Site Overhaul Discussion

[Redstar]

This has been a long time coming, but we're finally working on a layout overhaul for the site. While what we currently have is fine for the amount of traffic we were getting, it's now time to get out of 1999 and offer something much cleaner and more presentable for the unofficial "official" Super Mario Bros.: The Movie website!

So, without further ado, you can check out the basic new layout HERE. As can be seen, we're going for the drop-down menu format that will make everything appear much more organized. Other than that, there will be very few changes to the sub-sections that currently exist. Some might be re-arranged or consolidated.

What do you all think? We're very open to suggestions as far as what you might want to see changed or added. Please realize, though, that we're only taking this a step at a time. While it would be wonderful to have a site that looks and feels on par with anything else you can see online, at this point we're only going to implement what's absolutely necessary for what we're doing right now. Otherwise, say what's on your mind!

[billbot85]

I think the new layout looks great!! Can't think of any critiques. Looking forward to the overhaul

[Mario500]

I suggest using the movie logo and "The Movie Archive" graphic as they currently appear on the site as part of the new layout. Everything else in the layout sample appears fine to me.

[Redstar]

So, what does everyone think of the new layout? Definitely much cleaner and professional! I also just love the extra room on the left side; that's done wonders for Parker's interview, and will do the same for the other longer ones (like Richard's) once we update those pages.

Also, what do you guys think of the new rotating banner? We currently have seven, but we're open to suggestions for more!

[Mario500]

I like the idea of rotating banners. Some of the banners currently in rotation would be better if they were not so blurry.

[incognitus]

i liked the new look for the site, really

[Serum]

Whatever we do, we need to avoid having a "Flash Intro," because if there's one thing that drives me away from a website, it's a forty-five minute long flash intro that you cannot skip and it slows your computer to the speed of a salted slug going up the side of Mount Everest. Please, whatever we do-- no flash intros.

[Redstar]

Whatever we do, we need to avoid having a "Flash Intro," because if there's one thing that drives me away from a website, it's a forty-five minute long flash intro that you cannot skip and it slows your computer to the speed of a salted slug going up the side of Mount Everest. Please, whatever we do-- no flash intros.

Haha! The whole point of this overhaul is to get away from '90s website norms!

[Roareye]

Any chance of making all the pages work? :p Trying to find information and learn more about the movie (Of which this is generally the best resource) becomes tiresome and irritating when almost every other page doesn't load, giving me 404 Errors.

These areas need uploading/updating;
- Pre-Production Section
-- Scripts (Updating)
-- Storyboards (Updating)
-- Set Design (Missing)
-- Props (Missing)
-- Costumes (Missing)
-- Makeup Effects (Missing)

-Post-Production
-- ADR Revisions doesn't work, but then the non-updated page works for Goomba Subs - meaning the structure of this sub-section needs revision.

-Media
-- Every page needs updating

- Specials
-- Game References (Missing)

- Merchandise
-- Video Releases (Updating)
-- Music (Missing)
-- Posters (Missing)
-- Toys (Updating)
-- Cards/Stickers (Updating)
-- Books (Updating)
-- Clothing (Missing)
-- Other (Updating)

I know it's a lot of work, and I wouldn't normally pry. Just eager to see more. The non-updated pages don't bother me so much (Although a more streamlined look would be best), it's the missing ones that are a bit of a let down. This site is supposed to show Disney that we care enough to get a much better product than what they already produce - it needs to stand up more solidly than a half-broken site in order to prove that point more solidly.

[Redstar]

I understand where you're coming from and feel the same way, but Phlibbit works 50 hours+ a week. He simply doesn't have as much time to do updates as he once did while I have no experience with web design. We have considered updating the site layout once more or adding a third person to the project, but as of yet we don't know anyone willing to come aboard.

[Roareye]

While I'm aware that the people running this site have a real life, as well as little time to devote to a fan-project, however trying to send a message requires a complete website.

My suggestion would be asking on the forums to see if there is anyone here willing and able to take on some of the workload. You won't know until you ask for help.

[Phlibbit]

The problem is that for the pages that aren't up yet, most of the information is stuff I have, and most of the merchandise, etc. are things that I have that I would need to scan and prepare, etc. So even if we did have help, the amount of prep work I would have to do before I handed it off to someone is enough to where it's basically the same amount of work either way.

What does help are things that pure writing/articles can solve. Things like Ragey's script synopses and the article you're planning on doing on the Swedish DVD are a huge help and add a lot to the site, and require little from either me or Redstar to get going.

As a compromise, I've removed links to all as-yet created pages on the main page. That way if someone stumbles across the site they won't immediately be taken to a page that doesn't yet exist.

