Top Page Redesign

(Otaku(85)
Sun 2008/05/18 21:20
In my eyes, the top page is looking to be a mess. One of the challenges of web design is to cater for first time visitors and regular readers.
Regular readers know what they want and there is probably a load of stuff they dont want to see on the top page.
Stuffing a ton of content down new visitors throats is not a good thing too so I plan to make it so that the first time visitor only sees a certain amount of info. The "member news" and "currently read articles" probably does not make sense to the new reader. I would surface these features to them after they have visited for a while.

This is why I'm going to introduce a personalized top page where you can choose what you want to show up.
At the moment you can choose to hide widgets but they still load with the page - they are only hidden.

Im thinking of having 5 columns that show my news items, member news items, articles, latest comments and puchi blurbs. That way you will be able to see at a glance whats going on throughout the site. You can remove any of the columns etc.

Before I proceed however, I need your feedback as to what you dont use (for example "currently read articles, japan news etc), and what do you read all the time. Would also like to know what gets on your nut about the top page and navigation in general. Please be brutal with your feedback as that will help me build better for you.

Forgot to mention that the new personalized page will show your inbox too - the member to member messaging that Im designing now.
Posted on Sun 2008/05/18 21:20 by
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on Mon 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
First time here?
If you are new here, you may want to keep up with more of the same via RSS or Danny's other networks. (dont show again)
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iheartassassinmaids in Closed Space (Registered on 2007/01/03 13:19)
Writer/Academic/Code Monkey
I think having both top bar and the tab bar makes it a bit too cluttered.  There are few things that I would think are more sub-set of other items, for instance, 'Videos' would be a subset of 'Member News' and 'Mascot' would be under 'About'.

Also there are duplicates of the top bar with the sub tabs. So what I mean to say is that there are too many tabs and a consolidation of topics would be good :)

Oh just one question Danny, right at the bottom of the page there's a 10 digit number in parentheses, on the frontage it is next to "Since 2000" just wondering what that is?
(ID #190629) Posted on 2008/05/18 21:47
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
I have been much wondering about that myself. It is not a site ID at least.
My pinky says it's the total number of comments so far, but I may be wrong.
Tell us Danny, pretty please! *laughs*
(ID #190634) Posted on 2008/05/18 21:54
paiki in Brazil (Registered on 2007/10/08 05:09)
Programmer
I was putting about the bars and all, but He wrote first. So I agreed with him. Just add the "Remove the Search from the top".
(ID #190651) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:22
6pack (Registered on 2008/03/20 13:55)
[f] 
i guess the 10 digit number might be the total page hits the site has received till now. 
(ID #190658) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:29
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Aha! Yes, you're probably right. 
It looks so much not like a site counter that I overlooked that possibility.
(ID #190662) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:34
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Its just a unix timestamp to enable me to check if the caching is working correctly or not ^^;
(ID #190673) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:52
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
I seriously love the current design... And when it comes to parts I don't really care about (Sorry, it's the truth), I just skip them. 
Of course, if it's about images here and there, that may take some time and bandwidth for people who have low-speed connections... But myself am fine.
Yes, this option would be welcome!
And finally as for this private messenging service, why not, if it doesn't use too much of your server's capacity. By the way, if people wish to contact me directly (e-mail, MSN), they can (Can I ask you to be an intermediate person then, Danny? Thanks, lol), just no spam, no scam, no virus. ^^; Thanks!
(ID #190632) Posted on 2008/05/18 21:52
England Al in England, UK (Registered on 2008/07/14 02:01)
All round good guy and musician
I have to agree. I like the site as it is, and poor Danny, I think you've opened a can of worms asking for others' advice! However, perhaps having the tabs AND the icons at the top of the page AND the recent history on the left side is a bit too much? 
I use the tabs and/or the sub-headings underneath most of the time, whereas when first using the site, I used the icons.
I like to have items in each heading organised by date, so that I can see what pieces of news I may have missed. 
I am currently catching up on the bits I've missed, which is taking forever. Thank goodness this site keeps it's history (unlike some of the outside links!!).
(ID #191421) Posted on 2008/05/19 18:54
Skywalker in Jupiter (Registered on 2008/03/14 05:54)
Student
[f] 
3 tabbars + sidebar + image menu is indeed too much. ^^

