SMBhq Renaissance

**Sean P Kelly** · 03-26-2004, 03:20 PM

In a responce to the complaint that SMBhq should concentrate more on the games, I think it's time that SMBhq goes through a slow, but total makeover.

Since 1997, SMBhq has been basically the same site, except with different skins. And sadly, I have to admit, it looks like, over the last fews years, the focus has changed from the main pages to the many sub-sections SMBhq has.

There is no way those sections (which includes my stuff) is going to go away (they are part of what makes SMBhq orginal). However, I think it's time that SMBhq go back to what's important: The Games.

So, I am proposing a few changes to SMBhq (hopefully Jay will agree to them)

New Splash Page
This is a definite change that I am working on right now. I'm a little conflicted on how it would look, but a new feature that it will definitely include is a link to a 411 page that bascially gives ALL SMBhq contact information.

New Game Pages
Jay admitted to me that he isn't really good at these things, and the last new game pages were ones that I volunteered to make. I mentioned to Jay an idea that SMBhq visitors could submit new game pages.

Another idea I got (which sounds much better) is a total game page revamp. All the game pages have followed a very simple template made by Kyle Orland. However, I feel the pages could be better.

Changes that I would make (with Jay's approval) are:
- Stick to the most basic details. All the game pages contain stuff like commentary, quotes, and endings. Those would be good for other areas of the site, but I think the game pages should just have basic info.
- Links to related areas of the site. If there is a guide or code for the game, why not link to the guide or code from the page. I plan on making a little navagation bar that may also include links to the things that I plan to remove.
- Maybe add some screenshots (though they are not really needed)

My change proposals are essentionally based on three sources: The games pages at TMK, The Metroid Database and The Mega Man Homepage (which was apparently Kyle's inspiration for SMBhq)

Basically, I want to make the game pages easier for Jay to quickly throw together (like if he doesn't know the ending, he doesn't have to activate the link on the nav bar)

I'll wait and see what Jay thinks before I actually think of doing anything. I will also post more ideas for changes in this topic as I get them (everyone else is free to do the same).

[ March 26, 2004, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: Sean Kelly ]

PenguinMan · 03-26-2004, 05:54 PM

Sounds good to me. I thought SMBHQ was lacking in the info part, but this should fix it. I'll help out, since Fan Art isn't exactly taking a whole lot of my time.

**Sean P Kelly** · 03-28-2004, 11:01 PM

Quick Splash Page Update:
I've finally settled on a design for the new look.

It sort of be a combination of the current splash page and the old one (though it leans a bit more towards the old design).

I'm using graphical buttons as links (i.e. Frames, No Frames, etc).

There will be two new links.

The first link would be SMBhq 411, like I previously said (all SMBhq Contact information).

The second link would be "What's Hot." This link would bring up a pop-up window showing all the featured links and stuff.

I'm pretty proud with what I have so far. I will hope to have this front page finished by mid-April.

**BEARD BURGER MASTER** · 03-29-2004, 09:41 AM

You may as well also update the Help Wanted page. I can help with the Super Mario Bros. movies with mistakes and trivia in it (As I have the DVD)

**Sean P Kelly** · 03-29-2004, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sean Kelly:
I'm pretty proud with what I have so far. I will hope to have this front page finished by mid-April.

Boy do I give myselft long deadlines.

Anyways, I just finished the actual Front Page Design. All I have to do now is put together the 411 and What's Hot pages.

So, if all goes well, you could very well be seeing a new SMBhq Front Page by weeks end.

Metal Man · 04-01-2004, 06:10 PM

Yeah, you and Hal Emmerich should make SSQ much better... although I'm not sure which is better, you or him.

Nintendo JJW · 04-03-2004, 04:43 PM

Both old and new are the same.

**Sean P Kelly** · 04-03-2004, 05:01 PM

If you call those the same, I don't know what you call different

Jonathan Resop · 05-04-2004, 12:09 AM

Well, I'd like to update more things around SMBHQ, but I really don't have the time to do much myself. What I really need is some more help I guess to handle some of these other sections.-jay

Nintendo JJW · 05-04-2004, 09:14 AM

I think the Mario Lists should be upgraded/updated, too.

Metal Man · 05-19-2004, 01:42 PM

The biggest problem is that a lot of the sections lack some sort of coordination. However, forcing all of them to use the same layout would cause an uproar...