Also while I was doing this I went ahead and updated all the pages in the scripts category

[Phlibbit]

I also updated all of the "main" pages for each category, and updated the text, removing pages that don't exist yet and adding in things that we've since updated with.

I also noticed a bug where we had incorrectly linked "fan video" so now it works on the main page as well.

So NOW any link from the main page at least will lead somewhere. Nothing on the main page should take you to a 404.

And on that topic, I also updated the darn 404 page so it should actually work everywhere and not be all jumbled as it was sometimes.

[Roareye]

That's cool, man. Thanks. Sorry for sounding a bit of a git, just didn't want anyone important inside Disney to think the dedicated fansite was maybe abandoned due to dead links. I've posted UK and Swedish DVD Covers for the movie in the topic in the other forum, how did you want me to send you the article (when finished)? Email?

[Redstar]

I have asked just about everyone I know on these forums and off if they have both the experience and interest in contributing, but not very many fit either category. At best, we're looking at a $1,000 price tag to get the site overhauled professionally. We're just not willing to do that at this time since we are focusing on several other projects that cost that much and more.

If you happen to know of someone that could help out then, please, have them shoot us a line. It may not look like we're getting things done, but we're always planning ahead. We're ready to move forward at a moment's notice.

[Serum]

I think that the dull black background on the main page of the website should be replaced with a design of wrought iron steel covered in fungus or a grimy brick wall covered in Mario themed graffiti. I know a guy who might be able to whip something very professional up-- let me know if you want me to contact him and make the request. I'm sure he'd be happy to do it.

[Redstar]

I think that the dull black background on the main page of the website should be replaced with a design of wrought iron steel covered in fungus or a grimy brick wall covered in Mario themed graffiti. I know a guy who might be able to whip something very professional up-- let me know if you want me to contact him and make the request. I'm sure he'd be happy to do it.

The background of the site is one area that we would like to improve upon, so you're more than welcome to contact your friend in regards to a concept. We may not accept it, though, as we already have a graphic artist that may provide his own version.

[Serum]

Trust me, if I can get a hold of the guy I know, he'll knock your socks off. I've fallen out of touch with him, but I am able to get in contact with him every week or so. I'll keep you posted.

[Roareye]

BETA Idea for the Background artwork for the main site pages. The artwork is my own high-resolution scans of the Njutafilms DVD back cover. I then had to remove all the text via manipulation (Not perfectly done, but not bad) and then stretched the centre of the image open (There is actually a bit of a gap behind the contents table which will be invisible when the page has loaded). The size this has been built to is 1920x1600 (One of the largest monitor sizes currently available, and most likely the largest home computers will go to for some time).

The graffiti is changeable and was based on a linked font type from here, and then letters were individually edited to give a more natural look (And to stop each letter looking identical).



BETA idea using an upscaled and artistically altered screenshot from the Njutafilms DVD of Dinohattan. The standard upscaling looked blocky at this resolution, so I chose an art style which exaggurated the Blade Runner grimy feel of the original image to enhance what was naturally there. Not bad considering the resolution this is actually in; 2560x1600. This is the highest resolution scale currently available and to be honest not many people will have it available on their home machines.

Just a couple of ideas, see what people think of them.

[Serum]

Very nice! I like where you're going with this!

[Roareye]

Thanks dude. Any ideas/suggestions on which is your fav and what improvements you'd like to see? These are early beta images so its all changeable.

[Redstar]

I prefer the second design over the first as it is more thematically relevant, while the former just isn't as professional as we're now starting to present the site. We were considering some sort of pattern to subtly add dimension to the update background, though nothing more than quilt stitching or line-art of relevant film icons.

We don't want anything that makes the site just not look anything but official.

[Roareye]

Hmm. I know what you mean Redstar, however if you're after someone who can do that and make it look professional and not boring, I can see how much my brother would charge to do it. He built The Sonic Stadium and Summer of Sonic websites himself as well as doing various redesigns for the professional journalism outlet Spong.

Someone said earlier that this would cost $1000, which seems steep to me for a simple layout redesign. Is there something new you need that is pushing up the cost?

[Redstar]

The $1,000 price range was a quote from a professional friend in regards to a complete visual overhaul. I imagine someone who does it for a living, professionally, would charge a lot more than just a technically inclined person.

We're mostly just looking for a streamlined look with full integration. As it stands now if we want to make a change to the layout we have to edit the text/code for every single other page on the site as well. There has to be a way to handle such changes completely.

I'm partial to a somewhat blog format, at least as far as updates are concerned, but really we just want to maintain a professional look. We deal with the film's creators all the time, so we want to show them that we know what we're doing.