Hi Allen,
Before I get on to the review, about the frameset thing. There are various ways of getting around this :
1. What you can do is use a JavaScript call to force the page into a frameset -
<html><head>
<script language="JavaScript">
if (top.location == self.;location) {
top.location.href="yourframesetname.html"
}
</script>
</head><body> (rest of content)
2. The CGI solution is fine too.
Note, however, that quite a few people don't like being 'forced' to use frames and will click out of your site immediately.
3. Create links at the bottom of each page (imitating the buttons but not actually using them) so that people who don't want to use the frameset can still navigate the rest of the site.
4. Create a link at the top of a page (underneath the title, for example), saying something like "If you don't see the buttons on your left, please click (hyperlink)here".
Those are your methods. Personally I think it's unnecessary to use frames unless there's a very good reason for it (since browsers will now cache buttons and tables offer flexible layouts anyway).
Anyway, on to the review.
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Browser : MSIE 5.01
OS : Win95
Browser resolution : 1024X768
Speed : cable
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Disclaimer : these are all purely suggestions and you don't have to act on them if you don't wish; however, the suggestions I have below are aimed at increasing usability and the design of the site, with the ultimate result of being a site to return to for a visitor.
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:bawling: <--- problem areas
:agree: <--- great work
1. Initial impressions : site is OK, but fairly amateurish. Doesn't feel like it has a professional feel, but the 'homey' feel suits the site.
2. :bawling: Consistency, consistency! I can see at least 2 or 3 different fonts and sizes on the same page. Not a good idea and it contributes to the 'amateurish' feeling - stick with either Verdana or Arial.
3. Horizontal bars are passe - get rid of them.
4. :bawling: You have borders appearing on some of the logos which are linked to outside sites - get rid of them by using <IMG SRC="blahblah.gif" BORDER="0">
5. Design wise : as I said before, it's OK, but not exactly inspirational. It's not really enticing enough to make me go to the shop unless I was a really big enthusiast.
6. Usability wise : :agree: It's quite easy to get around the site *with* frames, and links are quite clear. Not too bad at all.
Overall : the site has plenty of potential, but it just doesn't feel entirely 'inspiring' at the moment, which suggests something 'extra' is needed to give the site a real lease of life.
