I need feedback.

the images are distorted. The colors aren't good imho. The website is too busy. When I go there it takes forever to find out what the point of the site is (i'm still not really sure). The "Enter Screen Name" thing is pretty unprofessional. The advertisement at the top looks more like a banner than an add.. if you have to put that add up there, atleast dont put so much space under it, try and fit it into the layout of your site more. For the text I would also use a different font besides Times New Roman, and you don't need ST in front of everything.

Still need a lot of work

There's a lot going on that may not need to be there. Google, ABC News, Local Weather, TV/BoxOffice Listings, Decades Ago, and the Quiz jumble the front page with their different colours and styles.

Maybe the reason why no one comes to your chat rooms is because the layout is confusing. You really have to search and read to find out how to get into the chat, which, in itself, is overwhelming for anyone just browsing through. Also, on the same chat page you've got information about a newsletter, how to get your own free chat, and Email accounts; all of this information makes the page even more confusing.

Some suggestions. Simplify and organize! If you want to have a general website that people browse for random services or entertainment, you have to have a simple, nononsense layout. Move away from the blues; it needs more variety in colour and shade. For example, look at TWF. There is a variety in the choice of colours, and they look good together.

Get rid of the advertisement . If that's not an option, make one that goes with the colour scheme or flavour of the site.

The main logo/menu doesn't stand out, partially because of the colours. It's also hard to tell that there's a menu right under the logo, it doesn't stand out. The advertisement also detatches the logo from the site, you've beheaded yourself.

Honestly, it's a good start! You can make it whatever you want, just follow everyone's advice and work hard! Good luck!

There is a lot going on...too much, I just got overwhelmed and left
I thought the menu was part of a banner and didn't pay any attention to it.
Set the size of the image, they shouldn't be able to resize as they distort.
Could be a good site with some organisation.

Ok, here is a test page guys. I have to admit Iwas a little offended at first; However once I dug in and tried your suggestions I think I have a far better page. This is just a test and isnt listed yet. If this looks good It could be the new chat page. I have decided to go with it being a chat sit only instead of a general website since that is what people seem to focus on the most. Keep in mind this is just a test page and all the links aren't working yet. I just want to know if I am on the right track. Here it is. http://www.surftoob.net/chat/1index.html

Wow, that looks a lot better! Much cleaner, organized, easy to navigate! Well done!

Your second page is fantastic!

I think your second attempt was much better. It is cleaner and easier on the eyes, I noticed the chat functions straight away. Well done!

Thanks a million for the input guys Ive gotten alot of compliments from my visitors thanks to your ideas

I didnt see the old design, but one thing I would say is add a bit of variety to your colourscheme. Either use a complimentery colour (a similar colour) or a contrasting colour (one at the oposite side of the colour wheel) to make area's stand out.

I didn't see the old one either but I don't understand what others have been raving about here. This site looks very amateurish. That 3D bubble look went out years ago. Go for a flatter look. Get a good vector drawing program to do your logo. Do something unique and catchy with it. Use another colour. Have you ever noticed that blue is the most used colour on the web? The shades of blue look is so common, it's boring. Make sure all the pages on your site look the same.

Your chat doesn't work for me because I don't have java installed. Personally, I don't see the point of chatting with random strangers for no specific reason. Maybe that's just me though Or is there some topic area here that you haven't mentioned? You may want to promote the bit about people being able to make up their own rooms. That might attract more people.

I'm with Megan on this one, although I don't see blue but rather purple and way to much of it, also not sure where the 3d bubble is either.

You say 4 colours? purple with what could be blue links? so much purple they look purple

The logo is only just readable, the link icons aren't readable and the actual links to them are out of wack, the links are above the actual words (why use an imagemap?). I can make out 'home' and 'news', I can guess the other ones from experience of websurfing but isn't nice to make your viewers guess or workout stuff.

You also have a bad link on your irc webring link. goes to
http://www.surftoob.net/chat/ircwebring.surftoob.net
That logo and links font is probably better suited on that page, but maybe a bit to robotic

purple purple purple everywhere, links and all, only thing that isnt purple is the counter

I don't have java enabled either so wasn't able to check out the actual chat

Number one rule, never believe your vistors, it's like (if your a female) asking a male if that dress makes your butt look big, etc. Unless the guy is on a death wish no way is he going to tell her the truth, he wants to keep her happy and saying just "yes it does" is a one way ticket to the dog box.
People will actually lie to your face so as not to offend you. I'm not saying we are right and everyone else is wrong, just saying you need to look at the negatives more seriously than the positives.
Remember we learn from our mistakes and everyday is a learning day

Good point on the nave bar links. My personal opinion is too much color is distractive. All I want is for people to know what they are doing. I like the color. I think it works. I thinks its shaded in the right places and is consistent. Ive seen sites much bigger than mine who have the most horrible colors. I dont know if I should name them here, my point I guesse is give me a real reason to change my colors. I dont think it will distract from the content at all.

I think the thing with "4 colour" layouts is they are normally four complimentary colours not 4 shades fo the same colour. The colour choice you've made doesnt annoy me or even affect me. I don't sit there and go wow I like that colour scheme. its just a washed out blue.
Have a think about it, take everyones advice with a pinch of salt and go for what you like or think looks good, but be prepared for people to say they don't like it. That is afterall the point of these forums,

DJ

Ahhhhhhh..... ok ok. Just to entertain the idea, I tried some colors. http://www.surftoob.net/1exp.html This is an experiment and is not the main page. I want to know what people think of the new color scheme and logo before I change anything again.

Hmmm, I feel bad saying this but it doesn't look good. I've never liked red text on black, it just shouts ameatuer to me (dont ask me where i've got all my preconceptions from).

The blues worked, you just needed to bring a complimentory colour.

try http://colorschemer.com and have a play with some of the colours it suggests

DJ

Hi there,

The site contects look good, my only issue is the text, the tone of the text on the background make the site difficult to read, regading the traffic, you need to work on your link popularity, another site validating your site for your search terms will make all the difference.

Hope this helps

The new banner is so much more professional.

I don't like the font color. If that helps.