Gaming Feedback / Input on NintendoReporters

[PatrickD85]

Beforehand it's been a fairly long time since I was active here so if this in a place it shouldn't be I apologize. If so please ask a Mod to move it, I'm totally fine with that either way.
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But Hi all,

If I could bother for a few minutes of your time that would be awesome; I would like some additional feedback / input on the concept.
And that may range from anything like, I dont like the font, I dislike the color scheme, all the way to ... cool I would like to help where I can.
Feedback is feedback and in the end it all helps make it better as a whole.

For quick reference what it entails at this point;
(Dutch); https://www.nintendoreporters.com/
(English); https://www.nintendoreporters.com/en

Thanks in advance for your eyes, your time and your attention!

Short backstory

For the last month and a half I have been spending time on a big passion of mine; Nintendo.
I always wanted to do something news and Nintendo related. So earlier in October I decided to start with a new project dubbed NintendoReporters.

It is progressing nicely but of course you always want to go bigger better and so on.
From various points feedback has been wonderful, interactions with some companies came out of the blue and also some people have expressed an interest in helping out being it in writing content (articles, reviews, editorials) in both Dutch and English.

I have always liked the open communication on GBAtemp (been a bit more of a lurker then a poster though) but it feels great to talk with people about the passion we share in gaming.

Hope you guys would be so kind to help me out make what I have now suit even more to what you as my fellow gamers would like to see.

Sidenote; For the Sony and MS fans among you, still feel free to give me feedback in any form or way. Just keep in mind it will remain a Nintendo only entity. We might feature the occasional crossover title or so but that's it.

 

[Edgy_Edge]

I've checked your website and for me it looks like a complete copy of the NintendoLife website. Even the layout of the news...

 

[AmandaRose]

I've checked your website and for me it looks like a complete copy of the NintendoLife website. Even the layout of the news...

Yep the website needs its own identity instead of just being a copy of NintendoLife.

 

[PatrickD85]

@Edgy_Edge first of thanks for your feedback, always appreciated.

There are some similarities for sure. That has to do with the topic in general I guess and the choice for both going for a Nintendo red-ish appearance.
For the record; I love NintendoLife (shoutout to Alex aka Mr Lovely people) and would I aspire to be a bit like them ... by all means.
But to say we model after them, well atleast not intentionally.

Still valuable feedback none the less and I will keep that in mind in regard to future layout / styling choices for sure.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

@Marko76 what would you say is the main cause in this? Is it the choice of the characters in the background? Or anything else specific.
I agree with both of you, in regards to the own look and feel, but at certain point well you might just turn a little bit blind when it comes to something you have been working with.

 

[linuxares]

Is your site going to try to be a "buddy" with Nintendo?

 

[PatrickD85]

Is your site going to try to be a "buddy" with Nintendo?

If you by that mean biased in any way ... no.
One thing we firmly stand by is; Integrity is key.

Thus meaning we are not to be influenced by any party even if it's being Nintendo.
When something is crap in our humble opinion we will voice that as well.

 

[linuxares]

Okey, I would still suggest you would branch out than just sticking with Nintendo. But that's just my two cents.

 

[PatrickD85]

Okey, I would still suggest you would branch out than just sticking with Nintendo. But that's just my two cents.

Still appreciated for sure, but the main reason for starting this is my Nintendo-fanboy side (Dont worry I am not on the bash Sony or MS front). I have had trips to PS2, Dreamcast and had some short experiences on XBOX 360. But I grew up living and breathing Nintendo (Had almost everything Nintendo with the exception of the Virtual Boy and the latest 2DS / 3DS generations). The other main reason is that at least in the Netherlands Nintendo reporting in general is not at such heights as it is in the UK or the US. That's mainly due to the fact that all parties are going broad spectrum actually it seems here.

I get it from a market share point of view. Sure there are more Sony / Microsoft interested people. But in this case I would rather be somewhat more of Nintendo niche to supply on that front then be one more in the herd of general gaming reporting parties.

