Glisten, almost done... Options

[Mikeplyts]

Ok, so I've ultimately decided what layout I want to use for my website redesign. It's a grungy-like layout, and I really like it, but there's just one friggin' problem. I usually have a sidebar where not-so-important content is placed. This content will include/includes advertisements, affiliates, updates, and the like. I really like the layout how it is but I have no idea where to place my sidebar content. I'm trying to not have it placed in an actual sidebar, but I have absolutely no clue as to where I would place it, position it, and in what it will be inside (if it has some sort of container). I'm stuck and I would really appreciate if you guys can help me out on this issue.

click to enlarge

Also, don't hesitate to give C&C if you'd like. Thanks.

[markmejia]

mm i like the whole vignetting/dramatic lighting idea. but you can definitely use better fonts. the fonts im seeing here look way too generic, esp. the nav.

[Mikeplyts]

mm i like the whole vignetting/dramatic lighting idea. but you can definitely use better fonts. the fonts im seeing here look way too generic, esp. the nav.

Meh, I'd prefer generic, it seems to be more (somewhat) appealing than those fancy, decorative, overrated fonts. Any ideas on where I could place that sidebar content, except not in a sidebar?

[deteam]

i like it, and maybe place it at the bottom ?



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Subliminal

[none345678]

I %101 agree with Mark about the font. For the side bar stuff just put it all on a separate page.

[brooklyneast05]

looks pretty good. abbey told me that she would like it better if it was all comic sans, but i told her that yours looked better as is. don't listen to her.

[none345678]

You're lucky I can't edit post anymore, mister.

[Mikeplyts]

I %101 agree with Mark about the font. For the side bar stuff just put it all on a separate page.

I really can't do that because if I plan on having content such as advertisements and affiliates, that content should be displayed on every page.

[markmejia]

Meh, I'd prefer generic, it seems to be more (somewhat) appealing than those fancy, decorative, overrated fonts.

not all fonts are fancy/decorative/overrated. i'm talking about the simplistic, modern-looking, but still-not-generic fonts.. fonts like Swiss Light Condensed or AvantGarde LT or FrancophilSans.

[venti-anemoi]

I think a sidebar would mess up the flow of the layout. I agree with deteam; put it at the bottom.

[Mikeplyts]

i like it, and maybe place it at the bottom ?



Stay Up
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Subliminal

I think a sidebar would mess up the flow of the layout. I agree with deteam; put it at the bottom.

Yeah, I could see it there, but, that would make it seem like less important content. I wouldn't want to make it seem like my content (which is for public use and viewing, nonetheless) is more important or "better" than advertisements (which I'm actually getting paid for, or will get paid for).

[fixtatik]

Look at it this way: do you want advertisements and affiliates (which lead people away from your site) to be considered equal to or greater than the value of the site your visitors are on in the first place? Using a sidebar makes them seem equal, possibly even more prominent if you stick to using white/bright images on a dark layout.

Same deal as before...think about where you want your visitors to look. First impression is above the fold, and you don't really want to send off the effect that you're only about advertisements and affiliates. Your navigation blends in as it is, so eyes first go to the content that you created. After the content, they should go back up to the navigation so they can go to more pages on your site. When they're done, either leave by pushing the "X", or by visiting one of the advertisements or affiliates at the bottom of the page.

[technicolour]

mm i like the whole vignetting/dramatic lighting idea. but you can definitely use better fonts. the fonts im seeing here look way too generic, esp. the nav.

THIS.

Like, word for word.

[manny-the-dino]

I second Mark's response. It looks really nice but it'd look even better with different, more exciting fonts.

[HakunaMatata]

Look at it this way: do you want advertisements and affiliates (which lead people away from your site) to be considered equal to or greater than the value of the site your visitors are on in the first place? Using a sidebar makes them seem equal, possibly even more prominent if you stick to using white/bright images on a dark layout.

Same deal as before...think about where you want your visitors to look. First impression is above the fold, and you don't really want to send off the effect that you're only about advertisements and affiliates. Your navigation blends in as it is, so eyes first go to the content that you created. After the content, they should go back up to the navigation so they can go to more pages on your site. When they're done, either leave by pushing the "X", or by visiting one of the advertisements or affiliates at the bottom of the page.

*searing. into. brain.*

About the design, I'm going to go with everyone else on the font front. Not explicitly because it's generic, but because the font looks too much like the font in the content. Matchy-matchy bugs me.

[Mikeplyts]

About the design, I'm going to go with everyone else on the font front. Not explicitly because it's generic, but because the font looks too much like the font in the content. Matchy-matchy bugs me.

But, Nonmatchy-nonmatchy bugs me as well. But yeah, okay, I guess I could look into looking around for some different fonts.