Reply to thread

I don't know about this.  Barret, I think you know what it is you want out of this site both visually and contextually.  But because you "threw it together" as you put it, the design suffered.  Following these phases is essential with any web design project and with good reason.  They determine what the website is about, what it's supposed to do and how it's going to do it.  You may find this article useful as it details the most common aspects of website design.  You might be surprised to learn that the "design" phase is almost the last thing on the list.  I've fallen victim to not properly planning my projects and in the end, I kick myself everytime. 

6 Phases of the Web Site Design and Development Process | iDesign Studios