The Petra Zone

New site design has gone live.

What do you think?

What I say is only because I care about Petra. These guys are pioneers and legends and deserve the best at whatever they do. So don’t take offense to it because I'm saying this out of respect, as a musician and website designer.

It's pretty simple. I think it could be way better. Go check out bands like Switchfoot's website and Newsboys website, Petra needs a lot more to their site. It feels to much like a website from the 90s to me. Or another fan site. However, I'm glad they have some updated news. I'm looking forward to seeing some more dates. I just think that their website is not anywhere near where it can be given the right vision.

I wonder what company is putting this together? It's impossible to see it on my HTC EVO.

I think it is safe to say that this isn't being done by a company. This just seems so wrong.

You guys are harsh!

Yeah, I would agree. I don't think it's that bad.

This is the only thing that really matters to me...

CLASSIC PETRA WILL ONCE AGAIN TAKE TO THE ROAD (AND THE STUDIO) IN 2012 AS THE BAND COMMEMORATES THE 40TH YEAR IN ITS GROUNDBREAKING HISTORY.

As I have said, I will say again. It's a good time to be a Petra fan.

Dean says it was designed with input from Bob and Greg. He also says in facebook that there is more to come, maybe more improvements? I told him it needs to have a big Sword Logo somewhere on th top of the Page.

More content likely. They probably had to get the first gen up, to have something up.

rexreed wrote:You guys are harsh!

As I said

bakersfieldpethead wrote:What I say is only because I care about Petra. These guys are pioneers and legends and deserve the best at whatever they do. So don’t take offense to it because I'm saying this out of respect, as a musician and website designer.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to see my favorite band get the best that they deserve. I have nothing against Dean, I'm happy that He's taking care of it. I would just like to see a better vision for Petra's website. I'll admit it I'm a perfectionist.

Well let's hope the 2nd gen is more current, like someone said above it looks like something out of the 90's with some first time web designer.

I got this message from Dean today. He asked me to pass it along here.

Hi Mike: Can you please pass along to folks on 'Zone?

Due to time constraints (particularly the announcement of 2012 Live Dates), the site needed to be online immediately.

That means the 'back end' functionality came first. Content will be added constantly - and the design right now is elementary, but possibilities - and integration across Classic Petra social media - pretty much endless.

The site is designed in Drupal 7 with 1TB bandwidth and 1TB storage ---- so there WILL be media. The platform also allows 1000 user accounts - and for users to create their OWN blogs within the site.

The platform change and move to php + HTML 5 for media - away from Flash - also means the site will work on non-Flash devices.

Just understand the site *had* to be up immediately. The front end is admittedly a sketch of what I want - and approved by Bob, Greg and mgmnt. But to give the lads the site they deserve, first the platform had to change - while also being 'online now'.

That's what you see, and what did not exist Wednesday.

See there...I knew it.

Now that we know this is more or less a place holder.....

Ok, I just saw it. Wow. The layout could be better. BUT (BIG BUT), I am not a fan of the WordPress/Blog style sites myself. So, maybe I am a little biased. In an effort to stream line things, blog sites sacrifice character and appeal. They all seem to be formatted the same, possibly for mobile browser compatibility. Maybe someone else knows.

I do like the link to the iTunes store, featuring all of Petra's music. The loading speed is reasonable. The pics are alright. The black background appeals to me, but the fonts (sizes and bold settings) are a mess/clunky. The big bold TH's should be smaller, normal....just thinking' out lowd .

The idea of creating fan blogs within the site is pretty cool. More people will be steered to the site as a result. HTML5 is where I am headed to. Apple took a big dook on Flash (which they funded ironically), so HTML5 it is. Good move on their part.

The cruise sounds fun. Maybe someone can get pics of those geezers in their swimming' trunks buwahahahaha.

A placeholder is better than nothing... it is a good time to be a Pethead!

Seriously who would have thought in 2012 we would be getting all this awesome new music from the band we love.