Great idea, but let me offer you a few suggestions:
Quote: "that will come gradually as we grow and get ideas from people involved in the website.."
There's a problem with your thinking. You're saying that your first priority is to get readers/writers and then you'll fix the site. The problem is, no one is going to stick around if you don't fix it FIRST. Although it has some really cool effects, your website need help. So take the criticism NOW and don't wait until AFTER you have a community, otherwise you will be waiting a very long time.
Here's something you never want to have to say:
Quote: "the tabs to the left are the nav buttons "
Having to say that is a sign of a flawed design. It's fine if you have to explain every once in a while, but even after I read that, it was still a little difficult to figure how to get anywhere. Which will drive potential readers away.
Here a couple suggestions for the site:
Make the main navigation always visible to the reader. Provide some way for the user to figure out what the icons mean (It's confusing to me which tab takes you where). I would suggest making the icons always visible, then when you mouse over expand out the title of the page it's going to take you. Make it as easy as possible for someone who doesn't have any direction to navigate your site. Sadly, that means that some cool effects are going to have to go.
I love the idea for the website. I hope it goes well for you. Good luck.
Your mother has been erased by a mod because it's larger than 600x120