Very nice. I have some suggestions, but I really like it already. I'd probably get rid of this part: ...as I'm on a mission and looking for something on the page. Naturally I figure a massive block of text isn't the link I'm looking for, so it sort of gets in the way. Also, I'd move the forum stats a little lower, they aren't quite big enough to boast about and it will give you more ad space above the fold. More ad space above the fold means more click-throughs
Good idea, the site is fairly slow to load, and the use of color will enhance the user experience ambitic