no neon anywhere

My first impression of poker websites was bad. Lots on lots of poor design, confusing bonus jargon and casino clichés. I was a bit perplexed and lost in a world of crap stock images and neon.

So, when I was asked to think about a poker website my initial reaction, naturally, was that I wasn't sure.

Every website I have ever worked on I've advocated brand values, decent usability and genuine service. It's a policy I would argue has worked well. 12 years on and I can't think of one site I've worked on that doesn't still exist in some form (CompuServe doesn't count, it was technically an ISP!)

Tantalisingly, the challenge lay in working out how to apply this 'career policy' to poker.

I needn't have worried though. I spoke to numerous poker players and industry insiders who more or less unilaterally agreed with my initial synopsis that poker websites are generally pretty clichéd affairs.

When I suggested we move away from neon, weak stock imagery, spammy seo copy, black backgrounds e.t.c... I met very little resistance at all.

And so is born the new www.onlinepoker.com - a website that provides:

- relevant content and tailored landing pages for both newbie and intermediate players.
- a Q&A forum where newbie players can find information from other newbies and more experienced players.
- poker room reviews that will give a responsible and helpful account of where to go and play online poker safely.

And it all comes with no neon anywhere! Smashing.