56k modem).
4). After I clicked on the Sony Link in your portfolio and looked around for
a bit, I hit the back button at the top of the browser to return to the
previous page and found myself at your homepage.  I realize that I could
have hit the "back" button provided, and did so to see what would happen,
but if you have a surfer like me who almost always hits the browser back
button, it was a bit of a surprise to find myself back at the homepage.
5).  The navigation menu does not allow use while your pages are loading
 You planned it that way I am guessing).
6). I really like the little Logo to the right on all your pages and the way
you have the text type itself out, I just keep expecting it to take me
someplace if I click on it.

A Potential Client
1).  It is obvious you have Flash Skills.  Your portfolio shows that you
have experience dealing with High Profile business clients.
2).  You get the impression from your site that you enjoy what you do.  A
lot of time and thought went into what you have done and it shows.  That
would be a positive to me as someone looking to hire a company like yours.
3). I think as a potential client the only concern I would have is if what
you would do for me would be organized.  The site gives me a sense of
confusion.

Summary:
You have very excellent skills.  I just get the impression you are trying to
hard to show ALL your skills at one time.  Rather than flowing, the site
feels bumpy.  If that makes any sense.

PLEASE! REMEMBER!  I am a very little business.  I deal only with static
sites.  I wouldnt know how to implement Flash if it popped out of the front
of a flashlight and bit me on the nose.  I just know what I like when I am
visiting sites.  I am going to put a link here to a site that uses Flash
that may help to explain what I mean.
This url takes you to an Online College.  If you click on the links place
toward the top on the right (under FIRST TIME USER) you will see how they
have used Flash to entertain while imparting information.  BUT, they do not
MAKE you view it.  The site gives the visitor the choice on whether to take
the time to view their Flash Demonstration.
http://www.fathom.com/index.jhtml

So please, do not take anything that I have said negatively.  You have
excellent skills and I do love your logo.

Carol Parent

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