Help Me Build My Website!
July 10th 2008 01:58
Help Wanted
Focussing on building a solid core audience I'm finding that a good mix of 70's, 80's and new stuff is working well - with a smattering of weird newsy stuff, a little humour and a pot pourie of interesting sound bytes from movies, TV et al is starting to attract quite an enthusiastic following.
While the station itself has its own rudimentary web site - I thought it would be great to have my own 'the music guy' web site.
A bit cutting edge for 98% of the other announcers - but in an effort to forge ahead, create my own sense of identity and develop a site which listeners can go to rather than wading through a heap of other 'stuff' - I thought why not?
However - I'm not silly enough to think I know it all - which is where my Orblian brains trust (yes all of you) come in.
What I need is feedback.
I have pasted three Home Page versions I'm working on with a good mate - and would genurinely appreciate your comments on what you think would work well on the site.
Happy to take everything on board - then - when it's up and running - I hope you'll all either tune in and listen to my ramblings each Tuesday night - or visit the website.
Version 1
Version 2
Version 3
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Comment by tlcorbin
Content doesn't matter right now, you have to get someones attention fist.
Raven
Comment by Norm
Consumption Malfunction
Equal and Opposite
Arses and Elbows
Footy Power
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
I like Version 1 because red grabs your attention quicker.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thanks mate. Personally I have this thing for the big retro button version - but agree that the additional album covers and the black background is perhaps a little more 'hard core' rock in a Nice Guy kinda way.
Any content suggestions - be they podcasts thru to album listings would be greatly appreciated too.
Call me impatient - but passion is sometimes an albatross.
Cheers
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Appreciate your feedback. It's important to me that I glean as much as I can from the world-wide brains trust - you can never have too many friends - can you.
As with Raven - any ideas you may have with regards to content would also be greatfully accepted.
Thanks
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
I was thinking of having a scrolling banner with dates continuously moving across the screen - whaddya think?
MNG
Comment by tlcorbin
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Cheers.
Young shoulders are great . . . . old heads are priceless.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
You don't know me, but here is my two cents anyway.
The circular logo is much better. Take version 3 and underneath the logo put in the 4 albums covers grouping, and then under it add in the "all-time greatest" listing from version 1. (Or just make it 6 album covers underneath if possible.)
Also, a streamng audio link to your live show would be excellent. If that isn't possible though, if you could maybe upload a recording ot the show shortly afterward. Of course that depends on how long your show is. Also, if either of the above is possible, maybe add an archive of your old shows.
One last thought, maybe add a "Weekly Artist Spotlight" section where you profile an artist or group, and also play 3-7 of their songs on the show that Tuesday. (Again the amount would depend on how long the show is.)
Gene
Comment by tlcorbin
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
I guess we are familiar with each other's company now - pleased to make your acquaintance.
Thanks goes to you.
Great ideas - I've taken a note of them all and will be on to them just as soon as I'm able.
The proof will be in the pudding - and I guess everyone will get to see the results very shortly.
BTW - have earmarked your blog for further investigation.
Cheers buddy
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
There's certainly a great team out there.
Comment by tlcorbin
Comment by Aimzster
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
First Time Mum
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
The feedback to date has been great - the note taking is fast and furious.
I know that my ship won't necessarily sink on the strength of looks alone - but first impressions do count - and it's encouraging to know that you guys have an educated intrest in it.
Really appreciate it.
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
and i want to be on your radio show . . . shame i have no musical talent . . . but then again when did you ever need that to talk about music (Kyle and Jackie O i am thinking of you right now)
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thanks.
Any ideas as to what kinda stuff would be good for visitors to the site to check out (ie: playlists, dumb stuff etc - what would keep you there?)
As for talent - I suspect you have it in spade loads.
Comment by Anonymous
The tie in to the radio station on version 3 is important. The retro logo is the best choice for what you are doing. As Gene said, if you can add a streaming link all the better but from a design point of view always remember less is more. Make sure the page is not too busy so that the reader's eyes don't know where to land.