 

[Edgy_Edge]

Are you also an editor of that website? I have few suggestions for you, let me know if you're interested to hear, as well as some criticism)

 

[PatrickD85]

Are you also an editor of that website? I have few suggestions for you, let me know if you're interested to hear, as well as some criticism)

I am currently the one man show behind it (all beginnings are humble) ... so feel free to air your suggestions and criticisms

 

[Edgy_Edge]

I am currently the one man show behind it (all beginnings are humble) ... so feel free to air your suggestions and criticisms

First of all, I think now there are way too much websites covering Nintendo stuff, as well as Youtube channels, Twitter accounts and Facebook groups. And all these guys are just stealing news and information from each other.

I think if you love Nintendo, you don’t have to highlight only news for Switch. You should highlight all consoles, especially NES, SNES, and others, because people can freely play them with an emulator. And although you choose only talk about Nintendo, I think many people would like to hear opinion on some great upcoming games, like Kingdom hearts etc.

It’s a great idea to make a website, but what I miss is originality. Nobody talks about why video games are so cool. I’ve never seen that somebody discussed really great music or art style of the old and new games. I think it should be easy to make reviews on music in the games from NES, SNES era. Many people don’t know so many great games on NES because they’ve never heard of them, so it’s a good idea to talk about them. Have you ever heard about Kick Master, Ninja Cat and other great games?

Concerning your website:
1) I think you’ve should use all the screen (16:9 resolution instead of 4:3) and get rid of the dark background.
2) I don’t like NintendoLife website, they write on top of the image and in the end you don’t see an image and a title, so it’s better to write just underneath of the picture.
3) You should really have some space between the pictures, because now it’s just a giant mess of Zelda, Mario and other pictures.
4) And I think the name of the website “Nintendo Reporters” is too long and not very memorable, you should make it shorter and more meaningful.

I have even more suggestions, but I think I’ve said already too much) But I’d really like to see a true Nintendo fandom with highlights of old games too.

 

[PatrickD85]

Not at all I get where you are coming from I really do. Let me try and answer all you noted;

I can surely relate to the general news fact. News gets rehashed by a LOT of parties. The main issue when you just start out and want to pass that stage is that you actually have to have grown somewhat of a name before you get the same level of input as the established order does. Sadly you can not expect to start and have direct relations going out to all parties in the industry. I really wished it was otherwise but I can't see how to take another direction in that. It's like going hey we are company X ... you have never heard of us ... and no one else has but please spend time / resources on us.

We are mainly focusing on Switch as it is where the most news is now coming for which is to be expected if you start out now for a Nintendo related entity. The retro side of Nintendo is something I would like to cover for sure but the current version of the website is what you would call a Minimum Viable Product to some extend. Like I said ... at this point I am still a one man show. When that changes more content based on the Nintendo heritage is surely something I am more then open for. (I grew up playing all of it and the current generation ... well they have missed a lot and can only relive so much through the Virtual consoles).

But free to play ... Emulation as concept is free sure but that only really applies if you dump your own games (a rom of a game you own is not the same as an actual backup you made of said game) even so for the likes of NES and SNES games. The games are still intellectual property even though the consoles, accessoires etc are hard to come by to do it without piracy. That does not change anything legally for them.

As for the choice of a niche or subject. It's a choice like I noted earlier it's a choice I made intentionally.
That will not please everyone for sure but that will never ever be the case. Call it a judgement call.

1) I think you’ve should use all the screen (16:9 resolution instead of 4:3) and get rid of the dark background.
Ok, fair enough I will A/B test this with a select focus group later on.

2) I don’t like NintendoLife website, they write on top of the image and in the end you don’t see an image and a title, so it’s better to write just underneath of the picture.
I see what you mean their. So for instance in regard to the homepage you like the Latest Nintendo Items section more right? As it keeps it al splitted from each other. I want to keep some diversity their but I can work with that feedback. Thanks!

3) You should really have some space between the pictures, because now it’s just a giant mess of Zelda, Mario and other pictures.
This has to do with the stacked nature of the content. But in al fairness that section is not yet fully filled so it looks a bit uneven, totally agree on that.
We started in the second week of October and still have to play some catchup in regard of reviews and previews.
We have not even had time to look into Interviews at all. For reference, one man show, 40 hour workweek, normal gaming, social live ... things are hectic to be honest.

4) And I think the name of the website “Nintendo Reporters” is too long and not very memorable, you should make it shorter and more meaningful.
As you can imagine, the name is something tricky its slightly longer then ideal for sure. But seeing as I went into brand protection a bit and registered 34 different versions / extensions I am not going to change that. Sorry, still get your feedback on that though.

