CSC Picture Project, site v2 alpha (proposed)

This is the proposed version of the new CSC Picture Project web site.  I hope to use this site for years to come.  The link above shows the page with the slides being fed from the current Picture Project site.

The site relies on a database to track all slide shows.  The question of updatability comes to mind.  The current site's slide publishing goes like this: 1) Edit pictures, 2) Resize pictures (one-click operation for all pictures), 3) Run pictures through my watermarker (offline web app), 4) Run pictures through MS Powertoy slideshow wizard, 5) Edit slideshow HTML, 6) Update site navigation and picture count, 7) Upload slideshow, site navigation, and picture count pages.

The new way to do things really does not change a whole lot.  Really, it takes the place of steps 6 and 7:  6) Upload slideshow, 7) Fill out form on site with information about slideshow.  There really isn't that much gain, is there?

The new site provides a few positive perks.  First, it looks better than the old one.  Perhaps this is just to its relative novelty.  The previous site has been in operation since 2002.  I think that's reason enough to change the layout--give the audience something refreshing and new.  Second, I get to keep track of how many times the slide show was viewed.  This is of interest to me in more ways than one.  Third, my skills have long since passed the current site.  I wanted to create something that reflects my current skills.

For those who are wondering, the new site's banner took me a little more than 3.5 hours to create--no joke.  I was new to cutting out images.  Before, I had done it mostly pixel-by-pixel.  This time, I picked up the wand tool, selected areas, and messed with image masking.  I'm no artist, but I always say I can hold my own!

So, what does everyone think?  Most of my readers should have my private email; send me something!