Simplicity Is A Virtue...

When designing a site, the first thing I try and do is picture a simple and basic layout for the site, maybe 3 columns with a banner & footer. I dont feel that you should go straight into a high graphic,pixel-ated design without even planning on the layout first..what do you guys think?

I agree. If you rush into things, it will give you errors and go wrong early.

Make your site simpler, then when your traffic increases, make new parts for your site, get a bigger newer layout.

Then you will be at a point where users are throwing articles at you, you've got a huge site, 1-10 webmasters, and you can get the professionals to do the work, and you'll be able to afford it

Yeah just as Sohan was saying as the traffic increases you may want to increase the size and interactivity of your website to still increase your traffic.

-beN!

I couldnt agree more, you rush things, you get things wrong.

- Shyam

Take your time. If you rush [like me] You will end up...With something stupid! Lol. like no one will want to come here because it sucked.