I think 1 image menu and 1 tabbar is sufficient. 
(ID #190633) Posted on 2008/05/18 21:53
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Amusingly I never paid attention to them (Surely because I never use them). Good point there.
(ID #190669) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:47
lsio83 in Boston (Registered on 2007/11/25 07:46)
Student
I didn't think it was a bother until you mention it; it is probably because I rarely use the tags; I usually use the image button in the header.
(ID #190731) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:23
elmimmo in Tokyo (Registered on 2008/02/07 22:15)
Well, not only that, but visitors in the screenshot you added see no content whatsoever but 500 headlines until they start scrolling. As a blog, I guess the most interesting thing is always the new post's content. The rest of the things… not really interested.

Anyway, I follow you through RSS, so the design of your webpage is not so much of an issue.
(ID #190635) Posted on 2008/05/18 21:57
soonkiong in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/22 14:02)
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
To be honest, the google ad-bar on the top is really ruining things... but no other complaints from me. As long as the good stuff keeps coming, that is. ;)
(ID #190646) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:17
raptor_cZn in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/12 23:05)
Pre-U Student
You can hide em now... but it doesnt really matter anyways cuz I don't pay much attention to the Google ads
(ID #192449) Posted on 2008/05/21 01:02
Last{[0]}Raven in South Korea (Registered on 2008/01/02 14:07)
Raven, AMV & MAD maker, Otaku
hmmmm. how about adding a chat box in the dannychoo page, that way we would be able to talk to eachother whenever we are online lol ^^;;
(ID #190647) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:17
paiki in Brazil (Registered on 2007/10/08 05:09)
Programmer
Use the Puchi for this :) It wasn't the purpose, but I see many ppl using for chat.
(ID #190649) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:18
lightslayer in Germany (Registered on 2008/04/05 05:48)
Programmer
Sry danny, but I think the current site is perfect. 

A personalized top page would be great but I think the current site show the perfekt numbers article und news.
(ID #190650) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:20
Willowywicca in Ireland (Registered on 2008/03/22 14:57)
Student
I only discovered your site a few months ago, and my initial impression was something along the lines of "that was a really interesting article.. but wtf are all of these options and htf can I find more interesting articles". It really does feel like you're swimming through a sea of possible tabs and options which make it easy for a new user to feel completely lost.

The image nav-bar at the top + 3 tab bars is definitely over kill and really leads to confusion at first as to which  one you should even be looking at for whatever you want from the site.

Of course, that is also because there's a lot of things that the site offers so such options are necessary to be shown somewhere.. just having it all on the front page your first time is totally overwhelming. Hiding most of it from new visitors is probably a good idea, but I would also suggest adding some kind of "tutorial" which shows for newly registered users which gives an overview of all these hidden options.. just so people are aware of what's there as if it's hidden there can well be features people would love to use but just don't know about.
(ID #190655) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:25
Eva in Singapore (Registered on 2008/05/18 21:40)
Admin
Yeah, two menu bars (the image one at the very top and the text one above "Articles being read right now") is rather repetitive.

Perhaps you can gather some of the boxes (such as the Latest News Items or Puchi Burbs) under a menu. This would probably help to make the front page look less cluttered.
(ID #190657) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:28
Cavalock in Singapore (Registered on 2008/02/23 15:54)
Copywriter
anyway of moving the ads by google down? way down? hah
(ID #190661) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:31
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
I will remove it for members or something.
(ID #190676) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:54
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Don't you need the money? I do click on them, I swear... Don't pull out that little pleasure from me! lol.
(ID #190682) Posted on 2008/05/18 23:01
ornehx in ペナン、マレシ-ア (Registered on 2007/12/26 00:14)
dannychoo.com の読者
yea i guess you dont really have to move the ads away..its just taking a tiny portion..btw its part of your source of income to run the site.
its good as long as there are no pop-ups, pop-unders or irritating flash ads
(ID #190685) Posted on 2008/05/18 23:08
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
*folds arms and nods repeatedly*
(ID #190693) Posted on 2008/05/18 23:17
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
the google ads can stay but may i suggest instead of text ads, why not change it to text button ads? it saves space and won't look so obvious as ads. in fact i think it might get more people to click on it. ^^;
(ID #190717) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:07
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
I find that regular users dont click on the google ads so it does not make sense to have them there for regular users. Just thought of a nice menu - going off to make some sketches ^^;
(ID #190720) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:09
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Bad, regular users! Villains! lol
(ID #190761) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:00
xanthe in Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/04 03:19)
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
haha sorry it's my third post... but...

