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In Reply to: low blow posted by porceleindoll on October 06, 2005 at 02:14:12:
I'm not saying it is not a nice photo -- it's a great photo. I am suggesting that it is not appropriate for the web site. Windy had previously thanked me for my Media 101 advice and so I was simply adding a little more.
On an obviously professional web site such as LMR, it is important to build credibility. The site clearly advocates for a cause and as such, you want to build credibility that you are competent advocates. There is also a fund-raising component to the site, and that makes building and establishing credibility even more important. Everything on the site should move the reader along to the next step of action, which presumably is "Yes, these people sound like they know what they're talking about, they're doing a good job, and they will handle any donations in a transparent and responsible manner. I'll take a chance with them."
In my view, the photo in question does not do this. It should be a professional photo, business dress and the like.
So please don't take it personally. I was simply offering advice that I am normally paid to offer. And you'll find that the main web content gurus such as Nick Usborne and Jacob Neilson say the same thing.
The photo is great, your bug-eyed little sister turned out wonderful, but the photo is just not the right one for a site like this, any more than an owner of an ecommerce site would offer a photo online of him or herself in a bathing suit.
So don't see this as an attack, nor as related to the broader issues being discussed here, because you're right, it isn't, and I never implied that it was. It is an aside, a parting thought, and I clearly identified it as such.The advice is solid and backed up with a solid rationale based on broadly accepted marketing principles.
TTFN
