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Urbanroxy.com has 11 Reviews

Below are the reviews left by other members on Urbanroxy.com. Jump to review form?

KaylaMae gave it on 19th Nov 2008 and said:
First Impression
The first impression was that this was a clean, basic, blog. I could already see that you have original content like writings and resources.

Layout
The layout looks clean and organized, something I personally always appreciate. However, I don't feel as though the header texture and background texture match very well. They match in color, but seem to clash in texture.

Perhaps a simple striped, solid or simpler pattern would work better.

You could also add more variation in color. Simple layouts like this with a lot of white space tend to need more color in the few areas they allow color.

A bit more attention to detail on things like your headers (h1, h2, etc), comments, etc. could spice up the layout a lot.

Content
Blog - you write well and to the point. Keeps the reader reading.

About Me - Adequate information and well organized yet again! This may be more of a layout issue, but nonetheless: You could use some padding to the left of the text by the pictures of your kitties.
You could probably add more pictures of yourself, family, kitties :), etc.

Writings - Well written, but could add more.

Resources - again, could add more. When I check out the resources a web page has to offer, I like to see a ton of them, so I can pick and choose some that may be right for me.

Site - absolutely everything you need for a 'site' section. Very organized and to the point, well done.

So, in conclusion...
you could add more content in all areas, especially the resources. If you love writing, show it by adding more!

You could also do a lot of improvement on the layout. It doesn't look bad at all right now, but it doesn't pop out and say 'amazing' to me. If you'd like people to be impressed with your website, you have to go above and beyond the average.

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Roxy's Response:
Thank you for your review. Yes, I'm still a little unsure about the layout myself.

As for the resources, while a lot is all fine and dandy, my site is more geared to being personal and so I'm not so keen on making that area pop too much, but I will add more soon. =)

Once again, thank you for your review.
Anna_Kirstin gave it on 19th Nov 2008 and said:
------ First Impression -------
It gives the impression of being neat and organized. It doesn't really have the cluttered feel that can be such a turn off. However, it also has the feeling of being "unfinished." It's like you have the bones of a really, great start, you're just missing the rest of it some how.

Why is that white thing up there? I get the feeling you were trying to go for visual interest by adding it, but it adds to the unfinished look of the website. The area is so large that I feel as if there is some text that didn't show up or I'd have to highlight to see. If you're going to go for visual interest above your header then you should keep the area small enough not to be confusing. I would decrease the size of this area by more than 1/2. I would also expand it to cover 100% of the screen. Right now the background color shows on either side and adds to the impression that something is missing from that area.

With your background being as dark as it is, a soft, extremely light shade of gray would probably work better for your body. The white is really stark against the darker colors. A color like #F8F8F8 or something close to it would still be very light but not as bright as the white is.

I went to check your CSS for the colors you're using in your style sheet and you have your style property specified twice.

< style type="text/css" media="screen">@import "http://urbanroxy.com/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/css/ngg_shadow.css";< /style>
< script type="text/javascript"> var tb_pathToImage = "http://urbanroxy.com/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/thickbox/loadingAnimationv2.gif";< /script>
< style type="text/css" media="screen">@import "http://urbanroxy.com/wp-content/plugins/nextgen-gallery/thickbox/thickbox.css";< /style>

You only need it specified once.

I like the font used in the header text. It suits your site's name very well. That was a good choice.

-------- Text ---------
Your text is large enough to be read easily. The colors offer good contrast against the light background. No complaints here. :)

------ Navigation ---------
Your navigation area, while very easy to find, is one of those areas that strikes me as unfinished-looking. I don't know if I'm just so used to having imaged backgrounds on tabs or what. The black background on the hover is extremely hard to see on my monitor. It looks almost like it just barely adds a background shadow. I would consider using a lighter color if your going to use background hover that way. Anyone with contrast visual problems would not be able to see it at all.

The font and color also cause the text to blend in with your tag-line a little.

