Critique my new website

[XtrmelyCanadian]

So i just registered a domain name and started last night to develop my webpage. I worked on the banner for about a couple hours but dont know what to think about it. Also i cant pin down a good looking color scheme. Please tell me what you think and be harsh, i would like a site that is pleasing to the eyes. Id rather go with the darker colors as black is my favorite color, take a look. My Webpage (http://www.nathanmcauley.com)

[Vladdy]

Things to avoid in web design:
<table> based layouts
javascript based navigation
pointless flash animations
fixed size layouts
serif fonts
depriciated tags and attributes

Actually the color scheme is about the only thing I can not pick on :thumbsup:

[whackaxe]

TNR is a horrible font :p the background color, looks a bit err...mouldy IMO. and the banner doest go with it. also having the nav at the top is confusing

[liorean]

I don't like this text displaying...

<%@ page language="java" %>


A few comments:
- Why use frames when you can as easily do it without them? Drop them
- Validate
- Flash when flash is needed. Java when java is needed. Other plugins when they are needed. Regular graphics for regular pages.
- JavaScript is not for page functionality, but for added value. JavaScript should never be required for navigating the page or taking part of it's content; unless the JavaScript IS the content, of course.

[redhead]

first thoughts: hmmm.....well i turned on my computer a couple of hours ago and the mouse is screwed up so ive been navigating with the keyboard... but... your navigation wont let me :)

[XtrmelyCanadian]

Good tips, i like the javascript navigation though, it still needs to be tweaked a bit but i thought it is very usefull. I was unsure about the flash banner because it is kind of distracting, but i think i just need to be changed all together with no flash. Any other suggestions, i need some good color schemes to work with !!!!