**Sean P Kelly** · 06-23-2004, 11:14 AM

Well the Index Page is done, now it's onto bigger things.

I was going to work on new game pages, however I noticed that the main page could use a makeover as well (since it's really long).

After thinking for a moment, I decided to do both at the same time.

Taking a page from one of most well-done Videogame Fansites, The Mega Man Homepage, I am going to create individual index pages for each Mario era (Divided by system), which will be linked from the main page. Each index will include the same links (Games, Enemy Lists, Item Lists, etc).

Then there would be plenty of room left on the main page for links to the secondary SMBhq sections.

Basically the new main page will help re-inforce our goal of returning SMBhq's focus to the games.

Hopefully the whole renaissance will have significant progress done by the time SMBhq turns 7 in August (then we can have a whole "7 Year Itch" retrospective page)

**Sean P Kelly** · 06-27-2004, 12:06 AM

In an expansion of the previous post, there will be the following Mario Era links (unlike what I said each section will cover all systems around during the time period)

Era 1: Retro '80s - 1981 - 1990
This era will cover the birth of Mario and the heydays of the NES. In other words from Donkey Kong to Super Mario Bros. 3.

Systems:
Arcade
NES
Game Boy

Era 2: 16-Bit Revolution - 1991 - 1995
This era will focus mainly on Mario's SNES days including Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island.

Systems:
NES
SNES
Game Boy

Era 3: The 21st Century - 1996 - TODAY
On the three eras, this is the one that will grow for years to comes.

Started with the final days of the SNES (including Super Mario RPG), we will cover Mario's adventures on the N64 before proceding to the GameCube and beyond.

Systems:
SNES
Game Boy (Color)
N64
Game Boy Advance
Gamecube
(as well as whatever is released in the future)

--------------------------

While the format isn't set in stone yet, each era section will probably include a timeline and synopsis of the era, as well game pages for each of the games.

I'll probably also go with my plan of importing the enemy and item pages (though this time they will have pictures, thanks to a certain sprite site out there).

Chompmaster · 06-27-2004, 11:53 AM

You're really doing a good jod, Sean!

**BEARD BURGER MASTER** · 06-27-2004, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chompmaster:
You're really doing a good jod, Sean!

Visit Chao Adventures in the Comix Thread! Go and read them, now!

Tokikenshi · 07-22-2004, 07:55 AM

I'm back! [img]smile.gif[/img]
Sorry for the late reply, but wouldn't it be nice to have a section dedicated entirely to fan-made games and reviews? And in connection to that section, why not a couple of sub-sections with tools, information and stuff about how to create your own Mario-adventure and expanding the universe?

[ July 22, 2004, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Tokikenshi ]

Flamethrower Mario · 08-02-2004, 02:27 AM

I made the original logos which these new images are based on.. if you ever need any help with the images or splash pages, just let me know... I've got a few more drafts that I never ended up sending to Kyle, and I could always make you some new images as well (and that goes for the forums, too).

[ August 02, 2004, 02:36 AM: Message edited by: FM ]

**Sean P Kelly** · 09-24-2004, 11:59 PM

I'm sure all of you can't wait for the new SMBhq "Era Pages"

I just seriously got started on work on them, and they are going to be awesome.

To make things easier I am going to work one era at a time.

When that era is done and uploaded, I will work on the next era, and so long.

I think this is the best path to go, especially since the first two eras are basically just archives.

Expect to see the page for the "Retro Era" by the end of October.

**Sean P Kelly** · 09-25-2004, 12:01 AM

Oh, I should also say I hit the jackpot when looking for classic NES box art to use for the section.

You can take a peak at http://spoonman.roarvgm.com/videogame/nintendo8bit.html

Metal Man · 10-04-2004, 11:37 AM

Pretty good looking. If you ever have any suggestions about the SSQ layout, you know how to contact me.

