Now, the real question is whether I will see Candlekeep 2.0 or Radio Rivendell 2.0 first...

Thank you all I think I've made up my mind to continue to work on the site today, not up for real work just yet I really hope and believe that I'll succeed with a first release during 2008. It shouldn't be too much of a problem if we take one thing at a time. What is Candlekeep 2.0?

i'm not sure, but think hawkings meaning the older design with the oranged candle, the woods, the stone interface with gold corners.

Aaha, well, that one will not make it Will perhaps add a few candles and torches. We'll see

Thank you all I think I've made up my mind to continue to work on the site today, not up for real work just yet I really hope and believe that I'll succeed with a first release during 2008. It shouldn't be too much of a problem if we take one thing at a time. What is Candlekeep 2.0? i'm not sure, but think hawkings meaning the older design with the oranged candle, the woods, the stone interface with gold corners.Nope, Candlekeep is the other forum that I frequent, which is exclusively for the Forgotten Realms campaign setting for D&D. The owner of that forum, Alaundo (named after a Realms entity), is working on a new iteration of that site as well. I also used to frequent the D&D forums, but seeing as WotC has become a company I no longer hold any respect for, I only check there every now-and-then.

Ahaa, they need an update too I've progressed pretty good yesterday, now the heading and logo is done, and worked with the middle section. I will continue even today. Work is dull so I play with my favourite hobby site Expect a new screen shot!

ok...we're expecting....a new shot...

Alright folk! New update! http://www.radiorivendell.com/images/mixed/rivendell_2_9.jpg Done this time: - Added glow to logo plus minor tweaks - Added some grunge to frames - Moved login and some statistics to top of layout to create space. Does this work? Is it a good way? - Added the trees to the the area behind the logo again - Worked at the bottom parts What next: - Add new section with new posts - Add poll section - Add tuning in buttons - Add advertisement areas - Add affiliates area - Add "what happens today" area Any ideas on where these should be located? Imagine the layout to be tall and scrollable of course

Looks incredible Elrond! Definitely can't wait to see this running! As for input on the other sections, here are some of my initial thoughts: - Add new section with new posts (Could add to the Community panel on left or perhaps in the right column... balance of the page is critical when figuring these things out) - Add poll section (Right column) - Add tuning in buttons (should be under the "Now Playing" section as they are related) - Add advertisement areas (I would say banner style ads in between the sections in the middle column starting AFTER the first section. Never have the advertising above your content in the body. Smaller square ads in the outer columns. This way you can offer a double price point advertising option) - Add affiliates area (I would say bottom of left colum or right colum depending on which area has more room. 0 - Add "what happens today" area (I like how you have this in the center column in the current layout. Why change a good thing? ) The key is to make sure the page is balanced. Part of balance includes organizing the functionality. Traditionally, links are on the left side of the page and informational widgets/feeds are on the extreme right. That leaves the center or body of your page for more verbose information such as news, announcements, etc. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the comments Dan! Will use them in the next update. I hope I'm done soon so I can start implementing it. Really looking forward to see it running For RR 2.0 we'll also be able to let certain guild members add new / modify old text content. It will be great Actually I'm really looking forward to Monday when I can continue to work on it

Oh, and one more idea I came up with... Currently everyone can see everything when logged in or not. In the new design certain areas won't be displayed until you are logged in. That way we'll not clutter the pages too much with information that you cannot do anything about. For example, the Community section in the left menu won't be there unless you are logged in. I really believe this will be an improvement for all! At least not me who will have a much simpler task updating and adding new content

Oh, and the "login form" section again. Any ideas on having it in the upper part as it is in the latest screen shot? Is it too small? Too invisible? Perhaps have it in the top of the left section? That way we encourage new visitors to register and returning members to easily login. Ideas?

Oh, and one more idea I came up with... Currently everyone can see everything when logged in or not. In the new design certain areas won't be displayed until you are logged in. That way we'll not clutter the pages too much with information that you cannot do anything about. For example, the Community section in the left menu won't be there unless you are logged in. I really believe this will be an improvement for all! At least not me who will have a much simpler task updating and adding new content FANTASTIC IDEA! And it will also encourage people to register more. Make sure that perhaps you have a "Registration Benefits" page where you explain all the things you'll have access to after you register and log in?

Oh, and the "login form" section again. Any ideas on having it in the upper part as it is in the latest screen shot? Is it too small? Too invisible? Perhaps have it in the top of the left section? That way we encourage new visitors to register and returning members to easily login. Ideas? I think it's perfect! A lot of sites are doing the same thing so it's starting to become the norm. I've always been a minimalist when it comes to that. Login forms in older versions of phpNuke and DotNetNuke were always too cumbersome IMHO... Lean and mean is the way to go for sure!

The looks amazing

FANTASTIC IDEA! And it will also encourage people to register more. Make sure that perhaps you have a "Registration Benefits" page where you explain all the things you'll have access to after you register and log in? Yes, we'll encourage the registration more in the future. A dedicated page with all the benefits listed is a great idea!

I think it's perfect! A lot of sites are doing the same thing so it's starting to become the norm. I've always been a minimalist when it comes to that. Login forms in older versions of phpNuke and DotNetNuke were always too cumbersome IMHO... Lean and mean is the way to go for sure! It's settled then! I also like the idea of "less is more". And I'll put the focus on the password field (if you are a returning user) so logging in will be quick.

Lazy days at work! I have now installed the new CMS on the new server and have started to port all data and do all adjustments in the graphical layer. It's progressing pretty nicely but it's a lot more to do before we switch. I will focus on getting what we currently have up and running on the new server and software. After that I'll start building the new functionality for the real Radio Rivendell 2.0 (or probably actually 3.0 if you remember the first green and brown site? )! The first benefits will be for me only, except that you get a new fresh design. I will be able to post news, new pages and do changes in the pages much easier and quicker. The best thing happens when YOU can participate too

It looks gorgeous! The only thing I'm not sure of is the banner covering part of the word "Rivendell" at the top.

I understand completely. I had doubts with that too. We'll see where it ends