SITE REVIEW: the first site I created

This is the first site I created, and actually wanted to put effort into. This was the major reason for wanting to learn HTML and CSS, and for wanting to continue to learn more. I would like honest reviews regarding layout, functionality, and any other area you feel could use improvement. I dont want anyone to go easy on this page, I want you to tell me what you think, what you feel could be improved, and what is good about the page. the page is located here

I appreciate all responses

section8

My first websites were something like this. You've got the basics and know how to use the code, now you just gotta keep improving.

I suggest that you tell visitors to the site that you have to click his name to get to the other content. Also the page is a bit wide on the main.html page.

I was more focused on the content though... The video and the eulogy moves me, I even got a tear in my eye.

If you need any help let me know I'd be glad to assist you.

To be bluntly honest -- you won't get any "real" reviews from experienced Webmasters, mainly because you're using Tripod; and also because you don't have any control over the code.

If you're going to truly learn HTML & CSS -- buy your own domain so that you'll have 100% control over all of the files.

I'm going to have to agree with TA there ... I would suggest buying a domain name for yourself, or if you know soeone who owns a domain, you can just add a sub-domain to their site without having to touch any of their coding ...

but as far as your site goes I will say the following ...

The fixed background image gives a bit of an unprofessional (myspace) feel to it ... And it feels like there is no solid structure to the site, meaning the images and text just feels "pasted" in there. The images aren't aligned in any manner and aren't the same size ... I'm not saying the images have to be the same size, but at least they have to be aligned in such a manner that the images and text flow with each other.

sorry but it sucs!

Hello...
As I am unable at this point in time to give solid aid with regard to coding, I will only offer my comments on the overall appeal of the site.
First... I am sincerely sorry for your loss, my heart goes out to you and Darnell's family. You don't say how he died, but in the end it doesn't matter, the loss of anyone who was doing good in this chaotic world, is tragic.

Critique:
Home:
I would work on the header bar. You say to enter the site, click on Darnell's name... IF you used a hot spot, you need to make it larger, because the sweet area to get you into the back page, is small once the video is running... Which is odd? Also the font/typography on the home page is very amateurish in appearance, and it is far to wide... I would suggest trying to keep it within the older traditional 800pixel width.

The back page:
While the context is of interest, the page layout is a mess. No one want to scroll up and down & side to side.
Plant the image of Darnell as a background image and make the text scroll over it. Again pull it all back together closer to that 800 pixel width to eliminate the side to side scroll.

Reevaluate your color and typography selections on the entire site.
Find a webhost company that will host your site and do it up right. It really doesn't cost that much in todays market, and I suspect that this fellow deserves the best you can give his memory.

Hope some of this helps.
I remain,
g

I got only banners. Did you remove the site?

you really need alot of work on that, but kudos for wanting to learn more!

Great start. Show Garnell Teamer the full respect and get a real host rather than a free one like TA said.

I can help you with the site. Just PM me if you want the help.

The movie was great. I felt sorry for Garnell Teamer. Was he the one with the graduation cap on his head? Or who was he or she? The movie didn't really make that evident.

Like I said, I can help you with your site, and you can have a true site that is a memorial to that person.

Hi, I would suggest some quick changes, first, shrink the picture of the firefighters/flag, so you don't have a scroll bar at the bottom. Then change the text " The Thoughts Of Darnell's Friends and Family" to "leave a comment in the guestbook" or similar. I thought I was going to read the thoughts of people via that link.
For a first website, it's pretty good. As long as people can see the content, that's what matters!

Missy

To all: I am thankful there are folks out there who are willing to provide help to someone who is starting out. I am looking to further my education in this field and do this for a living. I have been taking everyone's advice, suggestions, and other recomendations under advisement, and will use them to better the page.

I wonder why everyone starts with Tripod .. I don’t really like it cos of the irritating popups that comes with it… I am rather reluctant to click on URLS that belongs to tripods …
But I would say it’s a good start if you are a novice and at least you got your creative juices running with the words and texts …
Banner ads you had were not blending well with background thus making it looks rather patchy ..
Lots of square boxes …making it less appealing IMHO.
I suggest adding more pages and start with navigation and menus.

I picked tripod for the space, and the ability I had with it to do what I wanted to. When I started, I didnt know there were such things as PHP and stuff. Knowing this is out there, I have begun the hunt for a better host, but not having much luck. The one thing I didnt know is that tripod has popups...never seen them, and I have trouble coding with the banners, as I dont see them either. You mentioned square boxes, were you meaning that the borders on the tables were visible? I like the menu's and navigation idea, and will likely start planning that...once my laptop becomes operational...

Thank you for the critique, it helps out a bunch

Well, honestly I don't know.

As other people say, why don't you get a domain of your own?

Start with php or asp or whichever suits you. Tripod...don't you have limited access?

I do appreciate the advice, and have implemented some of them, I resized the images, and removed the background on the main page. I also added a caption under the entrance picture to better direct traffic to the second page. I know I have a lot to improve on, and you you folk's help, I hope to continue to improve.

BOGEY: I apologize, I have yet to get the template up and running yet, I just recently got my laptop back operating