I thought I'd start a "web comment" thread, an area where we can speak our minds about web sites that we have been to. Talk about those we like, those that frustrate, how to improve them, etc. If anyone objects, please tell me. Otherwise, I will begin a web site comment on SitePoint.com and its web property network.
-- SitePoint.com Web Comment
In my opinion, this site approaches perfect. It is easy to navigate, looks great, and is packed with content. Best of all, it is interactive (this message board entertains and informs thousands of webmasters like myself, I'm sure.) Being a critical web designer, I have been browsing and absorbing many of the neat articles, subconsciously looking for something to pick on. Nothing. Every article is written well and with authority. The site is a good experience for me. My congrats to the designers/admins that manage it.
I personally don't know if any site out there comes close to perfect for me. I personally think the layout of the network is a bit redundant and somewhat pointless at times.
The site gets a 9 out of 10 on my scale. The only two significant changes I'd suggest are to change the way the network is laid out somewhat (probably impossible at this point, though) and update more often.
I have to say that SitePoint is actually the BEST web site I've been to in a while if not the best ever. I really think the layout is nice; the design is superb; and the community feeling pulls it all together and makes is 10/10 on my scale!
True, it sure takes forever. Average time is something like 15-20 seconds with my 33,6kbps dial-up.
That's why I don't actually use Sitepoint at all, only these message boards. The content is nice, but I can get quite the same by using other, faster web sites.
But as in almost everything, it is impossible to please everyone. If you like it, use it.
I have no problem on either T1 connection, DSL or dialup with loading times. 8-10 seconds.
Temis:
Look under the top Banner Ad on the Sitepoint main page for search and above it on the sub-sites. Which is confusing it should be in the same place all the time.
Glad that this thread is becoming popular... Maybe we should gravitate to a new web site. Give us a URL and we'll all talk about it. (Hint: it is sometimes fun to make fun of large corporate sites that look like they were slapped together by an amateur)
Here is the assignment:
You have just been hired as the webmaster at one of the above sites. You first job is to double traffic within six months (as assigned by the CEO with no technical experience). This includes what??? How would you redesign the sites so that they are a must see every day?
I will pretend that I was put in charge of Microsoft.com... To double traffic, I would first launch a new ad campaign. Forget the lame MSN ads. This is something incredible. This is free Microsoft software. Free PocketPC drawings every minute. Print out online coupons. Download enhancements for Windows 98. Hell, it wouldn't actually *hurt* Microsoft to hold a few contests and give away free software. Make members register and login daily to increase their chances. Oh yeah, and host a forum with Bill Gates. So that others, besides those watching him on a 40-foot-closed-circuit-MSN-owned-screen, can provide feedback. It would double traffic. Seriously.
SitePoint 10 out of 10? It's a great site, but In my opinion no site deserves a PERFECT score unless they update at least once every day...
Thats not a knock on SP...but keep in mind that you can't give it anymore than 10...10 implies that there's no major room for improvement...and I think we know this is not the case...no site is a 10 right now.
trcfreebies, I am glad that you like my proposal. I will be forwarding a similar marketing plan to Microsoft's Business Development any minute now... When you see such enhancements on their site, you'll know who started it I am crossing my fingers that they listen -- everyone knows their site could use some excitement and less corporate bore.
I'd give SitePoint a 9.5/10 too. I'd love to see more updates, but I think the SP guys already have too much to do. It's not easy to update a site like that every day.
trcfreebies,
I sent the proposal to Microsoft and received a reply... They said they aren't accepting unsolicited proposals at this time. They don't realize that it is a suggestion and I require nothing in exchange. I might just call up Bill later today. Depends on if I get web-master.tv running to our expectations.
Although it would be nice I don't think Microsoft needs give away freebies to enhance traffic. Main reason is IMHO that most visitors(including me) browse the microsoft site for updates, news about their products and ofcourse their KB (knowledge Base). I shall always use that even without freebies and/or a message board.
EMB
------------------
so never mind the darknes, we still can find the way. Cause nothin' last forever, even cold November rain.(Rose)
SitePoint is still the best quality site for me. I would say I have surfed to most major webdevelopment sites (with own domains and sub domains) by searching on top ten search engines and directories but nothing will beat SitePoint at this time especially if they continue their innovation and updates on this site. This site has alot of quality content and simple but class design. I have seen several webdevelopment sites that have very bad navigational structure and color scheme but SitePoint again for me, is just close to perfect! I also found useful information on different sites not found on SitePoint Network. Since there are countless of information worldwide, it is impossible to have all these together found on a site. Many webdevelopment sites also have great stuff to offer in a different ways.
I do not have any problems with the load time of the site coz' I am using T1 @ work and 56k @ home although this site probably loads 42 secs on standard modem.
One thing I have noticed these days was that SitePoint has alot of advertisements now on their main page. In my opinion, one of the reason why MAYBE they put these several ads is for funding purposes to make their site much stronger and better which I do not care alot as long as it does not take 60 secs to load. Maybe I can wait since this site has the best web community to offer .
I really think the layout is nice; the design is superb; and the community feeling pulls it all together and makes is 10/10 on my scale! 
a suggestion: a search option would be nice.
Bookmarks