Is the font size on the main Empire site too small?

[Kazuaki Shimazaki]

OK, I'm trying out some prototype tweaks for appearance. Let me know which you prefer:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

So whichever is fine for me. Even now, I'm not absolutely sure there was a change.

[Hardy]

OK, I'm trying out some prototype tweaks for appearance. Let me know which you prefer:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

Basically, I like the normal font size as it is, but the gray font color better.

Personally, I like the font color on the second page. It's much easier to read the text now that it's less bright. However, I feel that the larger text looks a bit unprofessional. I shrunk the font size back to where it initially was on PageBuilder and I was quite satisfied with the normal font size, but the slightly darker font color.
I read both versions of the Star Wars Armor page and found that the old one is easier to read, due to the font size. The font color on the original was less pleasing to the eye, however.
I have a high visual acuity being only 14, however.

I asked five people about which version they prefer. Albeit, they do not normally go to SD.net, so there is no bias.

• 4 out of 5 preferred the new version overall
• 2 out of 4 like the gray font color. The other couldn't notice the difference
• 4 out of 5 also preferred the smaller text size.

How's that for my pathetic little survey? Note that these people are all friends, but I didn't exactly pressure them towards one result. The responses were their own opinion. I can't say that it's entirely scientifically accurate.

[Mad]

OK, I'm trying out some prototype tweaks for appearance. Let me know which you prefer:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

The new way looks a little less cluttered. If nothing else, at least keep the new font color; it's not as harsh.

[nightmare]

The new version is an improvement.

[YT300000]

I think that the best option would be to use the new one, but shrink the main text one font size.

[Soontir C'boath]

The larger text popped me as "For Retards." But I guess I really mean is that I also think it's unprofessional looking. I like the new font color; easy on the eyes...

Keep the font size the way it was and change the color to the new color would be nice.

[Darth Wong]

All right, here we go again. Thanks everyone for your feedback. I changed the layout again slightly in order to reduce clutter (by moving both the poll and the "recent forum topics" box to the right-hand side of the page underneath the recruiting picture), and I kept the smaller font size but the darker text colour as most of you suggested. Once again:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

[Mange]

Well, Mike, I have to say that I really like the new design. It's a improvement.

[YT300000]

All right, here we go again. Thanks everyone for your feedback. I changed the layout again slightly in order to reduce clutter (by moving both the poll and the "recent forum topics" box to the right-hand side of the page underneath the recruiting picture), and I kept the smaller font size but the darker text colour as most of you suggested. Once again:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

The new one is excellent. But I'd put some SWvST threads, and maybe an OSF one into that recent discussion box.

[Darth Wong]

All right, here we go again. Thanks everyone for your feedback. I changed the layout again slightly in order to reduce clutter (by moving both the poll and the "recent forum topics" box to the right-hand side of the page underneath the recruiting picture), and I kept the smaller font size but the darker text colour as most of you suggested. Once again:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

The new one is excellent. But I'd put some SWvST threads, and maybe an OSF one into that recent discussion box.

It's a script which automatically lists the most recently updated threads in the SW and ST forums. You don't manually select threads for inclusion.

[YT300000]

All right, here we go again. Thanks everyone for your feedback. I changed the layout again slightly in order to reduce clutter (by moving both the poll and the "recent forum topics" box to the right-hand side of the page underneath the recruiting picture), and I kept the smaller font size but the darker text colour as most of you suggested. Once again:

New: http://bbs2.stardestroyer.net/Temp/Empire/
Old: http://www.stardestroyer.net/Empire/

The new one is excellent. But I'd put some SWvST threads, and maybe an OSF one into that recent discussion box.

It's a script which automatically lists the most recently updated threads in the SW and ST forums. You don't manually select threads for inclusion.

Well, in that case add in the SWvST forum. It is what the site is about, after all.

[Tribun]

The new one looks good.
Now the only trhing we need is a new poll.

[nightmare]

Better and better! Although I like the old Vader picture more..

Anyway, here's a wild idea.. we could setup a wiki and accepted editors selected among our legions could enter and edit the information into a growing article database. It would take some heat off Darth Wong and potentially be highly useful.

The drawback is that it wouldn't include his analytical articles, which only he can make anyway. But it could be a "canon database" of sorts, if we want to. Or put together that sd.net history project in a wiki. I know there's software to get for it, even free.

[Stofsk]

I feel the new page is an improvement, but I think the text could be raised slightly - perhaps just by 1 point on the font-size scale. Just my opinion. Otherwise, it's still a kickass site.

[Darth Wong]

Thanks for your feedback, everyone. I ended up going with the new layout, but with the original 12px font size.

[Howedar]

Major improvement. I love the new layout.

[Hardy]

I like the new layout myself. As you mentioned, there is less clutter with the polls and recruitment poster.

Plus, I'm finding it far easier to read the content of the site. I'm pretty much pleased with the result.

[Terr Fangbite]

Probably a little late, but the new format was definately an improvement. Why? Beats me. It just looks better to the eyes. Also if I ever do have a problem with the fonts, upping the zoom in mozilla is a sinch. Yah, lets see IE do that.

[GySgt. Hartman]

I haven't visited the main page in a while, and I like it better. There's just one thing: What kind of recruiting ad says "join us or die"? It strikes me as ... stupid, too "crude" even for the empire. You should try to appeal to a persons patriotism and love of planet; service in the GE is fun and exciting, not something you have to be forced into.

[Phantasee]

I haven't visited the main page in a while, and I like it better. There's just one thing: What kind of recruiting ad says "join us or die"? It strikes me as ... stupid, too "crude" even for the empire. You should try to appeal to a persons patriotism and love of planet; service in the GE is fun and exciting, not something you have to be forced into.

Come on! You know it kicks ass! Join us or Die is the best slogan ever. Maybe USMC could consider it....

Personally, a size 13-14 font would make it easier to read. Most people these days use 1024x738 as their resolution, since new monitors and cards support it as almost standard. Just a belated thought.

[His Divine Shadow]

Uh, no, no bigger font size is needed, heck I almost always prefer Verdana 10px for any page I am making.
Big is bad, discriminate against those with poor vision, its just darwinism on the internet.

[Howedar]

Cough cough points to date