Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
I am really digging this new skin layout. I think it's one of the best Dashing has to offer, and the best to present as the forum's default skin. The colors match up nicely, the category bars at the top of each section look amazing, as well. The link color font was a nice choice, and also compliments the rest of the theme, and matches perfectly.
The one thing that does seem really seem out of place, is the banner. I know it's your tastes, and the members enjoy it, I assume, but it could be presented a little better. Don't get me wrong, I like the overall design, and I have nothing against the pop cultutr icons you chose. It just doesn't seem to all fit together. As you have anumated characters pastes next to real characters. It just doesn't sync up well. But, like i said, the design is great, and it works; it just doesn't look right, in my opinion.
I really like the board icons used down in the "board statistics"; they add a more personal touch down there. I think you should try something like that with your actual new/old board icons. They just seem really plai, in comparison. They work, and easy to determine what each one means. It might just be my own personal taste; though.
(17 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
This is just about as good as it gets. Exactly how a general discussion forum should be layed out. The categories are easy to determine what discussions go on in each section, and they aren't overloaded with too many boards. You also made a great use of splitting different types of discussions within those boards into sub-boards, which makes the navigating the forum experience that much easier.
One thing that does seem kinda strange, though, is you have two sections that promote forum games/spam. I think it would be best to not have an entire category just devoted to these. I know you want to display fun for the forum. But, for me, personally, I just don't see the need.
(18 /20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
Statistics are great, and rising more and more that the forum progresses. You're getting close to 200 members, which is great; and you continue to surpass prestine post milestones. It's also great to see the amount of ling term member, that have been with the forum for so long; and keep coming bakc for me.
Post counts, and threads are pretty spread out evenly, except for a couple sections, which you can only do so much for those. On the many forums I have ventured on, tech discussions to seem to be the least of interests; but it's still a good thing to provide the opportunity for discussions on that subject.
As mentioned before, about the section devoted to games and spam. It seems that almost 1/3 of your forum stats are coming from these section, cause they're the easiest for members to post in. It's good to have some leniency, and fun, buit it can add a negative impact, as well, when you're wanting all sections to be just as active.
(17 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Your staff team count is at just the right amount, and all staff members seem to be active on a daily basis; which is one of the best aspects you could ever ask from your staff. They're very attentive, and most are very welcoming to each new member joining the forum, and seem to have a very respectful display of maturity when monitoring and helping members, as well.
Only thing that does kinda bug me, and it's a big one. Is when active staff, aren't welcoming new members. I've seen some that have been on, and not check the new members board. A coupel are good at this, but I have notice one , and sometimes another, who don't reply to new members at all. It's very important. Nothing say "welcome" more to a new member, than staff members welcoming them. The more, the better.
(18 /20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
Have no complaints here. And I did try to find any faults. Only thing I could actually nit pick on was this.
Come here to discuss different forms of entertainment, such as film, television and music. When you use an interuption, like, "such as"; it should be separated with commas on both ends. And, I can't help notice a semi-colon should come before the interuption in this sentence. Come here to discuss different forms of entertainment; such as, film, television and music.
Going through the board titles and descriptions, they are very well thought up; and nicely presented. Though, the gaming forum, which I know you're a huge fan, just seems to really fall flat when compared to the rest of your descriptions.
(18 /20)
88 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
Dashing is a great forum, and run by an even superior admin. You know what you're doing Fanta, no doubt about it. The forum offers so muc, and has so much good going for it.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The new skin, dedicated members, and excellent staff.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
It's going to be the banner. It's not bad at all The design, colors, and font are great. I just don't think the images sync up very well.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I've been a member for a very long time, and enjoy each visist. I remember joining on a little post exchange, but then got interested; and try to find time to come back around when time permits.
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