What Do You Think? Firehouse.com "Lite" Front Page

[webteam]

We're BETA testing a second version of the home page, a 'lite' version for lower speed connections.

It loses a lot of the features of the home page, including photos, poll, etc. and will only be updated once or twice a day, as opposed to constantly like the current home page, but should vastly improve load speed for visitors still using 56K.

Post your comments here

http://www.firehouse.com/lite/

[mcaldwell]

Losing the ads is fine, but I really want to see the pictures. I doubt I would use it.

I don't really see that much of a difference on my 56k connection.

[webteam]

No difference on a 56K Connection? Must have a lotof the images cached...should load 10x as fast on a 56K..literally..without the ads and images. But....if you like the big version we're not going to argue

[mcaldwell]

Don't get me wrong it is quicker.

But, I'm seeing about 4 or 5 seconds for the big one to load, compared to 2 seconds for the new one. Those three seconds saved aren't that big of a deal to me, and not worth losing the graphics/pictures.

Maybe just an option to remove the ads would be a good compromise???

[backdraft663]

I like the one we have right now, would it be possible to make it where you could choose according to your connection speed, i have no problem with the one with pictures like I was saying possibly make it come up and say which would you like to view firehouse or firehouse lite.


The Firehouse lite to me looks something like a new type of website, you know a website that hasent been up and running long.

[hwoods]

Not a Clue.........

Not being a "Computer Person" I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. I have ISP service from Comcast Cable TV and my computer works as fast as a slide projector, so I'm happy as it is. I would point out that eliminating commercial messages also eliminates revenue, so to be fair, improvements that curtail commercial messages must be funded by somebody (probably the end user: you). No, I don't work for the WT, in fact I butt heads with them sometimes, but as a small business owner, I do understand cash flow. There is no free lunch. Thanks, Stay Safe....

[sonofapreacher]

webteam,
What I personally dislike about both of these pages is how cluttered they are. I know there has been some effort to reduce that clutter, but even knowing the current page layout I still have trouble finding what I'm looking for sometimes. When you said "lite" page, I was really hoping for links that were easier to find.

I do think the "lite" page is some improvement.

[engine23ccvfd]

I like the new page! It is easier to navigate. I is still a little busy but there is not much that can be done with the amount of links needed to navigate different areas within the firehouse.com site.

My eyes dont bounce around as much which helps me focus on finding the particualr link I am after.

Anyway I like all the work the webteam has done. Cudos to the chef!!!

[TriTownship600]

Perfect!

Love it!
Please make it so.

[RyanEMVFD]

like i tell my wife, "i have no opinion in the matter."

[ullrichk]

For the most part I like it. I'm stuck with 44k connections on duty so I notice the speed difference. Trouble is, I scan the front page fairly frequently for headlines, so I may miss out some because of the update schedule. I also use the quick links to Brannigan, Carter, et al.

I agree that it is still a little busy. More white space please.