Website Design Feedback

[FlyFree]

Adding video is as easy as adding pics. Sure you can figure that out in a jiffy with internet help.

BTW, should be Contact Us not Contact Me. Latter says Mickey Mouse.

[Topper]

Easy stuff mate - just embedding youtube vids. I'll give you the details this weekend. I reckon there's only a day's work or so on it.

Yep, that's what they all say.......

[Topper]

BTW, should be Contact Us not Contact Me. Latter says Mickey Mouse.

I know. The client was, how shall I say, reluctant, to put his own personal details on the site in order to garner business, thus the mickey mouse shite.

[Horatio Hornblower]

perhaps the client didn't put any stuff on the site as he never liked the look of the site,and was waiting for the finished product that they wanted.

[Topper]

perhaps the client didn't put any stuff on the site as he never liked the look of the site,and was waiting for the finished product that he wanted.

It's either that or the client was too stupid to understand what it takes to make any website work. Whether it looks like shit or not, if the content is there, people will come. Google needs stuff to index. I think there was one point where the customer even suggested waiting till October to get things going so he could develop content.

Also, "look" is subjective. In most cases I've seen, it's dissatisfaction over easily changed stuff that's used to justify non payment.

"Oh, web designer, I wanted a fully functionally resort booking website, but I've not decided to pay you because the background on the website was in teal rather in aquamarine. Yes, the booking part works perfectly and has already saved us tons of money, but we can't afford to pay someone that doesn't know the difference between teal and aquamarine.

If you don't believe me, look around Teakdoor. It's running ten year old software that looks like shit, but people still come because of the content.

[Horatio Hornblower]

Well i work in the service sector and its common to give the client what they want and not what the person doing the job wants to give the client.

The client pays give them what they want.

[somtamslap]

Yep, that's what they all say.......

Have look see and tell me your thoughts. Buggered if I've got the knowhow to give it any semblance of order.

Shall send over the weekend.

[slackula]

I think it looks quite nice, although a little spartan for now. The font is a bit iffy though.

Why is it called 'Chef's Relief Network'? Unless I'm reading it wrong it's not providing any relief to chefs, it is providing relief to people looking for chefs

[stroller]

Copying other sites is so yesterday. Look at how Teakdoor copied Thai Visa to get the same look and feel as AjarnForum had before it upgraded to SMF4.2.

You mean, just as that defunct SZS forum did?
They even recycled old TV/TD/Ajarn mods, now that's really sooo yesterday, don't you agree?

[FlyFree]

perhaps the client didn't put any stuff on the site as he never liked the look of the site,and was waiting for the finished product that he wanted.

It's either that or the client was too stupid to understand what it takes to make any website work. Whether it looks like shit or not, if the content is there, people will come. Google needs stuff to index. I think there was one point where the customer even suggested waiting till October to get things going so he could develop content.

Also, "look" is subjective. In most cases I've seen, it's dissatisfaction over easily changed stuff that's used to justify non payment.

"Oh, web designer, I wanted a fully functionally resort booking website, but I've not decided to pay you because the background on the website was in teal rather in aquamarine. Yes, the booking part works perfectly and has already saved us tons of money, but we can't afford to pay someone that doesn't know the difference between teal and aquamarine.

If you don't believe me, look around Teakdoor. It's running ten year old software that looks like shit, but people still come because of the content.

Payment. Simple. Develop on your own hosting/don't hand over keys to his hosting until paid. Just ban bots so G doesn't crawl his content on your domain.

Teakdoor is a forum. We don't buy anything, no investment up front, no need to quickly assess based on what it looks like. Bad comparison.

The web is crawling with scammers, shady characters trying to sell crap, idiots pretending to be experts and one man shows pretending to be large businesses. By now most web-consumers know this. Slapping up a website is more than just doing a template. It is about instilling confidence to buy, whatever form buy takes, in the potential customer in minutes with no concrete evidence that what you present yourself as is actually true.

