No problem, I spent the last day or so on and off your site looking around at what I could.. here it is:
Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
The first thing I noticed when I clicked onto your site was the huge banner advertisement. I have to say, this banner advertisement is very obstructive to anyone viewing your site and it really just would turn me away very quickly as a guest. I highly suggest you move it down to the bottom, from what I hear you are able to move it to the bottom on ProBoards.
You really, in my view, need a banner, rather than that advertisement. A banner at the top of a site can pull a member in or can send them away. At Forum Promotion, we have a Graphics Exchange where you can ask a member to make you a good banner.
The theme also leaves some to desire. The bright blue color looks like the " blue screen of death " that happens when your computer crashes. I really suggest you go for a very dark skin, to fit the board better, as you are a gaming forum. The bold blue color just doesn't work at all in my view.
I hate to say it but the entire appearance all around lacks severely. The obtrusive advertisement and the boring blue skin really ruin your boards chance of drawing someone in. Try a new skin and move that advertisement to the bottom.
(Scored 6/20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
You did a bangup job with the layout from what I can see here.
There are only a few minor issues in the first category, all you should have here is " Announcements " " Suggestions/Feedback " and " Introductions"
Your contests board should become a subforum of Announcements and suggestions can be moved as a subforum of " Forum Feedback and Help "
Advertising can be moved down to " the Real world "
And graphics board you have up there should also be moved down to the bottom category, " The Real World "
The first area should be as less cluttery as possible, with a maximum of 3 boards. The trash bin board isn't needed, as once a thread is deleted, it belongs deleted, not in an Archive forum for all of your members to see. Set it so only staff can access it.
The rest of the board layout is in tip top shape.. great job in this category.
(Scored 18/20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
I can't tell when the board was re-opened as all you gave me was a date it was originally opened, but looking at the recent news topics and such, I'm guessing it was re-opened 3-4 days ago.
Judging from a rough 3-5 days ago, you have 200~ posts and 20~ members. This is pretty good, keep up the advertising and the post exchanges. 200 posts in 5 days and 20 members in 5 days is great, but keep up promoting and keep up the exchanges!
(Scored 20/20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
I found your staff list topic, and you have two administrators, and one global moderator. This is all you need for now. Don't pick up anymore staff until you have at least 5,000 posts and 150~ members.
Now, looking at each staff members activity individually, one administrator ( cody, which is you I suppose judging by your FP username
😀 ) has 102 posts, which is perfect.
Your other administrator has 94 posts which is also great.
I can't access your memberlist as you didn't provide us with an account, but your global moderator isn't logged for at least 24 hours according to that bottom statistics center, which is a big problem. Having inactive staff is not something you want on a forum, especially one as new as yours. Kick this guy into gear or dismiss him from his position.
(Scored 19/20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
The spelling and grammar is perfect throughout from what I noticed during my review.
The only hindrance in your professionalism is the big advertisement at the top.
(Scored 18/20)
Total Score - 81 (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
Your board has some potential if you fixed that placement of the advertisement, and you replaced the skin. The bold blue skin as I said is very boring and dull, replace it with a black or darker skin.
The rest of the board seems to be in great shape apart from those few layout problems.
I would consider a move to a paid host soon if I were you, also. Hostgator is a great host, you can get some great deals there.
I wish your site luck
🙂
What was most liked about the website/forums:
I really liked the dedication of both you and your co admin. I also liked the simple layout.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
The skin, hands down.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I would consider joining if you replaced the skin.
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