Spearboard.com - $400 to the Winner

[Spearboard]

Prize: $400 (Admin code added by Palmer - 931262S)

Deadline: Yesterday :lol2: . How about June 30th.

Go here for an example of what links should be on the site: http://www.spearboardopen.com/spearboardlayout.jpg

This example should not be viewed as the layout I want?it is just a guide to show you the links I will need and what should appear on the site.

Here is what would appeal to me:

1. The Spearboard logo should be incorporated in the banner. See the logo here: http://www.spearboardopen.com/spearboardlogo.jpg

2. I?d like at least some basic flash or some movement, but open minded on this (if it's not a good thing, tell me);

3. I have several spearfishing images that could be used. A collage in the banner or elsewhere would be cool. I will post links to photos that can be used for integration into site;

4. Once the template is built, I will maintain it using Macromedia Dreamweaver MX (Mac);

5. I like a clean appearance that is not too busy, with a white border where the spearfishing photo of the week goes.

I will check back often.

[Palmer]

Cool :tup:

Do you have any pictures that the designers can use for the layout?

[Spearboard]

Palmer....yes. I've got to get to work, but I'll put some photos up on my server and post the links here no later than tonight.

Scott

[Zoe]

Hi Scott,

How big is the photo of the week going to be? Or how big would you like this photo space?

Are you going to have any content on the main page, or will this be taken up by the photo?

Do you have any colours in mind that you would like used?

Are you after a corporate professional design or something a little more fun?

Thanks

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by Demex@Jun 17 2003, 06:31 AM
Hi Scott,

How big is the photo of the week going to be? Or how big would you like this photo space?

Are you going to have any content on the main page, or will this be taken up by the photo?

Do you have any colours in mind that you would like used?

Are you after a corporate professional design or something a little more fun?

Thanks
The Photo of the Week should be fairly large. I guess I am not sure in my own mind how large it shoud be. Certainly, not so large that it leaves room for nothing else or overwhelms the place, but large enough to where it is the centerpiece.

I see the photo as being the only content (photo plus description). As in my jpg of the site layout, I'd like the Marine Links seperated from the rest of the page links. I see the home page as being primarily a portal to the other pages. The only thing apart from the links that should stand out would be: 1) the photo of the week, and 2) a "special" link or button to get to the spearboard forum. By limiting the content, I am hoping for a cleaner look.

I like the colors of the spearboard logo, but otherwise am pretty open.

More fun then corporate. Something a little on the fringe but approrpriate for spearfishing.

Here are some images that could be used (not all need to be used):

http://www.spearboardopen.com/davewithhog.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/winninghog.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/tournfastringer.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/weighin.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/johnajscott.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/ejscott.jpg

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Spearboard@Jun 17 2003, 10:13 AM

http://www.spearboardopen.com/davewithhog.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/winninghog.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/tournfastringer.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/weighin.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/johnajscott.jpg
http://www.spearboardopen.com/ejscott.jpg
Those be some scaaaaaaaaaaaary fishies.

:blink: :unsure: :help:

[Spearboard]

On the question of content, I was thinking some more about this, and was entertaining the idea of:

1. That there should at least be some type of "welcome" paragraph, with a brief explanation of the site, and

2. A "latest news" area.

The news area could be any number of things. A line that scrolls. A text box with scrolling text. A static text box, or just a link. Again, I don't want the home page to be overly busy or jammed.

[toniallen]

:o Those fish make the 40lb chinook we have here look like guppies!

[Spearboard]

Try shooting one in 130 ft with no one around to help. Pucker Factor of 10. :lol:

[motiveX]

Originally posted by Spearboard@Jun 19 2003, 11:01 AM
Try shooting one in 130 ft with no one around to help. Pucker Factor of 10. :lol:
Pucker factor of 10?

:o :blink:

Hey Palmer, is that appropriate language for a family forum?

