Hi Folk,
Please - honest web site advice needed. Is the negative image too 'dark' or does it work? I love the sense of mystery it creates, but is it in any way 'sinister'?
http://www.magician.org/member/marktownsend
Mark

Hi Mark,

To be honest with you, I think the negative image doesn't work for me. It is kind of dark...if you want to use that type of image, I would also have a regular publicity photo on that page too. That would make it work a little better IMHO.

Hi Mark,

What look are you going for? What feeling and emotion are you trying to generate in the viewer? I don't see it as 'sinister' at all. I think you need to answer the first two questions for yourself and that will guide you to what colors and style you should use.

Just my 2 cents.

Hi Mark:

I posted the following thoughts before back-tracking fom your web site and seeing that it comes through the IBM membership site. I edited my original post with this intro, but I'll keep my post as was originally written below.

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The main question I have is, "What are you trying to accomplish with your site?" It goes beyond the photo to the use of endorsements.

If the idea is to generate shows, how many of your readers will know who McBride, Burger, Knepper, et al are? Wouldn't you be better off using endorsements from names, churches, denominations, organizations or companies that are known to the average reader?

If you're looking to book yourself at a magic convention, these are great endorsements - but most of the clients that I have had in the past and will in the future have no idea who these people are. I think that for the "lay people" interested in magic, only names such as Blaine, Angel, or Copperfield carry any weight in endorsements.

In regard to the photo, the negative might be useful on another page, but I think your first impression needs to be a "positive" one that will convey who you are to some degree.

Just my 2 cents!

Terry

Many thanks guys, for sound advice.
I will take not. I'm just playing with ideas at the moment. I will (in the end) work on a much more professional site anyway. my other one is http://www.magicofsoul.com

Video video video. A 20 second clip will do more than 10 web pages if you want to sell yourself. Youtube and other sites are a real blessing. 5 years ago you were paying thru the nose what these site give you for FREE. Your website is fine, upload a clip to Youtube and then embed in the page.

Andy,
Thank you. I had not thought of that! Good advice my friend.
Mark

Or you can upload a video to Godtube too and post it to your site. I have clips on both Godtube and youtube. Both are imebedible to your web page.