I really like the tab you have for your 'active' entry. I would consider using a similar tab and just making it a darker gray color for all the other 'inactive' links. That would help separate it a little bit more from the background and the text of your tag-line.

------Side-Bar--------
Your twitter could use some padding between entries. Right now, unless you take the time to read through it, it looks like one large paragraph with some links. Adding some padding between entries and maybe cutting down by one entry would make it easier to read.

Otherwise, your side-bar is neat and organized.

---------- Footer ---------
It took me a while to realize that the background color of the footer is different from the background color of the header. Their both dark and in the same color scheme. That caught me off guard.

On hover the links in your footer go to black. I would change it to a lighter gray than the existing color. Black blends in with the background too much and you always want your links to remain visible for accessibility reasons.

------- About Me ---------
I would consider adding a little bit more padding on the left side between your text and your images. Adequate space between images and text helps to add to the appearance of both. When your text is so close to your image, your image become a distraction while you're trying to read.

I would also consider adding some more padding between paragraphs.

With the images of your cats, is there any way to separate the images and then float them horizontally next to each other over the text. The image is longer than your text space and it causes the next section of your about page to appear beside the image of the kitties too. Floating the images above or below the text introducing them would solve that problem.

I like how you bold the text showing what you like. It makes it quick for someone to see without having to read through all the text of the paragraph. Most readers will not stick around to read the entire about page. They just kind of scan through it. It's good that you recognize that. :)

------ Writing -------
I would disable comments on this page. I don't think that they're necessary if you're going to allow comments on the pages that contain your written material.

I agree with your rant about "Starting a Website." Every time I design something I learn something and coding gets easier, but I'm in no way, shape, or form qualified to teach others. I dislike being told to include tutorials on a site...now I'm ranting. :P

Your writing is good. You should include more when inspiration strikes you.

------ Resources -------
I don't know much about avatars and textures, so I'll have to let someone with more experience be the judge of this section. :)

------- Site ------
Everything is nice and organized.

I would consider finding a way to inform others that a link is going to take them off your website. A lot of sites achieve this by using an image or a symbol to indicate that "this is a link that will take you off my site, go at your own risk."

I'm listed as interesting. :D

----- Overall ------
I think your redesign is off to a great start. Your text size is clear, everything is organized, and your writing and blog is interesting. I just feel the layout is missing a few details to give it a more "finished" look.

I hope you find this helpful, Roxy. :)

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Roxy's Response:
Thank you for the review! I saw that you gave quality reviews, so I was very excited to read yours. =)

I was actually inspired by your review to start from scratch on all of my website. I used to do everything by hand when I had my old domain and I can safely say it was more lively and popular then UR is now. Which saddens me as I feel I lost something with my old domain.

Anyways I will be sure to take your suggestions into consideration and implement as much as I can into my new design/website. =) Thank you!
OhPanic gave it on 18th Nov 2008 and said:
I really do like your layout but I'm not keen on the two white lines going through the layout.

A blue background comes up before the layout loads, I'm guessing this is the default from Wordpress.

The CSS is very simple and clean but your font is rather huge, but your sidebar font is small? Make them both the same size.

ABOUT ME
I like the idea of the quick links, but you can already view the basic info, so you don't really need that. Your cats are adorable though!

When I hover over 'about me' it's blue o_O Interesting..

WRITINGS
Your writing is lovely. I have nothing else to say here except again when you hover over the title it's blue.

RESOURCES
Some of your Avatars don't work, but the ones that loaded are lovely. Same with your textures and I really like the blue one.

I don't see the point in making links to pages you haven't made yet.

SITE
Very well written. Where is your credits page though? I'm sure a lot of sites have helped you along the way.

OVERALL
The content is satisfactory, but could do with some work. Get rid of the 'coming soon' pages until they are finished. Remove the green background from your layout and it will look more appealing :)

I really do like your website and I enjoyed reviewing it.

