Post by naop on Aug 28, 2013 18:04:46 GMT
Ok, guys! First, let me begin by admitting that I have no idea if any of you guys are knowledgable in web design, so if I'm stepping on anyone's toes, let me know and I'll back off. My intention is to offer my help in creating the best website you can hope for. Why? Well, much like I did with Astrum Imperium, I do it because I'd love to see more teams around, and one of the first obstacles they face is getting beyond the "forum" stage due to a lack of knowhow. Also, after so many years of team inactivity on my part, I admit that generating content is not something I excel at. Blame real life or blame procrastination, the point is, website building is something I do for a living, so at least I know I'm somewhat good at that.
So anyway! I think the first step is to agree on the basics. I don't know if all of you would like to have some input on it, but all opinions or ideas are welcome. So, to fire up the discussion, I'm posting this thread to gather your thoughts on the matter. I'd also be able to chat with you guys if you'd prefer, but that's probably not gonna be impossible until next week (I just moved to a new apartment and I have no internet access yet, so my online schedule is unreliable for now).
Let's get on with it...
1. Structure
So far, for the sections we have the usual suspects. I don't know if you guys are gonna stick to epilogues or if there is some other type of content planned, but in any case, you have to consider the alternatives for the site structure. As you guys have probably noticed, not everything is static on the web nowadays. Even the Mechanical Maniacs have moved on to a CMS structure (stands for Content Management System, like Wordpress). So that's one option.
The advantage of a CMS is that practically anyone can add content without having to bother with code. So I think it's worth a shot if many of you are gonna be writing eps or adding stuff to the site.
Another route, is the social network alternative. It can be more complicated but it can also fit the needs for a more innovative website. You know, profiles, customizable accounts, comments, and interaction between members. This would obviously take more time, so it's probably better to plan for that in the future. Do keep it in mind if you are aiming for something bigger.
2. Design & Layouts
Regarding the aesthetic presentation of the site, this is where your input is gonna be needed the most. After all, I have no problem building layouts if I have the raw material (be it photos, art or sprites) and if the layout isn't anything too complicated (graphically speaking), but the truth is that I'm no graphic designer. I more a programmer than anything else. The good news is that the magic of HTML5 and CSS3 can help us overcome any graphic shortcomings, since there are lot of neat tricks that can make the site look snazzy with very little effort.
I think the options are to have the site heavily based on the source material (sprites, game backgrounds, official art), or something inspired on MM4 and Cossack (Russian) motifs but not entirely dependent on stuff from the game. What would you guys rather have?
I'd love to do something more bold and try the second option. We could take a look at free vector art sites like vecteezy or any other image stock sites to look for patters or possible backgrounds. OR, if anyone here is good at photoshop or illustrator, you're more than welcome to design something and throw it my way so I can implement it.
As for the layout, I think a good idea would be to keep it clean and simple. Perhaps even one of those "One Page Layouts" that are all the rage now, with the epilogues opening up in separate windows for better reading. But I might be biased, since I've been doing a lot of those recently.
Let me know what you guys think.
So anyway! I think the first step is to agree on the basics. I don't know if all of you would like to have some input on it, but all opinions or ideas are welcome. So, to fire up the discussion, I'm posting this thread to gather your thoughts on the matter. I'd also be able to chat with you guys if you'd prefer, but that's probably not gonna be impossible until next week (I just moved to a new apartment and I have no internet access yet, so my online schedule is unreliable for now).
Let's get on with it...
1. Structure
So far, for the sections we have the usual suspects. I don't know if you guys are gonna stick to epilogues or if there is some other type of content planned, but in any case, you have to consider the alternatives for the site structure. As you guys have probably noticed, not everything is static on the web nowadays. Even the Mechanical Maniacs have moved on to a CMS structure (stands for Content Management System, like Wordpress). So that's one option.
The advantage of a CMS is that practically anyone can add content without having to bother with code. So I think it's worth a shot if many of you are gonna be writing eps or adding stuff to the site.
Another route, is the social network alternative. It can be more complicated but it can also fit the needs for a more innovative website. You know, profiles, customizable accounts, comments, and interaction between members. This would obviously take more time, so it's probably better to plan for that in the future. Do keep it in mind if you are aiming for something bigger.
2. Design & Layouts
Regarding the aesthetic presentation of the site, this is where your input is gonna be needed the most. After all, I have no problem building layouts if I have the raw material (be it photos, art or sprites) and if the layout isn't anything too complicated (graphically speaking), but the truth is that I'm no graphic designer. I more a programmer than anything else. The good news is that the magic of HTML5 and CSS3 can help us overcome any graphic shortcomings, since there are lot of neat tricks that can make the site look snazzy with very little effort.
I think the options are to have the site heavily based on the source material (sprites, game backgrounds, official art), or something inspired on MM4 and Cossack (Russian) motifs but not entirely dependent on stuff from the game. What would you guys rather have?
I'd love to do something more bold and try the second option. We could take a look at free vector art sites like vecteezy or any other image stock sites to look for patters or possible backgrounds. OR, if anyone here is good at photoshop or illustrator, you're more than welcome to design something and throw it my way so I can implement it.
As for the layout, I think a good idea would be to keep it clean and simple. Perhaps even one of those "One Page Layouts" that are all the rage now, with the epilogues opening up in separate windows for better reading. But I might be biased, since I've been doing a lot of those recently.
Let me know what you guys think.
: Dustman of Cossack's Comrades
THEY'RE WALKING LIKE... a Russian
