While surfing the net today, I noticed a few simple features that I’ve been wanting to add to my site but never had the time to do.
The first feature I’ve always wanted was rotating headers. I’ve never been a fan of Flash headers because of long loading times on slower internet connections so I wanted something as simplistic as possible. This nifty script from Ma.tt was the perfect solution and was actually quite simple to use. Currently I have around ten random banners on rotation and plan on working on a few more as soon as I find time to do so.
The second feature I wanted to add was a bit harder to find. I love movie trailers and wanted hi-res ones for all my current film reviews. I had thought about using a Youtube plugin for the site, but none of them did exactly what i wanted and the trailers on Youtube were not very clean streams. After looking at several Youtube specific plugins, I decided to search for an independent script using google. After several hours of searching, I ran across the perfect solution for my needs. The Minds Chew Toy had a great script to pull hi-quality movie trailers from IFILM (SPIKE.COM). Through the use of custom fields allowing all my reviews to have their own unique trailer on the sidebar. It was the perfect solution.
If you have any suggestions to improve the site be sure to share. I’m always looking for ways to make my blog more enjoyable for all my readers.
OMG OMG OMG. Did you make the header yourself? It’s gorgeous!! (It’s the Prince Caspian header at the moment) The subtlety in the blog title and his head going over the black background of the header… I had a very design-related orgasm when I saw it! lol
Also, I was excited that you mentioned this script and can’t wait to try it out for my site. I’m tired of switching themes but I want to be able to give the blog a bit of freshness without having to do so. Super duper! Thanks Chris!
@Reggie- Yes the headers are all done out of photoshop. Its just a couple layers. I haven’t done anything crazy with photoshop in ages. The renders of the superheros and actors are all from different psd render sites. I really need to start labeling them so I can give them credit. Best of luck with the rotation script. Very easy to use.
Boo. I upgraded to 2.6 for wordpress and all my permalinks are broken. Now I have to use this ugly default one.
Hey Trench! How’s it going?
In response to your comment, I will be seeing THE DARK KNIGHT tomorrow night at a press screening. I can’t wait! I didn’t ask, but I think and hope it’s in the IMAX theater because the cinema it’s being held at has it. It’s going to be sweet!!!
SizzlingPopcorns last blog post..Less Than 3 Days Until ‘The Dark Knight’
SP- wow, lucky you. How do you get the passes to the press screenings? I really wish I was out in the mainland to watch the IMAX version..
Love the headers and video in the sidebar!
Thanks Brian. Been spending quite sometime trying to maximize the space but keep it fast loading.
Great Posting you should post this to stumble upon. Or at least submit to Wikipedia as this is a great article.
Beautiful Header…