Oh hcf, you beat me to it...Well I posted something pretty much like what you said and I forgot to submit it. I had previewed it lol. Anyways, here's your review! Hope you like it, and good luck with your forum!
Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
First thing I noticed was your banner. It currently has a lot of pink stars. This could look alright if there were less stars, but right now you have too many stars. It looks cluttered, and unprofessional.
The style. I don't know if you are a chick or not, but it looks very girly. If your forum was for girls only that would be fine, but your style does not appeal to males. You should try to pick something neutral that will look good for guys
and girls.
I also noticed your affiliates (that are scrolling) and your GFX affiliates. However, not all of the affiliates in the GFX one have anything to do with GFX. I am assuming GFX is referring to Graphics (that's what it usually means). If this is a mistake you should change that...And if you are using GFX as an abbreviation for graphics then organize it a little more and make sure there are no non-graphic affiliates there. It was a tad bit confusing.
(Scored 16/20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
You have "Forum Suggestions and Problems". This should be changed to "Suggestions & Feedback" or something like that. If you are encouraging people to post about problems then you could always say "Suggestions, Feedback, and Complaints" or something like that at least.
You could always add a support forum near the bottom where people can post any problems they are having and hopefully someone will reply with an answer or with something that will help them out.
Signature Requests. You should change the description so that is does not include who will be fulfilling the requests. You should keep it open so that anyone or a group of people can do the signatures. What happens when ShazzyB leaves or isn't available? It will make your signature request forum unprofessional.
If ShazzyB is going to do the signatures just let him do it. If signature requests are big you could always hire a few people to be on a graphics team.
Parenting zone. Well together they still have less than 20 posts and threads combined. You also have a LOT of sub-forums for both of the forums that are in the parenting section. I know, it may make it easier for people to find exactly what they are looking for, but keep in mind that those sections are not active at all. As a starting up forum you shouldn't have lots of sections. Once your site gets bigger you could always bring them back.
In your vB admin cp just make the unneeded sub-forums hidden, or only visible if someone knows the exact URL. Then you could always make them visible when your site gets bigger. It will save time and in the long run, you won't have to recreate all of the forums.
You should also make an Introductions & Farewells section. This way people can give a reason why they are leaving or introduce themselves when they signup. It's very popular on many sites I have been on or seen. I know you have Introductions, but you should just add the Farewells part to it. If someone leaves many members will probably want to know why, and if they are ever coming back.
(Scored 17/20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
Well one good thing about your stats is that you have just enough members and just enough posts to request a full forum review. However, your site is not very active at all.
265 posts, 15 members. The 60 threads are included in the 265 posts (vBulletin does that).
The activity is terrible. Sure, maybe you just opened, but as the forum owner you should make lots of new topics and reply to everything. Start discussions that are sure to have replies. Start debates or ask for opinions. Also, provide videos, movie-trailers, movie/show reviews, etc. Those will all guarantee lots of replies from your members.
Members links...You need 50 posts to advertise there? Well that's a lot to ask for especially because your forum is so new. Try moving it to half of that or even 15. And also, when asking for 50 posts you are getting rid of all the people who don't have time to make 50 posts.
If you made it something low, or even without having to have a certain amount of posts, I am sure a few people from FP would go over, advertise, and maybe even post a bit.
(Scored 14/20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Er. Hard to comment on as I can't see a trash bin or anything and haven't been around long enough to know if you have had any spam attacks or people 'trolling'.
From what I can see you have 5 staff members. (Located below)
http://eternalfriends.co.uk/forum/showgroups.php
You have 3 admins and two moderators. That's a bit much for a small forum that is just starting up. You should try bumping one super moderator to the 'moderator' position and moving one admin to the 'super moderator' position. You don't need more than two members in each position.
(Scored 18/20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
Couldn't find any spelling or grammar mistakes. Professionalism is fine too! Good job on that one!
(Scored 20/20)
Total Score - 85 (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
Definitely change the skin/style. I dislike it a lot and it kind of pushes me away from registering on your site. Definitely merge some forums or get rid of some (or at least make some hidden).
What was most liked about the website/forums:
I did like the forum icons for each forum. They looked nice. Some of their outlines/edges were a little choppy, but besides that it looks fine.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Disliked the style a lot (as I said before), so definitely change it or find a style that is neutral with girls and guys.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I don't join forums anymore, I am already on enough.
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