Comments on: Websites and value http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/ Leslie Burns-Dell'Acqua writes on the photo business and marketing Fri, 09 Jan 2009 23:00:09 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7 hourly 1 By: Thomas Pickard http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/comment-page-1/#comment-29745 Thomas Pickard Sun, 24 Feb 2008 03:44:25 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/#comment-29745 I read that thread on APE and agree, a lot of people missed the point. In many ways the take home message about web sites for me is: - the design has to compliment the photos, not the other way around (www.claystang.com) is a good example of where the design seems to overwhelm the imagery IMHO - having sites with a certain, sharpish look and a 'production value' have an intrinsic value in their own right. Does this mean it has to be Livebooks? Of course not. They are just one option of many that offer a fine product - though personally I hate how the thumbnails are programmed (sorry). I read that thread on APE and agree, a lot of people missed the point.

In many ways the take home message about web sites for me is:

- the design has to compliment the photos, not the other way around (www.claystang.com) is a good example of where the design seems to overwhelm the imagery IMHO

- having sites with a certain, sharpish look and a ‘production value’ have an intrinsic value in their own right.

Does this mean it has to be Livebooks? Of course not. They are just one option of many that offer a fine product - though personally I hate how the thumbnails are programmed (sorry).

]]> By: Bruce DeBoer http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/comment-page-1/#comment-27650 Bruce DeBoer Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:58:34 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/#comment-27650 Another worthless opinion: I think Clay's portfolio is a classic case where a Live Books site would be an improvement. I simply Can Not get through it. Even with improved programming it is unfriendly and way to slow to draw the nav. http://www.claystang.com/ Another worthless opinion:

I think Clay’s portfolio is a classic case where a Live Books site would be an improvement. I simply Can Not get through it. Even with improved programming it is unfriendly and way to slow to draw the nav.

http://www.claystang.com/

]]> By: Bruce DeBoer http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/comment-page-1/#comment-27647 Bruce DeBoer Fri, 01 Feb 2008 20:14:45 +0000 http://www.burnsautoparts.com/blog/2008/02/01/websites-and-value/#comment-27647 I think your position is a good one. LB sites or those like them are - to me - the common denominator rather than "the standard" of the industry. "The standard" often implies that it's closer to state of the art than it is. I believer you're right to say that if you can't afford a well designed custom site, go with Live Books. If you absolutely can't afford it, at least make sure the "Honda Fit" site design doesn't get it the way of enjoying the work. I'd like to add, however, that differentiation is more than the work we shoot. Having a well designed site that doesn't look like everyone else's is a good piece of an overall marketing plan. A strong, well developed back end can also contribute to a smooth work flow. I just upgraded my site and the response has surprised me a little. It's as if no one has seen my work before, when, in fact, there is nothing on this site that hasn't at some point been on the old one. It always amazes me how big a difference presentation can make. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of that.. I think your position is a good one. LB sites or those like them are - to me - the common denominator rather than “the standard” of the industry. “The standard” often implies that it’s closer to state of the art than it is. I believer you’re right to say that if you can’t afford a well designed custom site, go with Live Books. If you absolutely can’t afford it, at least make sure the “Honda Fit” site design doesn’t get it the way of enjoying the work.

I’d like to add, however, that differentiation is more than the work we shoot. Having a well designed site that doesn’t look like everyone else’s is a good piece of an overall marketing plan. A strong, well developed back end can also contribute to a smooth work flow.

I just upgraded my site and the response has surprised me a little. It’s as if no one has seen my work before, when, in fact, there is nothing on this site that hasn’t at some point been on the old one. It always amazes me how big a difference presentation can make. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of that..

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