:lol: :brow:

[Palmer]

Originally posted by xteriormotive@Jun 19 2003, 02:14 PM
Hey Palmer, is that appropriate language for a family forum?

:lol: :brow:
Anything that makes me laugh is appropriate :)

[toniallen]

Really neat, Im enjoying looking at the pics and reading about the sport.

I've been working on a Template, and should be able to post it by late tonight or tommorow.

[Spearboard]

Great, I'll look forward to checking it out.

[Spearboard]

By the way, I've noticed on some of the other threads the question has been asked whether the coding is desired. You're talking to somewhat of a neophyte here, but by coding I assume you mean delivering the HTML as well as all the graphics and other elements. Yes, I need the HTML and for it to be laid out correctly in the file I receive. As stated, I'll be using Dreamweaver to maintain and update content. Hopefully it'll work well wih DW, but I assume that DW would open any HTML site, regardless of which application made it. :unsure:

[Palmer]

Yes, D.W. will work with any HTML document as far as I know.

[toniallen]

Howdy,

Here is my idea:
http://www.toniallen.com/spear/

It's a rough draft, so the links do not work.

Made in Dreamweaver MX, so no problem for you to edit it.
(But, dwMX will edit any old HTML template just fine)

Take care,
Toni

[Spearboard]

Hi Toni,

Thanks for submitting that rough draft.

Here is what I like: I like the way you used the logo, and the color scheme happening around it. I like the colors of the fonts, and the way the Navigation to the left is easy to use and navigate with. I like that the photo of the week is the centerpiece of the page.

Here is what I would change: The Marine links to the right of the page seem too segregated from the rest of the page. The image used in the upper right I just found out is being used as part of a skin upgrade to the forum, so I want to stay away from that image altoghether now.

In general, although I said I'd like the site clean, which this accomplishes, I feel the site is too understated and would like something more catchy, which is why I mentioned the possibility of flash. If not flash, then a really slick banner.

By the way, here is a photo I just got permission to use yesterday, which I like a lot:

http://spearboardopen.com/chadphoto.jpg

Hope this helps you and anyone else submitted a proof.

Scott

[toniallen]

Thanks for the feedback. :)

I'll go ahead with revisions, as you have suggested, and work on making the site a bit fancier.
I have four clients on the go currently, :help: but I will finish with my revisions before your deadline.

Is there any flash examples you can point me to that could give me an idea for your preferences?

Take care,
Toni

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by toniallen@Jun 21 2003, 02:47 PM
Is there any flash examples you can point me to that could give me an idea for your preferences?
I wish I had an example to show you, but I can't find anything offhand. I was thinking about some animation in the banner or perhaps the logo moving into position with Flash. Nothing too technical, but just something to give it a little "whiz-bang." At the same time I dont' want to discourage someone from submitting b/c they don't do flash, as it's not essential. I just mention it in case it is someone's strength and they can use it.

[platinum]

Here's my start on it - am I heading in the right direction? :)

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by platinum@Jun 22 2003, 05:11 AM
Here's my start on it - am I heading in the right direction? :)
Yes, very nice. And it also coordinates nicely with the new skin under construction. Here is a link to the latest draft of the new skin, which may be helpful:

http://www.spearboardopen.com/3.jpg

As you can see, your design ties in nicely. I had contemplated having the "spearfishing forum" link stand out from the othes, because it is the main part of spearboard. This was not so much a design issue, but to address the possibility of someone saying they can't find the forum (believe it or not). However, you have that link at the top, so I can't imagine anyone not finding it. I guess an argument could be made that making it different from the other links could actually add confusion. <_<

I'll look forward to seeing how the photo of the week looks, and how you set up the text (description) of the photo of the week.

Is it possible to have a roll over effect on the links. For example, right now I have gulfcoast weather and atlantic coast weather. What if I had one link that said "Florida Weather" and when the mouse rolled over it, sub-choices popped out to the right: "Atlantic" and "Gulfcoast". I've seen the code for that, and if my recollection is right, once it's set-up, it would be easy for me to go in and add/change the choices.

