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Unfortunately, I agree.

As the sole developer of the entire platform ( with no background in graphic design or any design budget ), it's been difficult for me to make the project look nice.

The entire thing is 100% open-source. If anyone wants to help with design, please reach out at: support@marak.com

I usually go to ThemeForest and buy a theme, for $8 or $20. I have found them easy to customize and cut down to what I want, usually massaging them into a Django template. You get a great look for incredible value.

I agree. It also fails to confuse or distract me.

Agreed - although important to note it seems that _Marak_ is the sole developer so that makes sense - hard to be awesome at everything! I'd recommend using an out of the box theme to make everything look a little more professional and trustworthy :)

Please don't do this here.