Welcome to benmacgowan.co.uk
It has been a long, drawn out process, but the wait is finally over. This design has seen a grand total of 5 colour schemes and 3 major changes in style – so to say that I am relieved that I am happy with the design and that my new site is live would be an understatement. Who knew relief and nervousness could coincide with each other.
Having put so much time into the design, I am in no way a designer. Whilst I agree I love having a creative and aesthetically pleasing website, I have been more worried about the code; what I could use Javascript for to enhance the layout and user experience, making the website work cross-browser and platform, having my HTML and CSS validate. All of this whilst trying to stay unique.
That being said, it becomes more apparent to me how much I have progressed since starting my job as a Web Developer back in September. Beforehand I was designing layouts and coding websites without a care for website standards, for validating code or user interface. This new blog, and new start represents that transformation and will track my progress as I plan to grow more.
I will be posting my findings from work, code snippets, tips and tricks ranging from PHP, .NET, CSS and Javascript. On the other hand I will also be voicing opinions on debate topics such as IE6 support, accessibility and best coding practices. I have a large number of posts drafted and ready to put this show into action.
So here I am. Ben MacGowan. Web Developer with a huge, unhealthy love for HTML, CSS and jQuery. I’m back. Did you miss me?!
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14 Comments
*boing boing boing* (That’s me, playing with the navigation…)
It looks great Ben. Big fan of the colours, love the hover effect on the site logo and the navigation is fun. Very shiny, very polished.
Looking forward to the new posts too!
Jem / http://www.jemjabella.co.uk/ / 22 Jun 2009
Well, you’ve definitely pulled off what you set to achieve! Kudos! I won’t mention certain words around here, so as to not wreck the professionalism, but… you know what I’m thinking.
Even without mentioning it, there’s tonnes of it all over. 
Aisling / http://dreamling.ca / 22 Jun 2009
At first when I saw the site load, I was eh about the layout, but now I absolutely LOVE it. The navigation is so much fun! The archives page was done very well, see you found a way to make it work.
Finally, my favorite part, the gravatars. At first I thought you were doing some magic with them, but realized it’s just a background image! XD
Amazing job, Ben.
*subscribes*
Vasili / http://vasili.duove.com/ / 22 Jun 2009
The homepage doesn’t work properly in FF/XP (let me know if you want a screengrab), but the rest is swishy!
Rachaely / http://www.calmbanana.co.uk/ / 22 Jun 2009
You do realize that when someone makes a comment that the post goes to the left into the pale blue area? Just thought I would let you know. But otherwise I love it.
Hev / http://blog.tigerwhispers.com / 22 Jun 2009
Apart from the obvious things that people will like (navigation, logo hover) I think you did a very nice job. Professional without being too professional, if that makes sense. I love what you did with the comment section, very nice, very well put together.
Anthony / http://rlnt.org / 22 Jun 2009
I totally love the hover effect of the navigation! It’s incredibly fun!
Emsz / http://forever-thinking.net / 22 Jun 2009
After thought: I love the way you’ve handled the contact form! The way it just slides down… Totally cool!
Emsz / http://forever-thinking.net / 22 Jun 2009
This design is absolutely beautiful! I love the nav, the footer and, well, everything else!
Scott / http://indefinite.me/ / 22 Jun 2009
Everything looks awesome! I love the navigation naturally, and the comment styling is very original.
Ashley / http://www.tenthmuse.net / 22 Jun 2009
SMEXY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Of course you know I think it’s AWSM!!!
It looks fab, I love the gravatars!! So cute! You did an awesome job, Ben. 
Melissa / http://melly.me / 22 Jun 2009
I love that color of blue in your background. It so… blue. *drools* You’ve done an awesome job. Everything looks right where it should be and you’ve inserted quite some cool tricks!
Kathleen / http://Www.deergirl.net / 23 Jun 2009
Your site looks HOT! I love it
And I totally know what you mean about just being more interested in the coding aspect of things.
Kaylee / http://kay.dubious.nu / 23 Jun 2009
How the heck did I miss this? Oh I was in London. Oops! Wow Ben, your site is awesome. I love the colours, love the menu effect. Well done! Your hard work has paid off.
Sarah / http://sarah.bz / 22 Jul 2009