[Wikipedia-l] A mock-up revised Cologne Blue layout: request for comments

[Brion VIBBER]

Neil Harris wrote:
> This is a hacked version of Marian's Cologne Blue layout.
[..]
> Notes/disclaimers:
[..]
> *It still uses tables for layout.

Yeah, we'll have to fix that...

> Please let me know if you like the layout.
> 
> Does it:
> * preserve what you like about Cologne Blue's looks?

Yes! Most importantly, it still feels softer and calmer than the default 
skin. Less sharp and mechanistic.

Minor points: It might be nice to leave the browser default font _size_ 
intact for the body text, as well. 10pt is uncomfortably small for me 
when using Times New Roman (my browser's default font), though it looked 
good with the sans-serif Verdana.

> * have the menu items in roughly logical and familiar positions?

"My options" is still too low, I have to scroll down to get there. In 
particular, "my settings" (or preferences or whatever it's to be called) 
should be **way up top** so that a frightened unfamiliar newbie can go 
right to it.

(I just noticed that there's a new PREFERENCES link up on the topbar -- 
good! But the fact that I didn't even notice it the first time over 
might indicate a problem. Also, it might be good to have a consistent 
terminology -- are they my "preferences" or "settings"?)

I'd prefer to move the Special pages section to the bottom; if nothing 
else, it's less dangerous to have the bottom portion of that list off 
the screen than two entire sections of "Page options" and "My options" 
which you might never even see.

Also I can't find "watch this page" at all, it appears to be missing.

> * work on your browser?

Lovely in Mozilla!

-- brion vibber (brion @ pobox.com)