Graphic heavy or Block css colours?

Okay, this will be my last poll on this sort of thing for a time, I just need a little more of an idea of what is what and I can then consider more accurately the sort of thing that might be wanted here. I know this sort of poll with a request for input is a pain in the bum but it is telling me a lot more than might be realised. I wouldn't like it if I made lots of skins for OCPortal that no-one really wanted, as I say, these polls are giving a broader idea of what to get on with.

Please vote on your preference between Graphic heavy or Block css colour skins, again would you please express your reasons as to why you choose one way or the other, thank you.

My preference is dictated by the fact that my site content is graphics-heavy so I prefer a lightweight skin with room for a graphic and logo in the header but not much else.

Bob

I voted graphics-heavy, but I was quite torn. I'm a very visual person, so graphics work well for me, but I must agree with Bob in that the site's contents and context must dictate the theme style.

Its depended to the way of publishing and message you want to send out  So for me are both intresting

I've gone for the 'block' choice.

ocPortal already serves up blocks (for which it was heavily criticised by one troll in these forums), and I've already incorporated CSS3 and HTML5 in several of the themes I've built.

The CMS lends itself to this style, despite a previous comment by me about the all-inclusive global.css properties that make it a bit of a task to change only some elements of the display. But it isn't impossible, or difficult for that matter!

I, too, am fond of the eye-candy of a graphics heavy skin, but the penalty down the line is often not worth it. Especially if the site has a huge following which, I hasten to add, is not a problem I have!

 

I've chosen "Heavy graphics".  My inclination to use visual catalyst as a form of expression in a website is made easier with the increasing communication speed  and bandwidth of the Internet.  This pace is spreading quickly around the world and we can expect that the next big reach in this evolution will be the ability for anyone to create his own private super-server, removing the final hurdles to  distributing "high voltage content" .  I think that the future is bright for graphic heavy sites, however the same is true for sites that have for objective the efficient delivery of information  and where graphics would constitute a hindrance rather than an enhancement.  I agree that "the site's contents and context must dictate the theme style" .  The ability of a CMS to be equally competent in serving both styles will probably be essential.  

Jean said

we can expect that the next big reach in this evolution will be the ability for anyone to create his own private super-server, removing the final hurdles to  distributing "high voltage content" .  I think that the future is bright for graphic heavy sites

Creating 'his' own private super server, now there's an idea, and maybe us girls can do it too huh Jean.  


Ouch, it's a tie at the moment, hmmm, this one bit me in the bum!

Petrikuhr said

Ouch, it's a tie at the moment, hmmm, this one bit me in the bum!

I am not sure there is a "right" answer for this one but I am sure it will stir up that creative mind of yours!

Bob

Well, here's an example of a Dark Image Heavy skin I am currently working on that could well end up being an OCPortal skin, depends on how hard it turns out to be to skin this software.



This design is inspired by the amazing Cell2 designed the lovely DemonDan666 on DA.

Petrikuhr said

Well, here's an example of a Dark Image Heavy skin I am currently working on that could well end up being an OCPortal skin, depends on how hard it turns out to be to skin this software.

WOW!! Very nice. It will be great to see how this works with ocP. It's great to have another talented designer in our community.

Bob

Thank you Bob, designing is one thing, that I am fairly good at but when it comes to coding stuff, well let's just say that's what I am not so good at. Just look at the Comcode frames I have coded, I can't even figure out how to code them using div ul li, I get so kerfuffled that I just code them using seriously outdated tables, how sad is that!

I'm no programmer, but I know that using tables to define structure is frowned upon. Tables should only be used to display content/data, i.e. literally a table of data.

Maybe you could partner with another one of our community heroes here? You do the graphics, and they do the assembly? I think that would work nicely.

I like that suggestion, Robbie.

Maybe after seeing how a skilled programmer assembles the code and CSS for the design, Petrikuhr will be able to add those kills to her arsenal.

Bob

This is a great example of a Dark Image Heavy skin. I can almost hear the humming of electrical flow and expect to see spiraling blue sparks.

Petrikuhr said

Just look at the Comcode frames I have coded, I can't even figure out how to code them using div ul li, I get so kerfuffled that I just code them using seriously outdated tables, how sad is that!

I don't think you should feel inadequate by creating these comcode frames of yours using tables. These days it's certainly considered “best practice” to use CSS for making site-wide changes to design styles, but in some cases, slicing up images and putting them in a table will be much simpler than using CSS  and leaving behind a ton of Div tags in code that are hard to manage. After-all a comcode frame is just one element on a page. Yes, HTML tables were originally meant for tabular data, and I would suggest that these frames are used for presenting data, therefore being standards compliant. I guess, that my point is: Who cares if creativity find other uses for them!  These  HTML tables have been working fine for years, and if something ain’t broke, why “fix” it? 

Jean

I've opted to go with the same code I use for Skinning, it's a horrible collection of div's pretty much replacing the table. No-one seems to like it but it validates perfectly and works in all browsers, so I'm good with it.

I don't mind anyone wanting to help me but I am 'not' going to come here asking for help in the manner you guys are suggesting, I don't need some so-called coding pro to 'show' me how to code and I aint getting on my knees begging for help, just how lame do you think I am, so disrespectful.

Nobody here is being disrespectful. We're all eager to give each other constructive criticism, because it helps everyone.

Improving one's knowledge and skills is never about getting on your knees and begging - it's about self-improvement and enjoyment.

I am so used to people giving me attitude because i try to get along in areas typically controlled by males, and more often than not end up being better at the field than many of the males. I have had nothing but bad attitude from males for years now and to be honest I find it hard to believe I have actually found a site that can handle a woman who doesn't need tons of help, sure if I get stuck I don't mind asking for help but I prefer to figure stuff out for myself, this in itself seems to annoy a lot of people.

Anyway, I am getting my head around this beast, the part I always find hardest to conquer in designing for forum stuff is the categories in the forum areas, well 'Ha' to that, I have wrestled this monster to the ground, and oddly did so with surprising ease, all I can say is that the base code if nothing short of breath taking, so well structured I actually sighed with relief.

Here is a glimpse of the forum layout, it's only the very beginning and it's only the main forum index so far, I don't see much point in going too far with an RC release.

Petrikuhr-

It's great how quickly you are mastering ocPortal and you've now offered more of your vision for a great skin.

I just want to take a moment to let you know I meant no disrespect. I concurred with Robbie simply because I often learn more quickly by seeing how others have accomplished something, but everyone has their own preference.

I can assure you that I am neither annoyed or threatened: your skills and talent in this area are very far superior to mine - something I have no problem admitting. I am anxious to see what you come up with.

Bob

ocPortal is a gender-neutral CMS.

Robbie Goacher said

ocPortal is a gender-neutral CMS.

That belongs in the marketing somewhere.  lol

Bob