Need a little criticism..

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Diesel D

Diesel D

Tow Mater
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So.. I'm working on my 1st website for Todd Hunt (T.M. Hunt on here) and I think we're getting the thing pretty functional, at least as well as 3 guys from Indiana can. I'm not trying to sell you guys anything, but I was wondering if anybody's bored enough to go look around, maybe take an objectional approach, and come back here and tell me what it needs. I think i'm getting tunnel vision and could use an extra set of eyes on it. We've still got a long way to go, but just see if you get a sense of the man and his work. 'Preciate any help.. Here it is;

http://www.tmhuntcustomknives.com/
 
Todd, I took a look around and feel like I know you now. The gallery is enormous and holds a wide wide variety of your well made knives and tools. I couldn't see anything that needs improvement but don't forget I,m not an authority on web sites. FWIW I like the site, be sure you include it in your signature line when you post on the forums.
 
Wow. I woke up this morning by a e-mail from Diesel D telling me he had added some more to the site and posted an opinion thread on bf. So I check it out, and find Bruce Bump was looking at it. I can really only think of one better way to be woke up! ;) Mr. Bump. I have admired your work for years. Your pistol/knife combos have inspired me to push myself to always try new things in knifemaking and have givin me a goal. To have you look at my stuff even if you didn't like it is a true honor. Thank you sir. I can only hope that one day I will achieve the amiration and respect that you have rightfully earned.
 
nice, simple is good

things i noticed

- don't put all the pictures in one page, takes much loading time and band-with, or resize thumb nail smaller
- cover pictures are not really popping out , and a little blur the cleaver ( bad light )
gr, martin
 
Ok....

Overall and clear site with a very positive attitude.

Home page edit: "When you hire me, you deal directly with me. Mine is the only salary, there are no commissions, and advertising? I do my own, which must be pretty good, since you found me."

Edit: "When you hire me, you deal directly with me. Mine is the only salary, there are no commissions. And advertising? I do my own, which must be pretty good, since you found me."

Finding your website through a link may not be good advertising; it may be good word of mouth. Are your knife skills as good as your perceived advertising skills? LOL! Just sayin'. :)

The images on the home page dominate too much. Too big, and pixelated (the edge is not linear, but jagged). I had to scroll to get to the text, which is equally as important. I'd suggest a couple of smaller images side-by side. Make sure they are REALLY good examples.

The 'Meet me' quote by Alex Barr is irrelevant and displaces your main intentions.

You say you are supporting a family? SHOW your two daughters and your smiling face here. I'd suggest that would have more impact in personalization.

Lastly, no phone? At some point people will need/want to talk in person and not feel they are being screened. I might be wrong, but my phone number on my site has always been an aid to me.

You asked! :D I wish you guys well.

Coop
 
No worries, Coop. That's why I wanted fresh eyes on it! We're gonna let this thread stew for a couple days then compile all the comments and create a to do list, improve as we go. For instance, the line about advertising was the stock line from the hosting site, we haven't tweaked all of 'em with our own stuff yet. You've certainly noticed the dead links and such, but those will be corrected as we go on. I have time for about 5 adjustments a week, just trying to prioritize them. In a related matter, to echo Todd, Thank you Mr. Bump for even looking, let alone taking the time to comment.
 
Much appreciated words about my work.
Sounds like Coop may have noticed a few things to work on. He,s been around the block a few times, it should pay to listen. I just look at knives and lots of em, Yours are very nice! Keep it up young man.
 
I'd break up the pictures into categories -- under 4", 4-6", over 6", cleavers, swords & axes - this will make it easier for people to look for what they want and for the pages to load faster.
it would also be good to have a page listing the options for construction materials: type of steel, handle material, liners, spacers, etc...
 
Just found this thread, odd? Yeah maybe, but glad I did. DD, you're doing better than Todd or I could. Ive seen a lot of valuable info here. Mr. Bump's words are encouraging and surprising, thanks everyone!
 
I would get rid of the contact form and replace it with an phone number, email address and mailing address.
 
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