I'd like to know honestly what people thing about the layout of my site. I'm focusing on the layout first, and adding content as I go. I know there's still lots more work to do I just wanted to get an opinion as I go so I dont have to make too many big changes later.

Any bugs?

Feedback on links? errors?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

thanks for your time.

Chris West
http://www.myowntrade.com

Your site has a simple layout, but simple can be very effective. You might want to think about replacing those buttons because they really are quite nasty. It is important to take into consideration that the human eye goes to the right hand side of the screen first (this is a fact) so there for you may want to put your company slogan some where else. eg. under your header.

Also your graphics are a bit jagged around the edges. You may want to consider buying a better graphics package like photoshop or getting someone else to do them for you. In particlular the image called leftbarspot.png has a very jagged edge which seen as it is a png file anyway this should be easy to fix.

REMEMBER: SCROLLING TEXT, FLASHING GIFS AND FREE STUFF IS NOT WORTH HAVING AND BRINGS DOWN THE STYLE OF YOUR SITE BY ABOUT 100%.

Tables are now not the best tool to use for laying out your site but it probably isn't worth learning how to do it without for the time being. You should probably consider putting more of your general formatting in css to tidy your page up a bit and to maintain a good level of consistency.

Sorry that was all a bit negative but you do have a good start there and I am sure you will sort those problems out. Good Luck.

I'm really sorry I havent replied sooner, I am very thankful for your thoughts and the time you spent on your post.

things have been a bit crazy at the real "work" these days and havent had much time for online business.

I'll be learning more about other design methods in the near future to help with layout and functionality. Also, I am aware of the image issues present. I have much to learn.

Thanks again for contributing.

Chris