I have a question. I really, really have a certain mistrust for net ads even if it's google. Do they really get intentional clicks form net browsers...I mean the ads that are similar to the ones displayed here? I've been victim to frightening pr0n content that scarred my internet-naive days but yes, I do wonder about it
(ID #190804) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:48
6pack (Registered on 2008/03/20 13:55)
[f] 
the links on top are getting duplicated three times.
Just move the Latest news, settings box and the articles being read right now, etc tab box to end of the column.

rest is alright. 
(ID #190664) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:40
ornehx in ペナン、マレシ-ア (Registered on 2007/12/26 00:14)
dannychoo.com の読者
this might sound abit challenging but anyway...
i would suggest total custom-ability to the regular reader. have a page where they get to tick/untick which segment they want on their landing page.
one good example of this is My Yahoo! (http://my.yahoo.com) - u need a yahoo account for this.
Try visiting My Yahoo! to understand what i mean. they allow the users to select what type of news, articles and even allow them to drag and rearrange where those articles should appear.
happy coding!!
(ID #190668) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:46
GiafLop in Philippines (Registered on 2007/11/25 15:27)
Student
Yeah nice option you have there since that site is more of a friendly user, may DC as well 'cause this site is getting bigger, it's better to have a new look on the site and keep it clean and arranged, I do not use much of the top page menu since top page are messy if you look at first.
(ID #190714) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:02
Artefact in Tokyo (Registered on 2008/04/11 09:12)
Perhaps consolidating features into specific sub pages (eg. a "member communication page set", an "article viewing/nav page set") would work well for reducing the UI clutter you have. I think the ideal is for a user to be on any arbitrary page/function, with the content they desire, in 1-3 clicks, clearly not possible for a novice user of this site.
Page layout has also come to lack consistency, and in particular there are pages with a variety of different sidebar layouts and even page widths (shouldn't you have all content in a fixed width central column - long lines are thought to be difficult to read) - a similar look and feel, as well as a more logical arrangement would help matters, for example primary/active content in the middle, supplementary/navigable content in the wide sidebar, and site and nav features in the narrow bar. Saves scanning the page each time you need a particular function.
Finally, some sort of content introduction feature is essential on the top - I'm not sure what is possible so I'll refrain from suggestions, but having as much of the site visible from the initial landing page is desirable as you doubtless understand better than I.
(ID #190678) Posted on 2008/05/18 22:56
yny-u in Northeastern US (Registered on 2008/01/15 11:07)
Student
Yes, the top page is getting rather busy.. Being able to customize what loads (not just what appears) would be great.

My biggest complaint however, is the way the member news is displayed. If member news were displayed more like standard news items (with a bit of description text as well as a picture), I would read far more of it. It is hard to guess what a news item is about based solely on a picture and category.

Of course, displaying member news with text descriptions would take up a great deal of space. Perhaps make a "detailed description" display mode an option, and allow members to filter news by category... 
(ID #190700) Posted on 2008/05/18 23:39
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
danny as for your question, i seldom (or never) check out the "currently read articles and japan news"

the one i read most of the time are news items, main articles and member news.
(ID #190722) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:14
Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/05 00:28)
ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^
Same as me then. ^^
(ID #190820) Posted on 2008/05/19 02:00
tenrou in Honolulu, HI (Registered on 2008/04/16 17:43)
★究極神龍★
Same here.
(ID #190905) Posted on 2008/05/19 04:39
litokid in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/25 10:46)
university film student
Agreed. Those are the only ones I read, aside from the Puchi blurbs. I read those too.

