Pro site prototype

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 12 Dec 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

allibee	12 Dec 2002
Hi guys Well, thanks to all the encouragement from you all I am spreading my professional wings onto the internet with my own site. This is just a holding page while the real site gets built, but you can find it hosted without a single pop up on my new domain of: www.tarotpeople.com .......... pretty cool addy hehehe I'd be interested on receiving your very first impressions and yes, it's supposed to be like that *LOL* In case you are interested, it is all done by html, which is why it loads so quickly. Thanks allibee

jlbvt	12 Dec 2002
It looks good so far! Maybe you could put some Tarot Images on it, either your own or with permission of course. I assume you will be giving paid professional readings? Congratulations on taking the big step. I have only been reading for myself and family/friends for 2 years (on and off, I had a baby too so I don't have much time) I am nowhere near good enough to do it for money. Wouldn't that be fun though? I guess you will find out soon enough! Also, you may want to include an Aeclectic link http://www.aeclectic.net/tarot/linktoaeclectic.html Whether your customers would be interested in this site, I don't know...

allibee	12 Dec 2002
Thank you for the encouragement, although it is only a holding page while the other gets built, which is quite nearing completion. Its a real knock yer socks off looking site the one in progress - doubt you'll see anything like it on the web .... I hope! The only thing the prototype and the real site have in common are the colours. I have on my files a banner for Aeclectic so that should be no probs. Once again thanx for the encouragement and good luck on your own tarot journey. allibee

Scorpion	12 Dec 2002
Definitely looking good, Allibee! I await the finished site with great interest.

allibee	12 Dec 2002
Thanx Louise OK...... for the BRAVERY test...... gulp...... a few people here before advised me to put a photo of me on the real site for a personal touch, hellsbells *lol* - Good grief, nobody is allowed to see me - but there are only two in existance where I dont look like Golem....my preciouuuuuusssssss...but we at la hacienda can't decide which would be less frightening for potential customers. So I leave it to you peeps and your infinite wisdom...... http://hometown.aol.com/allibeeee/me.html these are before Photoshop treatment I may add - hehehehe allibee

Red Emma	12 Dec 2002
I like it a lot because: 1) The bright colors are not only eye catching, they create in the viewer a response of warmth and interest. 2) It has your own kind of off-beat, no nonsense personality. I particularly like your writing style for a tarot counselor. It too, is original, literate, and speaks directly to the client with understated humor, good will, and compassion. 3) I like the fragment of a "case file." It gives the reader some idea of your breadth of understanding. 4) So many of the sites of tarot readers and astrologers only list the owner's education and experience. I've long thought that such promo material doesn't give the reader, and hopefully client, any access to the reader's abilites and depth of perception. Yours will really stand out in that crowd. Best wishes, Red Emma

allibee	12 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Red Emma 3) I like the fragment of a "case file." It gives the reader some idea of your breadth of understanding. You should do... it's yours ;) I edited it so not to name names, I hope that is ok with you.... darn, should have asked first, I know its my copyright from my original word document, but it's part of your reading..... the same with Vianne, hope it's ok with you guys. Thanks for your support Red Best wishes, as always allibee

rota	12 Dec 2002
"Golem"? We should all look that good. I'll vote for the floaty misty one on the right. No, wait - the gold no-nonsense one on the left...! Hey, I know... I'll let the cards decide. ( shuffling....) (drawing....) and your card is: (intake of breath...) the 3 of Wands. (quizzical frown. noting that the figure is facing away from camera.) hm. Well, it's a fire card, not Cups or Swords or Pents, so I think it means the lefthand image. Does that help? And best of luck on the site! I'm hoping for occasional updates, so we can get a flavor of what you're experiencing.

