What is the problem with Fixed Width?

I again bring up a design issue.
One of the biggest problem with FE and even other sites is that managing a fluid width design is a big hassle.

Any designer would know that a fluid width design breaks all layout. Its also very hard to port.

Here at FE we support both styles, a fluid and a fixed width one.

Fixed Width: Fun and Entertainment Forum
Fluid Width: Fun and Entertainment Forum

I want to know what are the issues normal people face with fixed width. I think it looks cool even on large screen monitors. 1024pixel width is a lot of space, aligned in the middle.

Look at the industry leading Cricinfo.com | Cricket news, live scores and statistics new look. Even they have gone for fixed width design and a navigation i always wanted for FE


I am thinking of a new design for FE based on a better header and utilizing fixed width layout plan(not many changes in existing colours etc)

Having said that, your opinions are always welcome

Fixed Width Looks Empty on sides...until u put up advt on sides or design like for eg. GameSpot does
Also IMO we're wasting too much of empty space on top too...either put a design or do sumthing of it

_______________________________________
xXx's Signature:

PR is gonna do a design overhaul shortly

_______________________________________
Safin's Signature:

Have Fun, Take part in debates, Read jokes, Ogle at Celebs; Just follow the Rules!

“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”

PR is doing it shortly since last one year

_______________________________________
xXx's Signature:

What is the problem with Fixed Width? - Namitha keeps exceeding the boundaries

On a more serious note, I personally prefer the existing design to FE, I find the format of cricinfo.com & nrl.com, (as another example) to be irritating, with things constantly loading around the page, (having said that, the NRL page has an even cleaner look to it than cricinfo) (imo)

Personally I prefer fixed width since I'm lazy Its easier to read from top to bottom which you can do when the content is in the middle whereas with fluid I have to move my head left - right as well

Whats the problem with having 2 designs? Keep the existing Fluid width design for people who don't want a change and introduce a new fixed width style as a default skin. But just keep in mind that the empty spaces at the sides are filled with a cool design and not left blank. Check this : IGN Xbox 360: Games, Cheats, News, Reviews, and Previews Notice how the side space is utilized. It looks very attractive.

nice one bluffy............ we have a similar concept at Melbourne Storm

Ok points noted.
PR is looking at all the suggestions here and will incorporate in the design preview.

This time around we will show it to you guys first before the design goes into production mode.

And what patch and Bluff said, I am not too sure what BG image we can have for FE Unlike those speciality sites(gaming and sports) this is a totally general site Personally i will prefer a Katrina, Amrita photo

_______________________________________
Safin's Signature:

Have Fun, Take part in debates, Read jokes, Ogle at Celebs; Just follow the Rules!

“There is no pleasure in having nothing to do; the fun is having lots to do and not doing it.”

^Any background you have is going to look better than plain white.