First Impressions - (Out of 20)
Ok. The banner I love, especially with the 360 Dashboard button used in the banner, as well as the Board icons. I didn't get to see the difference between new/old posts icons. But, if they were mine, and i could, i would dim the green X on the Old, and brighten the green X on the new.
I really like the Top of the forum, how it's not box shaped, but angled, like the 360 controller grip. But, was kinda disapointed when it wasn't the same at the bottom of the forum.
The skin ... I know this forum is great, and has attracted alot of members to join. But, i just don't like the white background on the body. I would try a light, light, light gray. Even try the gray in the bar just below your caetgory titles,Where it says Forum, topics, Posts, last post. Plus, with the forum so wide, you may want to consider a border. Going from one Board title, then glancing at the topics/posts of the board, i kinda felt like I got lost on the way, without border lines to guide me.
Now, maybe slimming down the forum width ... which i highly recommend, may solve that issue. Even if ou downsize 10-15% of the forum width.
(15 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
Here's where i hope to offer all the ideas I've had, in organizing the Forum a little tighter, and more organized. The Welcome category is perfect, and I actualy like the oversized Vote for the forum button. I may have to steal that idea.
Everything may seem fine, in the 360 Lounge, but i feel there should be some changes. I feel that 360 Consoles & Discussions would actually owrk as one board; just modify the description to compliment both. Same goes for Accessories & customization. If customization is popular with members, than i would make it a sub-board under accessories.
Then, if you do move topics from 360 Discussions, and remove that board, everything else will stack up, Live, Achievements, and Matches.
Now, in the 360 Games Boards, I would start off with General up top; and renaming it to (Xbox 360 Games Discussion
😉 ). And, i would go ahead and combine Latest Releases, with that Board. Seeing as they fit well, and they'll eventually not be newly released games. Just below the General Board, I'd go with the Game Reviews; since, they usually rae the latest releases reviewed, and seems the most active from the rest of the Boards left. Next, I'd go with Tips & Tricks. Those Boards are always tricky, since most just google for a game tip they're stuck in.
Now, the classic Xbox games, I'm stuck between leaving them at the bottom of that section, or placing them directly under the General 360 game board? But, be sure to call the board "XBox games" ... since classic can be misinterpreted as "Best sellers, or "CLassics" on the 360 system.
Everything in the Off-Topic section looks like they seem to work well, with the given activity in each. But, I'm gonna suggest how i would stack each board up in that section ... so like boards aren't mixed around that section.
General Discussion
Non-Xbox Console Discussion
Entertainment Area
Sports
Technology
Graphics
Online Market
Credit Trade
Website World
Rememebr, this is just my opinion, and you asked what i could suggest, since you have just taken over.
(12 /20)
Forum Statistics - (Out of 20)
Now, i can't give you all the credit, since there was a previouis owner. But the stats in a little over 3 months, is very impressive. Over 130 members is the signs of a great growing community. I've seen 360 forums out much longer, and not have near the success.
It's hard to get an idea of how activity is on a daily basis with an info center, that displays recent activity. But, skinning down the boards, and seeing almost every board posted up to dat, and by several different members is proof enough.
(20 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Being the new admin, must be tough, but, it was very suprising to see how well the community accepted tha change of ownership. I also noticed that previous staff members will remain with the team. Which is really good. You don't want members experiencing a complete overhaul; so it was really nice to see staff supportive in this as well.
I've seen just a couple staff members while i was visiting, and looking around. While gpoing through the new members forum, though ... wasn't really many staff welcoming members. I think the most i seen was 3 in a topoic, uncluding you, and the retired admin. Be sure to let them know, how important welcoming new members are. Some new members judge their activity on if the community welcomes them or not. And nothing is more inviting than gettig a personal greeting from staff members.
(18 /20)
Spelling and Grammar - (Out of 20)
Can't find no problems here, with spelling and grammar. Though, i would suggest going through some of your Board titles and Descriptions, more thoroughly. The forum is great, and has a great community. I'd spice it up, with more inviting, detailed deescriptions. And clever Board titles, that specify what each board contains. I gave a few earlier on in the review. Somewhere way up there above
😀
(18 /20)
83 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
It's a remarkable forum, with alot going for it. It just seems, with new management, there aresome changes needing to be made. And I really don't believe the community would object. I have no doubt you've got great intentions for the community, and looking forward to see how everything progresses.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The sleek design, which , for the most part, makes me feel like I'm browsing the internet, while looking at my 360 console. The forum icons were great, too. Hope you consider my suggestion for the New/Old posts.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
The forum width. With very little in the Board Description, just felt like the width dragged on til i got to the other side, reading the topics/posts count, and who the last poster was. Also, on the subject, no forum borders, to help separate Boards from one another.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
You don't have to convince me, or nay 360 owner. It really seems like the ideal hangout for 360 owners, and gamers. It's got a great foundation started, and seems like you've got a great forum that has fell in your hands. I hope, with some free time coming up, hopefully, I'll be checking you guys out soon enough.
(83 /100)
This is probably my longest written review yet .... sorry about that
😀
And, please, feedback is always appreciated. And, once you get the forum tweaked, hopefully wit some of my suggestions. Please, feel free to re-request in 3 weeks ( IF you leave feedback) I'd be happy to do a Before & After review for ya.
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