We're still tweaking here and there, but the to-do list is down to 3 or 4 items. Compliments, threats, or general comments are welcome! :wink:
www.scalehobby.com
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#3
Posted 08 April 2003, 16:46
First... It needs a Powered By OSCommerce to be in this forum. You won't get many comments and this forum posting may be taken down if you don't add that to your footer.
Other than that, I think it looks really good. You put great work into it. Very clean design.
If I were you, I would consider installing the image resize mod so the images load faster and so you don't get that shrunken image pixelation that your thumbnails have.
Also, some of your really wide images are so wide that it makes the browser expand. You may want to edit thoes images or set a maximum value for thumbnail width.
Finally, just a pet peeve of mine, I don't like when sites disable the right click. If you want to protect your images, then watermark them. There is a discussion here...
Other than that, I think it looks really good. You put great work into it. Very clean design.
If I were you, I would consider installing the image resize mod so the images load faster and so you don't get that shrunken image pixelation that your thumbnails have.
Also, some of your really wide images are so wide that it makes the browser expand. You may want to edit thoes images or set a maximum value for thumbnail width.
Finally, just a pet peeve of mine, I don't like when sites disable the right click. If you want to protect your images, then watermark them. There is a discussion here...
#4
Posted 08 April 2003, 17:15
Thank you for critiquing!
1) I had the "Powered by OSCommerce" on the footer until last night, when I moved it to the "About Us" page with all of the other technology logos. I actually created a nice, sizeable logo to represent OSCommerce, rather than just the text. I didn't like the text below my copyright because I felt it cluttered things down there, and I didn't want to give the impression that this was just some cookie-cutter site. I proudly displayed the OSCommerce logo I created, but after some feedback, I removed it to the 'About' page where it is more comfortable amongst its fellow tech logos.
2) I have already run all of my images through the Photoshop/Imageready optimizer, so they are as tight as they're going to get.
3) I hate the problem about the wide images too... In order to keep the images from looking really squished and screwy, however, I had to remove the image width constraint, and so only constrain the height of the images. I experimented quite a bit with this to see what would work best with all of the images in general, and this method seems to work best.
3) Disabling the right-click is only an obstacle for the casual offender; anyone with any IT experience can find two or three other ways to bypass this. I just don't want to watermark the images because, frankly, they are allowed for my use by permission, and are not my intellectual property.
1) I had the "Powered by OSCommerce" on the footer until last night, when I moved it to the "About Us" page with all of the other technology logos. I actually created a nice, sizeable logo to represent OSCommerce, rather than just the text. I didn't like the text below my copyright because I felt it cluttered things down there, and I didn't want to give the impression that this was just some cookie-cutter site. I proudly displayed the OSCommerce logo I created, but after some feedback, I removed it to the 'About' page where it is more comfortable amongst its fellow tech logos.
2) I have already run all of my images through the Photoshop/Imageready optimizer, so they are as tight as they're going to get.
3) I hate the problem about the wide images too... In order to keep the images from looking really squished and screwy, however, I had to remove the image width constraint, and so only constrain the height of the images. I experimented quite a bit with this to see what would work best with all of the images in general, and this method seems to work best.
3) Disabling the right-click is only an obstacle for the casual offender; anyone with any IT experience can find two or three other ways to bypass this. I just don't want to watermark the images because, frankly, they are allowed for my use by permission, and are not my intellectual property.
Make 'em count!
#5
Posted 08 April 2003, 17:34
When I wrote about the image resize mod, it's not just about reducing the image sizes, but it's to create another reduced thumbnail image. That way when you are looking at a page with many thumbnail images, the server is not loading many (filesize reduced) images, but it is loading many even smaller (and better looking) thumbnail sized images.
http://www.oscommerce.com/community/contri...ions,350/page,7
Take a look. It's an easy install and it works well.
Just an example... on this page of yours:
http://www.scalehobby.com/default.php?cPath=26_32
You have 20 thumbnail images plus the review and sale thumbs. Each one is on average 17 KB. With the Image Resize mod, the server will automatically create a new thumbnail of each image that will be around 5KB. The load time will be quicker, you'll put less stress on your server and the images won't have that 'forced image size' pixelation that you can get when you force the image size.
http://www.oscommerce.com/community/contri...ions,350/page,7
Take a look. It's an easy install and it works well.
Just an example... on this page of yours:
http://www.scalehobby.com/default.php?cPath=26_32
You have 20 thumbnail images plus the review and sale thumbs. Each one is on average 17 KB. With the Image Resize mod, the server will automatically create a new thumbnail of each image that will be around 5KB. The load time will be quicker, you'll put less stress on your server and the images won't have that 'forced image size' pixelation that you can get when you force the image size.
#6
Posted 08 April 2003, 18:06
Sorry to not offer any input on the original purpose of this thread, but I do have a question about the "image resize" contribution mentioned here.
I am new to OScommerce so forgive me if I am asking a easy question. Does this image resize contribution create better thumbnails for the site? I have a problem with a site I am doing, where some of the images or kind of long, when oscommerce creates a thumbnail image it scrunches the image down and it becomes very distorted.
