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Ringet Loris
Originality: I have never seen a site quite like this before. While many sites may have a print-out advert or a flash game, or some other little goodie for its visitors, Calantorntain’s site unites them all, from their various locations across the ROC. The webmistress’s name is also original, and the only place where this site lacks in originality is that it is a collection of other people’s creations.
Creativity: The design of the site is not particularly enthralling, but Calantorntain has many inventive banners amongst her print-outs, a definite plus for creativity. Also, every banner or activity that gets noticed on her site is unique and interesting. Certainly, if you don’t show some creativity, you will not get very far here. Yet it appeals also to those who cannot make something themselves, but would like to advertise Redwall and/or the ROC somehow.
Updates: From the table of updates on the front page, it is clear that Calantorntain updates frequently. Obviously, though, with a site such as this, it is hard to update when there is nothing new for her to add, so in future, once the site is firmly settled, Calantorntain warns us that updates may be more sporadic. However, there is plenty on this site to keep us coming back, so frequent updates are not essential.
Navigability: The links around the site all work, and it is perfectly clear where there are links. The new pages open in the same window, except if they take you to someone else’s site. The site is perfectly easy to navigate, and almost foolproof in this respect.
Effort: In the short time since this site began, it has improved a lot, thanks to the continual effort of its webmistress. She spends hours a week working on it, when there is a lot to add, although when there is nothing to add, she obviously cannot spend any time.
Activities: As this is not a member site, and so does not really provide activities, apart from what can be accessed through the print-ups and down-loads, an average has been taken of its other marks.
Achievement: Although the site has not existed long, it has exceeded the webmistress’ initial expectations already, and has achieved significant acclaim in the ROC. It has definitely improved, with a new web design and continually increasing numbers of print-ups and down-loads, but there is still much more room for improvement.
Initial Impression: While the front page of the site is not spectacular, it is welcoming and practical. It gives a good and fair impression of what is to come, and the casual viewer is enticed in, although more out of curiousity about what the titles in the updates boxes may be referring to, than by any promise of a graphically - interesting site. The only problem with the front page would be that if your computer doesn’t have the font Wing-dings installed, the title will read “Redwall prinths and lloads” instead of print-ups and down-loads.
Legibility: Apart from the afore-mentioned title, and a few minor errors of spelling and grammar, Calantorntain’s site is perfectly legible. In all cases, her meaning can’t be confused, and the site is highly user-friendly. There are forms, used for the “Guest Scrolls”, and they are all in perfect working order.
Atmosphere: Information sites are singularly lacking in atmosphere, but from Calantorntain’s comments, and the polite and friendly entrances in the guest scrolls, you can feel comfortable here. There is no ill-feeling on the site – apart from where rivalries over Gonff may be concerned – so it is a very pleasant place to be.
Viewer Appeal – 92% http://www.geocities.com/calantorntain/ Redwall Print-Ups and Down-Loads is owned by and copyrighted to Calantorntain.
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