Are Layout Previews Needed? Options

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Hey Everyone,

I have my own free graphic/layout site and have been making some changes to it lately. One of which is to allow many of the layouts to have versions for both MySpace profile types. Problem is, now I'm not sure whether to do working previews for BOTH types on each layout. That'd mean 3 pages per layout, which'll be huge as my amount grows..

So, here's my question:

Do you feel that a working preview is necessary, as long as there is a full-size screen cap to look at?

If you do, then would it matter if only one profile type is shown in the preview (considering the layouts are basically the same)?

I really appreciate your help and feedback. I really can't decide what to do.

[Mikeplyts]

Well, I'm not really sure but most people would prefer to have a working preview so they could view the layout in action. I've seen some sites that just made their screenshot expand when it's hovered with, which I believe you need Javascript to do. Idk, you don't really need one but it is usually prefered.

Oh, and, you could also just use one page and use PHP Query stings to make the layout preview. Just search it up on google or something. Oh, and btw, PHP Query strings are like the little variables and such that come after the extension on a page. Like so: http://www.example.com/path/to/file.php?variable=value&watevr=sumtin (Note that you should have a .php extension.)

Good Luck.

[schizo]

I usually don't use layouts from sites that don't have live previews. You never know what they'll look like on your computer, and I like scrolling and really getting a good look. It's a pain to have to go through the trouble of putting it on your profile just to see what it looks like live.

If it's the space that's concerning you, make freewebs acounts to host them.

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Thanks for the feedback so far, guys. I appreciate it. :)

I'll have to look into the php query thing, thanks!

[karmakiller]

I usually don't use layouts from sites that don't have live previews. You never know what they'll look like on your computer, and I like scrolling and really getting a good look. It's a pain to have to go through the trouble of putting it on your profile just to see what it looks like live.

If it's the space that's concerning you, make freewebs acounts to host them.

I agree with this.

Live previews are nice because it shows what it will look like on your computer, you can see interactive details that might go missed in a screen cap, and you also know what you see is what you get (so there's no misleading with screen caps).

[superstitious]

I have never used a layout that didn't have a preview. There's nothing worse than going through the long process of adjusting your site to work with a layout (ie, MySpace divs and switching out id#'s), only to find that the layout looks like hell in actuality.

[tokyo-rose]

I've gotten really used to using layouts that have live previews. I like being able to see the rollover effects and things like that.

[CrimsonSkyGraphi...]

Thanks everyone. I guess I'll keep the previews, then. :)

[Blaqheartedstar]

previews convince your visitors to use your layout, they get to see everything about it before they put it on their own profile.
But the hassle of losing space, that's why its great to have a script. that way the preview page is just one page and stays one page no matter how many layouts toy have.
when i didn't have a script, i use to depend on freewebs for my previews. it worked but it became a hassle especially when i had to make some changes.