Easy on the Eyes

When choosing a background color for the text in your site, make sure it is easy on the eyes.  Reading online is difficult to begin with, so use a high contrast - light background with dark text or vice versa.  Most people are used to seeing a light background with dark text - that's what is printed in most books and printed materials, and is usually easiest to read online.  Avoid overly bright or neon colors as either text or background - they can be distracting and make it difficult to read.