Once again thanks for the clear feedback, very much appreciated.
Hope my ramblings clear some things up as well.

 

[Edgy_Edge]

"But free to play ... Emulation as concept is free sure but that only really applies if you dump your own games (a rom of a game you own is not the same as an actual backup you made of said game) even so for the likes of NES and SNES games. The games are still intellectual property even though the consoles, accessoires etc are hard to come by to do it without piracy. That does not change anything legally for them."

You use Mario on the logo of your website. Mario is Nintendo's IP, did you pay them to use Mario as your main logo?

 

[PatrickD85]

Touche Edgy, but in fact I looked into this quite some bit.

To give some examples;
https://www.aspectlg.com/posts/copyright-in-characters-what-can-i-use
https://www.aspectlg.com/posts/copyright-in-characters-what-can-i-use-part-ii
http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_t..._characters_in_non_commercial_media_says.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthi...ers-in-other-media-license-free/#1d4ca1694180
and a lot of different items

It's a muddy subject to say the least.
In general; I am not using the exact representation of Mario, not with the trademark styling in short. (no mario red cap, no signature clothing etc)
A drawing of a person which even closely resembles Mario, that is not what falls under the copyright to some extent but then there is likeness and this and that.

Basically what I am saying is; You cant copyright a blue eyed person with brown hair and a moustache to that extend.

To give a more clear example;

That would be more of going into it's style. As you use the styling outing etc which is much more close to the outing Nintendo has copyright for.

Though once again I appreciate the feedback ... maybe we should not have gone with the blue eyes, brown hair, black stache combo as it is to Mario-esque.
But we have an alternative ready if Nintendo would make a complaint in this regard. - In that case; welcome pale, blond haired, green eyed, different stache sporting Norah the Newsreporter. We have thought of that scenario just in case.

As far as my mention of the emulation statement, that follows this closely;
https://www.nintendo.com/corp/legal.jsp#download_rom
(And the entire document as a whole)

Stating "freely play them with an emulator" may be in fact true but still the rom implication I made is valid.

 

[Edgy_Edge]

"It’s Officially OK to Put Nintendo Characters in Non-Commercial Projects" says one of the titles.
But I think you put Mario in a commercial project. because you're looking for ads or other financial benefits.
And Mario on your logo is clearly Mario) I mean all the colours, outlines, shape of mustaches. So you can calm yourself that it's not 100% true Mario, but everyone knows he is. Also he has similar costumes in Odyssey, so now the similarity is more clear.
I think if you grow big enough, Nintendo will fire a DMCA takedown... So be prepared.

 

[PatrickD85]

Still fair enough, I see your point in this. I really do.

As noted we have a replacement if it comes to that. But that also means two things;
1 - We got noticed , which is in general a good thing
2 - We would have to work this out in every outing in which we use it.

Point 2 stresses me more to be honest, now that I think of it.
I will look into what we will do in the upcoming days.
So yet again thanks for the feedback in that regard!

 

[PatrickD85]

Decided to take action as described above.
Thanks again for stating the public opinion Edgy, without the public and their opinion we are worth nothing.

 

[The Real Jdbye]

I like the design, though a dark theme would be nice.
The vertical spacing on the middle of the main page is too small IMO, and it looks odd that the horizontal spacing is much bigger than the vertical spacing.
Also, I noticed a few Dutch words on the English page. "Resultaten" plus some Dutch words in the titles of some of the news posts.
That's all I can think of to improve. You did a pretty good job with the site.

 

[Devin]

• The "SUPERMARIOODYSSEY" and "XENOBLADE" tags should go. They just don't seem necessary and are taking up home page space.
• The header and body of the pages should take up more space. (I really do like the background image you used for the pages. I just wish there was less of it.)
• The "Is NintendoReporters a good initiative?" poll seems out of place where it currently is. Perhaps consider moving it to the right side of the page? Sidebars are good as long as they're static.
• I feel as though there's a bit too much going on with the home page. It really should be for "Starred" and recent Nintendo related news. Along with my second suggestion perhaps create a condensed side bar that has Nintendo's upcoming releases.
• Consider changing the tab title for the website to NintendoReporters - Whateverelseyou'dlikehere. It makes the tab look cleaner.
• A "Home" button before the "News" button would be nice. I know you can click the header image to go back to the home page but still.
• Consider making the social media links/icons static and put them on the lower right side of the header image. That'll allow you to bring the Nintendo Reporters logo up a bit more.
• On the review pages it'd be better if the "recent comments" bar was static and didn't move with me as I scroll down. (Or consider removing recent comments bar altogether.)
• On the guide's page it'd be more pleasing to the eye if the three boxes were horizontal across the top of that page. (And shrunk down a little as well. Same thing for the releases page.)

