story site layout

[goodbye_sun]

I was discussing some of the design elements involved when setting up a storytelling site with lachesissom the other day, and it got me thinking about what sorts of things readers really like to have as part of their experience, above and beyond just reading the story. Is there real interest in character bio's, how obligatory are those custom content lists

Comments

[goodbye_sun]

For me minimalism always wins bonus points. I want to be able to find my way around a site easily, so really in my face tags or links make me very happy. Very muted or simple colour palette and basic, easy to read, normal sized fonts for the links and story text. Black text on a white background for the actual story. Seriously. Chapter indexes are also a favourite of mine since I often don't start something until its a bit more established.

Sim stories are visual, so I like a hint of what I'm to expect, so either a banner on the site/journal, or individual chapter header images. I don't need both, but really like at the very least a banner for the site. I also like story images that are at least 500px wide, but no more than 700px wide, the only exception being for comics, which are just more complex by virtue. I also have huge love for the storytellers who use .jpgs, huge.

I like some sort of insight into to a story and who writes it, this can be in the form of an intro at the beginning of a story, newsy updates, or bio's even, just something that gives me a feel for what its all about and how the author feels about their story. I guess that little bit extra tells me if the writer is actually interested in the story they are telling.

I like having links to other stories, but the less free time I have, the more this isn't such a big thing for me unfortunately. And CC lists are also not a necessary item to me since I'm pretty well versed in what is out there, where to find it and where to ask if I can't.