03-26-2004, 03:20 PM	#1
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	In a responce to the complaint that SMBhq should concentrate more on the games, I think it's time that SMBhq goes through a slow, but total makeover. Since 1997, SMBhq has been basically the same site, except with different skins. And sadly, I have to admit, it looks like, over the last fews years, the focus has changed from the main pages to the many sub-sections SMBhq has. There is no way those sections (which includes my stuff) is going to go away (they are part of what makes SMBhq orginal). However, I think it's time that SMBhq go back to what's important: The Games. So, I am proposing a few changes to SMBhq (hopefully Jay will agree to them) New Splash Page This is a definite change that I am working on right now. I'm a little conflicted on how it would look, but a new feature that it will definitely include is a link to a 411 page that bascially gives ALL SMBhq contact information. New Game Pages Jay admitted to me that he isn't really good at these things, and the last new game pages were ones that I volunteered to make. I mentioned to Jay an idea that SMBhq visitors could submit new game pages. Another idea I got (which sounds much better) is a total game page revamp. All the game pages have followed a very simple template made by Kyle Orland. However, I feel the pages could be better. Changes that I would make (with Jay's approval) are: - Stick to the most basic details. All the game pages contain stuff like commentary, quotes, and endings. Those would be good for other areas of the site, but I think the game pages should just have basic info. - Links to related areas of the site. If there is a guide or code for the game, why not link to the guide or code from the page. I plan on making a little navagation bar that may also include links to the things that I plan to remove. - Maybe add some screenshots (though they are not really needed) My change proposals are essentionally based on three sources: The games pages at TMK, The Metroid Database and The Mega Man Homepage (which was apparently Kyle's inspiration for SMBhq) Basically, I want to make the game pages easier for Jay to quickly throw together (like if he doesn't know the ending, he doesn't have to activate the link on the nav bar) I'll wait and see what Jay thinks before I actually think of doing anything. I will also post more ideas for changes in this topic as I get them (everyone else is free to do the same). [ March 26, 2004, 02:28 PM: Message edited by: Sean Kelly ]

03-26-2004, 05:54 PM	#2
PenguinMan Spin the Disc Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: THE ARCTIC CIRCLE!!!!1 Gender: Posts: 10,731 Thanks: 1 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Points: 6,083.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 6,583.00 Donate	Sounds good to me. I thought SMBHQ was lacking in the info part, but this should fix it. I'll help out, since Fan Art isn't exactly taking a whole lot of my time.

03-28-2004, 11:01 PM	#3
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	Quick Splash Page Update: I've finally settled on a design for the new look. It sort of be a combination of the current splash page and the old one (though it leans a bit more towards the old design). I'm using graphical buttons as links (i.e. Frames, No Frames, etc). There will be two new links. The first link would be SMBhq 411, like I previously said (all SMBhq Contact information). The second link would be "What's Hot." This link would bring up a pop-up window showing all the featured links and stuff. I'm pretty proud with what I have so far. I will hope to have this front page finished by mid-April.

03-29-2004, 09:41 AM	#4
BEARD BURGER MASTER ZAT'S RIGHT! I'M IN ZEE HOUSE! Join Date: May 2001 Location: Farmerland. Gender: Posts: 7,622 Thanks: 105 Thanked 402 Times in 222 Posts Points: 2,455.29 Bank: 43,417.49 Total Points: 45,872.78 Donate	You may as well also update the Help Wanted page. I can help with the Super Mario Bros. movies with mistakes and trivia in it (As I have the DVD)

04-01-2004, 06:10 PM	#6
Metal Man Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Gender: Posts: 7,034 Thanks: 77 Thanked 265 Times in 175 Posts Points: 8,506.29 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 8,506.29 Donate	Yeah, you and Hal Emmerich should make SSQ much better... although I'm not sure which is better, you or him.

04-03-2004, 04:43 PM	#7
Nintendo JJW Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Nintendo JJW HQ! Posts: 358 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 983.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 1,483.00 Donate	Both old and new are the same.

04-03-2004, 05:01 PM	#8
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	If you call those the same, I don't know what you call different

05-04-2004, 12:09 AM	#9
Jonathan Resop Banned Join Date: Dec 1969 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 37,844.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 38,344.00 Donate	Well, I'd like to update more things around SMBHQ, but I really don't have the time to do much myself. What I really need is some more help I guess to handle some of these other sections.-jay

05-04-2004, 09:14 AM	#10
Nintendo JJW Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Nintendo JJW HQ! Posts: 358 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 983.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 1,483.00 Donate	I think the Mario Lists should be upgraded/updated, too.

05-19-2004, 01:42 PM	#11
Metal Man Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Gender: Posts: 7,034 Thanks: 77 Thanked 265 Times in 175 Posts Points: 8,506.29 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 8,506.29 Donate	The biggest problem is that a lot of the sections lack some sort of coordination. However, forcing all of them to use the same layout would cause an uproar...

