The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!
Black Background == Poor Readership, lost visitors
Regardless of the artistic merits of a black background, it has been known for years that white-on-black is very hard to read. Speed and comprehension drop dramatically, and the web site will lose visitors.
There's a reason why virtually ALL commercial web sites use a light-colored background with dark text. They're in it for the money, and they've done the usability studies. Dark backgrounds lose customers. The only exceptions are web sites where the graphical/artistic content outweighs the text, such as a "batman returns" site, or a photographer's site.
Atheist Nexus is not an artistic site; it's primary medium is text, and that text's readability should be maximized.
I hope this helps.
James
There's a reason why virtually ALL commercial web sites use a light-colored background with dark text. They're in it for the money, and they've done the usability studies. Dark backgrounds lose customers. The only exceptions are web sites where the graphical/artistic content outweighs the text, such as a "batman returns" site, or a photographer's site.
Atheist Nexus is not an artistic site; it's primary medium is text, and that text's readability should be maximized.
I hope this helps.
James
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Chrys Stevenson on -
I'd prefer a soft coloured background. I have poor eyesight and the bright white hurts my eyes. I don't find the black background too bad, but, yes, I think a soft grey - maybe a little like the menu bar of the posting box - would be good. Slightly larger print would be nice too if we're making a wish list.
-
Permalink Reply by Goz on -
i agree,a grey or tan might be better.
If you are using Fire Fox,you can increase the size of your fonts. Go to the top of your window and choose:
Edit.preferences> content>Default font >Ariel black>
Size. (Whatever) Advanced>(More options to change other fonts.)
Ok.
-
Permalink Reply by damian on -
the poll for black background is at 66.6% at the moment
the number of the beast
-
Permalink Reply by Craig A. James on -
You should never, ever rely on the votes of your users for usability feedback. First, the users who vote are ALREADY biased -- in this case, they're the ones who managed stay in spite of the difficult-to-read white-on-black background. Second, user opinion has been shown to be a grossly inaccurate way to do usability studies. You can only judge by what people do, not what they say. People's opinions are surprisingly at odds with their actual behavior.
The best way to judge usability is via the Google Analytics "Bounce Rate". Offer two (or more) different versions of the web site, which are randomly assigned as visitors arrive. Then use the Google Analytics to see how long each user stays on the site. This site should have plenty of traffic, enough that you can get meaningful statistics in just a day or two.
-
Permalink Reply by The Nerd on -
Wish there was a "Bounce Rate" for congress. Maybe they would start doing what needs to be done.
-
Permalink Reply by Samu on -
In this reply to my whiny post (http://www.atheistnexus.org/xn/detail/2182797:Comment:67753), Brother Richard said: "I will be rolling out a white option soon and get some feedback from people."
Patience my young grasshopper, patience. :P
-
Permalink Reply by Calla on -
I must say I agree with this, looking forward to the light-colored version.
-
Permalink Reply by Tony "Hussein" Sidaway on -
Yeah, this is a make-or-break issue for me. When I signed up I assumed that I could adjust the settings. If I can't, then I can't use it with a black background. This is a serious usability issue.
-
Permalink Reply by Dawn K on -
I agree! White on black text really is very hard on the eyes. There are times when I can't stay on as long as I want because my eyes become fatigued.
I love the look of the black background as much as the next person, in fact my personal blog is black with gray text (gray is easier than stark white). But I was sad to see so many people voting for it and figured I'm SOL. Glad to see that there will be other options eventually.
-
Permalink Reply by Simon on -
I can't read white text on black/grey background for too long either, my visits have become fewer and fewer since the new black/grey background.
Would it be possible to choose our own colour scheme/skin for the whole site, the same as we do on our personal page?
Just a thought.
Simon
Support Nexus
Click to Buy Amazon items and help A|N
Advertisements
Latest Activity
- Top News
- Everything
Dan Rea replied to Dan Rea's discussion 'Some muslim Insanity'
Atreus Redezem commented on Steph S.'s group 'Geek & Nerd Haven'
Napoleon Bonaparte shared their video on Twitter
Napoleon Bonaparte shared their video on Twitter
david replied to david's discussion 'Atheism a religeon?'
david replied to david's discussion 'Atheism a religeon?'
Lauren Harrison replied to Anyone's discussion 'Religious Services' in the group In an "Interfaith" Relationship
Something From Nothing: Lawrence Krauss and Richard Dawkins http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXtYnVQDuNc
Status posted by Ralph Smith
Maruli Marulaki replied to The Nerd's discussion 'Psychology Today: "feminism is illogical, unnecessary, and evil"' in the group Feminist Atheists
Edward R. Bennett liked James's group 'Atheist NFL Fans'
Terry Groff replied to Bergen Woods's discussion 'What is your band?' in the group Atheist Musicians
Edward R. Bennett commented on Steph S.'s group 'Geek & Nerd Haven'
Terry Groff replied to Brandon's discussion 'What instruments do you play?' in the group Atheist Musicians
Edward R. Bennett commented on Yvette's group 'California Atheists'
Edward R. Bennett replied to Carrot Hare's discussion 'Atheists around the world! ASSEMBLE!'
Austin Meek replied to Dan Rea's discussion 'Some muslim Insanity'
© 2012 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.