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miaWithLove gave it on 14th Nov 2008 and said:
First Impression: You site layout looks very sleek, very web 2.0. It's easy on the eyes, a very comfortable color scheme.
8/10

Css: I love the css. The text is nice and easy to read, the colors don't clash. It's very simple, very readable.
9/10

Navigation: Your site is very easy to navigate, everything was exactly were I expected it to be.
10/10

Content: Not much in the way of resources, but this doesn't seem to be the main focus of your website. You have plenty of readable content, with a regularly updated, grammatically correct, blog.
7.9/10

Things That Could be Improved Upon: Right now theres not very much content, but with time that can very easily be fixed. Also, while I do like your layout, it not the most unique thing in the world. I love the simplicity in it, but it looks a little bit like most blogs these days.
Other that that, your websites very pleasant to look at, has some nice readable content, and my visit there was very enjoyable!

Overall 8/10!

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Annaleigh gave it on 14th Nov 2008 and said:
I like the layout, but not how the green header extends past the white lines on either side of the table; I'd like it to end at the same place as the table does. I'm really not fond of the white lines either.

The css is very simple and clean, easily to find where you want to go.

I really like how the blog sort of scrolls, also, and how you can go back to previous pages.

The 'about me' section is very nice and organized, I like how you can skip to different sections instead of scrolling all the way down to find something.

(For the 28 books, have you read any of Scott Westerfeld's books? I've read the first book in the Uglies series (four books) so far and I loved it. He also has another book, Peeps, but it may not be for you if you're very squeamish -- very ... detailed descriptions of parasites, I think.)

Oh, I love the writings section. I really have a thing for sorta sappy stories. But, just to let you know, the 'book reviews' link is broken.

I'm not that keen on the resources, but it is nice that you do free hosting and domain hosting.

Ooh, also love the random quote part on your sidebar. I have a tendency to collect them. :)

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Annen gave it on 13th Nov 2008 and said:
First impression
Aww, that's a good website name, I think.. BUT! What's the blue thing in the background? Before the header image loads, it's blue. If that's easy to change (and I believe it is), I think you should do that ;) What's that grey stipe in both sides of the image and upwards? I don't get it.

Layout
It's too plain for me. It's nice on the eyes, the colour are ok, they're not bad or anything, they are just not very catchy or interesting either.

Content
About me: Hmm, I like the idea on the quicklinks at the top, BUT, you can see the two first already when the page isn't scrolled, so it's really not needed in any way. You have quite a lot to say, I like that (: Plus your cats are adoreable :b It'd be a nice feature if you linked Lissa Explains ;) You are very organized.

Writings: Your writing is lovely. I didn't read much of it, but that's a thing I might come back for another time :b You are good with words.. OMG! The hover at the title on the page is blue? :o I know this comment might be out of place, but it's an obvious mistake.

Resources: Half of your avatars don't work. That's not concidered very good. It messes up the whole site. I'd look into it, if I were you. The images that do load are nice (: .. same for your textures. By the way - making links to "comming soon"-things isn't something everyone likes. It's often better to make the link when the page is already made (:

Site: Not a lot to comment here. Things are obviously all told, you hve nice buttons and it provides the information people will be searching for under the title "site" :) Well done. If you're good with codes, some statistics would be good, or maybe showing yor old layouts to spice things up?

Final words
Keep up the good work - I've said everything I wanted, I think (: Uh, I forgot one thing! I love the quote in the sidebar! ;D

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Roxy's Response:
I'm not sure what, that was the "default look" for the pre-made I edited...although it should have been just an image...I'm going to assume its a colors background in the CSS.

Again in the writing section and probably all linked headers...it is the default pre-made code. Gotta change that!

That's strange about the avatars, as they are all loading fine for me? I'll look into it though.

Thanks again for the review! =D
jules gave it on 13th Nov 2008 and said:
First Impressions: So far just looking at your site I don't think there will be much criticism. Everything looks organised & fabulous.

Navigation: Great, I don't have to scroll down at all to find it. I like the rollover rounded tab style. If you wanted to, you could make the text slightly bigger.

