OK, here's my feedback:
- At 1024x768, there's no content (except the popular threads, etc. box) visible when you first load the page. I know the main page is usually loaded with content and users are used to scrolling down, but it's still better (IMO anyway) to structure it so that there is some content visible right off the bat, even at 800x600 if possible.
- I like the sans serif font. Couldn't put my finger exactly on what's different with the typography except the font (and now it's changed back), but it looks cleaner and easier to read.
- The box with popular threads and such could go up by the logo, to the right. If you can swing it, I'd like to see it in front of the blue gradient-ish thing. I think it would fit, right?
- There still isn't much going on horizontally. Except for the basic left navbar, it's all just scrolling down. I don't know exactly how you're updating the site, but if it would be feasible to put some of the narrower sections (like morning screenshots, or anything that's typically just a bulletted list) in side columns that might help cut down on the vertical scrolling.
- All the ads are right up at the top. Could you maybe move the box ad (forget the term for it) down a few sections? We'd get to see some actual content when the page first loads, and seeing an add partway down the page is less annoying then nothing but ads and logos for the first screenfull of stuff.
I think the prototype is a step in the right direction, but ought to be tweaked a little. Hope my critique is helpful; I try to suggest solutions rather than just complain.
EDIT: Just to be clear, I don't want it to sound like I want people to have to scroll horizontally - just for the page to have some content in columns. And probably nothing more than 200px, on the right. That's my vision.
This comment was edited on Oct 25, 15:29.