Comments on: Architecture Medley (p2) http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/ an exploration journal into the shadows of the copper country Tue, 06 Jan 2009 10:44:23 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 By: explorer http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-201 explorer Wed, 31 Jan 2007 16:54:58 +0000 http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-201 Lynn - I know what you mean. Every since we started this site, I have found so many things right under our noses that I didn't know existed! More amazing is that my friend who's lived here almost all his life is surprised everyday by the things we discover. Lynn - I know what you mean. Every since we started this site, I have found so many things right under our noses that I didn’t know existed! More amazing is that my friend who’s lived here almost all his life is surprised everyday by the things we discover.

]]> By: Lynn http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-195 Lynn Wed, 31 Jan 2007 15:25:04 +0000 http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-195 It's amazing what you don't see when you are busy with day to day life. I've been through Hancock many times, and the only thing I've noticed from your pictures above is the street signs. Perhaps sometime soon I will have to take a walk downtown and appreciate the hidden beauty. It’s amazing what you don’t see when you are busy with day to day life. I’ve been through Hancock many times, and the only thing I’ve noticed from your pictures above is the street signs. Perhaps sometime soon I will have to take a walk downtown and appreciate the hidden beauty.

]]> By: explorer http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-191 explorer Tue, 30 Jan 2007 15:45:35 +0000 http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-191 Bob - You haven't been the first (and most likely not the last) that has raised issue with my use of light lettering on a black background. Since the first complaints surfaced I tweaked the font type, size, and color some to try to make the text easier to read (which believe it or not has made a huge difference from the sites original style). Of course, swapping the color scheme to make black lettering on a white background would solve the problem outright. For me there are two concerns at play here (as in any visual composition). Usability is one (which your concern addresses) but I also have to keep in mind the site's artistic identity. Explorer addresses the shadow and specter of a Keweenaw forsaken by both man and time. I attempted to design a site that creates a equally dark and foreboding atmosphere that this subject matter warrants - as I believe it does in its current incarnation. Keep in mind, however, that this site is a living breathing document. Every day it changes, and through the months it slowly finds an identity and purpose. Over time I have moved away from a written narrative towards a more visual expression of photos, videos, and panoramic images. As this transformation matures, you will find long sections of hard-to-read text quickly being replaced by shorter annotations of the images I present. While not the best for text - the black background does wonders in bringing out a photo's vibrancy and richness. Hopefully this sheds some light on my design decisions regarding this site for you and my other readers. I apologize for the inconvenience it may cause to some of you, I knew when I settled for this design that readability would be an issue to some people. That being said, I am looking into implementing an alternate style sheet (reversing the text and background color) for the site that some readers could activate if they wish. However, it may be some time before I get it to work. Thanks for visiting, and thanks for the constructive comment. Bob - You haven’t been the first (and most likely not the last) that has raised issue with my use of light lettering on a black background. Since the first complaints surfaced I tweaked the font type, size, and color some to try to make the text easier to read (which believe it or not has made a huge difference from the sites original style). Of course, swapping the color scheme to make black lettering on a white background would solve the problem outright.

For me there are two concerns at play here (as in any visual composition). Usability is one (which your concern addresses) but I also have to keep in mind the site’s artistic identity. Explorer addresses the shadow and specter of a Keweenaw forsaken by both man and time. I attempted to design a site that creates a equally dark and foreboding atmosphere that this subject matter warrants - as I believe it does in its current incarnation.

Keep in mind, however, that this site is a living breathing document. Every day it changes, and through the months it slowly finds an identity and purpose. Over time I have moved away from a written narrative towards a more visual expression of photos, videos, and panoramic images. As this transformation matures, you will find long sections of hard-to-read text quickly being replaced by shorter annotations of the images I present. While not the best for text - the black background does wonders in bringing out a photo’s vibrancy and richness.

Hopefully this sheds some light on my design decisions regarding this site for you and my other readers. I apologize for the inconvenience it may cause to some of you, I knew when I settled for this design that readability would be an issue to some people. That being said, I am looking into implementing an alternate style sheet (reversing the text and background color) for the site that some readers could activate if they wish. However, it may be some time before I get it to work.

Thanks for visiting, and thanks for the constructive comment.

]]> By: Tom Kirby '54 http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-190 Tom Kirby '54 Tue, 30 Jan 2007 14:56:32 +0000 http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-190 Re: Bob Gregg comment on background for lettering If you hilight the letters (using "Edit") for copying, they stand out crystal clear. Re: Bob Gregg comment on background for lettering

If you hilight the letters (using “Edit”) for copying, they stand out crystal clear.

]]> By: Bob Gregg http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-187 Bob Gregg Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:33:46 +0000 http://coppercountryexplorer.com/2007/01/29/architecture-medley-p2/#comment-187 Nice web site. I spent considerable time in the Copper Country in my younger years, working summers at Fort Wilkins and going to college at Tech. I still try to get back now and then, though living in Connecticut hampers that effort. I do have a suggestion however, regarding your web site. The dark background and light print make if virtually impossible to read some of the narrative unless I magnify the screen several times. Maybe its my aging eyes, but whatever the reason, I suggest you look at using a combination that is more viewer friendly. Thanks. Nice web site. I spent considerable time in the Copper Country in my younger years, working summers at Fort Wilkins and going to college at Tech. I still try to get back now and then, though living in Connecticut hampers that effort. I do have a suggestion however, regarding your web site. The dark background and light print make if virtually impossible to read some of the narrative unless I magnify the screen several times. Maybe its my aging eyes, but whatever the reason, I suggest you look at using a combination that is more viewer friendly.
Thanks.

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