Amateurish website with no track record is dead in the water. Stillborn.

[FlyFree]

The site is supposed to appeal to the ultra high rollers needing a chef

Whether it looks like shit or not, if the content is there, people will come

Really?? Come and do what? F-off again?

I'll STFU.

[Humbert]

Really has no visual interest. No strong business identity. Typeface used would look more appropriate on a Lutheran church newsletter. My first impression is that it is an amateur, loving hands at home job.

[thaimeme]

Copying other sites is so yesterday. Look at how Teakdoor copied Thai Visa to get the same look and feel as AjarnForum had before it upgraded to SMF4.2.

You mean, just as that defunct SZS forum did?
They even recycled old TV/TD/Ajarn mods, now that's really sooo yesterday, don't you agree?

Heh....

[Topper]

Really has no visual interest. No strong business identity.

Just like the customer wanted.......

[Humbert]

Just like the customer wanted.......

My mantra as a designer in Thailand was 'never give the customer something they don't want'. Designing for Thais was always a balance between keeping my mouth shut and holding my nose. International clients were a joy but few and far between.

[cyrille]

As luigi said, the pics resolution is too low to spread them massively over the page like that.

Also even after basic correction the English is horribly clunky...

Chef’s Relief is a free service (for clients...not needed) that helps connect clients with chefs. We remove the middle man typically found with the other sites in order to achieve one simple thing:

Reduce the cost for the client and increase the salary for the chef by removing agencies from the equation.

This is a site run by top chefs for top chefs. Our commitment to excellence has a proven track record.

I thought the layout was fairly elegant, but what you've been given to work with sucks. I really hope the text is from the client.

[Topper]

^ Actually, I wrote that bit as filler until the client got around to writing something himself.

I thought the layout was fairly elegant, but what you've been given to work with sucks.

I wasn't 100% pleased but couldn't really bothered to tidy up as the client seemed unwilling to part with payment.

Next time, I shall keep in mind two important words: "Ernest" and "Money".

I'm going to continue to play with the site in my spare time. If nothing else, I'll set it aside as a reference for future clients. I really learned a lot.

Humbert, you're not far from wrong in your analysis, but then I'm not charging top dollar either. I've done probably half a dozen sites like the one here.

If you'd like, I'll happily forward the client's contact information so you can send him a quote.

Next up on the list - A site with an integrated booking/booking management system.

Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen.

[Horatio Hornblower]

Such a shame CSFN that your not providing the full info,whilst trying to dis-credit a client.

The fact is the client saw your level of professional was very poor and decided that, you wouldn't do the website any credit.

People look for inspiration guidance creativity to provide a service that is communicative reassuring and professional.

To say the client hasn't provided you with any content is unbelievable here's just what got sent to you,why you wish to bring this to the forum may well have a detrimental effect on future business for yourself accept the fact you took on something that you couldn't provide

Introduction

Please note this service is a Free service and not connected with any Agencies.
The Chefs are all fully qualified in there own fields, from Pubs, Restaurants, Hotels, Private Chefs ,Yachts, Banquesting , sporting events, military catering, remote Sites.
We work throughout the UK/worldwide.

We have a number of qualified Chefs of differing degrees of experience ,Relief chef introduces you to professional dedicated and Innovative Chefs , we understand that the clients expectations and requirements are varied and demanding so we only introduce you to people, that we feel you will be comfortable with.
The Chefs are from differing levels of expertise to Michelin star experience.
We prefer to deal with Chefs who are adaptable and compliant with the clients needs.
The Chefs are all trained in health and hygiene regulations.
The Chefs offer a dedicated recruitment service for short/long term.

OUR SERVICES & HOW WE CAN HELP
We aim to offer clients a personal, bespoke service by locating and offering the best possible, long serving, highly skilled staff.
Relief Chefs take time in establishing a special relationship with both clients and candidates alike, so we can determine the exact needs of both parties
Should the Chef be required to work in a household, I recommend the Chef is vetted in accordance with the Criminal Records Bureau standard and meet all UK related legislation.
A Chef who will Meet All your Tastes and Needs Whether Your requirements are short/long term we will find the Chef that you require.