dangerdork	12 Dec 2002
allibee, you look beautiful in both! I think the one on the right is a little more mysterious and spiritual, though.... just this dork's opinion

bec	13 Dec 2002
sorry for being a jerk taking it all down to earth, but my 2-krone on those pics is in general; Too much glamerous jewelery and make-up. Where is the person in this ? Left side pic; dark and kind of like "Days of our lives" or Joan Collins wannabe. Though if having to choose, I would believe more in this one than the right sided pic. This is so "sainty" I wouldnt believe a word you are telling me, like the tv shows with the "hallelujah-preasts" smeering you with humbug to get money from you. I know hard hard critique, and it comes from the heart. I dont mean to hurt you, just earnestly give my oponion. My suggestion would be to maybe take a new picture of you, with out the "right and normal" jewelery, not to much make-up - if you dont like it, make it black and white. You have the face to look gorgeous and trustwothy all together, you can use your imagination to become the one your site is standing for. If these 2 pics represents that, well then that is what you should use - IMO they are just another hoax.

allibee	13 Dec 2002
Thank you for all your opinions, I do value them. Actually bec, maybe a B/W would not be a bad idea after all.... not too sure about why you say my site will be "another hoax", or do you mean me? I know on another thread you have a pretty dim view of us Cancerians, in the fact you think we are masters of illusion and deceit, do you think my site is a hoax? allibee

bec	13 Dec 2002
allibee, oh no, I am not talking about your site at all - only answering your Q bout pictures. What I mean with another hoax, is the pictures looking like the rest you will find on the net. Pics all shinned up, really trying hard to be - to look honest and trustworthy. All that hard work is for no good IMO, as they scream " I want your money". A simple none glamerous "this is me" pic will give what you try to get - be natural and your self. Get my drift ? Read my post again bout cancerians :) I also wrote if one is lucky they will be blessed with what is behind the armor. Yea I might be dim in me choice of words - but thats me, no sugar coats. I like many cancerians, and I still talk with folks wearing pretty jewlery and make-up ;) that is not my point at all. What makes a divination/tarot/spirituality site trustworthy - not spooking costumers of as you say. Be natural. You got nothing to proove, nothing to hide - be your self and let the pic show just that - that will make them wanna look closer. I would never call you a hoax !! On what basis should I do that ? :) I was talking bout the pic :)

allibee	13 Dec 2002
I'm totally cool with that, I obviously got the wrong end of the stick as it were. It is easily done on the internet, as has been demonstrated on loads of other threads here *LOL* Thanks for explaining... I get your drift :D allibee

Scorpion	13 Dec 2002
Allibee It's always good to put a face to a name but if you're like me and totally camera-shy it is always going to be a big step. I like the idea of b&w as it can be very flattering (here speaks the photographer - I worked out a long time ago the way to stop people taking my picture was to be the one behind the camera!). Done properly the effect should be really tasteful. Just a shame we're at opposite ends of the UK! As Bec said, you obviously do have the looks to carry it off, it's just a question of which picce to go for - unless you think it's worth having it redone? I think if I were going to b&w I'd probably go for the one on the left as the one on the right is already blurred which would probably just end up as unsightly grey. Perhaps someone with more experience than me would like to comment? This is such a big project for you - you must be very excited. I'm sure you'll do well whichever picture you choose! Louise

