Alright folks, first up, suggestions are definitely welcome. As it stands right now the website is not finished, there are still many things to be added and tweaked.
1. Neither the M-9 nor the Tradewater were shown because I did not find pics *readily available* (i.e. easily found in the cursory search I did for pics that I used to populate the website) that met the orientation I was looking for or the clarity I wanted. Once pics that meet those criteria are found or provided, they will be added.
2. I didn't add a bio page because in my mind the focus is the knives. When this was whole idea was pitched to Todd I explained the vision I had for it as a website focused on the tools and the tools alone. A pic of Todd looking all craftmanshippy (maybe not a real word?) alone in a page about him in the middle of everything didn't look right. Maybe that isn't the most scientific way to establish things, but whenever it comes to anything graphical I have always trusted my gut, and it told me that a bio page didn't really fit in the form I had it. Maybe something that can be revisited later with a different look, but when everything else was done it didn't look right, and it made the navigation bar up top look mighty cluttered.
3. As far as a shout out to folks that helped, speaking for myself the answer is a resounding no. Is it a nice gesture, sure, but ultimately there are a few things that factor into it. (Keep in mind this is my opinion, and as such only applies to me.) I am being compensated for my work. I do not want any recognition of any type for my work as I am not a website designer anymore. I am not a sys admin anymore, I am not a graphics designer anymore. I have a job. I do not want people to see that site and think "Oh hey let me get in touch with their website guy and see what kind of work he can do for me" because that is unnecessary as I will not help them. As said before, I am not those things anymore, and for good reason. If someone like Mistwalker or anyone wants credit that is fine, I will throw them up a link if they want it on the links page provided they have a place in mind, but for me, the answer is no.
4. I have never once purchased anything based off of a testimonial I have seen on the same website as the product. Ever. And for good reason. If I am researching spending my money on something, I want opinions that the designer/producer/maker does not have control over. Simple.
5. Pictures of other knives. That is forthcoming. To get some things to work as easily as possible, I had to upload the site first, then add stuff later. There will be a photo gallery on the website on the Media page that will show many pictures. That being said, if you do not want your pictures used on Todd's website, take them off of this forum. I had previously stated to anyone and everyone in here that at some point any pics posted on this subforum would potentially be used on the website. That was fair warning as it was given many, many moons ago. So if you don't want them on the website, either remove them or shoot me a message and I will remove them from the website. Given that this is largely a collection of friends I would assume no one would have any issues, but some people have differing opinions and they are more than welcome to them. So again, if you do not want your pictures on the website, let me know, let Todd know, or post something here, or delete them from the site. Not trying to step on toes, but I am also not going to jump through fifteen bajillion legal hoops to get this done.
That all being said, this is merely my opinion. If Todd wants any of these things changed well that is up to him. As stated before, this is just the beginning, and many more great things are ahead. Glad people like it so far, I hope they continue to like it as things are modified and tweaked into the final shape.
Cheers,
D
In all.seriousness,though, I personally like the idea of a bio page. When I'm investing in something (be it a knife,car,refrigerator,etc...), I like to know as much about whom I am buying from. It would also be a good place to give a shout out/thank you to anyone that helps in anyway (i.e. Derek's webpage assistance, Mist's photography,Mr. Hunt's sharpening help, Murph's fridge stocking,floor sweeping, skirt wearing much appreciated help in the shop (I guess the grinding,sanding and handle work too))