One final thought: I'd like to see the color of the hogfish (the angry dude holding the spear) repeated somewhere. Perhaps as the background color for the header "links" and "marine conditions."


Thanks,

Scott

[Zoe]

Hi Scott,

This is my entry... Spearboard Layout (http://www.demexdesign.com/spearboard/)

You will see I incorporated a small animation in the header that blends in with the design, just to add a little something. :)

The page is all images at the moment so the download time isn't as fast as it will be when coded. All of the links will be text based and controlled by CSS. My idea was to have the extra navigation on the right on the main page and then remove this for the inside pages as the same links are on the left. It helps to have the main reatures of the site stand out. You may also wish to remove the animation in the header on the inside pages for less distraction when reading.

Looking forward to your feedback...

[Spearboard]

Hey Zoe,

Very cool! I like how colorful the page is with the sponge and coral, etc. The fish are great, with their big smile. :tup:

I like that you have the Spearfishing Forum in two places, which is another way of tackling the issue of making sure everyone finds it and it's prominant. The Photo of the Week satisfies the goal of making it the centerpiece, and the area for a second photo to the above right is cool (could also be used for a second banner).

How doable is the following:

1. The 120x60 banner having "Sponsor of the Month" somewhere;

2. A small place to describe the photo of the week. I was thinking I could put a little text box myself over the photo, but is there another solution. An example of the text that would go with your sample image would be: "Scott (left) and Deepfish took these nice Gag Grouper in the Florida Middle Grounds last Friday."

3. I'd like to explore the idea of a rollover affect on the links (where sub-links pop-up when you rolled over). For example, Spearboard is becoming more and more popular with out of state, especially TX and California. Just stating "Gulfcoast" and "Atlantic Coast" excludes them. If I had the flexability to add regions as they grow, that would be good. Otherwise, I guess another solution would be to simply have the Forecast Link go to another page with multiple links. I'll put up a better diagram of how the sub-links should work in case anyone wants to take a crack at it.

4. The image comes up very small on my screen, but I assume that is because it's not coded yet, as you pointed out.

I agree with your comments about the inside pages on both counts (remove right hand links and remove animation). That brings up an issue, I would hope as part of the completed coded template whoever I choose would give me at least a single inside page (if different from the homepage) that I can work with. I guess there is really not anything to that, as it just involves deleted a couple of things from the homepage, but you are not dealing with the most talented web designer here (for an example of a site I designed in DW, see www.spearboardopen.com). :D

Finally, is it reasonable to expect that I would get a brief time period of follow-up "support?" I'm not expecting any major extra time on anyone's part, but maybe a suggestion or two about how to set-up an inside page...just pointing me in the right direction, and responding to email questions (if any) for a week or two after completion? I intentionally made the prize a little higher in hopes that I would get a little extra consideration in this regard.

Thanks for the awesome submission.

Scott

[Spearboard]

Zoe,

Another quick thought: The location where you have the second photo, in the upper right, is it possible to make that a "News Box," with scrolling verticle text that can be easily changed?

Scott

[Zoe]

Hi Scott,

Glad you like it so far. :) I will code it up and make a few revisions so you can see it in action. :)

[lang]

I'll have your template on the way soon, Scott. :)

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by lang@Jun 24 2003, 09:45 AM
I'll have your template on the way soon, Scott. :)
Sounds good. Standing by...

[Raja]

somethings lurking from me too

[Raja]

still very conceptual and incomplete...

first stab (http://63.138.150.196/spear/)

[ant1832]

Originally posted by ondarox@Jun 26 2003, 01:13 PM
still very conceptual and incomplete...

first stab (http://63.138.150.196/spear/)
that looks pretty good so far :tup:

[marengo]

great works you have done, guys! :tup:
I'll try too. ..
hmmmm, so interesting theme! :rolleyes:

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by ondarox@Jun 26 2003, 01:13 PM
still very conceptual and incomplete...

first stab (http://63.138.150.196/spear/)
The audio file kicks butt. It is perfect. The water intertwined with the music could not have been a better choice. The usage of my buddy Dave holding the hogfish is really cool. I really need to get an idea of where you're going with the rest of the links, etc. Your use of part of my logo (the fish) is awesome.

