New CSS Learning Resource

I heard about this today while working on a project... http://www.w3schools.com. It looks OK, I'll have to check it out when I have more time.

Web Journal #9: Gossip

TMZ.com

Celebrity Gossip at its best...TMZ.com is a simple CSS three-column layout with a header and footer.
The left column is an incredibly long list of links, while the center column contains a variety of "top stories" with accompanying photos and movies. The right column is a combination of alternating advertisements and feature links.

I think this layout works well for the content. A lot like a newspaper, the columns serve to break up the content into more digestible chunks.

However, the long list of links in the left column should be organized differently. It just seems too long to be manageable. Or maybe it works because users can always scroll to their favorite link because its not buried in menu somewhere...

Web Journal #8: Real Estate

Reality By Monica

Reality by Monica is a local Re/Max realtor site that looks to be template based. Initially it looks pretty nicely laid out with plenty of white space, a head-shot of Monica, lots of pictures and a sidebar main navigation. But, if you dare to scroll down... beware...

The first page is 3270 pixels long. Lots of text that no one will ever read--it basically describes all of the features that the navigation will take you to. It also describes what to look for in a Realtor and why you should choose Monica.

Overall, I liked the first impression of the site, but didn't like all the text that followed. The navigation keeps you on the main site, but occasionally takes you to a new site (fortunately it opens in a new window).

Web Journal #7: Auto Manufacturer

Myers Motors

Myers Motors sells a clever little electric vehicle called the NmG (No More Gas). The website is simple, easy to navigate, and well laid out. It features a top navigation bar that remains consistent throughout the site, an embedded flash video, FAQs, purchase information, contacts, and even a parts store.

The site is colorful with lots of images of the vehicle in a variety of situations and answers just about any question someone could have about the vehicle, except how much head/leg room it offers.

The site uses minimal CSS, mostly for text styles, not for structure which is table based.

There is also a Photo Gallery which, unfortunately, opens it's larger images on a new page rather than in a smaller window or gallery app. This is a bit awkward.

Another "feature" which I didn't like is the 2 minute flash video that plays everytime the home page is loaded. A controller would be a good addition since the video is nice once, but annoying the second time, third time, ad nauseum...

Web Journal #6: Movie

Mr. Woodcock

From the makers of "The Wedding Crashers" comes "Mr. Woodcock", a new movie about overcoming one's past.

 

The website for this movie is flash based and full of one-liners from the movie, several interactive animations, movie trailer, story summary, cast bios, downloads, and a rather odd midget wrestling "game".

Navigation is aligned with a classroom ruler across the center of the page. Since the navigation is bisected by a huge graphic of the main characters, its almost awkward to use at first, but as soon as an item is selected the "ruler-nav" flies to the bottom of the page where it stays until home is selected. A welcome feature is a search box at the top of the page for finding where the movie is playing via zip code (the results open in a separate window).

Layout consists of apparent scenes from the film cut out and composited with graphics depicting childhood memories in thought bubbles.

The only downside I found to the site is the same problem with most flash-based sites... slow download speed on anything but a DSL or better connection and no apparent dial-up option.