I would much prefer that the all time favourite list was just one line with a clickable link to a new page, same with the featured artist idea - just a thumbnail pic and one line with a clickable link otherwise you will have too much clutter.
Cheryl J
It seems I can leave a comment using email on my phone but not sign in. A new discovery!
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
i dont know how technical your radio station is but im a sucker for stats and archives and transcripts and polls and stuff (hands up if youre an engineering nerd *Morgan raises her hand*)
like a "what was that song?" page that people can refer to if they missed the name of a song and want to find out . . . and maybe info sheets on new (and old) artists so people can find out more about what theyre listening to
links to iTunes or Amazon for purchasing singles (or Sanity or EBay or whatever would suit)
asking for peoples opinions for songs they want to play, like a request function, vote for your favourites etc, or listener reviews where people can write praise or criticism for particular songs?
perhaps even links or excerpts from popular album reviews in other publications, or info on ARIA charts
i could go an and on and on lol
basically interactive things and trivia and stats would keep me visiting regularly if i was a listener
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
I run a trivia forum that has live online games in a chat room and some other stuff like that. So, I am a sucker for Morgan's trivia idea.. a weekly trivia question posted on the site. To make it interact with the show. . . maybe in your first or second segment on-air you could read the question and have people call in ad give away a small prize to the person with the correct answer. Take the calls near the end of the show so listeners stay tuned for the whole show. Announce the winner and answer on-air shortly before signing off, and post the info on the web site, along with next week's question.
I also like the recent songs played idea. We have a station here in Tulsa that keeps a runnign list of the last 20 songs they have played. For the exact reason Morgan said, in case someone missed the title or artist of the song. Tying in the iTunes and Amazon links so people could by them is great too, become and affiliate and earn a nominal amount for each sale made through your link. This money can be put toward the "small prize" for the trivia question idea above.
A weekly poll is a great idea too. There is some good polling software out there that is easy to use and incorporate into the site. It too could be worked into the on-air segment. People vote all week, and you announce the results on-air. Questions like, "Who is the best Arena Rock band of the late 70s - 80s?" with either a text box to write in an answer, or a short list you supply to choose from, or "Do you think the new lead singer of Journey is any good?" with yes or no options.
I do agree with Cheryl too, using the stuff above should probably be put in as maybe a single line link to keep the home page looking neat.
OR,
If the home page has enough text content in the main text area on the right there so that the page has to be scrolled down, you could put the trivia question, and/or poll, as well as the link to the Weekly Featured Artist in the column under the album covers. This way it is out of the way of the main content, but still jumping out at readers as they scroll.
By the way, I am hoping you work out that live stream, or at least the recorded copies of the show. Cause I love 70s and 80s music (with a lean towards "hair bands", and my #1 favorite is KISS.)... and as I sit here typing my comments I am looking forward to listening at least some of the time. (Tuesdays at your 7-10pm, is my Monday at 4am-7am, so while I am usually up, sometimes I am off doing other things.)
Gene
My comments always look so long! Sorry for running on and on.
Comment by Mountain Fog
definitely the circular logo is the way to go, the rest of the format can be whatever, a mix of the others if you like.
Why? Because humans are more attracted to curves, not straight lines, as we are made of curves.
Also, the great advertising success story cannot be ignored... which am I speaking of, well, Coca Cola of course!
The nice cursive writing, the attractive rich red and white logo, and the oft used circular design is what made Coke the huge success it is today... well, some argue its initial market dominence was due to a certain additive in the drink, it actually being called a "health tonic" when first marketed..
However, be wary of lots of black and red, (psychotics like that combo particularly.. no MNG, I'm not calling you a psycho, but, black must be used prudently, in marketing.)
Red is the most favoured colour by public, it is always noticed first...well, on billboards allegedly.