The image in the foreground of the guy with the shaft running through the fish is brilliant. The guy suspended in his speedos, however, I don't care for. Is there anyway to put this image in it's place (it's a large image so may not work): http://spearboardopen.com/chadphoto.jpg


I am very impressed with this. It looks like you tried to capture a mood for your target audience, and you did very well with that.

I'd like to see how the following would play out with this design:

1. The pic of the week;

2. How the Marine Links will be seperated from the other links. In fact, I don't see anything about the Marine links yet, probably because it's inomplete. Any way to have the rollover effect I describe in prior posts?

3. If there is anyway to have a scrolling "news" area, or some other means of delivering info on the home page.

Site creates the perfect mood with awesome use of audio that matches up with images (except for speedo dude :D).

Can't wait to see your next "draft."

Scott

[lang]

For some reason, I haven't been able to access your site for the last few days now. :(

[BrianDove]

Very nice work Ondarox.
I'm impressed :o
We are all waiting for the rest of your template, so, impress us more ! $400 is not too bad i guess B)
Brian
:tup:

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by lang@Jun 27 2003, 12:12 AM
For some reason, I haven't been able to access your site for the last few days now. :(
I am not sure why that would be. It has not been down at all. Do you have the right address: http://www.spearboard.com ?

[Zoe]

Hi Scott,

Just wanted to let you know that I have been working on the changes - I have been struck with the flu so I can not spend too long in front of the monitor before getting a headache.. :(

Hopefully I can get it finished in the next few days. :)

[Zoe]

Hi Scott,

Here is the link.... (http://www.demexdesign.com/spearboard/)

feedback welcome... :)

[Spearboard]

Nice work, Demex. With the flu and everything!

It looks like the logo at the top is cut off at the bottom. Looks like you made all the other changes with the exception of the rollover links in the marine section. Very user friendly site, well laid out, and would accomplish all the objectives of spearboard. Very nice.

This is going to a very tough decision, I can tell already.

[Zoe]

exception of the rollover links in the marine section

I have found that it is difficult to get these types of rollover effects to work in a number of browsers. So in my design I have shown you how you can easily add extra links under 'Marine Forecast' - they are indented to show they are under this section. If it doesn't stand out enough I could even change the background colour for that section or try some other ideas.

To answer you other questions in the post earlier - I would provide you with an inside template and also assist you with any questions you may have throughout the design process. :)

[Zoe]

also - not sure what you mean by the logo????

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by Demex@Jun 28 2003, 06:55 AM
also - not sure what you mean by the logo????
I have of late been using Apple's browser, Safari. It is still in beta and can be a little "buggy" at times, and it cut the bottom of the logo off. It's a great browser and fast, but now and again you get these problems.


I just looked at your work in explorer and it looks great. No problems with the logo.

[Zoe]

I must find someone who uses a 'mac'. Couldn't bare to use one myself after having a PC for so long... Would be good for testing though. :)

[Spearboard]

P.S.: The scrolling news is great. The sponsors I would like to change to singular with one larger space: "Sponsor of the Month." The links would be fine like that. Good point on the rollover stuff. It's just that I might run out of room, but I am sure there is a solution for that. Very cool site.

