CF Redesign/Restructure

Jeremy · 03-07-2007, 08:01 AM

CF Redesign/Restructure - Feedback Needed

We need everybody's assistance on a redesign idea we're working on for CycloneFanatic...

While the current front-page serves it's purpose, it's more of an entry-way to the forums than a real portal or welcome page so-to-speak. I have a design idea that may be the next step it taking CF to new heights.

What I would like to do is have a portal page that has the latest news on it in a dynamic manner that some-what resembles normal sports/news sites. You would then be able to go into the forums, but it wouldn't be the sole provider of information for the front-page as it currently is.

One of the biggest benefits of creating this so-called "portal" is that we would have much more flexibility in creating "static" pages that have stats, profiles, schedules, etc whereas right now we don't have much of that since we're strictly "forum-looking".

Any ideas or feedback?

Note: I've been incredibly busy lately on the back-end of the site since the news has been pretty slow. I hope to have a preview of the new look available in the next week or two, providing everything goes well.

Thanks!
Jeremy Lind
CycloneFanatic.com

cytech · 03-07-2007, 08:17 AM

I really like how the homepage currently is the most recently replied threads. Would there be another page where the same thing we currently have is as well as the new front page?

SlyCy · 03-07-2007, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

One of the biggest benefits of creating this so-called "portal" is that we would have much more flexibility in creating "static" pages that have stats, profiles, schedules, etc whereas right now we don't have much of that since we're strictly "forum-looking".

I like this part. Do have any other sites that would compare to what you are talking about?

clonomaniac · 03-07-2007, 08:57 AM

Jeremy, a suggestion here. I think you did a great job on a consistent manner. Please make sure we don't make this site extremely busy which may slow things down with all its contents. Having said that, I like your idea of making it dynamic with sports news. I would still keep this as a forum site primarily.

One idea I have is put some kind of bracketology for March Madness, so people can pitch in money to have some kind of pool going. We try that at work using one of our personal website and it works great.

I have faith in your work, I am sure whatever you come up with will be great. By the way, how do you manage to do all this - must be time consuming..

thunderdave · 03-07-2007, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Jeremy

Note: I've been incredibly busy lately on the back-end

diarrhea?
hope you feel better

Knownothing · 03-07-2007, 10:58 AM

I like this site the way it is. I like opening it and seeing every subject right on the front page.

kcbob79clone · 03-07-2007, 11:02 AM

Originally Posted by Knownothing

I like this site the way it is. I like opening it and seeing every subject right on the front page.

Me too, my only enhancement request would be to show the Big 4 (Football, MBB, WBB, Wrestling) across the top of the page and have the results of the most recent event for a day or two and then the upcoming event(s). At a glance can see what is happening.

dbronco7sc · 03-07-2007, 11:45 AM

I think you're idea sounds good. An example would be nice... but I like the idea.

Jeremy · 03-07-2007, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by thunderdave

diarrhea?
hope you feel better

Yeah, did you hear Nash after the Suns game the other night? That was priceless.

Jeremy · 03-07-2007, 06:18 PM

I'm still working on the structure of the new front-page but I'll make sure all the feedback is considered. I think what I'll end up doing is having the main front-page be the new portal look and then you can click on forum (or bookmark it) and you would see something more in-line with the current format, possibly with less emphasis on the top few stories and more on the recent topics and posts.

In essence, I think we can make two starting points, one to catch people's eye when they first happen by the site and a second one for the regulars to keep up-to-date on the threads more.

Finally, I do have an example but I've limited it to the moderators forum for now just to get some general feedback before deciding on a final solution. I hope to roll it out to the larger base as it progresses.

guitarchitect7 · 03-07-2007, 08:28 PM

Jer, I really like the new layout idea. I know that it will really help for future plans. With wanting to bring more to the forum community, I think this "front page" will bring a lot to the website. Like you said, it is key to grab new users attention while passing through the world wide web. I really feel that we gain a lot of credibility as a legitimate cyclone website providing news and stories with having the new structure, while retaining the success that has been achieved with the current site. Keep cranking out the good ideas Jamie P. ...doh!, Jeremy.

redClone · 03-08-2007, 07:51 AM

Jeremy,

I hope you will explore using RSS (Really Simple Syndication)

I think this could be used on your Front Page Stories and bring more traffic to your site by having your headlines available in this format.

Chris