A New Front Page... What Do You Think?
By Trip Ericson on Friday, August 26 2011, 17:53 - Site Updates - Permalink
As those of you on AVS Forum may know, I've been having a bit of a back-and-forth with S. Fischer over the overall design of RabbitEars, among other things. While our conversation continues in private, he has made one suggestion in particular that I find to be very interesting. He's suggested a sort of landing page on the front page that would direct new-comers to the appropriate areas of the site. The blog would still exist but would be moved off of the front page.
So I have two questions for you, the users of RabbitEars. Please reply in the comments.
1) Would you like such a landing page? Would it be an inconvenience? Do you think such a landing page would hold value to the site overall?
2) What tasks should be included on such a landing page? Obviously I would link off to the listings and probably also the network grid, but what else should be on it?
Thanks, all, for your opinions. They are greatly appreciated. =)
Comments
1a) Yes
1b) No, probably not.
1c) It might help new users to become more familiar with the material available here. Also, it might help current users to discover additional info here. If so, it would be valuable.
2) Probably should include some graphical or eye-appealing links to your current list across the top of this page. Or, at least the ones of most importance to new users.
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A slick front page might allow you to better direct visitors to news events that you think are of significant importance.
Realizing that it may require considerable work, a landing page could significantly improve eye-appeal of the site, possibly attracting more traffic.
Have seen some drab looking sites suddenly become attractive as a result of mostly front page redesign.
An attractive appearing site might get more links from other sites.
If you wanted more advertising to help fund the site, a slick front page could help the sponsors.
In any event:
Thanks for your considerable efforts to provide information. As you know, this site is unique and however you choose to do it, you provide a valuable service.
I agree with the first feedback - with a new template that flows across the site, having a consistent feel at the top (and possibly bottom of each page) would help folks find what's in the site (you have that already with your current template).
Jim
Is their any chance you could add network logos like the old 100000watts.com site?
Landing pages are fine for one or two times, then they become tiresome for regular uses. If you use one, then the website should have "friendly urls" made through your htaccess page, so those of us who do not need a landing page can go directly to where we want.
Rabbitears is such a good site, because IT IS SIMPLE.
Even in dial up it works pretty fast. When websites start making thing "jazzed up" to look better that is when they jump the shark.
Rabbitears is the best, keep it as simple as possible. No one cares about the look really, they care about the content, and Rabbitears is 100% on mark with content.
Good work to you guys
Thanks for all your input thus far.
3) Matthew: I can't really put them in my listings as they would disrupt the general flow and could do substantial harm to load times on slower connections. However, I have something in the works that might make you happy. Send me an e-mail and I'll give you a sneak peek.
4) Eric: When I say "landing page," I mean I want to replace the blog on the front page with some type of guide or directory to help people find what they're looking for. I'm not talking about interrupting people coming in on direct links and rerouting them to the landing page. I feel like that's what you think I meant.
In any event, I don't intend to change the overall design of RabbitEars any time soon. I just would like input on whether or not modifications to the front page would be beneficial, what should be on it, etc.
I hope that clarifies things. =)
I have been in this business for a while and I saw my first DMA at a truck stop! Our contracts give exclusivity per DMA well that was until I saw the Utah DMA. sometimes it is difficult to see the trees period-let alone the forest. How about general information that we all know!!?? I personally think you are doing a great job with this site. How about a little history, trivia, If you take all the Antennas that have been sold how come cable is still around. Some one told me there are 10 points that if one can demonstrate you can get ones low power on cable as a must carry and I am not talking about the loophole that was recently closed up. Keep up the excellent work.
One of the best features of RabbitEars is that it is SIMPLE.
Simple and minimalist and not too much fluff getting in the way of actual info.
I have been thinking that the site is fine, but a adjustment like if you are having TV antenna reception issues and needed assistance on where to point your antenna, I would recommend that be added and also how to point your antenna to get great Digital TV reception and also update the Media Markets once a while. I found out that Lawrence, KS is in the Kansas City DMA and not in the Topeka DMA. also being specific with reception issues with the digital TV especially the low powered digital ones. other wise your good to go.
"One of the best features of RabbitEars is that it is SIMPLE. Simple and minimalist and not too much fluff getting in the way of actual info."
Yup. In keepping with that also I'd suggest staying away from Shockwave Flash, as that only clutters things up and can severely slow loading time waaaaaaay down for those of us still relying on dial-up connections.
I am new tonight. A front page with links to sections in the site. It's called a site map. You really should have one for quick access to less used or known parts of the site. A front page is also useful for fresh news items for the members. It does not have to be a lot of info. Just an into.