well Jon, the way I see it (& I didn't meant to criticise as much as observe
in the first place, as I don't now) simplicity can be done with style or
with less style. since it was already mentioned earlier, I think
poets.orgis a good example of a simple but clean & appealing look.
minimalism is part
of this of course, & the point on sight impairment is valid (so are the
majority of the site's visitors elderly, or shortsighted?) but as far as I
know, every browser has the ability to have the text on any website enlarged
at the user's will. I use firefox, so just by pressing ctrl & '+' a few
times I can magnify any site's text many times over. this is a feature that
was more than likely invented precisely for the sight impaired;
functionality is key of course, but I'd rather go look for another site
that's as functional but more actual fun to navigate.
Joanna's friend's attitude probably does make her miss out on good resources
if stylishness is her #1 priority; but then, with style comes an impression
of professionalism. not so say that poetrykit isn't professional or high in
standard of content (the listings, competitions, events &c are all readily
available, and while the amounts of listed events & such are limited, as is
understandable, I've not seen a compilation of information quite this
centered before), just that it doesn't come across as being so at first.

bottom line is, if it benefits someone then good. :)

KS

On 08/01/07, Jon Corelis <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> I don't understand the criticism of the poetrykit.org site as being
> rudimentary.  For some time now there's been a feeling that sophistication
> in web site design means simplicity -- for an example, see the most
> popular
> web site in the world, google.com.  Unfortunately, the only people who
> seem
> not to hate whirligig graphics and intrusive mouseover boxes are web site
> designers.
>
> As for poetrykit.org, the only thing I'd change is to make the welcome
> page
> simpler -- it seems cluttered and hard for a newcomer to figure out.
> Compare for instance the welcome page of www.poetrymagazine.org.
>
>
>
> --
> ===================================
>
>   Jon Corelis     www.geocities.com/jgcorelis/
>
> ===================================
>