Anyhoo, in closing, I would think about trying to use cursive writing in the circular logo too, just see what it looks like, but warning, not too much like the Coke one!! They sue big time!! hehe!
And, I think it might be a fun idea, you having mini interviews of Orblers on your radio show! (Morgan, you are a tireless self promoter and should be in business!! tee hee!!)
You neve know MNG, you might even drag a few dollars out of Orble for promtion of the site on radio!!!
cheers
fog
P.S. Don't forget to give your own Orble blog a plug!!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
You are 'virtual' feast of ideas. I'm pretty big on the less is more motto - and never underestimate the power of CWS - creative white space.
So many sites try to cram too much in - so I couldn't agree more with you.
The All-time Favs/Featured Artist with its one clickable link is a good one - thanks.
Anything you would like to see on a music site that would keep you there?
Cheers
Stay well
Comment by Damo
But lose the bevelled button if you can.
They went out years ago.
Better to have flat roll over words instead.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
You're a gem . . .
Hadn't even thought of doing a listener poll - great idea!
Watch this space - think I'll investigate the possibility - how hard can it be?
LYW
Keep smilin
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
There's no such thing as having too many good ideas my friend.
Genuinely appreciate the time and thought processes that have gone into your musings - it's more than food for thought - it's a damned feast!
What's your trivia site . . . would love to check it out.
. . . wow - I'm overawed by the response/s
Stay sane
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
The dynamic ribbon (Coke) is certainly a good example of marketing made good - and yes - you're right about Morgan - tireless and an absolute pearl!
Perhaps Jon needs to get on board and share some of that collective ill gotten gain
. . . good thinking 99!
Stay well old man
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
The roll over is a neat idea.
Some work really well - some a just flat out annoying in an obtrusive way - might see if I can strike some kind of balance . . . I can see some earnest conversation taking place over the next couple of days between myself and the maestro.
Keep it real fella
Comment by Morgan Bell
Science News
Deep Pencil
Business News
Movie Train
see if i was on the air i could say delightful things like that!
tireless, tiring . . . well i am the master of the follow-up question . . . i think i should be a reporter for today tonight or some other reputable news source like that!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
You both break me up . . .
You're worth your weight in . . . . . (insert your desired form of currency here) . . . . .
Comment by Mountain Fog
JUST WATTCHITTT SISTAHH!!!
Penis be damned!!
What good is it on a web site?
Ok, so in the interests of taste (for once!) I will not go where I was about to go...
actually MNG, I was suggesting you have Orblers on the show, and interview them, via telephone. Then there isn't all the drama of going to the station etc.
Anyhoo,
just a thought!
Maybe Morgan should start her own show, in Taswegia, called, umm.. Here's My Tassie, or Wanna Check Out Mah Tassie? Or, TASSIE WORLD COME AND GETTIT!!
Or maybe be just The Bogan Beserk Hour!
Now I'd listen to that!! tee hee!
fog
Comment by Mountain Fog
Morgan is worth her weight in....(drum roll)...
BOGAN BRAINS....
(they are rare, and tiny, so it is actually a huge compliment in some ways, but demand is down at the moment, with offfal not being high on restaurant menus these days. sad really!!
ha haaa!!
cheers
fog
Comment by Damo
Send me an email via the my web.
I do this stuff professionally.
I'll give you some free advice if you like.
I'd say that you have been using Microsoft Frontpage to build the site.
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Budget Centsability
As with Damo above with design, my background is in marketing and my brain is yours to pick at MNG. Feel free to message at any time.
Lots of great ideas happening here. Great brainstorming sesh!
Comment by Always Eighteen
Always Eighteen
I like the stamp, though. Gives your brand more of a... brand!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Very tongue in check old boy . . . you have a way about you - hope the rest of the world sees you as I (and many Orblers do).
Thanks for your input on the site - as for Morgan - I'll leave the verbal joust to you both - certainly worthy adversaries in the friendliest of ways.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Will do.
Actually Illustrator and Photoshop.
