Proof of concept/design critique (http://bigsilkdesign.com/index_parchment.html)

Yay, my first critique request!

http://bigsilkdesign.com/index_parchment.html

So, I'm looking for a few things, I guess. One, overall design. Now, I'm using google fonts, a pretty neat way of embedding fonts not normally on other people's computers.

It's got a pretty big footprint, so I'd also like to know if you get an abnormally long download time.

Mind you, this is more of a proof of concept for later use, not a fully functioning site. The menu links work, but reference "#".

It's been given the green code of happiness for both HTML 4.1 and CSS 2.1.

Be brutal. I've got thick skin.

Nice, i like it. It was a bit slow to load for me though. Maybe you could look in to that. Lose the validator badges!! If you really must then just have a text link in there. This has got potential. You need to think about how you can optimise the speed if it going to be good in the long run. See here: Website Speed Test

Thanks.

I suspected it was going to take a while to load. And yes, I know the v-badges are pretty dorky. They're gone. The bg image includes the header image. I'll likely take it off and include it separately and squeeze the parchment down to 60 or 70 jpg compression. Even at 80 it's still 160K.

I'm also looking for an analog clock to continue the 'steampunk' theme I'm going for. Know of any good ones?

Yeah there are things u can do on tht speed test that may help too.

Not sure what you mean about the clock?? like a javascript clock??

Yup.

DONT DO IT!! lol.

They were good in 1996. The only way it would look good is if you sesgined it all yourself etc... Not worth it IMO.. have a look at jQuery for some cool 'off the shelf' javascript effects.

HTH

Oh, I mean to design it myself. I added a scrolling digital clock and used a medieval font, but not too hip on it. No, I mean to make the analog clock look like it's printed on the parchment.

Not a bad idea... sure you could come up with something better than a clock though.

However, i learned a long time ago to not ask questions! lol..

http://dynamicdrive.com/dynamicindex6/index.html

Check those out and see if one will fit your needs.

I like it - potential it does have. Indeed it does...looks very nice.
Loading was not even an issue. Maybe you worked on page speed already or maybe I just have a modern connection. However if people out there say its slow...then it must be slow.
Keep going and the clock idea discussed above is an idea...
DynamicDrive does have interesting scripts

url not found error