I think an important thing is that the first screen of the first page should contain the most important things both for the newcomers and for the regular readers.
For newcomers, it’s the links to HPMOR, The Sequences and The Codex (and anything else that may be later included). Should be at the top, but don’t need to take much space vertically.
For regular readers, it’s the new articles and featured articles. Perhaps in two columns. This way the whole first page could fit on an average monitor.
The “progress” part feels quite forced. Having the links displayed, either people will read the stuff, or they will not. If they decide not to read it now, no need to rub their faces in it.
EDIT: For people who are logged in, the part for newcomers could be collapsed. If they have an account, they have already see it. But there should be a way to show it again.
I think an important thing is that the first screen of the first page should contain the most important things both for the newcomers and for the regular readers.
For newcomers, it’s the links to HPMOR, The Sequences and The Codex (and anything else that may be later included). Should be at the top, but don’t need to take much space vertically.
For regular readers, it’s the new articles and featured articles. Perhaps in two columns. This way the whole first page could fit on an average monitor.
The “progress” part feels quite forced. Having the links displayed, either people will read the stuff, or they will not. If they decide not to read it now, no need to rub their faces in it.
EDIT: For people who are logged in, the part for newcomers could be collapsed. If they have an account, they have already see it. But there should be a way to show it again.