My State Rep Candidate's Website: How do you like it?

[Jackson4Gore]

We are going to be the first campaign in the district to ever take the fight online. Soon we will be applying for the Democracy for America endorsement.

Our site is still in the works, however, I have got some of it done.

Can you tell me how it looks, how you like it?

Thanks

http://www.lyles2004.com/

[wyldwolf]

1. looks like a clone of John Kerry's site...

..which is a good design so by default yours looks good, too.

[KharmaTrain]

2. Where's The Content?

Nothing clicks...

Nice design, but sure would like to learn more about your candidate.

Cheers!

[Obamarama]

3. Here are my suggestions....

Overall, it looks good. I think it looks a little TOO much like Kerry's logo. Is this his regular campaign logo or is this just for the website?

Overall, thought I like the header. The only thing that I don't like is the donkey. Part of it is on a blue background and the blue part of the donkey gets lost.

The text on the front page is a little heavy (length-wise). I have edited text for several commercial websites and would be happy to throw a few specific suggestions your way. Just PM me if you're interested.

Also, I think you need a better photo of him. I know you're going for the regular, average Joe look which I think is important, but I would suggest something a little more flattering. The arms across the torso and the hands clasped just doesn't look like a photo that a politician running for office should have on their site. Doesn't have to be a suit and tie, just something a little less casual.

Really good things: you don't have any animated graphics or cheesy midi music playing on your site...both are very annoying and slow download time.

EDIT: Just noticed something MAJOR! You don't have a "HOME" link to get back to the front page after going to other areas on the site. You need to have one on every content page. I would also make part of the banner - like Johnny's name - a link to the front page as well.

[Jackson4Gore]

4. The logo is just for the site

However, the regular logo has a similar effect, but is white. The only the same about his and Kerry's is the little logo in the middle of the name. The other was done by me or someone else. Also, Kerry no longer uses that logo.

As I said in the opening post, the site was just started, and is not finished. We will be adding things very soon such as a detailed bio, issues, a better profile pic (suite and tie), a home link back, and much more.

If you could give me some more suggestions, please email me at [email protected]

I appreciate all of your comments!

Thanks friends!

[no name no slogan]

5. If possible, don't forget ACCESSIBILITY

Your site is off to a good start! Can't wait to see how it shapes up!

If you can, make sure that the site complies with Accessibility Guidelines from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), or can meet Section 508 standards set forth by the US Government.

IMHO, as Democrats we need to take into account that not every web surfer has good vision, can use a mouse well, or can even see a computer screen at all. And THAT's why we should do whatever we can to make our sites usable by everyone.

Many web surfers these days are "non-traditional"-- they have physical handicaps that prevent them from using computers and web browsers in the usual fashion. Taking these users into account sends a strong message that you care enough about them to make your site usable for them.

If you have any questions about the Web Accesibility Initiative or web accessibility in general, feel free to visit my site and send me an email. I've been doing accessiblity work for about four years now, and can give you some pointers if you need them! :hi:

[Jackson4Gore]

8. Thanks for all of your help

Actually, our site was just started about 2 days ago, so we have done alot since then. Tommorrow, I am going to a meeting and will get more info such as bio, issues, ect. I will repost and let you get to know Mr. Lyles. I really like Kerry's old logo, so I used the little logo, did my own text, then had someone to put me a donkey and the state capitol on there. Right now we have our volunteer pages up and the endorsement pages.

We are collecting little images off the web such as the volunteer images, the little star and such from sites like Kuchinich's and the Democratic party site. They have no copyright on the use of their materials, which is great because it can help out fellow dems with their site!

Thanks again!

[Longhorn]

6. Feel free to check out MY state rep's campaign site for ideas.

It's in my signature.

[Jackson4Gore]

10. Thanks!

[AlCzervik]

7. Not liking the picture of him

something about it, just doesnt look good, sorry. Also the font that his name is written in is my favorite either.

[Jackson4Gore]

9. I said the pic was temp.

This basically is a working progress. You all are the first ones to see this. The photo will be replaced with the file photo of him in a suite and tie, very professional.

[Jackson4Gore]

11. Kick

[Jackson4Gore]

12. Kick