A good example of what I mean by side bar would be 2012 GBATemp. I'm not saying it should be text based but keep the whole aesthetic you've got going on. Side bar on the right with a box for new releases first, a box under that for upcoming release, and finally one more box for the poll. Add an icon or small image to the left of the text in those boxes so that it'll be appealing to the visitors. That will clean up a lot of the home page. I'm still going through the site but those are my comments so far. (Even though there are a lot of cosmetic changes I'd make I do really like the look of the site. It's condensed where I can read all of the news right when I land on the page.)

 

[PatrickD85]

I like the design, though a dark theme would be nice.
The vertical spacing on the middle of the main page is too small IMO, and it looks odd that the horizontal spacing is much bigger than the vertical spacing.
Also, I noticed a few Dutch words on the English page. "Resultaten" plus some Dutch words in the titles of some of the news posts.
That's all I can think of to improve. You did a pretty good job with the site.

Thanks! Love the kind words and the feedback you gave.
Those Dutch words sometimes just seem to natural to me as it's my mother language. Will look into getting that fixed.
A Dark Theme ... hmm ok will see what we can do on that end.

• The "SUPERMARIOODYSSEY" and "XENOBLADE" tags should go. They just don't seem necessary and are taking up home page space.
• The header and body of the pages should take up more space. (I really do like the background image you used for the pages. I just wish there was less of it.)
• The "Is NintendoReporters a good initiative?" poll seems out of place where it currently is. Perhaps consider moving it to the right side of the page? Sidebars are good as long as they're static.
• I feel as though there's a bit too much going on with the home page. It really should be for "Starred" and recent Nintendo related news. Along with my second suggestion perhaps create a condensed side bar that has Nintendo's upcoming releases.
• Consider changing the tab title for the website to NintendoReporters - Whateverelseyou'dlikehere. It makes the tab look cleaner.
• A "Home" button before the "News" button would be nice. I know you can click the header image to go back to the home page but still.
• Consider making the social media links/icons static and put them on the lower right side of the header image. That'll allow you to bring the Nintendo Reporters logo up a bit more.
• On the review pages it'd be better if the "recent comments" bar was static and didn't move with me as I scroll down. (Or consider removing recent comments bar altogether.)
• On the guide's page it'd be more pleasing to the eye if the three boxes were horizontal across the top of that page. (And shrunk down a little as well. Same thing for the releases page.)

Thanks for the concrete feedback!

1 - For the tags - Would a tagcloud in another location be more suitable you think?
2 - I see what you mean the repetition is a bit much, we need to spread that out a bit more. Will see what we can do.
3 - We had a sidebar on the homepage in the past, but it did not feel the way to go. We have it on all except the homepage now. Will discuss with a small test group before we move forward with changes on that. But I do see your point.
4 - Hmm I get what you mean. We actually wanted to represent all aspects; news, previews, reviews etc. Only perhaps the little tags on the items are not the best solution for that. Perhaps the homepage needs more clear sections?
5 - Brand first is actually something I would not suggest from an SEO point, the brand is not your main focus. It's all the other things besides the brand. The brand will make it self findable, the rest is stuff on which you have to compete with others.
6 - You answered the reason why, a Home button in the year 2017 is more or less redundant. Also having multiple links to the same thing on a page is redundant and a technical SEO reason not to.
7 - In general all the pages have the sidebar which moves with you. But does it distract too much when reading a review, is that what you are getting at?
8 - Hope I understood that correctly; you would like the popular options horizontal at the top first then the rest of the pages? Interesting!

Both of you thanks for this! Much appreciated for sure.
Will see what we can do in the upcoming days.