[Retroman]

My apologies if this has been brought up before, but im not a frequent visitor to the "Suggestions/Help + New additions" forum...

I noticed that the websites official banner/logo at the top of the forum is just a blatant rectangular image.

It almost appears as though you could have found that image on google, saved it, stuck the websites name on it and uploaded it onto the forum.
[not that im suggesting that's what happened.]

It also could be passed off as boring? as there's not much graphic capability gone into it...it seems to mainly consist of the same image repeated with slightly different eye analogy.

Anyway, just two suggestions that come to mind:

1. A banner that's larger in width? that spans all the way across, that looks more sharp and displays better graphic techniques? Or it could just go upto the "Last Active/Logout/U2U" etc text point, and end just before those, if putting the banner behind them would interfere.

You could even have the banner customised so that there's a white shape in the banner, behind those links, so they're easily readable.

It'd just look more professional in my opinion, whilst possibly giving the forum a logo/icon it can be recognised from.

Seems like a good idea to attract members? and at least establish a rememberable image to associate the forum with.

If by some chance the website isn't allowed its own logo due to reasons that interfere with the official Big Brother website/logo, then having definitive text that's styled well would be sufficient enough.

2. If either you prefer the banner not to be that wide, or if this particular forum can only upload banners of a certain width, I think the right side of the new banner should be faded/blended into the white background so it appears as part of the website. Rather than a stuck on image.

Or if you were really adamant on keeping the current forum banner, at least that could be slightly blended/faded on the right hand side?

Im aware things are "fine" as they are, but I think this could have benefits.

Not just on the popularity/recognisable image/logo side of things, but also help uplift the forums mood, and install a sense of "new" and excitement. Whilst also generally making members look at the banner and hopefully think "wow, im proud to be with such an impressive looking forum"

The subtance/community is obviously most important, but appearance plays a major role in a forums success to some extent...im sure you'll agree. Especially if you've seen the millions of amateur forums set up by young teenagers.

P.S As im sure most people reading this have worked out, the source of the graphic could come from members designs submitted in a topic especially for it.

Or you could seek an alternative source if you felt necessary.