I think that pretty much the entire tab bar on the main page is useless. I may not have joined long - third, fourth quarter of 2007 - but I don't recall having used it once. The only time I used that bar was when I was going through my own profile and stuff.
(ID #190921) Posted on 2008/05/19 05:11
Fabian in Germany (Registered on 2008/01/09 01:36)
student
Same here as well.
(ID #191052) Posted on 2008/05/19 09:57
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Same here, as I generally am updated on the latest articles. The most difficult part is to see if there have been replies to my comments or not in the various articles.
(ID #191592) Posted on 2008/05/19 23:04
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17 20:43)
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
i actually rather like the current layout of the site frontpage

everything is easily accessible (yeah, duplicates can/should be removed), organised into main catergories, and split where nessesary

i can understand where a first timer would have hell trying to figure out what's going on here so i'd suggest you leave it as-is for 'members' (with a few adjustments. i'm sure there are going to be great suggestions) and create a slightly simillar layout for guests with simplifications.

That way, guests who become members, feel kinda special when they get to see the 'full treatment' when they become a member. I guess this would reduce your workload (abit) and give you a chance to do a complete overhaul without affecting too many existing users who already like the current frontpage.

ps: a simplified guest frontpage should NOT have what would be considered NSFW.
This should/could hopefully lessen the 'shock' effect on new 'japanophiles' and possibly allow your site to recategorised away from 'pornography' as we saw in the Germany posts
(ID #190755) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:53
Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17 20:43)
AdvDip Network Security - CCNA - Ironport - Security+
Also, i don't think you need the "Articles being read right now" section.
i just don't think anyone cares about that.....does anyone???

You should probably add an 'Archive' section/tab with posts organised by:
Default: Date/Time of post
User selection: tags or 'Categories'
(ID #190765) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:05
Nai in Hungary (Registered on 2007/08/23 03:14)
IT
Personally, I never use the top menu. I mean, I just read the new things via RSS, and thats it. 

I think the confusing part is the TONS of image everywhere. There are 100+ images on the main page? Or more?
(ID #190756) Posted on 2008/05/19 00:55
Tami in Germany - Düsseldorf (Registered on 2007/12/16 11:54)
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
Hmm, the design is nice, no doubt.
As for what i use and what not...
I mainly view the News and Articles, then the Puchiblurbs and once in a while the member news as sometimes a pearl is inside of them. ^^;
Other then that i harldy use anything else, though to prepare for my japan adventure in a few years i might will need you articles about japan.
Then again, even though i don't really use the image navigation on the top, it's a nice optical feature and the space is thus that well used imo.
What i have noticed is, that sometimes people tend to ask in the blurbs about the "search" function, seems they don't see it in the image navigation... maybe just move that to the sidebar or so. o.o
(ID #190766) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:05
xanthe in Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/04 03:19)
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
hahaha omg. I feel kinda dumb or something...there *IS* a search function...omg omg omg  and I don't know of it!!!!! Not that I'm exactly new :|

Anyway, danny please don't ignore that overlooked function SEARCH!!! 

^_^;; gomen ne? my first post indicated for an archive search...mostly because I did not know *it* exists. I know it's pretty tough coding but well, it'll also help so avid fans will enjoy regardless if they're new or whatnot ^^
(ID #190794) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:40
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
No worries, it was hidden at a time under the "Site map" link and page (again, well done Edward for finding it!). I also thought that that function was dropped. So umm yeah!
(ID #190803) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:46
xanthe in Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/04 03:19)
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
*sweatdrop* 

oh well 'till then...I'll have to content myself using google/yahoo to find it. Kinda easier to just type "danny choo" + whatever on firefox quick search ^^;
(ID #190824) Posted on 2008/05/19 02:02
litokid in Toronto, Canada (Registered on 2007/11/25 10:46)
university film student
I...was also totally unaware there was a search function. I'm still not going to use it, but yeah.
(ID #190924) Posted on 2008/05/19 05:13
nanu in U.S. Suburbia (Registered on 2007/12/28 22:52)
hikikomori
I don't remember the last time I've seen a website display more than 4 columns at once.
Do you mean choosing content from a pool of 5, but keeping the 3-column layout?