Just wondering if there is a better way to create thumbnails on the fly, that appear better then the default method used in oscommerce.
Just curious if this contribution is for me.
I am new to OScommerce so forgive me if I am asking a easy question. Does this image resize contribution create better thumbnails for the site? I have a problem with a site I am doing, where some of the images or kind of long, when oscommerce creates a thumbnail image it scrunches the image down and it becomes very distorted.
Just wondering if there is a better way to create thumbnails on the fly, that appear better then the default method used in oscommerce.
Just curious if this contribution is for me.
RasnCain@TheHostingZone.com
www.TheHostingZone.com
www.TheHostingZone.com
#7
Posted 08 April 2003, 18:11
The default OSC method doesn't make thumbnails. It just resizes the original image. Once installed, the image resize mod will create thumnails and full sized images for your products. If I remember correctly, the images will be as compressed as you set them to be. The images will look better, and will load faster.
#9
Posted 08 April 2003, 21:00
A pet peeve of mine, and something that has been drilled into my head for years as a web graphics designer - You may have the "Powered by OSCommerce" listed on your "About Us" page, but it's still not the proper way to display the link.
This site is geared specifically to people who are using freeware or shareware graphics, but the idea is the same: http://www.give-credit.com/
"Give Credit Where Credit is Due - On the Same Page".
To that end, quite honestly, I'd get rid of the IXOYE fish (it will turn some people off from buying at your site - just as much as it might turn other people on to you), and replace it with your OSCommerce logo - which is quite nice, btw.
imho, I'd also get rid of the American flag at the bottom of the page. It does nothing for your site, isn't linked to anything, and really doesn't say anything other than the fact that you're proud to be an American - which is lovely and nice, and I'm proud to be one too (most of the time). But not really appropriate on a business site.
Thumbnails: I agree with the people who've already posted. You need to make your thumbnails better quality, and not have them simply be scaled-down full-size images. They don't look good. There are different ways you could do this - the contributions mentioned work well. I, for one, actually create separate thumbnail images so I can control the appearance more thoroughly. I installed the "Big Images" contribution, and now when I input a product, I upload the thumbnail version as well as the Big Image version. Works well, looks good. Whatever way you choose to do it, I urge you to definitely look into this. The site looks good, except for those images.
Just my $0.02 worth :-)
Laura
This site is geared specifically to people who are using freeware or shareware graphics, but the idea is the same: http://www.give-credit.com/
"Give Credit Where Credit is Due - On the Same Page".
To that end, quite honestly, I'd get rid of the IXOYE fish (it will turn some people off from buying at your site - just as much as it might turn other people on to you), and replace it with your OSCommerce logo - which is quite nice, btw.
imho, I'd also get rid of the American flag at the bottom of the page. It does nothing for your site, isn't linked to anything, and really doesn't say anything other than the fact that you're proud to be an American - which is lovely and nice, and I'm proud to be one too (most of the time). But not really appropriate on a business site.
Thumbnails: I agree with the people who've already posted. You need to make your thumbnails better quality, and not have them simply be scaled-down full-size images. They don't look good. There are different ways you could do this - the contributions mentioned work well. I, for one, actually create separate thumbnail images so I can control the appearance more thoroughly. I installed the "Big Images" contribution, and now when I input a product, I upload the thumbnail version as well as the Big Image version. Works well, looks good. Whatever way you choose to do it, I urge you to definitely look into this. The site looks good, except for those images.
Just my $0.02 worth :-)
Laura
#10
Posted 08 April 2003, 23:43
Mark: I understand better what you were saying about the thumbnails and will take a hard look at some of those contributions. Thank you!
Opera: Thank you for the critique! A couple of points:
1) I won't remove the flag or the fish because both comprise critical aspects of my belief system and I feel they represent my acknowledgement of their greater contributions to my success!
2) The OSCommerce logo is proudly displayed on my 'about' page along with the other technology contributors. By your logic, I should place all of those logos (and more!) on my footer, to appear on every page. This is akin to wearing a Ford or Chevy logo because their respective companies provide products that allow me to get to the bank. I think a better contribution to these open-source contributions is that of financial contribution, which I plan to do with some portion of my increase.
3) Your point about the thumbnails, like Mike's, is well taken, and I will take it under advisement.
BTW, here is the link to download the OSCommerce logo I created, if you are interested. You may use it ad nauseum:
http://scalehobby.com/images/oscommerce.gif
Opera: Thank you for the critique! A couple of points:
1) I won't remove the flag or the fish because both comprise critical aspects of my belief system and I feel they represent my acknowledgement of their greater contributions to my success!
2) The OSCommerce logo is proudly displayed on my 'about' page along with the other technology contributors. By your logic, I should place all of those logos (and more!) on my footer, to appear on every page. This is akin to wearing a Ford or Chevy logo because their respective companies provide products that allow me to get to the bank. I think a better contribution to these open-source contributions is that of financial contribution, which I plan to do with some portion of my increase.