Layout: The colour scheme is great, it doesn't strain the eye. Organisation of your site is good as well. Your sidebar is quite decent and doesn't go on forever.

Validation: Your XHTML is valid. Your CSS has 25 errors, that is quite alot. You might want to start on getting your CSS closer to being valid.

About me: I'd combine your basic info with your life story. Put your currently doing section at the bottom of your page or on the sidebar because people will come to this page to get a basic idea of who you are, not what you are currently doing.

Writings: Well organised! I like how you've put a description about the story and added a genre to it.

Resources: It is organised quite well.
-Avatars: Quite good. Have you credited the icon bases?
-Textures: Great textures. They are really useful.
-Free hosting: Your rules & requirements are fairly decent and don't ask for too much.

Site: Pretty basic information. Where's the credits?

Overall: Try and validate your CSS and change your about me page. Make a credits page so that the people who made the icon bases etc. get credit for them. If something is coming soon, don't link to it.

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Roxy's Response:
Thank you for your review. The layout itself is a pre-made coded, so if it has errors, not entirely my fault, but I will look into it.

In the About me, I have the basic info and life story sections for those who don't care to read the long story and just want to know the tid bits. ;)

I had the link for the avatar images and it somehow got deleted. Will be sure to add that again!
Aisling gave it on 12th Nov 2008 and said:
Okay, so, your site looks like a heavily edited pre-made. Which, is fine! At least you've edited it!

I'm not a fan of the green, but that could very well be down to personal preference. The green and brown reminds me of a tree, and I *do* like trees, so...

Your header image is pretty bland, and not something I would remember, and therefore, I would probably not remember to visit your site very often. :(

The font is far too small, but everything seems nicely spaced.

Your About Me page is well written. I would suggest some margin on your photos, because they are all crammed together. Also, the blue photo of yourself is not only very difficult to look at due to an extensive amount of brightness, but also, the blue doesn't match anything! It looks incredibly out of place.

Ooh, I also had a Sailor Moon site for a bit (I forgot, actually, that I did, until right now!), it was called Crystal Destiny. Lol.

On to your Writings page, one of my biggest pet peeves are links to things that don't exist. Don't even BOTHER putting a link to something that is under construction, please! Clicking it is a waste of my time! In any case, your actual writing pieces are well-written, and I enjoyed reading them. :)

I enjoyed your non-celebrity image avatars! MUCH cooler than an avatar of some celebrity I've seen a million times over! The textures are also very cool. And, once again, I am going to point out that you shouldn't include links to nothing. I realize that you want your resources page to look fuller, but the truth is, putting that there DOESN'T make your page look fuller, it makes your visitor disappointed that they cannot find what they are looking for!

Your Site section should have the same sort of navigation as your About Me page, for consistency. Apart from that, it's a pretty standard section, nicely organized.

Well, I enjoyed visiting your site. The layout doesn't stand out, but the content is satisfactory. :)

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Roxy's Response:
Yes, VERY heavily pre-made, although I'm in the process of re-editing it all to my OWN coding and layout. So hopefully, when that is finished you could re-review me?

Thank you for the review, I will be sure to implement your suggestions. =D
Olivia gave it on 12th Nov 2008 and said:
Hello!

First Impressions: Green! Certainly reflects the name to me - "Urban". :P Tehehe, love your random quote! The Hitchcock one is my favourite. Tehehe; â€œThe length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder.â€ Your actual blog is entertaining and I like the points you make.

About Me: Woaah, the structure of this page is perfect. Facts; a little more detail; then explanations of your passions. Perfect! The balance of facts versus detailed information makes it just right. You're descriptions seem honest and a right relection of you. I like your writing style too.

Writings: It's good that you've put your stories here. They're not really my thing but they're a neat addition to your site. Obviously very personal :)

Resources: I'm not a graphics expert in the slightest, but I will add that I would certainly use these. Your icons are nicely varied and I adore the heels one. :) A few haven't loaded for me though.