Cheers
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thanks - will drop you a line - really appreciate it.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
The stamp (button) appears to gaining momentum in the favourites stakes - though Damo is fairly adament that its a little old school - each to their own - there's a big audience out there - so branding is important.
. . . and yes I like the black border too.
Thanks heaps for your feedback
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
good stuff, MNG.... !
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
From your experience - anything that would keep you flicking through the pages?
Cheers
Comment by Market Newbie
Gizmo Peek
Stock Market Punk
I go with whoever it was that first mentioned about "streaming." And by that I mean streaming your whole program live. That is, if you have enough bandwidth to accommodate a great many other potential listeners thru the web. I do not know how powerful your station's transmitter is but I am almost certain that I cannot tune in to your program using the usual FM receiver from the same exact point that I am writing this. Why confine your radio program within the limitations of your transmitter?
A three hour (7-10) program will allow you to play at least 40 songs (depending on your commercial load) so, if you have an extensive library, Morgan's suggestion for song "requests" can be considered without wrecking havoc on your playlist, and she is right about feedbacks and polls. Nothing beats knowling the pulse of your listeners.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
I've got a little homework to do don't I?
As for the 'pulse' of my listeners - the reason behind the whole website push is my desire to get the paddles out and jolt a little life back into the timeslot - let alone the station . . . which has so much potential but so little commercial and promotional nouse.
Thanks champion - appreciate it.
Comment by astroearth
Why not host your own radio station and place a link to your website where people can download a podcast from your show.
There many alternatives to do this and not cost the earth.
visit have a look at this link
I have used this program to host various shows live from my computer. You will need to contact APRA for copyrite if you intend to play music.
Comment by Two Guys Sports
Reviews R Us
The trivia site is www.zonetrivia.com. It needs a bit of tidying up which I haven't done since starting my blog sites here on Orble about two months ago.
We have a full schedule of live hosted trivia games in an AOL Trivia room, you can get into the room using their AIM software though. All of our live games would be early afternoon games for you guys, but we do cover a vast range of topics.
Gene
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Guess what I'm doing tonight.
More homework.
Thanks - can't get enough of all this.
Cheers
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Cheers bud.
Appreciate all your input.
MNG
Comment by Miswanderlust
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Mis
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Thank you. It won't be through lack of enthusiastic advice from everyone that it won't be a success.
Sometimes you've just gotta roll the dice - huh?
Stay well
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
I like the questions you've brought up here on Orble in the past--why not expand those themes to your site? You know, music being such a subjective thing and all..
Example: what songs do you associate with (your first kiss, summertime as a kid, etc.)-people could write in short (emphasis on short) anecdotes about that stuff. It's always interesting to hear/read peoples' stories.
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I'm no good at this kind of stuff, but good luck with it, sounds like you have some excellent helpers!
Mich
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
Also, I personally like it when updates to the site are easy to see on the front page.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Don't want to steal too much thunder from the Orble network - who knows - might lead to its own forum - good idea.
Thanks - hope you manage to tune in one night.
Send me your top five playlist via email - and I'll see what I can do.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Whether you're building a web site or just hanging pictures in a room - everyone has a gut feel for what works and what doesn't - strangely enough I thought of trying the black thang as well - and have already asked for a couple of design options there as well.
You don't give yourself enough credit - or perhpas I give myself too much
Stay happy
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Nothing worse than someone who thinks that have to fill every little bit of white space with something is there.
CWS - creative white space is paramount in just about all design work I think.
Judiciously used - it speaks volumes.
Thanks for your input fella.
Comment by Urban Panther
Very cool idea, btw.
Okay, I can't leave without my two cents worth...#1.
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Hopefully the site won't be as convoluted as our tax system - and will be a whole lot more forgiving.
You're 100% right about the Analysis Paralysis though - but I'm humbled by the enthusiasm and the feedback -
As for working for the Tax Man - it could be worse - not much - but you could work for the oil companies
Thanks and stay well