New Paint.NET Homepage

[bEPIK]

Okay so I changed the PdN homepage (as in the actual HTML, not just a mock-up) and was wondering what you guys think about it. It's not really anything major, but I think it looks better than the one we have at the moment. It works perfectly in IE6 and it's semantically correct code. Plus the HTML and CSS files are much smaller, so the page will load faster.

Here's a screenshot of the current version:

Obviously you can visit the actual homepage to compare between the two. So tell me what you think; what do you like about it, what would you change, and do you like it better than the current website?

Download HTML Archive (Descending)

dmy10-07-10 1841 (Newest)

dmy09-07-10 1829

Edited July 10, 2010 by brad.pike

[Frontcannon]

Looks slick! Only minor changes, but they look very cool.

[TxTARUNTxT]

What I love about this page is that every section of it is an eye catcher. Excellent

[sokagirl]

I have this forum bookmarked so I don't even go to the home page ..

[chrisco97]

I like it way better than the current one.

[Sarkut]

To me the current version's right side looks cluttered/disorganized/run-together.

Alternative version:

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/6510/pdnhomepage01.png

[Zer0]

I propose you join Sarkuts one with yours.

[Goonfella]

It looks so similar and yet looks so much better with those few changes you made Brad. I like it.Nice work.

One thing I would change though is the download bit in the top right hand corner. I`d have the `Get it now' highlighted more using coloured text and a coloured button for the download part to get peoples attention.

[bEPIK]

I propose you join Sarkuts one with yours.

The attachment won't have rounded corners in Internet Explorer (they still look okay though) but in all other browsers it looks great. Unzip the attachment then double click on "index.html". I think it would also help with people mistaking ads for part of the website as well.

It looks so similar and yet looks so much better with those few changes you made Brad. I like it. Nice work.

One thing I would change though is the download bit in the top right hand corner. I`d have the 'Get it now' highlighted more using coloured text and a coloured button for the download part to get peoples attention.

Good idea, and thanks for the compliment

I didn't change 'Get it now' to red as well because people 'might mistake it for an ad'. I think I read that on useit.com but I can't seem to find it at the moment.

edit: ah here it is, number 9. Actually it's slightly different but I think the rule would still apply.

And here's the website files. Tell me what you think, better or worse?

PaintDotNet 10-07-10 1841.zip

Edited July 10, 2010 by brad.pike

[Simon Brown]

I know that this is just HTML without php or Java, but what do you think about adding an (in)visible counter. cCounter would be a perfect solution. This counter can show which alerts referrers erc. I work with this for years now and I'm happy with it!

It's already using Google Analytics.

[Mike Ryan]

I don't think Simon would have access to Rick's analytics. However, I may have something close enough to it. This is over one month's time of unique visitors that accessed SpreadPaint.NET ( ) While the sample isn't nearly large enough to gauge an accurate measurement, it should give you an idea of the browser usage amongst core Paint.NET users:

[vista?]

I think it's time to update the homepage in some manner - it does look a bit "dry" in terms of design in my opinion.

One could also argue that an updated homepage design gives the impression that there is always work being done on this software.

[bEPIK]

The Italic font is smooth at IE but not at FF and GC.

Hmm that's weird. Are you using Xp without ClearType Tuning? (IE7 smooths fonts even if you don't have CTT installed, but I don't understand why the heading fonts are smooth in Firefox ) Do other websites (on Firefox) have choppy font like the paragraph in the 'Donate' section? Does anybody else have this problem?

Edited July 11, 2010 by brad.pike

[bEPIK]

Ah bloody potato. How do you delete posts?

Edited July 11, 2010 by brad.pike

[Goonfella]

I think it looks great. I`m on Firefox and there doesn`t seem to be any problems with the font.The new page seems much more modern than the old one . I like the boxes on the right separating the different sections.Good work.

Thanks for using my idea about the download section.

Edited July 11, 2010 by Goonfella

[Crimson]

You haven't left any space for ads.

I do have to say, though, the ad placement in the current website leave something to be desired.

Edited July 12, 2010 by Crimson

[bEPIK]

You haven't left any space for ads.

I do have to say, though, the ad placement in the current website leave something to be desired.

It's a tableless design. This pretty much means that you can add another section on and the rest just slides lower down the page without affecting anything. Having adverts in box by themselves with "Advertisement" as a heading would work pretty well; making the ad look in place, but letting the user know that it is actually an ad.

Edited July 12, 2010 by brad.pike

[Crimson]

It's a tableless design. This pretty much means that you can add another section on and the rest just slides lower down the page without affecting anything. Having adverts in box by themselves with "Advertisement" as a heading would work pretty well; making the ad look in place, but letting the user know that it is actually an ad.

I should hope it doesn't use tables for layout. However, think carefully--where exactly would you put the ads? Rick has implemented three different types: Google AdSense, large graphical ads and smaller, banner strips at the bottom of each page. Currently, they are one of the main reasons the website looks so cluttered--they occupy whole spaces by themselves and are very intrusive on the actual content. Saying "oh, I'll just stick them somewhere later" won't work. You have to leave actual spaces for each one in the mockup, or you're going to have a very troublesome time finding places to put them later on.

By the way, I'm pretty sure this thread is falling on deaf ears.

[pyrochild]

Huh?

[Crimson]

I stand corrected...again.

[Rick Brewster]

I don't remember asking for a website redesign from you guys.

I do have to say, though, the ad placement in the current website leave something to be desired.

Depends on whose perspective we're talking about.

Having adverts in box by themselves with "Advertisement" as a heading would work pretty well

Work pretty well in what sense? No doubt if I implemented your ideas my revenue would fall off a cliff. Then I'd have to start charging for Paint.NET. That hardly sounds like it would "work pretty well." Money is important; I'm already getting nagged about my bandwidth usage.

Guys, shut this down already. As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, nothing's going to come of it.

[bEPIK]

Guys, shut this down already. As much as I appreciate your enthusiasm, nothing's going to come of it.

With complete sincerity I respect you immensely Rick, but I think you're making a mistake. It won't affect me or anybody else who uses PdN already, but your website isn't in the same league as your program; it might turn away potential users. Those aren't just Weasel Words.

I honestly don't see the problem.

PaintDotNet 13-07-10 2217 (ads).zip

[bEPIK]

This just my oppinion:

The underlined red dl-link destroyes the page.

Hahahaha. This thread was sort of unofficially closed. I don't think debating about the colour of the download link is very productive

[Rick Brewster]

If you may remember, I've already got a guy working on the Help/Docs website. His next task is the main site. It just takes time since we are both quite busy otherwise.

[pyrochild]

No one has a problem with you guys playing around and experimenting with the design, just don't expect anything to happen.