My 3rd site...Your views please

karel · #1 02-18-2007, 01:25 PM

Well here is my 3rd site. It is just a site so I can send a few cards out and do sites through word of mouth, posts on forums etc and not really full time thing.

Well tell me what you think, good or bad. A big thank you goes to Beth again, although the design is mine, Beth helped answer tons and tons of questions and also helped me a lot with the text...So thanks again Beth.

www.firstwebcall.com

davidundalicia · #2 02-18-2007, 02:13 PM

Simple but effective design and the message comes across perfectly.

The only thing that stood out for me, was that you have a form which, when filled out, then sends you to the clients own email. This means that the form filling has been a waste of time.

If you need a form script contact me ..............

marciemayer · #3 02-18-2007, 02:20 PM

Your portfolio links are not going anywhere, I got an error page. The overall look of the site is good but I think you may need to make it a bit more sophisticated with links and drop down menus in order to attract potential customers. I personally prefer simple straight forward sites but someone in the market for a web-builder is going to want to see that your own site has a large variety of options.
Take care,
Marcie

Lincslady · #4 02-18-2007, 05:46 PM

Hi Karel,

Your design is nice and simple, colours are nice, Personally if I was looking for someone to build my site I would want a more detailed list of what you can do, Data base, Photo Gallery HTML etc.... are these sites going to be built with the BV website builder? if so its rather a lot of money for something that someone could do themselves for free once they have bought a Vodahost account....Just wondering.

Your Portfolio page the links to all of the sites are....
http://www.firstwebcall.com/www.oxleywoodhouse.com

Also on your Quote page, the "Website Quote Form" is overlapping the text underneath on my screen.

Other than that youve done a neat job well done :o)

Jeremy · #5 02-18-2007, 06:15 PM

Hey

I am sorry to say but seeing that you are saying you are going to be giving professional services, shouldn't that computer image with the white be taken off and be the same colour as the banner?

LadyEye · #6 02-18-2007, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeremy

Hey

I am sorry to say but seeing that you are saying you are going to be giving professional services, shouldn't that computer image with the white be taken off and be the same colour as the banner?

Jeremy .... why don't you take it off for him?????

Huh????

Bethers · #7 02-18-2007, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Personally if I was looking for someone to build my site I would want a more detailed list of what you can do, Data base, Photo Gallery HTML etc

Actually, I disagree with this - until you build your own website, did you think in those terms? Did you even know what html is? Or that you might need or want a data base? Or did you think in terms of a photo gallery for a website?

I do agree that giving a list of services available is good - but for basic website design - the people aren't techie or, in most cases, even knowledgeable about what the terms are called for what they might want. And Paul is going for the basic websites - and I believe in this instance that simpler is more.

Jeremy, are you saying that the computer should "float" on the burgundy background? That might, or might not look good, Paul- but I'd be happy to play with it if you'd like.

But, Jeremy, in my opinion - your rotating banner on your site - doesn't fit the page in the pictures you've chosen and detracts from the site. I also noticed on your "our clients" page that the first client has the wrong logo assigned - and yesterday when I tried to see that client's site - I couldn't get to it no matter how I put that url in my computer. You haven't made the clients logos clickable, nor have you used the alt attributes properly on them.

Paul, let me know if you want me to play with the header - or this might be one you would want to have someone else do (did you ever get back to Karen about that?)

Bethers · #8 02-18-2007, 08:55 PM

Paul,
The links on the portfolio page- the ones using the anchor text - are input wrong and not working.

You have all of them starting with the firstwebcall url - just go in - highlight and change them to just have the url's to their pages :)

Collectors-info · #9 02-18-2007, 09:03 PM

Hi,
Sorry! But have to agree with Jeremy on the top images. It may look better with just 1 key board or a reversal of the image on the left, placed on the right.
Think the Firstwebcall needs to be tidied up a bit. It seems to have a shadow effect coming from 2 angles? & the red backgrounds don’t match.
There are a lot of things moving around on page transitions. EI: menus/headings/frames.
You have two different colored headings on your pages. (The title to each page).
But besides my finicky bits, the site looks real good, with nice colors & easy to understand & navigate.

Karen Mac · #10 02-18-2007, 09:21 PM

Paul

I dont know if the computer thing makes any difference if its on white or burgandy, but my creators eye says you need a Different header, im not sure what.. but I will think on it and send u my suggestion.

I also think.. that even tho it would be adding some graphics, that you need some thumbnail screen shots of template designs running down one side or alternated on the sides.. just to KEEP the idea of DESIGN going, in case they dont read the text.

Just my two cents.. nothing flashy or to detract from the clean lines, just more visual interest.