Client request form
Contact Name:
Email Address:
Postal Address:
Telephone No:
Staff Required: to include type of establishment and standard of expertise.


Terms and conditions of contract

One return journey paid.
Comfortable accommodation whilst on site.
Payment to be received at intervals agreed by both Chef and client.
The chef services are an agreement between the two parties, and Relief Chefs intro have no part in Negotiation or payment arrangements.
This service is currently free of any fees.

Relief Chefs experience.

I am a passionate, highly motivated and hardworking Chef with excellent culinary experience to create exciting menus with a touch of flair and professionalism. I thrive in the fast paced, high pressure environment of the Hotel and Catering Industry. I am innovative and confident in my abilities and techniques and take immense pride in my work. I am a natural leader and believe in superb customer service.
I have over 25 yrs experience in the hotel and catering sector.
My experience Is diverse and have considerable knowledge and expertise,being trained in classical French/ Modern British to world cuisines.
Having worked in Hong Kong, Australia, Netherlands,America, the establishments being diverse from cooking for heads of state to major sporting events to corporate dining to private dining to working alongside Chefs in renowned hotels and restaurants.

[Horatio Hornblower]

Further more if you need a mechanic, chef, bricklayer etc you don't employ them then do the job yourself.

[Humbert]

If you'd like, I'll happily forward the client's contact information so you can send him a quote.

I don't design for the web. I did it as a favor for a couple of friends and did it for the design firm I worked for here and hated every minute of it.

[Horatio Hornblower]

Here also is a example of what was sent to you , for reference to how possibly the photos should be shown on the site, though everything wanted was ignored

chefs4u

[chassamui]

If you don't believe me, look around Teakdoor. It's running ten year old software that looks like shit, but people still come because of the content.

This may well be true but you risk infractions for pointing it out.
Reminding the owner that his website is shit but still works will not change anything sadly.

[Bettyboo]

Those upturned mushrooms reek of homosexuality...

&, it may just be me, but I don't want to see pictures of your clients.

[Luigi]

Anyway, Tops, we're starting to connect chefs to Thai based clients that need them, within the next few weeks.

Can you do me up a site?

[Topper]

Such a shame CSFN that your not providing the full info,whilst trying to dis-credit a client.

The fact is the client saw your level of professional was very poor and decided that, you wouldn't do the website any credit.

People look for inspiration guidance creativity to provide a service that is communicative reassuring and professional.

To say the client hasn't provided you with any content is unbelievable here's just what got sent to you,why you wish to bring this to the forum may well have a detrimental effect on future business for yourself accept the fact you took on something that you couldn't provide

Introduction

Please note this service is a Free service and not connected with any Agencies.
The Chefs are all fully qualified in there own fields, from Pubs, Restaurants, Hotels, Private Chefs ,Yachts, Banquesting , sporting events, military catering, remote Sites.
We work throughout the UK/worldwide.................

I'm sure that spiel would have raised your google ranking through the roof, and been a sure draw for many viewers! You're right, without that bit, the site is quite meaningless, barren and just a content wasteland.

I don't really care about future business via TD. Anyone with a bit of gumption can get work doing such sites, especially at my prices.

Also, many others here have seen some of my work, which I think most would admit, pretty damn good, even if the content was shit at times.

This may well be true but you risk infractions for pointing it out.
Reminding the owner that his website is shit but still works will not change anything sadly.

I said it in the most loving, caring tone possible though, unlike others......

Anyway, Tops, we're starting to connect chefs to Thai based clients that need them, within the next few weeks.

Now that you mention it, I happen to have a site ready to go. Minor touch ups, font changes and the like and we're ready to go. I'll change the name of the site now.