timjpriebe — Mon, 22 May 2006 12:36:29 +0000

I'm partial towards the first layout. Mainly because the lists make those items much easier to read than when they're run all together like on the other layout.

ablaye — Sun, 21 May 2006 06:32:37 +0000

I changed the logo and now have two different layouts for my main page. I would like to have your opinions as to which one looks better:

http://www.project4hire.com/index.php
http://www.project4hire.com/index1.php

Thanks

ablaye — Mon, 08 May 2006 00:03:43 +0000

mayek wrote: The visual images are not strong enough. The "digital boy" image under new clients does not really convey anything about the subject and so is distracting. Images should be used to emphasise or add impact not detract from the key message. The "speckling" also makes it look like a low quality image which does nothing to improve the overall look of the site.

Ok, Good point. The images suck. Will try to look for better images to replace them. I suck at graphic design.

surg — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 20:22:51 +0000

Very cool site
but a bit cramped i think, but the info is good
geocities.com/surgmcq

mayek — Wed, 26 Apr 2006 09:41:31 +0000

The visual images are not strong enough. The "digital boy" image under new clients does not really convey anything about the subject and so is distracting. Images should be used to emphasise or add impact not detract from the key message. The "speckling" also makes it look like a low quality image which does nothing to improve the overall look of the site.

I went to the effort of signing up and found the process pretty easy and straightforward. However, I did not feel that there was sufficient information to let me know why I should sign up, what my obligations would be, how much I would be expected to pay in "finders fees" etc. You really have to dig to find it as it is buried in the terms or at the very bottom of the page - by burying this stuff you reduce the chance of companies signing up - there needs to be a strong sales hook on the front page to get interest.

I know its chicken and egg stuff, but the low level of current projects undermines credibility of the site. Perhaps you could make this information available only after someone has signed up so that it does not act as a disincentive.

The colour schemes work for me, and I understand the need for small text on this type of site. When selecting larger font sizes it was interesting that the "about Project4hire" text at the top of the page did not change size - perhaps you think visualy impaired users dont need to know what its all about.

Overall though, the poor branding and lack of a decent logo makes this look like a data mining exercise for spamming purposes which will stop many people from signing up (just thinking I shouldnt have done it now in case thats exactly what it is) and you will need to work hard to build the momentum that a project like this needs.

A header graphic might help

webexplosion — Sun, 23 Apr 2006 04:36:53 +0000

ablaye wrote: Hello,

Please review my new site http://www.Project4Hire.com
I bought the script and changed a few things around to get the layout that I want. What do you think about the colors??? And the layout of the site??? Is it pleasing to the eye? Do you have any suggestions about how it looks or the content of the site.

All suggestions/critique will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Your layout is very clean and the navigation is clear. However, with the number similar sites like this cropping up, you would want to set yourself apart from the rest. What this site lacks is sufficient visual branding. In this case, a dynamic header graphic would create a more upbeat image. This will also give your site more personality. :light:

ablaye — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 15:46:06 +0000

kahouty wrote: Only thing I didn't get was the bidding. A project is posted with an approx. budget and it looks like people are offering $3000 jobs for $200 budgets.

The client posts how much he is willing to spend. Contractors may post what they are willing to charge to do the job. However, if you bid more than someone is willing to pay, you are likely not to be selected for the project.

ablaye — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 15:43:59 +0000

kahouty wrote: Whats the business model going to be? Ads like everybody else?

The business model is that registering, posting projects and bidding on projects are free. However, when a contractor gets awarded a project, he pays project4hire.com a small percentage of the final value of the project.

Nice site

krash — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 13:54:13 +0000

Your site is very professional looking, and easy to navigate. My only concern would be your blue text on your light blue background. If your sold on the colors of your text and background you might want to try just increasing the size of the text. I myself have no problem reading it with my screen resolution set at 1024X768 but aging eyes might find it tough to read in a relaxed position in thier chair.

kahouty — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 23:22:34 +0000

Yes. Not a bad start at all. Colors aren't in your face, its VERY easy to get the gist of the site and a few clicks in she looks 100% functional and pretty fast. Whats the business model going to be? Ads like everybody else?

Only thing I didn't get was the bidding. A project is posted with an approx. budget and it looks like people are offering $3000 jobs for $200 budgets. Is it just like an inverse classified or am I just uber confused?