Karen

karel · #11 02-19-2007, 12:10 AM

Everyone is entitled to their views on that's the idea of asking for feedback.

Firstly I have sorted the problem with the links from the portfolio. I checked each link and it was hyperlinked properly, all I did was re-do it and it worked, so no idea what the problem was there as firstwebcall was not hyperlinked at all. I am also going to put thumbnails in, but as one of the sites is a week old i cannot do this for the time being. I did have thumbnails in, but I thought rather than have 2, it was better to wait until the other site gets picked up, as with all sites things will improve with time.

Lincslady, I appreciate your comments,but as I said in the post and this goes for Jeremys comments too. I am just starting out building for friends and family and also word of mouth. I am just building for people who want a nice simple site for a very cheap price. I am not trying to run before I can walk. I have seen some very bad sites built for £100s of pounds and feel I can do a far better job, I am not after doing sites that I cannot handle,I have not enough experience and this is not the market I am after. I have come so far in a few months and I am learning (with help) so much. I like a challenge and this is a new challenge, but we need to realise that the I am not after massive, difficult projects. I know what I can and cannot do.

Jeremy also as you are doing professional services, as Beth says you need to make the websites you have done clickable, not throwing dirt back, but this is very important, you have far more experience than me here.

But thank you for your comments.

Paul

P.S Karen, Beth thanks for any ideas, if you think you can help, that would be great.

David I have not tested the form as yet, I was going to make sure this was o.k later today, I will take a look and thanks for the offer of help.

LadyEye · #12 02-19-2007, 02:24 AM

Hi Paul

Nice clean site, I am beginning to see your style in all of your sites. Great job and good for you. Hopefully this is a beginning of something that you can really grab hold of and continue because I know you love doing so. With that said, I believe your prices are reasonable considering you are giving the webhosting and domain name included.

On your portfolio page, you might just need to center your links on the page, they seem a little to the right.

I guess we will see what you end up with for a header, sounds like Bethers or Karen is going to do something for you ....

Keep up the good work, and btw, how was your weekend??

Karen Mac · #13 02-19-2007, 02:53 AM

Paul,

Sent you an email. Call it a FREEBIE! Check it out, i think youll like it!

Karen

karel · #14 02-19-2007, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Hi Paul

Nice clean site, I am beginning to see your style in all of your sites. Great job and good for you. Hopefully this is a beginning of something that you can really grab hold of and continue because I know you love doing so. With that said, I believe your prices are reasonable considering you are giving the webhosting and domain name included.

On your portfolio page, you might just need to center your links on the page, they seem a little to the right.

I guess we will see what you end up with for a header, sounds like Bethers or Karen is going to do something for you ....

Keep up the good work, and btw, how was your weekend??

Thank you for your encouraging words Holly.

If you skip back to a year ago, I had an idea for writing this book. I had no idea how to build a website or what an e-book was, let alone how to get people to find me. But I was going to find out. People like yourself have been brilliant for me, Beth has helped me so much also. The whole forum is by far the most helpful I have been on.

This is not a busniness or anything like that and most prices will be between £150 and £250, the £500 would have to be many pages with a shopping facility etc....The oxleywoodhouse one I did, I charged £170 with hosting, this was very cheap and I am happy to do it for this price, I actually like doing it and no way is this suppose to be an income, just a few extra pounds doing something I enjoy.

When I do a site for someone it will be 100%, I will double check everything, hopefully in most cases use Karens services to create logos and banners, I have recenlty bought paint shop pro, so see how I grasp that. But there are so many people who by their own admission cannot even switch a computer on, but they own a small business or want a site as a hobby, this is the people I am after, hopefully along the way I will learn so much.

Karen can I just say thank you so much for the banner its fantastic, I am definatly going to use you in the future when I need a banner/logo doing and thank you so much for this free one, that's very kind, but I honestly don't mind paying and will be glad to in the future.

Holly had a good alcohol free weekend, thanks for asking, it was tough on saturday, but I did it. Hope you had a good one too Lady Holly........Take care

Paul

Collectors-info · #15 02-19-2007, 10:03 AM

Hi, this is only a personal view & don’t wish to upset anyone! But I think your old logo looked better. (But always good to try different ideas) There is something about placing light images on dark backgrounds that leaves a ghost like image at the background of the letters, & ends up looking smudged. I think the old style looked more modern & not quite so prosthetic in style & colour as your new one. (If prosthetic is the right word).

Good luck.

davidundalicia · #16 02-19-2007, 11:13 AM

Paul,
I well remember your first appearances in these forums and from some of your replies, I see that you have your feet on the ground.
From time to time, we all ask for help and advice, but remember that advice is freely given which means that you dont always have to take that advice.

