One of the reasons I created this blog in the first place was because it would be MY space - where I could do whatever I wanted to, without having to please a client's wishes. It's a great place for me to test new ideas out. But you know how if you're the only one working on a project - graphics, websites, writing, newsletters - whatever it is - how it's impossible for you yourself to be objective about what it looks like, sounds like, reads like, etc?
I've had tons of comments about different layouts I've had on this site (Jeff still loves the swing one the best ... maybe because it was my whimsical side?) - I think the Windows Madness theme that I had up in 2002 was the most commented 
layout ever though. That was a fun one!
I've had some version of this layout up for over a year now -- the colors and gaphics have changed a bit, but the backbone remains the same. I've kept this design for so long because I haven't come up with anything I would like more that would display my content how I want. I like a few things about this design -- (1) the floating menu - although I wonder how many people actually browse anything other than the bloggy part of the site? (2) it expands and contracts depending on your screen resolution. I like that - and I've usually tried to do that with all of my designs. I work at a high screen resolution - and don't like it when I go to a website and it only takes up 1/4 of my screen. This site works because I've set it so that it looks good at 800x600 right on up to my wide screen laptop resolution - 1920 x 1200 (granted - I'm squinting to see that one - but it stretches!). (3) I like having the two side columns - so I can pull info from all the secondary blogs I have set up. Most sites have at least one side column - so this isn't something new. Whenever I do get around to redesigning, I'll definitely have 2 side columns - I can't give up my side content :)
What do you like about this type of design? What don't you like? What type of connection do you have - and how long does it take to load? Have you ever tried to view Silverberry on your PDA (it's a slow download because of the images - but it's viewable)? Do you prefer pure CSS layouts or tables - or you don't really care? Whose website out there do you consider the 'mecca' of design and usability? Do you prefer simplicity over complexity? What's your opinion?
When you create a new look for your websites -- what are your 'requirements'? Columns? Colors? Graphics? Content available on the main page?
god, i am way too tired to comment fully on this, but for me the mecca of internet design lies right here. i am so purchasing my next bradfan layout from them.
Wow - I am impressed. A mecca indeed. I especially like the animated background. All the twinkling graphics really give it a classic and elegant look, don't you think?
thought i'd let you know - the background to all your tables is black in mozilla firefox - not sure if anyone uses it or if you care. people let me know about that stuff and i could care less, but if i remember correctly you asked about different browsers? i can't tell, because... it's black on black, soo. ;) time to switch back to IE - firefox is way slower.
Argh. I wish there would be some sort of browser compatibility standards. The site looks fine in Opera, Mozilla and IE -- but not in Mozilla Firefox? What is that all about? :banghead: The black is from the table cells that are outlining everything. But Firefox must be loading it differently. Bizarre.
Blah. Thanks for letting me know :)