~ PixiMyst Site Review ~ Site Name: Litterz Factory Layout Number: Version 3 Date of Review: 10.12.06 Percentage: 90/100 (90%) Final Grade: A First Imprssion Pointage: 7/8 Commentary: - Well, I must say - you are probably the first to get an audible comment out of me on a first impression (Go you >^^<). Just for kicks, here were my first words: "Oh wow -- *extended gasp*" It's not much, I know, but I need not say more ;P - The overall theme of your layout is expert! You've really got something unique here, and so very light/joyful. Many petz pages you go to now have a certain unified style about them; and in defying this very element for a large portion of your site, it serves all the better to you! (I'll talk more about this whole concept throughout the review) - The loading time was an issue for me. I take into consideration that my computer can be a lil' slow at times, but in all its worth -- it did get a little tedious having to wait for the grandiose background image on every page, covering up the text in the process. - Ah yes... Freewebs. I remember hosting a *very* temporary show-site there WAY back when (before I really knew anything about HTML and just as the organization was starting out... I think). It's such a relief to see that they are allowing better layouts and flexability therof now! What strikes me best is that there is no flying adds on the site. It is always a huge plus to be add free :) Layout Pointage: 10/12 Commentary: - I love your layout, plain and simple! It brings light into a new medium, and creates a sense of comfort that ultimatly will persuade your visitors to "sit and stay a while" without even having to read any of the text. Plus, who could resist that lil' kitters? For someone who, as you mentioned in the About page, a little shabby with the art program (or lack thereof) - this is a work of art! The artist you picked out was a pretty clever choice >^D^< - The navigation is a little tricky, hidden so well... but blending nicely with the layout. However, in the head of your leading home page, it discusses the matter -- so I'll give you points for effort in communication >^.^< At least your not one of those people who leaves you searching to find the navigation without avail. Well done! - Like I mentioned above, the only major problem I ran up against was the loading time. - The scrollbar, while colored white in coordination with the rest of the layout and background theme, surprisingly didn't cause me any problems. Normally when they are invisable, I have to search around for them, but yours is easy to find and use. Normally I would recommend that you bring it out a little more, but the yellow arrows add a touch that I would be sad to see go away. Great work! - The separation bars on the individual pages are just too cute! They maintain a seamless flow :) - In terms of size, the whole layout fits nicely into a standard window, though does seem short if you view full screen (F11) or have an extra long monitor / resolution. - One of the things that caught my attention was the text. It is very similar, if not the same style as that on PixiMyst. You've put it to good use here - it's not distracting or hard to read, and gives me no extended headaches as I explore around the site. Go you! - Another one of those eye catching things, perhaps right from the start, is that title -- which shows that you're thinking. Not only that, but the content fits like a glove! - As a whole, this particular layout has a definate shelf-life and doesn't obligate you to re-model in any set amount of time. It's perfect for any season, regardless of weather its Spring or not; which is handy -- especially if you are viewing the site from a different area of the world where the seasons vary. Content Pointage: 30/35 Commentary: - I like the fact that you layout all the pages that are available (well... mostly) in the flowers at the bottom of the screen. I do the same thing at PixiMyst with the side-menu. This reduces those sub-menu pages that you have to make/upload. I find it that it is much more enjoyable to cruise around when you get strait to the point and don't hide anything. My rule of thumb: "If it takes more than two-three clicks to get to a page, then it probably isn't worth the view because it will loose the attention of the visitor" You've mastered this concept! Of course, the backdraw (and you know there's ALWAYS at least one) is the perception that the site can seem rather shallow in content once the flower choices run out... Keep that in mind. - Home: Nothing I can rave about here - everything is as it should be ;D - About: While your profile is a little vague in spots, I don't blame you for keeping it that way. Omg... I love the occupation <3 Finally, someone who finds learning interestesting! :D - Adoptions: The counter on the head page is a wonderful feature. They are all so very cute, and seem to be limited only to certain breedz. - Shows: The selection of shows has its own rhythem to it; though I worry a little when you speak of giving points to un-traditional showz... - Other: I'm surprised that no one has filled up any of the contests yet -- even the shows seem a bit slow. But, the fact that you are at least presenting them - and have at least a few entries is a notable factor. Organization Pointage: 18/20 Commentary: - Wow, I can't believe that I'm actually giving someone anywhere close to full points for this catagory! - Of course, you arn't without your errors. I managed a few minor spelling mistakes here and there, as well as some in presentation - mostly for melded paragraphs or lack of spacing, etc. Most of these problems were glazed over, however, for the sake of style and rhythem within the site. My reasoning? Well, most people are not as critical as I am as I write this review. One of the tests I perform to prove this (while looking at the organization) is the "eye-candy" exam. If you just sit back and look at the whole thing from a distance, the pages look fluid. That's good enough to pass by a large audience -- so full points on ya :) - The text is another plus. One of the things that make it great for web page design is that is a universal font... almost every computer out there today can see the words just as they were meant to be seen. - I did notice that some of your pages (adoptions especially) were not able to fit lengthwise into your iframe. While it's not as bad as some other sites I've seen, it does get annoying to have to scroll too much to get the fuller picture (and sometimes this just consists of white space - which is even more troublesome). Be careful with your image sizes! Unique Factor Pointage: 8/10 Commentary: - You have a colorful array of things to do here. I like the fact that they are all presented so well. - Though you do have extras, such as the clique and find it/caption contest, they are by no means original in concept. Look into things outside the regular PC and incorperate a special little something into your site that is new and exciting. Tutorials are my favorite tools, in this case... but the choice is completely up to you. Activity Pointage: 5/5 Commentary: - From what it looks like, you update on a fairly regular basis - which is a great way to attract visitors to a newer site. - Ah, I see you are involved in the Top 100 Petz Sites and the UN -- very good! Keep yourself involved within the PC and pretty soon you will have those contests filled up in no time! Overall Pointage: 5/5 Commentary: - I think that you have many advantages on your side to work with. First of all, you have exceptional grammer and writing abilities. This puts you in a healthy league for anything you wish to say or add on. Communication is key. If someone's general disposition is a slackoff, they will be precieved this way. In your case, politeness and effort override any such notion of laziness. Kudos! Bonus Pointage: 2/0 Commentary: - Gotta love the layout, text, and scrollbars! Anita's Statement Misc. Pointage: 5/5 Commentary: - This is officially the second site review in my archives! You are a lucky duck >^^< - I think that you have a cute lil' site here. It has ample room to grow and change. Remember that it is alright to step outside your element a little in order to do so. Ways to Improve Commentary: I never attach any points to this section because it really is more about keeping the learning process, and that of change, up and running -- not about a score. - I noticed that on the About page, you got a review from ADB petz. Does it have any text? I would recommend posting it online -- I love reading other people's reviews >^,^< Also, it's a great way to beef up the content! - Because your site is designed around your adoptions, it would be in your best interest to experiment with them a little more. It is good to have quantity, but quality should not be overlooked. Try downloading some hexed breedz and combining them to make more unique adoptions. This was one of the earliest tricks I used for my adoption section before I knew how to hex. It worked surprisingly well! - Ah shows! You've got to join the SSRB, my dear! Also, while it is perfectly alright to host special showz, it is my recomendation to start looking into the more traditional (catz, dali, dane) types. It will attract a greater amount of visitors. ;) - This is more a suggestion of presentation style: Perhaps, on pages where there are lists / rules, it would be a good idea to number them so a guest will know when one starts and the other finishes. - Always remember to keep updating your site with the best you can offer! If you do, the Litterz Factory will become a visitor magnet in no time!