I repeat what I said in an earlier post.......

Simple but effective design and the message comes across perfectly.

Your prices look reasonable for the intended market that you have mentioned
but most important is that you are doing something that you enjoy.......

Keep tweaking by all means but....

have fun

karel · #17 02-19-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Hi, this is only a personal view & don’t wish to upset anyone! But I think your old logo looked better. (But always good to try different ideas) There is something about placing light images on dark backgrounds that leaves a ghost like image at the background of the letters, & ends up looking smudged. I think the old style looked more modern & not quite so prosthetic in style & colour as your new one. (If prosthetic is the right word).

Good luck.

Chris of course you can air your views, this is exactly what I want and I hope I don't come across as upset, as nothing could be furthur from the truth. Thank you for your opinion, it is constructive and that is all one can ask. If people give their views on the new banner, this would be good also.

Quote:

Paul,
I well remember your first appearances in these forums and from some of your replies, I see that you have your feet on the ground.
From time to time, we all ask for help and advice, but remember that advice is freely given which means that you dont always have to take that advice.

I repeat what I said in an earlier post.......

Simple but effective design and the message comes across perfectly.

Your prices look reasonable for the intended market that you have mentioned
but most important is that you are doing something that you enjoy.......

Keep tweaking by all means but....

have fun

David I understand that i have a way to go on certain things, but I do try and learn. Your posts have always impressed me as you are always helpful and constructive. If you have a negative it is always to help that person.

I repeat that this is just a little hobby that may earn me a few pounds, it is not a business and I intend to have fun and learn from people like yourself with more experience.

Thanks Paul

Nite Producer · #18 02-19-2007, 02:00 PM

Hi Karel,

Very professional, tudy and clean content, I liked the way you are sending the message to your visitors.

I will keep you in mind, we might do some business together.

Karen Mac · #19 02-19-2007, 02:26 PM

Paul

Youre welcome to the header. I think maybe it is slightly too big, so I would like to redo it on a slightly shorter bar, not width wise, but in height. Then I think it will look much better on your site as well.

Chris, The so called SMUDGING is the filters I used to add a little dimension. Of course you are entitled to your opinion, but what else are you going to use on a dark background if not lighter colors? I note the header on your site has some shadow on there too!

Karen

LadyEye · #20 02-19-2007, 02:34 PM

Hey Karen ....... Good Morning .... tks for all the "goodies" again ...

Me files are bulging, lol

But you know "Red Green Here" ... and this again takes more work and time, but when I see this, I then go around and paint around the letters again, lol ... yeah, tedious and more time consuming, but smooths it out right??

Can we say "A Little Dab Will Do Ya" lol

Yabba Dabba Do!!

karel · #21 02-19-2007, 03:32 PM

Karen, that's weird as I said to my partner that it could maybe do with being a little smaller height wise.

Thanks a lot

Paul

Karen Mac · #22 02-19-2007, 04:56 PM

Holly, Paul,

Yup.. thats why it normally takes about 4 or 5 goes to fit a logo or a header right. You cant tell when its in pieces what the end result will be on an actual site and on the web, until it gets there. You can preview, but its not the same...so.. Im working on it, the end result will work, just watch!

Karen

davidundalicia · #23 02-19-2007, 05:15 PM

Excuse me Paul..............

Karen Mac:
would you care to have a look at this site and see if you can think of an appropiate logo.
I will of course pay you for your expertise.

karel · #24 02-19-2007, 05:22 PM

No problem David, you can hijack my post lol.

Thanks Karen I really appreciate this and of course will use you in the future.

Karen Mac · #25 02-19-2007, 06:59 PM

David,

Sure Ill look, do you mind if it goes a tad wider? Heighth wise?

Karen

Bethers · #26 02-19-2007, 07:07 PM

And, just to get my 2 cents worth in - it's a pleasure to work with you and your partner Paul. I do my business the same way. I want to enjoy what I do. (Sometimes that means being careful of who you pick to work with - so when people contact you - pay attention to them and what they want/need - make sure it fits with you - I have learned this part the hard way).

I like the new header - and when I saw it originally, not on the site - it didn't appear so "large" - but Karen will work with you to get it just right.

