The following is a list of rules, guidelines, and disqualifying factors we abide by while reviewing and judging your web site. They have been broken down into seperate categories for easy understanding and access.

Categories: Content Design Navigation Impression Disqualifiers



The site should have a consistent design and layout.
The site design, graphics, colour scheme, and layout should be consistent throughout the entire site. If a site design varies from page to page, it can sometimes confuse the visitor and downgrade the viewing experience.

The design and graphics should be original and created by the webmaster.
I like to see the creative side of a webmaster, and encourage them to use their own designs while making their website. Choosing select graphics and artworks from other designers is acceptable, but the majority of the design should be created by you.

The site should have a pleasant colour scheme and easy-to-read text.
Colour schemes should not be bright or overpowering, and background textures should compliment the site. Text should be properly sized and contrasted so that it is easy to read at different resolutions and on various browsers.

Design and content graphics should be free from artifaction and grit.
Graphics should be properly optimized for fast page loads, but graphics that are over-optimized become pixelated and lose over-all quality. Transparent graphics should be free from "gritty" edges due to background colours that do not match.

Coding should be free from error alerts or malfunctioning scripts.
Your entire site should be free from browser error alerts caused by malfunctioning or improper coding. Additionally, sites should not contain animated cursors or java programs that disrupt scrolling, freeze my browser, or due anything else to harm my viewing experience.

Design should be compatible with the latest versions of popular browsers.
The design doesn't have to look perfect in every browsers, but the majority of the site should look good and operate efficiently in the latest versions of IE, NS, FireFox, and Opera.

Site should not contain horizontal scrolling at 800X600 or 1024X768.
If a site is too large for 800X600, there should be a statement placed prominently upon the entrance of the site notifying users what resolution is preferred. Keep in mind that sites containing horizontal scrolling at 800X600 should have a good reason for it (i.e. Artistic display).