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Murder Becomes Manhattan
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Seeking Feedback On Next Book Website
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I'm afraid all I have to say are good things. (So, this isn't very helpful criticism.) The site looks great. It is visually appealing, and the information is clearly organized. The data is comprehensive; however, it is not overwhelming. If it was my site, I'd be quite happy with it.
Thank you for taking a look, Kenneth. Good to hear.
First off I just wanted to say I like your approach in asking questions about how people think the website is and how easy it is to browse. I've often wondered myself these questions about my own site.I will take a look at the site and let you know my thoughts. Also I wouldn't mind using these questions to get peoples thoughts on my site.
1. Overall, does THE AMOUNT of info/data on the site draw you into the series, or is it overwhelming?I think the amount of info/data is a solid amount and it’s interesting. I really like the layout of the first page and how detailed and organized it is. Also the links take you right to other pages with good solid information. I think it ives the potential reader more insight then they would receive from a normal book.
I wouldn’t say it’s overwhelming as my only issue would be for you as to whether or not your sure you want to give out so much info before the person ever reads the book. However, it’s almost like playing a game and I really enjoy the whole concept, it’s unique for sure.
2. Is there some feature on the site we absolutely should REPEAT on the site for the next book?
Definitely repeat the free excerpts on the opening page and organize them as they are now for this book. It’s very eye catching. Also the meet the detectives and victims is a neat idea, though I’d suggest cutting that suspect list, though that’s worth adding as well. Keep the Buy now link of the book, it makes me jealous for not thinking of it for my own books lol.
3. Is there something important that is missing from the site that we should include on the next one?
The site is pretty spot on with info and what not so I can’t really think of anything. Perhaps consider a sentence or two of reviews from readers, sort of like some testimonials of their thoughts on the book.
4. Is it easy to find what you are looking for on the site?
Absolutely, everything is clear, organized and sufficient. You click on where you want to go and it not only brings you there but gives you detailed reports of what you were looking for as well.
5. (And most important) Do you think the site is effective at making it easy for visitors to purchase the book or not?
Yes I would definitely say it is effective as it’s informative, well designed and fun to read into and find out more about the characters, settings and plot of the book even before the reader picks up the book to read it.
Thank you, Justin. We have been thinking about adding a page with reader reviews, now that Mr. Eaton's mystery has received so many. It would also make sense to plan ahead for that feature with the website for the next book.
We appreciate your feedback and time. I look forward to getting better acquainted with your work, as well.
Our door remains open for insights from other Goodreads members regarding our first book's website: murdermanhattan.com
__________________________________________________________
Randall White
randall@thecornetgroup.com
Publisher, The Cornet Group
P.O. Box 222195
Dallas, TX 75222-2195
Website: http://www.thecornetgroup.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Co...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecornetgroup
Just popped in and saw the publisher posted this request for feedback.Kenneth and Justin: Even though your comments are overwhelmingly positive, they help us identify what we should not drop from the next book's website, and that is critical, so thank you a lot.
I know we continue to welcome worthwhile insights pro and con on how we can make our sites fun, functional and reader-friendly. Feel free to weigh in as you like:
http://www.murdermanhattan.com
We want the book's website to offer some of the same innovative features we delivered via the website for the first in the series, "Murder Becomes Manhattan", whose results we have been very happy with thus far.
But rather than decide in a bubble what should stay and what should go, we thought we'd go to the experts for some input on that. Would you help?
We are especially keen on getting answers to any of these questions:
1. Overall, does THE AMOUNT of info/data on the site draw you into the series, or is it overwhelming?
2. Is there some feature on the site we absolutely should REPEAT on the site for the next book?
3. Is there something important that is missing from the site that we should include on the next one?
4. Is it easy to find what you are looking for on the site?
5. (And most important) Do you think the site is effective at making it easy for visitors to purchase the book or not?
Would rather not get into discussions about the look of the site for now, except for how it might be helping or hindering people finding information etc. Color scheme and design will change to reflect the Miami motif of the next book.
Thanks so much for your input. Here's the link to the site for Book 1: www.murdermanhattan.com