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Version 3 needs your input
As you have probably noticed there has been a decline in the content that I am currently presenting here at unmatched <style>. I regret to inform you that this draught will continue for roughly another two weeks. The reason for this is that I am working on version 3, I have had the template done for quite some time, but now I am hitting it full force and making the best unmatched <style> yet.
So what is the big deal about this transition? Well think of what Stylegala went to from version 1 to 2. Yeah, it is something like that. I’m taking this gallery only site and putting goodie after goodie in it. Not only will you be able to visit unmatched <style> to see the latest and greatest in designs. There will be more news relevant to web design, resources for the novice to experienced designer, and much more.
Also due to the popularity of books among web designers, I will be adding a bookstore. This, well, let s be honest it will be a money making tool for me. But the books will be hand selected; books that I have read at least a few dozen pages of (I don’t get a lot of time to read), and know have valuable information.
Forums are still up in the air. Would I like to implement a forum for my readers? Of course, but I do not know if this is the best move for a few reasons. The first being I do not want to seem like I am trying to clone Stylegala. It’s a great site, with many innovative ideas, and beautifully presented. I do not want to mimic that for the purpose of mimicking it. Second of all, I have a fear of either being to broad or to narrow in discussion. There are a few topics I would like to be presented in the forum that are not related directly to web design, such as a place too show off your desktops, and your system.
Finally, the biggest step forward for me is my approach. I am trying to make the transition of 20-year-old kid and his hobby website, to 20-year-old kid running his site as a business. In the past I have been very unprofessional, I let my personality get in the way of my site, and that needs to quit. I know that if I apply myself in the ways that others such as Paul, and David do…I can make a little more “skrilla” from my site, and eliminate maybe have a little bit more cash in my pocket.
I know that it seems like an awful thing to be concerned about making money from a site, something you are supposed to enjoy doing, but it still exists. I mean I had to hold a fund raiser last time just to get adequate hosting, and I feel terrible enfringing on my visitor’s wallets. Your support was deeply appreciated, and I love you all for it. That kind of respect shown towards me and unmatched <style> is what makes this site worth it. But in the future, I would like to be the one supporting you all, and not viceversa.
And on a more personal note, the last couple of months have been very well to me. Tomorrow I am going to build my new computer. I would have done it today (as I now have all the components). For some reason I want my girlfriend to be there when I build it, and she can’t be here today. I want her to share something I love doing, that I am actually better at (we play old school NES every night and she whoops my ass at every game).
So with all that being said, since I do plan on taking my time, and not rush it; what would you like to see with version 3? Do you think forums are a good idea? What would you do if you were running a gallery site? All comments and suggestions are taken into consideration. Thank you.
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Interviews with great designers, regarding inspiration for their sites, sites they like, tools they use, scripts, etc. Just an idea…
Interviews would be great!
Same ideas with Stirman :D
Admit it, the title of the site allows for more than just a gallery. Forums are always a gamble, but if they work, they’re a great addition. Interviews would be awesome (still looking to get interviewed… ;)), but don’t make them generic stuff. The content Stirman thinks of seems good to me.
I enjoy the idea of interviews, at first I didn’t think it was such a great idea, but then I thought about it more in-depth. Like Rob says, generic questions would be rather dull, although a few would be used as openers.
However, it would also allow for questions that would allow you to get to know more about that designer, and perhaps get ideas you never thought of. A good example is asking “what inspires them,” this question will never have the same response twice. And maybe it could help others find inspiration in something they never considered before.
So I do enjoy the idea of interviews.
I stumbled across this site a little while ago and have been watching it ever since. I think something that would help you stand out is articles on new and unique styles becoming apparent in Web design. Something related to style and giving people interesting ideas or jumping points for new designs too. It would help tie the content of the site into the name as well.
I’m always a fan of interviews too.
Funny you should mention that, as I was working on the new version yesterday. In the navigation I typed “out” articles, something I did not have in my mind at all the going into the new version. But as soon as I typed it out I paused for a moment, and looked at what I had typed.
As I began to let it sink into my mind. I began to think a bit more about it. And I thought of Stylegala, something I would have liked to done with the new version is the public news type thing that Stylegala has, which to me is something that really stands out. But I see moderation, and time to be an issue. And I don’t want to make a Stylegala clone.
But as I read the word “Articles” I thought, hmm…what if instead of users submitting just sites. They could submit articles as well. Because that is a big issue too. Face it, sites like this help designers to be recognized for their designs, but a lot of time you visit their sites just to acknowledge the design.
If someone takes the time to read an article, and decides to post it to a site such as this. Visitors are more likely to take notice to what the article contains.
Although it has not been set in stone, something of the sort is definitely possible at this point in time. And I know I have not set an official date for going live with this, my unofficial date at this time is Monday, March 7.
So keep the suggestions rolling, anything that makes me say “wow, that’s great idea,” I will do my best to incorporate it into the upcoming version.
Keep it up!
Congratulations! :) Greetings from Indonesia.
Keep it up!
Congratulations! :) Greetings from Indonesia.