I do use the Japan News links when I find myself refreshing dc.com too often out of addiction.

I rarely use the navigation tabs because I much prefer navigating by wandering around, especially for member news because the thumbnail is the important first impression.
Because of this, member news has reconditioned my behavior somewhat.

The thing that gets on my nut about the header sections that you last made "square," is that I recently have wanted to view the specific item represented by that thumbnail, rather than going to that section.
I also had an idea for the header thumbnails: would it problematic that you exclude thumbnails from the rotation once you have interacted with their respective article?
(ID #190768) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:06
kaeze in Melbourne, Australia, Earth (Registered on 2007/04/09 19:49)
Illustrator & Designer
I can totally see what you mean about regular readers vs newbies when it comes to content and friendly userability and design of your site's front page, Danny.

As a regular reader (I browse very quickly at work once or twice and read fully when I get home) I always read the Articles and the News posts.  I also read as much of the Member News posts as I can but don't worry as much if I missed a few.  The hero pic usually decides whether I click through or not.

I hardly ever click the "Articles being read right now..." or the "This time last year..." posts (btw, that Hide this widget didn't work the last 2 times I tried it) unless I see something that I haven't seen before.

Don't think I've ever clicked any of the Japan News links yet.

I've found recently that I use the search page a few times because I'd remember reading an old article previously and wanted to read it again.

Hope my feedback helps.
(ID #190781) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:18
Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth (Registered on 2007/12/19 01:36)
Student and full-time otaku
All rightie then, here goes Danny.

First of all, I don't think the top page is that much of a mess, but it is true that since you introduced all the new features, things have gotten somewhat muddled.

What I always use/read:
-Main news
-Member news
-Articles read right now
-Puchi blurbs

What I (almost) never use
-Japan news
-This time last year

What bugs me
-Google ads at the top. But maybe this is required if you incorporate google ads, I don't know, but anyway, its like 3 cm wasted space. So maybe but it at the bottom/right side?

My opinions/suggestions:
-Keep uppermost top bar as-is; the figure/japan/gundam links are handy. This also goes for the tabs right under the google ads. This makes for good navigation and is not overwhelming to new visitors imo.
-Working with columns is a great idea, but be sure to give your own news the best place. After all, it's your site and personally I think your articles are always the best read
-Don't work with 'toggling' certain features on/off. If possible, you should encorporate this in the account control panel, so that people can make things the way they want in one location
-Finally, the ultimate gizmo would of course be the possibility to place categories whereever you want to make a custom page. Again this could be incorporated in the account control panel, but I don't know how difficult it is.

Anyways, that's about it. I hope it's useful and I think its great that you take that much care of your reader's whishes. Good luck with the inevitable coding. Can't wait for member-member messaging and of course the figure contest ^^
(ID #190788) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:31
xanthe in Philippines (Registered on 2008/05/04 03:19)
aspiring to become a doujin and graphics artist cum lawyer
Hi danny...was wondering the widgets contain new news right? I mean the middle column with the larger pictures?  I dunno but I find the widget kind obtrusive at times as I couldn't figure  whether to look over at the member features or scrutinize over DC news so here goes mine (This is probably a result of me being a former lay-out ed):

1. Place DC news on one column with the newest features on top and the member news on the side? The load of random text kind of scares me off not that i'm a newbie

2. Add a search function to past archives? It kind of sucks for me when I want to show friends very old news and I have to pile out all news items before spotting them

3. Maybe moving the pucchi blurbs under the profile so it kind of makes sense. You know grouping? The pucchi text entry area is on the right but we see it on the left...somewhat defeating the purpose of leisurely eye eposure

4. The topmost navigation is okay, I guess

5. The Menu. Maybe put it in a separate page? While putting it in the main page reduces the clicks needed to edit profile, etc...I don't find it most necessary unless you make this the place to customize the planned "hiding" of content.

