any opinions?

Im not sure if I like this or not ... its not all that artistic but if I add some good content and keep it updated (with the help of PHP) then I think it'll be OK.

I made it in brown

http://trhaynes.elivy.com/stuff/images/layout_01.gif

and then went grayscale

http://trhaynes.elivy.com/stuff/images/layout_02.gif

Im just not sure...

I think your links are messed up. I clicked "I made it brown" and it sure looked grey to me. Vice versa on the "and then went grayscale".

Overall a clean design. Update it often and it will be very functional. As you said, its not gonna blow anyone away with its design but I don't think thats the point of the site. Content is an overlooked art in itself.

Looking forward to see it in action.

work on the brown one -- nice neutral color always pleases, me thinks... design is clear cut too... well done

keep at that one
heathrowe

I personally prefer the grey one. Not sure about the site as a whole though, there seems to be a lot missing. There's so much space--especially on the bottom--that needs filling up. I think you've got the color scheme pretty much down pat, but I think there's a lot more to be done.

I think the area under the affiliates box will really need to have some thought put into it. Without anything filling that up, I think it'll give the site a weird look.

well i was thinking a light shade of blue would be good on the layout, its nice, clean cut and precise,

things i would add? :: i would center it and add a nice patterned background

I like the gray... I think you need something on the other side of the header... or maybe some light pattern on their.