Honest opinions.

[Redboat]

Hi all,

2nd post so I thought I would ask your opinions on my site.

It's basically a flash site but with an exact html copy sitting behind it for people without flash and for the search engines to crawl (Number 3 in google for some local search terms which is not bad for a flash site).

I mention it's in flash as I know some coders out there will not approve of a flash only site and this is not a post to start an argument about HTML vs Flash.

That aside, what I wanted to know was your first impressions of the design and also the content as I was thinking of possibly ditching this design and going more mainstream....

Flash version if you have flash.
http://www.redboatdesign.com/

XHTML with CSS internal page that people without flash would see.
http://www.redboatdesign.com/website...dge+wells.html

It would be great to hear your opinions which will also hopefully help me decide upon the direction to take.

Cheers all

Paul

[Toon]

I don't want to start a flash vs css argument but I think the site is great and didn't need the two versions. I think the HTML version is fine on it's own. People say to stay clear of red and black but I think it's fine on your site. The only think I noticed was...



Don't know if it views like this for anyone else.

I think it's a good site, I really like the illustration on the home page, although Redboat Design and you had a red train.

I would like to hear other peoples views but if you are thinking of trying a different style I don't think it all needs to be Flash, maybe just some of the portfolio menus can be created in Flash but the design works as CSS/HTML.

Nice work mate.

[Redboat]

Opps, I'll fix that later today...

I generally like to use CSS now in client designs and I should really follow the same rule for my main site as I always preach the downside of using flash(although some clients do actually ask for it..)

The home page actually changes from time to time and it's is a portfolio piece. You are right the train has nothing to do with Redboat. It's it red though :stuart:

Red and Black - Again you are probably right.

My gut feeling is to go for pure CSS/XHTML in the next site reincarnation .

Cheers Toon

Paul

[Toon]

Be sure to post it when you get underway.

[Toon]

]
P.S. I love this cover.....

[Redboat]

Cheers, Not my work though.

That was Gareth's, my partner in crime :)

More of his work can be found here as well as that train image in it's rightfull place.

http://www.theplumb.com/

Paul

PS: Fixed that missing text problem you pointed out.

[flashwiz]

Just looking so there may be more comments.... however the one thing i notice straight away and it is something noticeable... the company/site is called RedBoat... yet there is a red TRAIN ??? should this not be a boat? Just a bit ironic... unless ive not read something yet...

[flashwiz]

OKay had a better look and overall even thou not a fan of flash sites i think this works... red, white and black is hard to get right, yet this does seem to work for the most part... the only thing i would say is that the footer section in white with the red top and bottom is a little overpowering for me... i think it would have looked much better in some form of greys similar to the track... not neccessarily in blocks... but perhaps just the text etc...

[Redboat]

Thanks for the input,

All your comments are very positive but I sense by using a full flash site as the main site it is probably affecting my business which is something I have thought for a while. Whilst I still have plenty of work you can never have enough so I think from my own doubts and your comments it is time to get something a liitle more proffesional up.

A great forum as on most the site would have been ripped apart for being a full flash site so your positive comment are much appreciated.

I'll keep you posted and post the new site here shortly.

Cheers

Paul

[Toon]

Got to be positive in this business no point in tearing sites apart, design is only moving on due to constant changes and a drive for impact.