Well that's it and I hope it...er..helps even a little?
(ID #190791) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:33
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Upon thinking more about it, I feel that would be nice to remove the links and pictures of the main banner and put a lying down picture of Mirai-chan, such as the one chun did (yoko pai Mirai? Yeah, the very one of her with yoko pai)
(ID #190792) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:34
6pack (Registered on 2008/03/20 13:55)
[f] 
:drool: seconded
(ID #190797) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:42
D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2007/01/01 00:00)
Non-profit org. volunteering work addict
Oy buddy, not necessarily the naked version of her. If Danny could put the bikini one it would be awesome already. LOL ^^;;;
(ID #190806) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:49
SG in 英国 (Registered on 2006/12/28 06:51)
Art/Media
For me as a reg. member, I skip the google ads and head straight to the members news, DC news, latest articles and puchi blurbs ^^;;

I have not customised anything yet.

The messaging, PM system sounds nice, forums tend to have them. I think its a good way to communicate with each other . :D

Indication on how many users online feature? (Its a bit redundant but I have my shot in giving ideas HAHA).
(ID #190793) Posted on 2008/05/19 01:39
Atrus in the land of Oz (Registered on 2008/02/21 09:49)
Student (for-ev-er)
As a regular I have a rutine (spelling?) I run through everytime I visit.  I check all new articles and new items from danny and then check the member news for anything that catches my eye, usually 2d girls.  

My gripe is the way member news categories are organized.  Categories like 'games' or 'tech' don't get any face time on the front page and therefore may or may not be read, which is disappointing if you've written an article and can't figure out if everyone hates it or never saw it.  Easily fixed though, just adding tiles for those unrepresented categories.  Besides that, I don't see much use for puchi blurbs, though they are neat sometimes.

Looking forward to my inbox and a custom front page!
(ID #190830) Posted on 2008/05/19 02:10
Chong Mizunaga in an Afro (Registered on 2007/12/15 11:09)
Afro-ed Student
Realized at one time I was spending WAY too much time on your site, so now I only use:
-Main news
-Latest News Items
Used to use puchi blurbs too. As for member news, I don't read that at all.
(ID #190859) Posted on 2008/05/19 02:47
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
u should read the members' news. show some support to our fellow members. ^^
(ID #190862) Posted on 2008/05/19 02:52
Chong Mizunaga in an Afro (Registered on 2007/12/15 11:09)
Afro-ed Student
With so many members, I'm ASSUMING there are going to be lots of posts. If so, it's gonna be hard for me to keep up without spending lots more time here, but will give reading member news a go.
(ID #191627) Posted on 2008/05/20 00:00
chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09 15:45)
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
actually some of the member news are really entertaining too LOL (which is why danny hijack them at times!)
(ID #190871) Posted on 2008/05/19 03:01
Smithy in Neo-Venezia (Registered on 2008/05/20 22:31)
~Undine~
One tab bar of choices might be a nice idea, instead of the two that now appear on the main page. (So you'd have banner, ads, tab bar and under that side by side news, articles and left vertical bar.)

I haven't felt the 'This time last year' feature on the article section contributed much for me persoanlly when reading the site, I found it a bit distracting even.
But that's a personal experience.
(ID #190888) Posted on 2008/05/19 03:47
nanu in U.S. Suburbia (Registered on 2007/12/28 22:52)
hikikomori
The this time last year feature serves as an indication of progress, for me.  

I haven't been here for a year, but I think it's useful to chart where I fit in the community with regards to common knowledge/historical developments.

That said, I don't think anyone bumps year-old articles (or do they)?
(ID #190896) Posted on 2008/05/19 04:20
Felpe in Santiago, Chile (Registered on 2008/01/09 01:08)
Student
I use the main, otaku.fm, member news.
Yesterday for the first time I used the option on top.

Maybe is time for a little clean up, because the newbies (no offense) could be really lost. I know what I´m looking for. ;)
(ID #190894) Posted on 2008/05/19 04:16
Timotei in Sweden (Registered on 2008/02/17 10:40)
NEET
It sure is a bit messy, and hard to find for a newcomer, but I love it. 

I'm using the main, otaku.fm and figure.fm most of the time. Looking into members new and puchi sometime. 

