Hello LRC'ers - Thanks for the feedback, positive and negative. The load issue was a disaster, we know, but it looks like that issue is being fixed. We also agree that turning the message boards into 3 columns, rather than 1 or 2, was a not a good idea from a readability standpoint, so we've fixed that.
But just a little more on why we did what we did:
We want to support LRC because a) they provide a great service to the running community . . . even if they can't spell, b) we share a lot of the same values (e.g., being the underdog and not taking ourselves too seriously), c) their followers - you - are loyal and passionate, and d) they need to make a living and we need to communicate a message.
Design is always subjective: some people will love it, some people will hate it. That's normal. But what most concerns LRC and PUMA is if the user experience suffers. Clearly that was the case with the terrible load times and hard-to-read message boards. But we've quickly addressed those two issues.
So now we're opening it up to you. What would you suggest PUMA does to enhance, not detract, from your LRC experience? Knowing that the Brojos need to make a living, and therefore will always have advertising, what do want advertisers to do?
We feel as if we have some pretty unique and engaging things going on with this design. For example, the video player will show a series of short videos we're producing that chronicles Usain's life off the track at his various races. A behind-the-scenes look at one of the most popular athletes in the world.
The "custon" race singlet is something we're doing for each of Usain's DL races starting with Paris. Rather than having him run in a blue or black or yellow singlet, we've found local artists in each city to do a completely customized singlet, allowing the artist to interpret the inspiration behind the Bolt Collection graphics in his or her own way.
And the "Guess Bolt's Time" contest is simple. Guess correctly Usain's finish time for Paris and you could win one of only three pairs of custom spikes designed for Usain for Paris.
Of course, if you don't want to click on any of it, you don't have to; your LRC content is still in its usual, if slightly squeezed, spot.