I quite like that you offer free hosting and domain hosting - despite the coming soon sign. Looking forward to this! I've noticed a fair few things are 'coming soon'.

Site: Nicely organised and pleasant! You say in your site history that the website has "been through a lot". Such as? Exciting stuff? Or simply your personal development as a web designer?

Final Comments: Very nice blog to browse although I think I would have come away feeling more satisfied if you hadn't had a few 'coming soons'! I felt your "About Me" page was the strongest, and perhaps you could incorporate more of you and your opinions throughout the site somehow. I feel like something is missing.. but I'm not sure what.. I'd suggest you add more here and there to finish of a potentially rounded, organised, and personal blog.

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Roxy's Response:
Thank you for your review! About the site history, nothing too exciting, just the whole reason why I had to delete my first domain because of spam...it was a lot to deal with and also the many faces my site has basically had. That would be interesting to write about, so I'll post that up!

Again thank you and I will take your suggestions into consideration. =)
Diana gave it on 12th Nov 2008 and said:
I like your reason for blogging~ The header is nice too.

While I was reading your about page (which is nice and attention-holding, by the way), I found some irksome things.

- You forgot the space between "and" and "Collaboration" in the "Find me on" list item.
- "Iâ€™m not afraid of anyone expect my mother and grandmother, so Iâ€™m not easily scared when it comes to people." This sentence is awkward. I would take out "easily."
- "If you have a problem with me, deal with it in my face not behind my back. Itâ€™s rude and shows youâ€™re not mature enough to face your problems." I was confused at first about this. It's rude to say things to people's faces? I would revise it as "To say things behind others' backs is rude and shows you are not mature enough to face your problems."
- More padding with images please :P
- "At the time Geocities, Tripod, and Angelfire were the â€œITâ€ hosts to have and I opened my first SM site with Geocities." ...I would type out Sailor Moon since SM means something you may not be wanting to convey.

Your stories sound beautiful :) I like where you got the inspiration for "Always By Your Side."

As for the resources, I think it's great that you provide textures and such. The dead links that are Templates, Domain Hosting, and Plug Your Site are fluff; get rid of them.

In Free Hosting, Rule 1 in unnecessary. Rule 7 as well, since I could get that information by skimming; it is bolded, after all.

Site: text links are sufficient. I see no reason to have buttons. Unless people do link you by button? Everything else is great.

Overall, I thought this was a nice blog with no bells or whistles to distract from the blog. There were some things to hold my attention like stories, but I can tell the blog is the backbone. Good job :)

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Roxy's Response:
Thank you for the review, a lot of helpful suggestions and finds, I'll be sure to implement them! =)
worldangel gave it on 12th Nov 2008 and said:
Positives:
Simple and clean. Not much distraction, which is good :)
I like the quotes and how they change from page to page!

Negatives:
The site took quite a while to load. Especially the header. It first showed up as a blue patch, only a few seconds later the green header came up.

Another thing about the header is the white lines bordering it. It sort of disrupts the flow >.< For me at least. And is there a meaning behind the splash of deep green across the header?

As for the About Me page, the panel showing the cat images is kinda out of place...I would suggest making it smaller or placing it somewhere else so that it doesn't overflow to the "Likes" section. The same thing goes for the picture you put in that page, I think it would be better if it is placed somewhere else, rather than being surrounded by the text.

Overall: It gives the impression of a very clean-cut website, with no-nonsense lolz. You can look into the few things I have suggested above :)

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Roxy's Response:
Thank you for your review!

The quotes actually change on each refresh of the page. Its a rotation. =)

As for the header, no there is no real special meaning behind it, I just like splatter looking brushes, but other then that, not much to it.

I completely understand about the border lines, I'm actually trying to find where that is in the CSS coding. This is a premade coded site and the fellow who made it, made the CSS coding a little over the top. I'll find it eventually and take it off.

Hmm, the cat images show up fine for me, I'll be sure to look into that though and fix it. Thank you again! =)