About the banner, I would probably remove the tabs there, and put (as some already comment) Mirai-chan there, probably. ^^, 

Though, I can't see where the tabs should go at the moment. 
(ID #190906) Posted on 2008/05/19 04:44
bell in singapore (Registered on 2008/04/02 19:12)
danny, i'm going to post a screen shot that i edited using photoshop.
hope it be helpful to you
not very good with photoshop software though and some of my views on top page.
fellow member are wellcome to add comments too.
(ID #190934) Posted on 2008/05/19 05:39
beatfreak (Registered on 2007/12/21 04:00)
freelance digital artist
One of my concern is the member's profile section (where you can easily edit , check , etc your profile). Guess you can just simplify it like have the avatar or a simple text link where it could lead them to another page wherein they can do all the editing / checking of their account. I believe once a member does have its account accessed they don't usually go edit it except when they wanted to change pic.
(ID #190935) Posted on 2008/05/19 05:42
beatfreak (Registered on 2007/12/21 04:00)
freelance digital artist
... okay, what i am referring to is the "Your Menu" *crap* and yeah maybe you could add a "edit comment" for comments to avoid flooding like this one >_<
(ID #190938) Posted on 2008/05/19 05:45
TeeCiel in Los Angeles, CA; Hong Kong (Registered on 2007/08/22 15:19)
Capitalist Consumer
To be perfectly honest, I think most regular readers will be coming in via an RSS reader of some sort anyway, due to the nature of this site. Of course, you would have better numbers on that than my guess.

I don't even "see" the top and side bars anymore when I open the site, but to be sure, I think most people still do (otherwise Google wouldn't be able to sell any ads). 

I don't really use the Members News section; I've overloaded on Twitter before and consciously avoid data floods now. I also found how the latest iteration of the left sidebar a bit too long, which makes it hard to easily tell where the main entry ends when scrolling down... but not enough of a bother for me to attempt customizations. So, I really can't complain about anything. 
(ID #190971) Posted on 2008/05/19 07:10
Xacur in Mérida, Yucatán, México (Registered on 2007/11/11 11:59)
student
I like labyrinth pages, but I know I'm the only one. I feel like learning to navigate them is like acquiring a special skill or like getting used to a new RPG...
In this life everything is like video games, I think people who like RPG's like complicated pages too.
(ID #190977) Posted on 2008/05/19 07:20
cowboy4eva in New York, Osaka, Tokyo (Registered on 2008/01/29 08:40)
Leisure Consultant, Writer, Webmaster
Make the latest, figures, gundam, etc the main bar and then put the larger articles, news, etc bar  in the side bar or on top. You have way too many bars so it makes it difficult for newbies to jump right in. Just clean i up if you can.....
(ID #191043) Posted on 2008/05/19 09:45
wickedclown in California (Registered on 2007/12/07 22:45)
Programmer/IT/Student
I really like the current front page.  I think you should give memebers the option to turn the google adds off or on, I try to click them once in a while xD.  I know it might be hard to do, but I think you should look into the possibility of adding a drag and drop type of interface for members to customize where they want to put different areas of the front page.  Again, I don't know how hard it would be, I would imagine that could get a bit complicated.  

But yeah, I like the current layout, though, maybe the tab bars at the top are a bit much, especially for new users.
(ID #191048) Posted on 2008/05/19 09:50
necrophadian in Palookaville, USA (Registered on 2007/04/22 13:25)
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
better monitoring for Member news would be nice. I don't like browsing through most of the totally irrelevant stuff that most members post here (like personal artwork)
(ID #191119) Posted on 2008/05/19 11:45
chibihien in Singapore (Registered on 2008/01/19 22:46)
NEET
This is totally evolving into a social networking site.

though way different from facebook/myspace et al

It's one for the otakus and otaku-wannabes
(ID #191141) Posted on 2008/05/19 12:03
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
btw danny may i suggest something for the members new section? i find that quite often some members create multiple posts of the same idol/figure/gundam. for example member A create 5 posts of the same idol in different poses because he doesn't have a blog.

