Website Opening Page...

[John Dunkle]

I've been asked for your opinion - so, I figured the easiest way to do it was via poll...

Please vote on the following two options for your choice for an opening page for our website:

Option #1 - current opening page (Opening Graphic - Parker of the Month winner) - Option #1 is linked here for your review/vote (http://parkerguns.org)(<- click)

Option #2 - A historical write-up and overview of the Parker Gun:
Option #2 is linked here for your review/vote (http://parkerguns.org/index_1.html)(<- click)

As well - notice I am not giving my opinion in this post, and will try to answer any questions posted in this thread.... As well - please - this thread/poll is about the OPENING PAGE DESIGN only!! Please hold your comments about other site/forum features, OK?

John

[Harry Collins]

Option 1

I would like to continue the Parker of the Month.......

Harry

[Tim Sheldon]

At first I thought option #1, with the no fuss no muss type of motif, but changed my mind to option #2. At first I thought option #2 was too buzzy and who needs all that crap until I started to read it. It is very inviting and enjoyable. I think it is very well written and thought out. JMO.
Tim

[Robin Lewis]

I think #2 would be a great "Historical Information" page rather than the "Book Cover".

[John Dunkle]

Hey folks,

Many thanks!! As well - please vote in the poll as well as posting comments, OK? As I've already voted - I can't register your vote for you.. ;)

Many thanks!!!

John

[Larry Frey]

John,
I really like option one especially the photo of the month feature but upon reading option two I could see a new person coming to the site and reading that well written and informative piece and becoming really motivated to own a Parker and perhaps joining the PGCA. My only suggestion would be to continue to use the photo of the month winning picture somewhere on the page with option two.

[Richard Flanders]

Keep it as is and put the history stuff as a button on the home page. It's great stuff but not for a home page.

[Jack Cronkhite]

IMO an opening page is the invitation to enter the site. The tabs on the left side give the various major headings that someone coming across the site for the first time can readily access and their only way into the site. Option 2 is great information and what a casual surfer, new forum member or seasoned collector might expect upon clicking "historical information". Both options serve a distinct purpose. IMO Option 1 is a fine way to present the opening page to catch attention with the "Parker of the Month" suggesting there is continuous site activity. Option 2 is a great introduction to the history when clicking on Historical Information. Vote cast. Thanks for asking John.

[Dean Romig]

My vote is cast.

...but I'd like to know who assembled and wrote that great piece for option #2? It is very well done and the author should be introduced to us so that we may know who he is.

Dean

[Robert Rambler]

I agree with Larry, Put option #1 at the bottom of option #2, I like em both:)
That gives the impression there's something new to see from time to time,encouraging more visits to the site.

[John Dunkle]

As the vote is 2:1 to 3:1 (it waivers back and forth ;) ) - I'll share my view as a PGCA Member.

My view is similar to Robin's and Richard's - and exactly mirrors Jack's.

The opening page is like a "book cover".. Make it interesting and inviting - and change the content so that it always looks "fresh". In my view, the Parker of the Month contest not only has achieved that - but, moreso - has gotten more new folks involved with this site - while, at the same time, delivering fresh content within both the forums and the opening page.

The article, at the same time - is a valuable resource, and as well - deserves a prominent link from the Historical Section Page and perhaps a link from under the opening page. However, notwithstanding its fine attributes (it is an EXCELLENT ARTICLE!!!) - it is not what I would say "engenders the new-comer" to click any further into the site content. To take Robin's analogy - I probably wouldn't buy a book with a long article pasted on the opening cover. And on a website - I probably wouldn't spend time scrolling down that opening page to continue reading...

But - that's just me - and of course, I could be wrong - hence this poll...

FWIW as well, I have received a few comments about the article "content".. Before I suggest any changes/additions to the original author - let's try to figure out together, where to place the content as the opening page or as a link from the sidebar/opening page?...

Thanks,

John

[Dave Suponski]

I agree with Robin.Leave the front page as is.And add a button for "Historical Information"

[Bob Roberts]

As a person who has dealt with photographs professionally for over 40 years I have been impressed with the improving quality and composition of the images submitted for the monthly contest. To date we have seen mostly guns and game, but that is the time of the year when most thought, effort and opportunity go to that subject. The competition has not yet run a full year and I for one am very interested to see what subjects we might see in the coming months. Just this month we have seen the first presentations of some macro work on Parker details which have the potential to almost "put the gun in the hands of the viewer". I'm for keeping the monthly photo contest going because I feel we will be seeing some terrific pictures in the future.

On the other hand I see a great opportunity for those who are more accomplished at research and with the pen than the camera. I'd like to see if there is not a way to begin capturing some of the non-photography Parker wisdom and related experience which appears on this forum almost daily, and which could accumulate and broaden the FAQ section. "Parkers that are not Parkers" and "How to tell if my barrels are cut" are two constant themes which could use a detailed analysis. Pulling up and publishing a different FAQ text each month, especially if it might relate to a month's winning photo could add interest and value to the home page - IMHO

[Greg Baehman]

I think #2 would be a great "Historical Information" page rather than the "Book Cover".

Ditto!

[Andrew Thompson]

Keep it as is and put the history stuff as a button on the home page. It's great stuff but not for a home page.

Ditto

[Dave Purnell]

I have to agree with Larry. Option #2 is a well written and informative introduction rather than a history lesson. Then again, Option #1 is a beautiful eye-catching picture that changes every month. I see no reason why they can't be both together on one page. Option #1 as the header (as they say,"a picture says a thousand words"), followed by Option #2 (a concise and well written introduction).

John, sorry to add complication, but if you call this Option#3 then it gets my vote.

Dave

[Ron Hann]

I voted to leave as is. I enjoy seeing the photos as I log in. It gives honor to the winning photo each month. Option 2 is an interesting and enjoyable read as to the history of Parker shotguns and I hope it remains as part of the website if it is not the poll winner for the opening page.

[John Dunkle]

Hi Folks,

I'm going to close this poll down - and with a tremendous thanks to all of you.

Many who voted are first timers to this site/forum and many are "Parker Professionals" - so we had a great representation!!!.

For that - the votes from both camps are clear and concise. So, Robin and I will add the article to the Historical Section in the next day or two. As well - I'll add a link to that article under the opening picture when I update it with the winner from this month, and maybe play with some more designs.

Anyway - my sincerest thanks to all of you for your comments, your taking the time to consider both versions - and for all your Private Messages and e-mails to me about this subject..

It's your input that makes PGCA "your site" - and I'm honored to host it for all Parker enthusiasts and supporting PGCA Members.

My best to all!

John

[John Dunkle]

.... I see no reason why they can't be both together on one page. Option #1 as the header (as they say,"a picture says a thousand words"), followed by Option #2 (a concise and well written introduction).

John, sorry to add complication, but if you call this Option#3 then it gets my vote.

Dave

You mean like this:


Parker Website..... (http://parkerguns.org)

Actually, after your suggestion and a few calls/e-mails (many thanks to the folks that contacted me - you know who you are ;) ) - let's try that for a while?? I think it serves all the ideas quite well..!

Many thanks - and feel free to post back any comments, OK??

John

[Dave Suponski]

Perfect......:bowdown:

[Dean Romig]

BINGO !

[E Robert Fabian]

I know, with results like this maybe the PGCA members should be sent to Washington.

[Robin Lewis]

Nice!

[Dave Purnell]

John, That looks great! Thanks,

Dave