Macavity	13 Dec 2002
Being appreciative of the fact this is a HOLDING page here are my thoughts. Perhaps it's better to avoid any picture controversy? Pics do tend to evoke some sort of "emotional" response. :) I'd tend to be wary of this if you are going to run your enterprise from home and give out addresses and telephone numbers etc. I recall someone at MY workplace had the "great" idea of putting up (optional) pictures of IT staff members on our company website. Over 90% of female staff promptly (agreed to?) decline the option! Had I thought about it longer, I (unphotogenic and male) might have done so too! :D On another debatable point, your knowledge and expertise with layers and CSS2 etc. are admirable. But having been though this (inner) discussion myself, I still WONDER if you wouldn't be better off with a single (or sliced) graphic for the splash page? Even in these times where 90%+ of users are viewing your site with Explorer under WinWhatever, there are still "strange" people (like me!) that are wont to use linux and some obscure browser. I can guarantee these will "throw a wobbly" at even STANDARD CSS and small fonts, no matter how skillfully crafted the html - and sadly with my setup the page WAS almost impossible to read :( Aside: I think a graphic might also be used to advantage. You can then make the text slightly "indistinct" to just give tantalising HINTS about what you are saying? The problem I face with clear HTML text is an immense temptation to READ it! The fact that it overlaps lead me (initially!) to assume "something had gone wrong". I might not have progressed further into your site? Fwiw I do use a steam-powered 56k modem and (for me) you could still get away with 60k's worth of gif loading time if it looks as good as I anticipate it will! :) As a "techie" I am always interested in DESIGNER responses to the above. I certainly have NO formal training in the latter. Doubtless (as they often say) ultimately it will be the CONTENT that matters. I do note one can spend much time obsessing(?) over technical aspects! Heck, I can't talk - MY own "millenium" (sic) website is still, as they say, "under development"! }) Mac

Red Emma	13 Dec 2002
Geez, I just cottoned on to the idea that there are pictures! I definitely prefer the blonde on the right. She's looking off into the distance as if she's getting subtle insights from the great beyond. The jewelry and makeup? They're just right. Red Emma

Trogon	14 Dec 2002
Looking great so far allibe... and yes... the domain name is great! As for the picture... hmmm... I tend to lean towards the one on the left... but I prefer women with darker hair. })

jlbvt	14 Dec 2002
I only read a few words from the overlapping type! I found it was so small, I had to lean in close to see it. I did like the idea though, being something I hadn't seen anywhere else before. It makes you seem more scientific and down-to-earth and modern too. It's a totally different look than I expected.

allibee	14 Dec 2002
aha jlbvt, you fell for the old curiosity killed the cat ploy of getting engrossed by something you can only just make out *LOL* Then, when I've reeled you in, you notice, 'hey, this is a bit different from all the others. A lot of thought went into this, and wow, these are real readings' - well, thats the general idea anyway *LOL* Thank you everybody for the input so far, and thank you Macavity. I'm definately on the design side and taught myself html. You any good with flash? The idea was for it to be fast loading but as colourful and eyecatching as an image. Thought: what if I load the text areas individually as gifs that are blurry, and when onmouseover the gif disappears leaving the text focused? I wondeeerrrrrrrrrr.... click, whirl, clunk (gears and cogs start up in brain vicinity) *LOL* Thank you all, I'll keep you posted with updates as and when. I hope to have the 'site proper' up and running over the Xmas period as I know from bitter experience what a hard time it can be. (Men, eh. Who'd 'ave them? I dunno ;)) allibee

Sea Sprite	14 Dec 2002
Hi allibee Congratulations on your new venture! :) Sea Sprite :CL

Sea Sprite	14 Dec 2002
Hi Allibee, Keep up the good work on the website! :) Sea Sprite :CL

Teal	15 Dec 2002
Well, I personally think you're beautiful, my dear, and I don't think there's a thing anyone could genuinely say to the contrary! I disagree about there being anything at all "too-----too" about either picture. The picture on the left is wonderful-----so is the one on the right. I think the one on the right might be a little too blurry, but some amount of blur to make you look ethereal would be suited to doing readings with tarot, don't you think? Either one you use will be very expressive of you, I think, and a great addition to your web page.

Mystica	15 Dec 2002
Allibee, I like both pictures a lot. My advice would be to use the one that YOU are most comfortable with. It's tough to select a picture for something like this. This is the image that will represent you in the minds of people who will never see you in person. **Little voice says, in a sarcastic tone; "Wow, Vianne, that should really make it easier for her to decide, you're really helpful!" :rolleyes: Well, I just mean that you are lovely in both pictures. But, it's a choice that only you can make. Not to worry, it will be the right choice! :D

allibee	15 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Vianne **Little voice says, in a sarcastic tone; "Wow, Vianne, that should really make it easier for her to decide, you're really helpful!" :rolleyes: hehehehehe I love your sense of humour so much Vianne, you remind me of me;) allibee

