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