New Top Banner Question

[clay]

Paul Boese kindly put together a new logo. Here are two variations.

#1 (see larger)
[img]/gif/bg-header_sm.jpg[/img]

#2 (see larger)
[img]/gif/bg-header2_sm.jpg[/img]

I like the bonsai plant, but I'd like to hear other ideas.

[katafei]

I like the blue, but....

to me, a bonsai tree has always symbolized the absence of freedom to grow. (困)
So I would never use it for a learning site ^_^

[hyperconjugated]

I like the #2-version a lot. However, the japanese
writing kinda sticks out of the picture, it looks too
thin and "computer"-font. Maybe some calligraphy
font would look nicer.

[clay]

Thanks! I started early this morning working on combining the best (what I like) of two themes. It has been a lot of work, but I think I will have something good later today.

to me, a bonsai tree has always symbolized the absence of freedom to grow.

Interesting. Anyone have an idea for a different logo/symbol?

Maybe some calligraphy
font would look nicer.

I'll work on something and show you later today.

[sei]

Why did you pick a bonsai tree for the logo clay? Any special reason?

And I agree with hyperconjugated-san, but I think the logo is missing colour. The current logo (on this old site) as so much more colour is makes a big contrast. I like the current one more. =P

[Groccoli]

I agree too, the current logo looks better than the bonsai tree. It's too dark the way it is.

Actually I like the current site theme better than the beta but I could get used to it.

Looking forward to the move B)

[katafei]

And here's me thinking only old farts would have trouble with change


But I agree option 2 is more lively than option 1

[sei]

Hehe. To be honest I like this one much better too. But I could get used to it too. I just think the new site should occupy the whole screen, like this one, and not be centered in the middle of the page. But that's standard for those types of sites I guess.

[clay]

It is probably the two columns that everyone dislikes. It has been bugging me too!

I am working feverishly on a three column theme that combines a few things I like about the old theme and the new one. I should have it ready in a few hours.

Of course if everyone likes this (current) layout the best, I can hire someone to make Drupal look like this some time in the future

EDIT: I didn't come up with the Bonsai--Paul did. I think it looks pretty cool, but it may not say 'Language' all over it.

[sei]

Well, a poll about the site could answer that. This poll has been going for awhile right? Could change it to ask about the site? About the layout and so...

And I like the bonsai too, but if it was coloured it would be better, the top part of the site just looks a bit "dead". IMO.

[hyperconjugated]

The new logo and its colours look slick.
The old one looks a bit juvenile with its
crayon colouring.

[clay]

We'll do a poll on the new site when (if) it moves before the weekend. I will change the bar to red in a few minutes and they will give it another shot.

I just finished redoing the theme. Please take a look: http://beta.thejapanesepage.com

Let me know what you think. It is a variable width theme but best of all, I added a third column. You guys were right; the right column was just too long.

Another awesome improvement is it displays a second row of site links. For example if you click on 'Lessons' it will write under it 'Beginners, Culture, General Lessons, etc' for quick reference. The old theme didn't do that.

(I see Sei is already on the new site and has commented--thanks!)

Anyway, the biggest difference is spreading out in three columns what was too much for just two.

The top header graphic will need to be changed. You can tell where the sections are and I want to hear from you guys more about what sort of colors and symbols would best represent TJP.

[sei]

Ups, I forgot to check back here and kept typing up there. I like the new site so much now. =P

I commented on the logo in your blog now too clay-san. ^^

I'll try thinking a bit, but I'm not that good with this sort of thing. Maybe the bonsai but instead of white, colour it a bit? A more subtle and fading colouring maybe.

Edit: Just checked on that second bar you mentioned. I'll nitpick a bit and say that maybe making it slight larger (or the separating lines smaller) would make it just a tid bit prettier (IMO). It gives an impression that the smaller lines go over to the gray bar.

Edit2: By the way, I can't seem to find this:

To compare this new theme with the older new theme: 1) Click on 'My Account' -> 'edit' tab -> scroll down to Theme configuration and click on 'Dreamy2' for the old theme.

On "My account". I can't find the "Theme configuration" thingy.

[clay]

Sei, in your account page you have to click on the 'edit' tab. It is easy to miss, but it is at the top under your username.

[katafei]

Ah, the moment has come again ^_^
Fingers crossed....!

BTW I can't see the names of the friends on the new page...How would we comment on it?
The layout did improve, though.

In the mean time, I'm brainstorming a bit about a theme for the top bar.
I guess 'Fujisan@ would be a bit too obvious?
but how about a Japanese style bridge? As in a bridge between two cultures.
something like this:

But in drawing, of course. (can't do that...^_^)
I'm going to do a bit more browsing