Demonesse	15 Dec 2002
Hmm. I prefer your look in the one on the left (I assume it was taken during younger days? You look very nice there.) but the lighting is rather bad; in the one on the right, the makeup looks rather heavy (the brown brows are rather unnatural looking with the platinum blonde hair). But for the sake of clarity and the fact that čtherealness, so to speak, sells if you`re planning to offer paid readings, go with the blonde. Brunettes rule! ;P

lawguy51	16 Dec 2002
The left one. :D Stunning!

DarkElectric	16 Dec 2002
Hi Alibee! I like the bold, warm colours of your site, very eye catching. As far as photos, I suggest the one on the left. It's a more current look. The one on the right seems sort of early 90's. The more "Now" the better, ya know!

Macavity	16 Dec 2002
Quote: Originally posted by allibee ...and thank you Macavity. I'm definately on the design side and taught myself html. You any good with flash? The idea was for it to be fast loading but as colourful and eyecatching as an image. Thought: what if I load the text areas individually as gifs that are blurry, and when onmouseover the gif disappears leaving the text focused? I wondeeerrrrrrrrrr.... click, whirl, clunk (gears and cogs start up in brain vicinity) *LOL* allibee Well, the great thing is you get the casting vote, Right? Yeah, I did do some things with Flash once. Three days to get an orange blob to do a few gyrations across the screen? LOL :D I get the impression you would normally use one of these preprocessor programs with inbuilt transforms these days? It seems to be less popular these days - Except perhaps for the famous VIKING KITTENS site! LOL. Funny how the web is... all these technologies and you have to design for the lowest common denominator. ISTR a discussion on a web design group where a guy presented his site advertising his programming services. He had a "listing" as a backdrop. Same problem - did he want some NERD to point out there was a comma missing in line 3025? ISTR the common wisdom was to make the text very low contrast - White on sky blue or something? :D Hmmm - It's a nice idea anyway, which would be fun to see done well. Doubtless you can get rollovers to be *reasonably* browser independent too... If you announce the "birth" here, I'll run it through my mottly collection of obscure browsers and let you know what I see. Have Fun! M :D Darn... can't get the link to the viking kittens to work tonight :(

Alex	18 Dec 2002
allibee I have noticed that under the section "about me" there is no name to attach me "me" to. I would encourage you to sign it below, and if possible, to give yourself a "real" name. I must be paranoid but I would be weary of paying someone to read for me if I didn't feel like that person had an identity and that I could find him/her in the "real world". See, would you go consult a doctor or therapist/counselor over the net if you could not find his/her name on the yellowpages, or insurance catalog or any other "real" source? Just a note, hope that helps Alex.

allibee	19 Dec 2002
Thanks Alex... does that mean you've seen the NEW nearly finished but for the text all singing and dancing FLASH site? if so, how long did it take to load.?..did it seem ok that length of time? or where you just about to give up? It's ok, I agree about the name, but for personal reason's referring to my children and their safety from a certain person, I have to be veeeeerrrrrry careful what I put down re my name, so although I intend to do it, I'm not sure of the particular name to go with if you follow my drift. I have a real name, and the name I changed to several years ago, which is Nina Beaumont btw, it just looks so ODD seeing it on the page though because inside I keep screaming 'that's not me' *shrugs* Thanks for reminding me to think on it some more :) allibee

Alex	19 Dec 2002
an "artistic" name if you wish but just looking like a name puts people more at ease. I agree that real info over the web is a problem but it should not go so different than having it on the phone company catalog or at the ad of a journal. It took me a while to load but not unberable. Just a bit more than usual. Alex.

allibee	19 Dec 2002
Thanks a lot Alex allibee

The Pro site prototype thread was originally posted on 12 Dec 2002 in the Talking Tarot board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Talking Tarot, or read more archived threads.