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by Demex@Jun 28 2003, 08:19 AM
I must find someone who uses a 'mac'. Couldn't bare to use one myself after having a PC for so long... Would be good for testing though. :)
Let's not go there. :o :lol:

[marengo]

Hello,
this is my art idea (almost done: i have to complete footer and some small details).
:) It'd be great to know your opinion. Thanks !

http://users.skynet.be/fa085740/contest/demo_copy4.htm

[geofharries]

I couldn't bear to go back to a PC after several years now in Mac OS X. I do occasionally drift back to my Windoze box to check out stuff in win ie 5+, but it's a painful trip :)

I'd say that if you move to a Mac for testing, you'll probably find yourself using the wintel machine less and less...

geof

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by marengo@Jun 28 2003, 10:05 AM
Hello,
this is my art idea (almost done: i have to complete footer and some small details).
:) It'd be great to know your opinion. Thanks !

http://users.skynet.be/fa085740/contest/demo_copy4.htm
That is really a cool site. I'd like to see it with a sample photo in it, and I am also trying to figure out the way I would get all my marine links to fit. For example, instead of having"Gulfcoast Forecast" I might want "Marine Forecast" with sublinks of Gulfcoast, Atlantic Coast, Upper Gulf, California. Not sure how that would all fit without either a seperate inside page or a flash rollover.

That is a really smart and clean design, and I like it a lot.

I wish I could tell everyone that I am leaning to one design, but I am liking them all and can only say it will be a tough choice.

[marengo]

thanks alot for feed-back, Spearboard. I'll update it tomorrow. (last day?) :)
Have a nice day,
Nat

Edit*** i've fixed links ( Gulfcoast, Atlantic Coast, Upper Gulf, California).

[lang]

Unfortunately, I have been unable to access any of your photos or logo on spearboardopen.com (although I can get on spearboard.com just fine). As a result, I probably won't be able to come up with a template for you in time. :(

Edit: It seems that it has been my ISP all along. I am temporarily on another ISP account and can access your pictures perfectly. Your template is coming soon! :)

[marengo]

hello,
i hope i've fixed some errors. tested with all resolutions and 2browsers (opera and IE).
http://users.skynet.be/fa085740/contest/demo_copy4.htm
Thanks for reading!
regards,
Nat
:)

[sinclac]

marengo,

I just had to say that is some nice work!! :tup: :tup:

[Spearboard]

Originally posted by marengo@Jun 29 2003, 06:46 AM
hello,
i hope i've fixed some errors. tested with all resolutions and 2browsers (opera and IE).
http://users.skynet.be/fa085740/contest/demo_copy4.htm
Thanks for reading!
regards,
Nat
:)
That is awesome. Looks great. This is going to be tougher than I thought, so I'll be getting some feedback from others on the final decision.

[marengo]

i'm happy you like this my work :) And i want to say i liked to develop this design. Really interesting theme for me :D

[Raja]

very nice artwork marengo.


This is the URL that I will be using to post updates, there's still quite a way to go in terms of compression and code cleaning. A stylesheet will be added to help clean things up. The Flash work is also still very beta, I figured you could use an update

thx

spear me (http://63.138.150.196/spearme/)

[cre8or]

Nice design, 'Rox! :tup:
Looks like 2Square's gettin' around in those underoos.

[Zoe]

Originally posted by ondarox@Jun 29 2003, 09:51 PM
very nice artwork marengo.


This is the URL that I will be using to post updates, there's still quite a way to go in terms of compression and code cleaning. A stylesheet will be added to help clean things up. The Flash work is also still very beta, I figured you could use an update

thx

spear me (http://63.138.150.196/spearme/)
Rox - great design!

Maybe you were updating it when I viewed the design but when I took a look the boxes for links - fun stuff - news and marine conditions, started half way down the page - kinda like you had set the properties of the table to be 200% high and then centered the boxes within the cell vertically. Does that make sense? If not I will screen shot it for you...

[marengo]

Originally posted by Demex@Jun 30 2003, 02:37 AM
Rox - great design!

