Always

[McDLT]

I'm always looking at ways to redesign the website. I like to try to keep it fresh and up-to-date yet simple (so I don't always use the latest and greatest, but am always looking).

I do try to keep the site the same (no major changes) for at least 1 year more, because I do think consistency is good too.

I've been my church's webmaster for about 8 years now, and I'll be working on my 6th redesign most likely in the winter. Most of the redesigning has to do with what I've been able to teach myself.

[flutem3]

I'm always looking at ways to redesign the website. I like to try to keep it fresh and up-to-date yet simple (so I don't always use the latest and greatest, but am always looking).Hi,

I taught myself too. Two and a half years ago I taught myself to use the computer. Then I spotted a church website and thought that was neat. In January 2004 I knew zero about designing a website but was thinking about it. Then I decided I probably could learn to do it.

We are having major changes coming up in our church due to a building project so I am working on a redesign to be ready when Step One of the project is dedicated. I have learned some since I began (I should hope.), and I will incorporate that knowledge in the redesign. I am always looking for ways to keep the current site fresh as well. Incidentally, I think you have a good looking website. I don't know how you found that color, but I think it looks really good. Something I am going to keep in mind in the redesign is accessibility which I didn't too much the first time around. And I am going for more simplicity...not simple minded hopefully. And I want it to have heart and soul. People say it does now. I am glad so I don't want to ruin that feeling. However, I think it is difficult to place things which are so valuable to the members that they return to the website with some frequency. Any ideas?

By the way, I don't think the "latest and greatest" are necessary. If they help with the message, that's great. However, I think some website editors are just trying to demonstrate their skills to the detriment of the website. If the skills don't make the website "better," however that may be defined, then it is just showing off...and may detract. I think some of the most effective websites I have seen in the last couple of years have also been the clearest and simplest...and very carefully crafted. End of speech. :-)

[McDLT]

Incidentally, I think you have a good looking website. I don't know how you found that color, but I think it looks really good.I cheated. It's a template. Makes life easier. If you look at the bottom of the page, you'll see what I use and where I got the template. I was tired of always going over colour charts and my style sheets (also making sure my site worked well in IE and Mozzilla), so I took an easier route.

New Life Christian Church (http://www.celebratenewlife.com)

[flutem3]

I cheated. It's a template. Makes life easier. If you look at the bottom of the page, you'll see what I use and where I got the template. I was tired of always going over colour charts and my style sheets (also making sure my site worked well in IE and Mozzilla), so I took an easier route.

New Life Christian Church (http://www.celebratenewlife.com)Hi,

I don't care what you used, I like it. I actually managed to fiddle around with greens and find a very close, if not precise, color. Do you know the hex values for that color of green? I would like to see how close I came because I am a curious person. But David won't include you on his list of best church websites. lol

Carol

[McDLT]

Hi,

I don't care what you used, I like it. I actually managed to fiddle around with greens and find a very close, if not precise, color. Do you know the hex values for that color of green? I would like to see how close I came because I am a curious person. But David won't include you on his list of best church websites. lol

CarolI'm okay not to be included. I'm not into reinventing the wheel. I like to use what works and if I don't have to do much of the work - all the better ;)

The colour is this - C0D0A1.

[David Gillaspey]

David won't include you on his list of best church websites.Not really a matter of "won't". It's just that I'm not actively researching church websites right now. I'm very busy with other projects, while simultaneously looking for a paying job and getting my (and my family's) life back together after selling our home and moving to another place across town. :)

And anyway, church websites based on a pre-designed template are ineligible for inclusion in my database.

Sincerely,

David Gillaspey
President
Great Church Websites

[flutem3]

I'm okay not to be included. I'm not into reinventing the wheel. I like to use what works and if I don't have to do much of the work - all the better ;)

The colour is this - C0D0A1.Thank you. I am going to check to see how close I was. Our church website is:

www.wabashfirstumc.org

I thought I had that set up as my signature, but I see that the last couple of times it didn't appear. I wonder what makes the difference between its appearing and not appearing? A MYSTERY. Hip, Hip, Hooray!!

I certainly understand what you mean about doing stuff over again. I did ours from scratch so every time I design another page, I have to do everything again. However, I enjoy the design process despite my beginner's skills. I am working on another website for the food pantry here in town. I am having a terrible time so I have stopped until I have the goals straight in my head.
Right now, I am twisting on the vine. I need a solid focus. I know what it is in general, but I need to get those goals lined up. Thanks for your contributions to the forum.

Carol