Michael Morris said:
Well, I was dissappointed, but now I am pissed. You're implying that it isn't professional!? That I don't know what the Hell I'm doing but need to have my hand held even after redesigning - on contract - the entire Wizard's of the Coast web board?
Michael, it may be time to step away from the keyboard for a bit.
You're inferring something that's not in what I wrote.
By "mostly professional" I'm only saying that the sites I've used as examples of where I'm coming from (and what I think looks good) aren't just sites I think are pretty, but sites designed by some of the most-sought-after designers around, i.e., people who get paid big money by large corporations (and HappyCog.com and Zeldman.com done by the author of one of the definitive books on current design techniques). I.e., when I talk about white-on-black or text-on-texture being hard to read, I'm citing principles that are part-and-parcel of graphic design. Design isn't just about creating art, it's about creating tools. A Web site is a tool, and functionality needs to come first.
Like I said, I'm just one person, and I certainly appreciate all the work that you do for ENWorld. That's one of the many reasons I feel it's worth paying to be a community supporter, and why I help organize Chicago Gameday. I sincerely apologize if I've bummed you out.
While I don't agree with them, there are obviously people who really like the new theme (as they've spoken up right here). Nonetheless, I just feel compelled to comment. I'm not crabbing just because there's been change; I wasn't all that enamored of the old theme, but it was usable. I simply don't like the new theme, and I think there are sound, design-specific reasons why.
But, like I said, as long as there are alternative themes, I'm okay, and you can tell me to shut up.