Maybe you were updating it when I viewed the design but when I took a look the boxes for links - fun stuff - news and marine conditions, started half way down the page - kinda like you had set the properties of the table to be 200% high and then centered the boxes within the cell vertically. Does that make sense? If not I will screen shot it for you...
hmm, with me all works fine. (opera, MSIE, 1024*768 32bit)
ondarox, good job! :)

[Zoe]

Here is the screen shot. I see the same design in IE6 and NS4 - so now I am thinking it is meant to be this way???

Sorry if it is supposed to be like this... It just seemed the boxes were supposed to be closer to the top.

[Spearboard]

Ondarox: That is just an awesome site. Your use of Flash animation nailed the feel I am looking for on the new Spearboard. The vertically dropping logo is awesome. The links boxes look to be well sized, which should make the site easy to navigate and enjoy. I like that you took the hogfish photo out of the banner at the top (the one you’re using now as photo of the week). The news box looks great.

I know you’re still working, but here are some questions:

1. I agree with demex that the links look too low. Are you going to tighten that up so that it integrates better?

2. In the news box, it is difficult to read the top item. The remedy for this may be simply starting to type a couple of lines down. I think the scroll speed could be slowed down a notch.

3. “Wish you were here” needs to be changed to “Photo of the Week.”

4. I’d like to see this with the colorization of the crossing bars: Change the color of the bar on the left side of the screen to “salmon” (using the dropper, pick up the deepest shade from the fish at the end of the spear). The bar on the right side change to the same shade of brown found in the logo.

That is all I can come up with. Outstanding job!

[Spearboard]

I'd like to close the contest by 5:00PM today. Anyone who has a proof they wanted to submit, please at least post an update or something to show me the work in progress. Otherwise, today was the deadline and I'd like to decide this afternoon based on what has been presented.

If the winner has not completed the template by today, I would suggest a two day period to work out revisions or completions needed to finalize the template (if more time is needed due to committments, etc., that can be arranged, but I'd really like it done over the next few days). Please post any questions/comments you have.

[Spearboard]

ondarox: It looks like you've made all the changes, except for the very top two bars at the site that are still red/blue. Would still like to see in the colors I commented on.

It looks like the links areas are tightened up, and that it would be simple for me to go in and name the links whatever I want, so there is really no need to work up another comp based on link names. But what about the top navigation bar? Is that a editable text if I want to change those? Oh, I just checked and it looks like those are gifs. How would I edit that?

[Raja]

about the main nav buttons, yes, they are currently images but I can change them to html links and just keep the button graphics as a background. If you have a graphics editor (photoshop) then you can change the links that way if you know how (more difficult than html)

the changes to the two "spikes" are going to take some time as I'll have to open the flash file and edit the frames

If chosen, I'll help you along the way

thx :)

[marengo]

my entry is the same:
http://users.skynet.be/fa085740/contest/demo_copy4.htm

thanks for nice contest to all! guys, you've made good job!

Spearboard, thx for really good feed-back during this contest. :) It was very important for us. And, yes, normally all designers help with layout/template , because we feel personal responsibility for our works and for each site, which we designed.

Best regards,
marengo
:)

[Spearboard]

The quality of the work seen in these templates exceeded my expectations, from several of you guys. I am going to select ondarox's template because the modifications he made over the last couple of days are just too good to pass up.

I want to thank everyone for your time and effort. I would be potentally interested in purchasing some of the elements from sites not selected just to have for future use, and will send out PMs to make an offer on things I'd like.

In the meantime, Palmer can get ondarox paid, and he and I can work on the finishing touches, presumably by PM or email.

Thanks again.

Scott
http://www.spearboard.com

[Raja]

wow! thank you

hats-off to the other designers and their remarkable entries

:tup:

[platinum]

erg - forgot this contest was ending :o


Congrats ondarox :D

[Zoe]

Well done Rox - Great design!

[Palmer]

Nice work Rox, I didn't know you had it in you. :tup:

[cre8or]

Right on 'Rox!
Woo-hoo! :tup:

[marengo]

Congratz ondarox!!! :up: Well done! :D