so i was wondering should we impose a rule to limit members from doing so? maybe we can suggest to them to upload all of the images to a free image host like photobucket and post the link at the post.
(ID #191156) Posted on 2008/05/19 12:18
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
I dont mind the multiple posts as long as they are not trash. I will be adding a feature where you can upload multiple images to one post soon.
(ID #191157) Posted on 2008/05/19 12:19
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11 16:09)
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
oh yes that will be great. 
if that's the case, for multiple images maybe the first one will be in normal DC.com resolution while the rest will be thumbnails in a straight horizontal line under the main image with left right arrows to move back and forth. 
(ID #191202) Posted on 2008/05/19 13:15
orcinus in some snowy peak (Registered on 2007/10/09 00:37)
Fine arts and communications student
I never pay attention to the top bar anymore, as well as the tabs that start from comments until ranking. 

I'm surprised that there are four menu rows and two rows of tabs. What if the topmost bar with the icons is brought down to where the tinier tabs are? Then maybe you could bring up that set of tabs into a higher position in the hierarchy.

Also, your rss feed is tuned only for Japanese. It would be nice if I checked my rss feed and the articles linked to would be in English. 
(ID #191385) Posted on 2008/05/19 18:11
GnuoyKun in Santo Ângelo, RS, Brazil (Registered on 2008/05/12 15:10)
Computer Science Student
Since I myself only use the feeds to enter the site, it wouldn't made much difference ^^'
But the member messaging looks cool :3
(ID #191386) Posted on 2008/05/19 18:13
Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11 12:18)
CEO MIrai Inc
Thanks all for the feedback. Will be working on the UI soon.
(ID #191489) Posted on 2008/05/19 20:45
Katsuyoshi in Poland (Registered on 2007/11/11 04:32)
Perv
I fancy the current layout as well. I see all the necessary (for me ;) things right after the page loads. What I'm looking forward to is the inbox for member to member messages. I would also find useful here, an option which would be informing me, about responses on my comments, in your and member articles.
(ID #191529) Posted on 2008/05/19 21:50
Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25 20:29)
anime/cosplay events organizer
i don't use much of your japan news feature and your this-time-last-year post for it's really distracting for the reader especially the new ones. they don't know if the post is new or an old one.

and yeah, the top page is too cluttered with stuff that it distracts the users, visitors and newbies.

can't wait for your member-to-member private messaging ^^
(ID #191612) Posted on 2008/05/19 23:40
Alister (Registered on 2007/12/23 15:24)
I have a fairly limited web design background, but from looking at the site it seems like it wouldn't be an incredibly omgwtfhuge undertaking to do this:

You could consider making the site "scalable" to different resolutions. I run at 1920x1200 and there's plenty of space on the sides of the page, so, in combination with being able to select what things you want to see, you could set what resolution you're at (or the page could scale to the size of your browsing window) in order to be able to see more.
I may be completely underestimating the amount of work that would require, though.
(ID #191780) Posted on 2008/05/20 04:14
cuteninja (Registered on 2008/02/26 16:57)
student learning to be an accountant
i have a little suggestion it will be very useful. which is to create a search engine in your site to search for news items or stuff its really annoying to go through all the pages to  find a old post
(ID #191908) Posted on 2008/05/20 08:03
NPC in Rocklin, CA (Registered on 2007/12/06 16:43)
JR. College Student
The two main things I check are the regular articles written by you(Danny), and the news articles written by you. Every now and then I check member news as well.
(ID #192090) Posted on 2008/05/20 12:52
BeLe in Davao, Philippines (Registered on 2007/01/03 17:48)
.NET/Web Developer
It does seem a bit messy lately.  From the current design I'd remove the Japan News, the 9 tabs at the top and turn it to probably just a dropdownlist to save space.  

I think the "articles currently being read" is good for the new visitors as they get to see what people are reading and they might find a thing or two there they might be interested in.  I know I've clicked on that a couple times.  

Basically its the tabs that makes it a bit messy for me.  They take too much space and I don't use them a lot as well.  Don't know for the other members though but that's just me.  Whenever I come to this site I usually know what I'm looking for.
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