Question

Topic: Website Critique

You've Got To Love It !

Posted by Anonymous on 3/10/2010 at 8:42 PM ET 25 Points
https://www.knowledgenotebook.com/
(for college students, particularly those of liberal arts type)

Or else, either you're dumb or I am.

Ok, seriously. For the 100 scoring system, what's your score for it and if you are not a big name MP contributor, your credentials is expected...

As always many thanks.

Don
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  • Posted by Inbox_Interactive on 3/10/2010 at 9:07 PM Member
    25 points? :)

    I look at the site, and I really don't have a quick understanding of what you do.

    I'm also not very keen on the black background or text color choices.
  • Posted by mgoodman on 3/10/2010 at 9:10 PM Moderator
    Neat concept, not easily understood from the website. The message is that it's a slick tool designed specifically for taking and using notes, thus increasing the value of the notes. Concept: 100

    Communication of the big idea: 25 It takes too much work and reading between the lines to get it.

    My credentials: Decent education, including an MBA and PhD-level studies; former adjunct professor of market research and marketing strategy; currently take a lot of notes as part of client projects, in-depth interviews, etc. Not really a "big name" MP contributor, but I try.
  • Posted by mgoodman on 3/10/2010 at 9:20 PM Moderator
    Separate comment: The reverse type is not only hard to read, but it's kind of dark/depressing. You need some professional design help to set the right tone for your site. Appearance: 5
  • Posted on 3/10/2010 at 9:22 PM Author
    Michael,

    Thank you for your superb observation.

    What's the One Thing that I can do to improve on the Communication</> end in your opinion?

    Best,

    Don
  • Posted on 3/10/2010 at 9:26 PM Author
    On "Appearance", my survey indicates that the majority of about 170 or so college students, some in this country and some overseas like its appearance (white on black).

    But I'll consider to do another survey from college students in US only.

  • Posted by mgoodman on 3/10/2010 at 10:02 PM Moderator
    Liking white on black in a survey is totally irrelevant. If you want to research it, here's what you need to do:

    Create a mock-up page with white on black. Create another mock-up page with black on white. (Add other colors, if you want.) Copy and images should be exactly the same, so the background and font colors are the only variables.

    Then ask a few hundred people to look at each version and indicate how likely they'd be to purchase.

    That will tell you which is more effective -- not which one they say they'd like in an abstract situation.

    Or save yourself the time an money for the research. It's been done so many times that it's clear which sells better. It's not white text on black.
  • Posted by Jay Hamilton-Roth on 3/11/2010 at 8:23 AM Member
    Agree with Michael of white on black.

    Graphics in wrong place - they're pulling the eye away from the text.

    And here's the thing - it doesn't matter what I think. What matters is what's working for you. Are you getting lots of traffic? Lots of downloads? Lots of sales? If so, stop analyzing. If not, figure out what specifically you need to improve and do that.
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 3/11/2010 at 10:49 AM Accepted
    Your concept is good, but quite frankly I dont feel like it tells the story fast enough....
    nor do I think it is "sexy" enough for college kids.
    Your tutorial would be good for business people but not for college students.

    I know you will laugh when you read this, but you need to sell the benefit. To most college students it isnt good grades, it will be free time to party, to hang with their friends, to pursue the opposite sex.

    You have a cool and unique product, but you need to add some serious sizzle to the mix. Your website isnt competing against other study aid products, it is competing against every website they visit.

    Here is an exercise. Google 'Spring Break' 2010. Your website is competing against those. Notice something special on those sites? I do, it's cool guys and pretty girls all having fun. Your visual message needs to push into the "buy our stuff, get good grades, and become one of the cool kids".
  • Posted on 3/11/2010 at 12:33 PM Author
    Frank, you're the Absolute Best!
    (though I understand it's going to be over a few days)

    Thanks a million.

    Don
  • Posted on 3/11/2010 at 2:45 PM Author
    karen,

    Tell us a bit about yourself.

    Don
  • Posted by Frank Hurtte on 3/11/2010 at 4:42 PM Member
    Don,
    Thanks for the comment... I only hope i dont get hate mail for suggesting every college age young person today only thinks about girls/boys, parties and having fun. I guess I am superimposing myself at 18-22 over the top of a whole nation...
  • Posted on 3/11/2010 at 9:02 PM Author
    Frank,

    Actually I ran your thoughts on a supposedly college crowd and you got one vote already.

    Best,

    Don
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