06-23-2004, 11:14 AM	#12
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	Well the Index Page is done, now it's onto bigger things. I was going to work on new game pages, however I noticed that the main page could use a makeover as well (since it's really long). After thinking for a moment, I decided to do both at the same time. Taking a page from one of most well-done Videogame Fansites, The Mega Man Homepage, I am going to create individual index pages for each Mario era (Divided by system), which will be linked from the main page. Each index will include the same links (Games, Enemy Lists, Item Lists, etc). Then there would be plenty of room left on the main page for links to the secondary SMBhq sections. Basically the new main page will help re-inforce our goal of returning SMBhq's focus to the games. Hopefully the whole renaissance will have significant progress done by the time SMBhq turns 7 in August (then we can have a whole "7 Year Itch" retrospective page)

06-27-2004, 12:06 AM	#13
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	In an expansion of the previous post, there will be the following Mario Era links (unlike what I said each section will cover all systems around during the time period) Era 1: Retro '80s - 1981 - 1990 This era will cover the birth of Mario and the heydays of the NES. In other words from Donkey Kong to Super Mario Bros. 3. Systems: Arcade NES Game Boy Era 2: 16-Bit Revolution - 1991 - 1995 This era will focus mainly on Mario's SNES days including Super Mario World and Yoshi's Island. Systems: NES SNES Game Boy Era 3: The 21st Century - 1996 - TODAY On the three eras, this is the one that will grow for years to comes. Started with the final days of the SNES (including Super Mario RPG), we will cover Mario's adventures on the N64 before proceding to the GameCube and beyond. Systems: SNES Game Boy (Color) N64 Game Boy Advance Gamecube (as well as whatever is released in the future) -------------------------- While the format isn't set in stone yet, each era section will probably include a timeline and synopsis of the era, as well game pages for each of the games. I'll probably also go with my plan of importing the enemy and item pages (though this time they will have pictures, thanks to a certain sprite site out there).

06-27-2004, 11:53 AM	#14
Chompmaster Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: I don\'t know. Being an Idiot AND a smart person at the same time is pretty hard. Posts: 1,014 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 7,367.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 7,867.00 Donate	You're really doing a good jod, Sean!

07-22-2004, 07:55 AM	#16
Tokikenshi Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Sweden Posts: 27 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 660.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 1,160.00 Donate	I'm back! [img]smile.gif[/img] Sorry for the late reply, but wouldn't it be nice to have a section dedicated entirely to fan-made games and reviews? And in connection to that section, why not a couple of sub-sections with tools, information and stuff about how to create your own Mario-adventure and expanding the universe? [ July 22, 2004, 12:14 PM: Message edited by: Tokikenshi ]

08-02-2004, 02:27 AM	#17
Flamethrower Mario Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Posts: 1,973 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Points: 4,088.00 Bank: 500.00 Total Points: 4,588.00 Donate	I made the original logos which these new images are based on.. if you ever need any help with the images or splash pages, just let me know... I've got a few more drafts that I never ended up sending to Kyle, and I could always make you some new images as well (and that goes for the forums, too). [ August 02, 2004, 02:36 AM: Message edited by: FM ]

09-24-2004, 11:59 PM	#18
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	I'm sure all of you can't wait for the new SMBhq "Era Pages" I just seriously got started on work on them, and they are going to be awesome. To make things easier I am going to work one era at a time. When that era is done and uploaded, I will work on the next era, and so long. I think this is the best path to go, especially since the first two eras are basically just archives. Expect to see the page for the "Retro Era" by the end of October.

09-25-2004, 12:01 AM	#19
Sean P Kelly SMBHQ Mod Movies Mod Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Toronto, ON, Canada Gender: Posts: 3,393 Thanks: 10 Thanked 46 Times in 36 Posts Points: 207,576.73 Bank: 152,388.02 Total Points: 359,964.75 Donate	Oh, I should also say I hit the jackpot when looking for classic NES box art to use for the section. You can take a peak at http://spoonman.roarvgm.com/videogame/nintendo8bit.html

10-04-2004, 11:37 AM	#20
Metal Man Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Gender: Posts: 7,034 Thanks: 77 Thanked 265 Times in 175 Posts Points: 8,506.29 Bank: 0.00 Total Points: 8,506.29 Donate	Pretty good looking. If you ever have any suggestions about the SSQ layout, you know how to contact me.