Trying out a new style - Satellite and Satellite Narrow

[John]

Steve / Sandra

Can you take a look at the new style I have uploaded please - it is called Satellite and I have also included a Narrower version of this style too. It needs the logo and a new header (which I will get sorted) but can you take a peek and see what you think.

I have also put some mouseover effects on the left hand menu that appears on the top-left of the portal page.

[Sandra]

John,

Yes I like it, wide better than narrow. I said to Jen bout the logo that's on our T-shirts I have it on disc I'll give it to her tomorrow you may be able to do something with it. it would be nice to have all the logos the same. Can you do the top of page click ons (for menu going across page) as splats of paint maybe, for child theme?
I was on a site a while ago and all the click ons had spiders on them and when you clicked on it the spider ran down a thread. Of course I can't remember which site it was. May have been the Jolly Phonics site actually....I'll check later

[John]

Hi Sandra

For the logo, buttons and other graphics I am going to run an online contest. Let me explain.

There is a fantastic www site that is specifically for web designers, programmers, artists etc that has been around for many years... nearly 10 I think... it is called SitePoint. For members with over a certain number of posts they allow them to run design contests. There are some expert designers on that site who in response to contest rules come up with their design and logo and buttons (whatever is asled for) for your site. You have to have more than 50 posts to be able to view the contest forums but I can assure you that some of the entries are simply astounding. They blow me away sometimes they are that good.

So, I will run a design contest on Sitepoint for RainbowSunbeams - perhaps you can have a think of what I can outline as expectations and criteria for the contest ie: as you have done above, childrens theme, bright, colourful, containing the name RainbowSunbeams etc...

The only down side of runnign this contest is that you are only able to see the entries on my machine so you'll have to come over here to see them and offer feedback.

Whatcha think?

[Sandra]

Although I do like the clean sophisticated looks, I personally think a more child based theme may suit us better. There's no harm in doing the contest, see what it brings.

No problem coming to yours to view them.....as long as there's food!!

[John]

Thing is Sandra, using the forum software I do on here - vBulletin - there isn't a childrens type theme available, and to have a full web template/theme designed specifically for this would cost in excess of £500+. What I am able to do though, is to use a crisp, clean theme and then try to adapt it to suit after getting a nice logo and buttons designed in a contest over at Sitepoint.

I obviously can't go all the way and get a full new theme sorted for the site (unless we win the lottery of course); but I am willing to try to get what pre-made themes I can purchase to look somewhat like a childrens theme by getting the logo's, buttons and images designed with that brief.

As you already said, in the contest I can stipulate that we want buttons that look like splash paints etc... getting a logo and buttons done professionally would cost a few hundred quid, but on Sitepoint I am willing to put up £50 for a logo and associated buttons. It's the best I can do sorry.

[Sandra]

Don't be sorry!! You'll have me feeling sad

[John]

Hi Sandra

I will set up the contest at Sitepoint later today and we'll see how they get along with a design. If we get the quality I am used to seeing from designers over there, you'll be pleased.