3) Your point about the thumbnails, like Mike's, is well taken, and I will take it under advisement.
BTW, here is the link to download the OSCommerce logo I created, if you are interested. You may use it ad nauseum:
http://scalehobby.com/images/oscommerce.gif
Make 'em count!
#11
Posted 08 April 2003, 23:57
1. Flag & Fish: That's fine and dandy. You wanted comments & critiques and my personal feeling is that they don't add to the overall "professional" look of the site. But I understand that they're important to you. That's cool. No argument from me.
2. Believe me, I do understand what you mean about all those logos. But there *is* a fundamental difference between displaying a logo or text link for the (free) program that runs your store on every page and displaying the logos for paid systems or programs that help to aid in the running of your store. For all intents and purposes, if you actually didn't care whether you got any comments from people in this forum, and if your layout is significantly different from the out-of-the-box layout (not just colors/styles but the layout itself) then you probably don't even need to display the logo at all! But as it is, it just seems logical to do so...imho. It doesn't need to be the eye-catching logo you've created. It could be something very unobtrusive - a size 1 text link underneath your copyright notice.
The reason this request from OSCommerce is *not* akin to displaying a Chevy or Ford logo is because you *paid a lot of money* for your Ford or Chevy truck. You haven't paid a dime for OSCommerce - therefore, in exchange for such a fabulous product, it's only good netiquette to display some sort of acknowledgment of the product you're using.
Maybe Harald is fine with the link on the "About Us" page. If it was me, honestly, I'd probably be ok with it. But what I've learned over the years, when it comes to "Freeware" and "Shareware" is that the vast majority of people who create these things are adamant about what they want displayed in exchange for all their hardwork given away for *nothing*.
Whatever. Not my argument. Just making the case is all. And I agree that financial support is a very good contribution ;-)
Be well!
Laura
2. Believe me, I do understand what you mean about all those logos. But there *is* a fundamental difference between displaying a logo or text link for the (free) program that runs your store on every page and displaying the logos for paid systems or programs that help to aid in the running of your store. For all intents and purposes, if you actually didn't care whether you got any comments from people in this forum, and if your layout is significantly different from the out-of-the-box layout (not just colors/styles but the layout itself) then you probably don't even need to display the logo at all! But as it is, it just seems logical to do so...imho. It doesn't need to be the eye-catching logo you've created. It could be something very unobtrusive - a size 1 text link underneath your copyright notice.
The reason this request from OSCommerce is *not* akin to displaying a Chevy or Ford logo is because you *paid a lot of money* for your Ford or Chevy truck. You haven't paid a dime for OSCommerce - therefore, in exchange for such a fabulous product, it's only good netiquette to display some sort of acknowledgment of the product you're using.
Maybe Harald is fine with the link on the "About Us" page. If it was me, honestly, I'd probably be ok with it. But what I've learned over the years, when it comes to "Freeware" and "Shareware" is that the vast majority of people who create these things are adamant about what they want displayed in exchange for all their hardwork given away for *nothing*.
Whatever. Not my argument. Just making the case is all. And I agree that financial support is a very good contribution ;-)
Be well!
Laura
#12
Posted 09 April 2003, 00:02
Opera, I do appreciate you taking the time to share your opinions, and if I didn't want them, I wouldn't have submitted my site for your review. 
I am going mull over this thought of the OSC link and where to put it. Thanks again! -Steve
I am going mull over this thought of the OSC link and where to put it. Thanks again! -Steve
Make 'em count!
#13
Posted 09 April 2003, 15:07
I do really love the sharing of opinions on this forum in this community. I think it's great to share ideas and having a free flow of thought.
Just one bit of more input. I tend to agree with Opera on both points, but these decisions are ultimately up to you.
I personally like to see a small text link back to OSCommerce on any OSC site. It's a very small payback that acknowledges the hard work of the developers and the community members here. People here work so hard to make this a better product and a better community. You have a well designed site that will go along way of showing people what a great website can look like using OSC.
Also, as for the fish and flag... I think it's great that you can show support for your beliefs and I commend you for it. But I also agree that on an e-commerce site, you are risking offending some people and loosing some sales. As long as you are alright with that, no problem. Of course, you also may find some people become more loyal customers because of the fish and flag depending on your demographics - so I may be wrong and it may even help your sales.
Just one bit of more input. I tend to agree with Opera on both points, but these decisions are ultimately up to you.
I personally like to see a small text link back to OSCommerce on any OSC site. It's a very small payback that acknowledges the hard work of the developers and the community members here. People here work so hard to make this a better product and a better community. You have a well designed site that will go along way of showing people what a great website can look like using OSC.
Also, as for the fish and flag... I think it's great that you can show support for your beliefs and I commend you for it. But I also agree that on an e-commerce site, you are risking offending some people and loosing some sales. As long as you are alright with that, no problem. Of course, you also may find some people become more loyal customers because of the fish and flag depending on your demographics - so I may be wrong and it may even help your sales.