David, do you think his form is doing that because he didn't use an auto responder? Just asking?

davidundalicia · #27 02-19-2007, 07:09 PM

As long as its not too tall, although I can always change the rest of the page without problems...........

davidundalicia · #28 02-19-2007, 07:10 PM

Beth, the form has no script, just a mail to:
or if it has a script, the action needs to be changed to action= script address

karel · #29 02-19-2007, 07:18 PM

Quote:

And, just to get my 2 cents worth in - it's a pleasure to work with you and your partner Paul. I do my business the same way. I want to enjoy what I do. (Sometimes that means being careful of who you pick to work with - so when people contact you - pay attention to them and what they want/need - make sure it fits with you - I have learned this part the hard way).

Beth thanks for that, I learnt the hard way from my end also. When I first set out I was too trusting and let anyone work with me. On more than one occasion I learnt that all people wanted me for was to make sure they got as much as they could out of me and doing very little. With you nothing could be furthur from the truth.

I will take your advice with me though before deciding to work with someone on a site.

Thanks again for everything you have done for me behind the scenes.

Paul

Bethers · #30 02-19-2007, 07:22 PM

Paul, Did you see the post above yours from David:

Quote:

Beth, the form has no script, just a mail to:
or if it has a script, the action needs to be changed to action= script address

I think that might address the problem for why it's not going through. If you can fix that - then we can get it tabbing properly.

davidundalicia · #31 02-19-2007, 07:33 PM

Paul, If you are going to change the action property, then you can fix the tabbing problem at the same timeby:
select each field starting from the top
and hit the send to back property(right click)
do this for all the fields including the submit button
and your tabs will then be in order

Karen Mac · #32 02-19-2007, 07:45 PM

David

What email do you want me to send this to?

Karen

davidundalicia · #33 02-19-2007, 08:04 PM

send to admin(at)mvtinia.com please
(change the at to you know what)

many thanks Paul............

Jeremy · #34 02-19-2007, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyEye

Jeremy .... why don't you take it off for him?????

Huh????

He can send me the image if he wants but like Bethers said it might not look good.

Jeremy · #35 02-19-2007, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bethers

Actually, I disagree with this - until you build your own website, did you think in those terms? Did you even know what html is? Or that you might need or want a data base? Or did you think in terms of a photo gallery for a website?

I do agree that giving a list of services available is good - but for basic website design - the people aren't techie or, in most cases, even knowledgeable about what the terms are called for what they might want. And Paul is going for the basic websites - and I believe in this instance that simpler is more.

Jeremy, are you saying that the computer should "float" on the burgundy background? That might, or might not look good, Paul- but I'd be happy to play with it if you'd like.

But, Jeremy, in my opinion - your rotating banner on your site - doesn't fit the page in the pictures you've chosen and detracts from the site. I also noticed on your "our clients" page that the first client has the wrong logo assigned - and yesterday when I tried to see that client's site - I couldn't get to it no matter how I put that url in my computer. You haven't made the clients logos clickable, nor have you used the alt attributes properly on them.

Paul, let me know if you want me to play with the header - or this might be one you would want to have someone else do (did you ever get back to Karen about that?)

Bethers

Thank you for noticing, I am never usually working on my website, I am mostly busy with other sites and when you mention it, I've never even had the time to update the clients page.

You said there is a logo that is the same as the other, it is because when published the 2 logo's have the same name (ex: logo_01.jpg) but in a different folder, but it must think I am talking about the same file. I haven't had much time to work on the bwservices website, but when I do I will let you know!

navaldesign · #36 02-19-2007, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidundalicia

Paul, If you are going to change the action property, then you can fix the tabbing problem at the same timeby:
select each field starting from the top
and hit the send to back property(right click)
do this for all the fields including the submit button
and your tabs will then be in order

Could it be the excactly oposite ? (Move to front ?)

davidundalicia · #37 02-19-2007, 11:55 PM

Sorry Paul, Naval is absolutly right...Move to the front.

Its been a long day and I think that I shall retire now.............

Thanks George............

karel · #38 02-20-2007, 12:05 PM

Thank you for all the advice, me and my partner are going to try and sort the problem later. I am going to have a break today, take the dog for a wllk, like you David my brains frazzled at the moment.

The best way to learn though is to take advice and try and sort each problem as they arise.

Regards Paul

karel · #39 02-20-2007, 07:34 PM

Hi,

I'm still alittle puzzled about the properties in the enquiry for. Could somebody tell me what i have to put in the action box please.

