This is actually more of a "need" at this point.

My proposition: We need to change the site layout.

Reasoning: This block layout is ruining the general image of the site. We need to change it to something more personalized. Something that will catch the eyes on sight.

Site image is extremely important, regardless of how bad that may sound. We have solid systems now. We have solid plots going. We have staff who are always willing to work and get stuff done. We have everything else we need for a great forum. However, what we are lacking is a layout that is more clean, and a layout that personifies not only our members but the forum as a whole. Right now, the forum layout is kind of telling me, "I don't give a flying shit." Is that what we think? I know it isn't. Since it isn't, we need to change it to show that we do care and that this site is "alive."

I highly, highly, highly recommend this. It would be a huge benefit to the forum as a whole. Okay, we can discuss now

I apologize for having missed this for so long.

I agree 110%. The general view of the site doesn't seem as organized and 'professional' as many others. No offence to those who worked hard on the layout, but as the site grows I believe we need to change it up more. I've been wanting to do some work on color schemes and backgrounds, but have been scared as Udarsha usually deals with all of this.

What we need is a good banner, once of those nice ones Udarsha makes, that is the same width as the boards. Once we get that, we need a matching background that is not copyrighted and is simple and neat. Layouts are difficult to do on forumotion, but we can still work at it. We need something easy on the eyes such as this: [Only admins are allowed to see this link]

/not advertising there

That site was created by a friend of mine and skilled coder, but on proboards. I could attempt something similar on forumotion, but since we don't have the option for multiple skins, it would be a huge work in progress and the site's layout my look very bad for a while until it's finished. Still, I think it is worth a go. Eden, do you have ideas for a color scheme? You could post sites with similar ones here, or just give me a detailed idea.

Opinions from others? We need the majority of staff to agree to this. Then I suppose we should ask the members.

The suggestion is a good idea. HOw to make it work, i've no clue. No real ideas either. That link did show something nice, but is it possbile here? Not sure either on that. I say do what you can however. I've no clue at all how to do half of the stuff here.

Well, personally, I can't picture this site being in bright colors. I picture a more medieval, barbaric look. I would say it should be reminiscent of war times. Chaos. Etc. Right now, there is a lot of tension in regard to the organizations, so I believe the site should kind of give that chaotic feel.

I like that idea Eden!

Well, based on whatever plot may come up, we all know for a fact that Bleach /is/ a darker anime, with characters always on their deathbeds or almost, anyways. xD

Darker colors? Eden, could you find me a few sites with this color scheme/look you have in mind?

Well, to be completely honest, all the sites I know are light themed xD So, this would be the only site at the moment that is dark themed (sort of). The site I run used to be dark themed, but to everyone's chagrin, it was changed to a very, very blindingly light theme. I'm afraid I do not have any primary examples.

However, if you would like, you and I can set up a temp site for testing out themes 'n such for the site, since we don't really have much other choice.

That sounds like a good idea! ^.^ If you could admin me up, I could test out backgrounds and such, as well as get to work on a header if Udarsha won't.

Do you want more grey colors similar to that one site Pallas and Jeff set up?

Hmm...I want to steer clear of anything that may be too used up. Maybe more of a red-gray? Make it a little different, you know. And I'll go set up the site right now.

True, I just want to avoid pitch-black. It can be very overwhelming and clash too greatly.

For some reason I'm thinking old man zangetsu colors. I could work on graphics for the buttons which seem like his tattered clothing and all.

I like that idea! Lets run with that and see where it takes us.