I need honest opinions on my website. I'm practically new to webdesign having taught myself PHP and MYSQL this month and I utilized what I learned here in this website:

http://fantasybooksexcerpts.freehostia.com/

I would really love some input (or criticisms) from you guys. I don't like using templates so I made this one from the ground up.

oh my...my website does look awkward at 800x600. damn, this won't do at all. note to self: check in several resolutions, ALWAYS.

looks like a complete page redesign is needed as the current format just wont do in lower resolutions. thanks for pointing that out, and also for the comment on the images. will try em all...

Ok but your logo at the top looks out of focus, needs to be sharper image

Like the other guy said the font looks ok to me and quite acceptable but i would have use black grey myself but thats just choice.

The logo at the top does look out of focus and would make that sharper.

Forget the sideward scroll, thats the norm for anyone still viewing 800x600, most people view 1024 x768 so i always build for that res like you have.

i personally view 800x600 myself.

The rest looks pretty good, well done. I remember when i first learned about mysql and databases and the doors it opened when building websites..

thanks for the encouraging words shawd. you're right, i read a bunch of articles yesterday about screen res and most of them suggested building a site with 1024x768 res in mind as only a small percentage of people are still using 800x600.

but since i'm redesigning, i will try and consider those still using 800x600. if nothing else, this means more coding practice for me. will update the site when i'm done...

here are some of what i'm up to regarding the site (influenced, of course, by the good people who commented):

1. complete makeover (looks, colors, everything)
2. sharper images (got myself a good image software)
3. less "bold" headers
4. 800x600 screen res consideration
plus
5. a few more features, a better maintenance section, and the addition of functions for visitors to add to the content of the site (like comments, etc.,)

@cogs - i would really love to see your fine-tuned site, and oh, mysql + php is great, it would be a good addition to every web designer's skills. lemme know if you're trying to learn it, i could help a bit, plus we could do it (learn) together if u want.