Thanks Sara

navaldesign · #40 02-20-2007, 08:49 PM

Method = POST
Encoding Type = multipart / form data
Action: whatever the php script that processes the file is: i.e. "action.php" if that's how it's called

You need a php script to process your for, so you can use:

1. The one in the BlueVoda Form Tutorial 1

or

2. The one David has: http://youandmelinkup.info/forms/

or

3. Advanced BlueVoda Form Processor

davidundalicia · #41 02-20-2007, 08:52 PM

If your php file is called xyz
you put xyz.php in the action box

You should also change the box below that(Encoding type) to; multipart/form-data

karel · #42 02-20-2007, 10:17 PM

Hi,

In the properties box i have method: post, form name quote, action mailto: info@firstwebcall.com and Encoding Type: multipart/for-data. I think i am still missing something, it says on the tutorial Blue Voda forms are always processed via email, so let's use the mail to: format to specify where the form will be submitted.

My head is spinning now, just don't get it, sorry.........help

Thanks

davidundalicia · #43 02-20-2007, 10:34 PM

If you use the action mailto: info@firstwebcall.com
your form will open the users mail client and then they can send you an email
in the normal manner, but all the details on your form will not be sent.

You need a PHP script which will collect the data from your form and send you and the client an email with all the details filled in.

In that case, action = your php script name.

I can create this for you if you wish......contact me as before.

karel · #44 02-20-2007, 10:39 PM

Hi David,

That would be a great help, just can't get my head round this one.....lol arrrghhh. Did Paul email you as its Sara his partner or should i just contact you through your homepage.

Thanks again

Sara

davidundalicia · #45 02-20-2007, 10:42 PM

Just contact me through any of my website contact forms.........

karel · #46 02-20-2007, 10:49 PM

Thanks David,

I have now contacted you through your wedding website, and it worked great.............. not like ours......lol, a lovely site by the way.

Thanks

Sara

davidundalicia · #47 02-20-2007, 11:21 PM

Sara - you have mail............

karel · #48 02-21-2007, 12:02 AM

Hi David,

It hasnt come through yet.

Sara

davidundalicia · #49 02-21-2007, 12:12 AM

Sara, the email address that you entered has been returned to me undelivered, I believe that you have mis.spelt the from address.

Please email me again and I will reply in the morning................

goodnight ALL....................

karel · #50 02-21-2007, 10:30 AM

Thanks David for helping me and Sara with this, she has taken over here and I have seen the emails sent to info(at)firstwebcall so maybe this would be the best address to communicate. I am not sure what she sent etc.....So I will show her the email you sent and she will get back to you, really appreciate it David....THANK YOU

Paul

Naval also thank you for helping, something you do very often and never lose your patience, you are a credit to this forum.

Dori · #51 02-21-2007, 03:02 PM

Hi Paul,
I don't know if anyone has caught this but your sentence 'You've found a company that takes it's customers and customer service serious.' should really end with seriously.

Very clean site... it is easy to navigate.... all in all... Good job!

karel · #52 02-21-2007, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Hi Paul,
I don't know if anyone has caught this but your sentence 'You've found a company that takes it's customers and customer service serious.' should really end with seriously.

Thank you "Lady with the lovely smile" I will change it.

Ta Paul

Dori · #53 02-21-2007, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by karel

Thank you "Lady with the lovely smile" I will change it.

Ta Paul

That's the Joker smile Paul... LOL
I am glad that you have David and Naval helping you out... they are fabulous aren't they?

You and Sara keep up the good work!

Dori · #54 02-21-2007, 04:07 PM

If you are still having problems with your images, let me know I might be able to help.

davidundalicia · #55 02-21-2007, 05:26 PM

Paul or Sara:

You can now test out your new enquiry form HERE

let me know if you have any problems..............

have fun

karel · #56 02-21-2007, 08:09 PM

HI David,

I have just checked out your form enquiry link and it worked great, I have to check the emails now as i have only just got in from work. Is that form in our email and does it tell me what i have to do next.

Thanks Sara

davidundalicia · #57 02-21-2007, 08:23 PM

Hi Sara, just email me with a working email address and I will email you the form in bv format along with the PHP script.

Do you know how to use the BV FTP program ? (upload a .php file)

If not, send me your:
server number
username
password
and I will install the script for you...............

karel · #58 02-21-2007, 08:33 PM

Hi David

Thanks for all your help................................your a star

Sara

davidundalicia · #59 02-21-2007, 10:50 PM

Sara . you have mail............

davidundalicia · #60 02-22-2007, 06:19 PM

Sara - Paul

your new enquiry form has now been installed.

You just need to put a link on one or more pages to

http://www.firstwebcall.com/enquiryform.html

Have sent you an email with the BV pages attached..............

have fun

karel · #61 02-23-2007, 12:15 PM

Hi David,

Sorry I have just seen your post, thank you for going out of your way to help, really good of you. As Sara has been doing this from the start I will leave it with her and let her know as soon as she gets back from work.

Looks like everything should be o.k now, if there is a problem I will let you know.

Thanks again

Paul

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