*update* - there's a follow up for this post here.
hi all!
this is your chance to make a difference.
I'm working with Dana on a new design, one that will benefit from the feedback we got so far.
below are two options we reached (I could post one but I'd like to get your opinion on a slight difference):

first option, click to see full size image




second option, click to see full size image

questions:
* what do you think of the new palette?
* which of the grays is better? (the warmer or the cooler one).
* what do you think about the stamps for login/join? I'm not sure.
* should we add items to the characters, or strip them?
* what do you think of the new layout?
* what do you think on the new logo color? and the new font?
* I had an idea, about the gray area for the front page (when logged out):
I think we can move the forum/blog links to the bottom of the page (which will make them less visible), BUT, put them on the gray area: a box with the most recent three blog posts, a box with the most recent three forum posts, and a box with a link to "take a tour".

besides: this is an early sketch. any remark is welcome, however, I'm already aware of some issues:
- the layout isn't page specific yet. it's supposed to be the source for designing the specific pages later (front page, personal dashboard, and other pages).
- some parts are still missing - language selection, contacts box (stuff to put on the right panel) etc.

thanks!
Yonatan