Pre-Launch Review
Site Name: EliteUniverse
Site Type: Gaming
Age: Less than a month (9 days)
Appearance
The appearance looks clean and readable. The blue works out well from top to bottom and has a good amount of glow to it that makes it quite attractive. I know from experience that Absolution is a very nice forum skin to use so you made a good choice to work with. On the other hand, starting with the obvious, you're missing a logo! There's no title whatsoever on the forum which is what tells your guests of what the forum is about. You need to replace the "Absolution" text with a good logo to represent your site. Some quick things about logos: It has to be coherent. Make sure it blends in well with the theme of the forum as well as the look. Don't make it too simple but not too extravagant that it demands attention. Nothing bad about using free generators to do it, however method you decide to use is fine. Also, I recommend getting a favicon for your forum as well. Both of these make your site look very professional and, well, have a "finished" look. The fact that you still left the "Absolution" text in the header says to me the forum is unfinished in its development.
Layout
On the bright side, you have a good amount of forums to start out with. You've covered just enough bases and there's not too much that you have navigate with, which in this early stage is a good thing. Upon looking at the Off-topic section, I think you could maybe add a couple things to improve your layout since you already have an exchange forum, just think of more things for users to do during their time spent on your forum. Don't overdo it; keep it at a steady rate. I think you used phpBB to a good extent so far, but keep in mind that there's always something you could do to make it better. If anything, you could virtual cash. Virtual Cash not only enables members to obtain things normal members don't have, but also motivate members to post more and that's crucial for good statistics. Take a look at other gaming forums and see what you can come up with -- that's always a good strategy.
First Impressions and Interest
Upon looking around the forum, I thought it was pretty balanced in terms of interest. I thought there was some things that just were missing that made me think the site was still in progress like the Title (as mentioned already) and possible description. In totality, though, it wasn't too unique. It needed a bit more creativity to add to the value of the forum in order for it to be interesting. Remember that first impressions are valuable in the sense that they capture your guests. In light of this, just keep working at several parts of the forums like the categories and posts and you'll make progress. Every forum starts small, so it's completely understandable. What leads it to a successful launch is with good ideas, great look and activity, and the first impression. For me, Elite Universe didn't exactly meet those expectations yet, so keep working at it and you'll eventually get there. On a side note, I think you made a good choice getting a .tk domain, they're getting more and more popular. I'd also consider getting a .co.cc domain if you want something free. Otherwise, strive for a .com or .net one. You've got to consider the professional aspects.
Content
There's not too much to judge on for content since the main content is very small (3 posts so far) but of that, content is pretty good. I didn't see any fairly short responses to threads so this is good for a young forum like this. A thing I noticed is, above all, there's many zeros. That can turn away a lot of potential members, in my opinion. Always make new threads and posts and keep the activity up. The more threads, the better; they're essentially more valuable than posts because they are the ones that start the discussion. Spread them out, too. Don't just keep them in the Xbox category. There's actually more in the Off-topic than in the actual topic, so try to balance the two (preferably with more in the main forums).
Words from the Reviewer
So far in this stage, there's a lot you could do to improve both quality and quantity. Take everything in consideration when building up a forum and keep the guests interested with something new! I think it could go pretty far if you just keep at it and stick with the main topic. The hard work will definitely pay off in the end. Good luck with the forum and wish you luck!
After reading your review, please click here to rate your review.
