First Impressions - (Out of 20)
So far, it's a very well balanced out skin. I really like the banner and it's background effects. The only problem i see is that the text of the forum title sort of blends in where the wii console is. I would suggest upsizing the text size, and actually starting your forum title just to the right of the ps3 image. which will make the start of the forum title stand out more, and easier to read.
Now, i DO like the forum of the week video you post. I, too, place a video on my forum's home page. But, you've got alot of empty space to the right, and looks unattractive. I have a good hint for you. If you're using youtube's HTML embed code, i downsize the videos dimensions to make it look more evened out with the forum's body. I'll get into that in the next section.
The new/old post icons are different from what i've seen, and i really like them. But, ther's no way to tell which is new, and which is old, unless you actually look at the board and see if there's new posts.
(17 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
The layout isn't my favorite. You have the video of the week being the first mention, and has 2 boards to its own. Is there a way to add the video JUST to the main headers, and not as a board description. Try to add the HTML code as your main header, and see. Then, combine the two video boards, with Submit as the main board, and old videos as the sub-board. Then, place this board in your Front Desk category, under the News Board.
Now, About the video of the week. The HTML code, has two size imprints that i've underlined.
<object
width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RLtpoG0gfoU&color1=0x234900&color2=0xd4d4d4&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RLtpoG0gfoU&color1=0x234900&color2=0xd4d4d4&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"
width="425" height="344"></embed></object>
you can adjust the hight and width to any size you want, to test and see how it would look, but be sur to adjust both i have undrlined. i use
width="335" height="264" on my forum's vide ... it's a 25% decrease in both height and width.
I read your other review, and it is correct about managing and merging your game console boards. Try not to have too much in the beginning. You can always split boards, and move topics once things get busier, and separate boards are ready. 1 Board with 20 topics looks more active, than 4 boards with 3 topics a piece.
Plus, why does each gaming board, have a sub-board titled the same thing. It's gonna confuse alot on where to go, and so e may goto the wrong board, and not find what their looking for, when it may be on the "other" general discussion board.
Ex ...
Code:
Wii General
Discuss Wii news, updates, and upcoming games here.
Subforums: Wii General
And, i don't understand why you have the big 3 consoles in the banner, but PC is the front of gaming discussions boards.
And, in General, sports fits in with entertainment, and comedy may go there as well. But, i'd make an entertainemnt board on the main page, and not a sub-board ... those are usually the most popular boards.
(13 /20)
Forum Statistics - (Out of 20)
Honestly, for 6 weeks, you've done quite well gaining new members. But activity still isn't up to par. I see you are doing what an admin should be doing, by welcoming and replying to every post the best you can. I just think the overly amount of boards are putting some members off on where to start first.
With 74 membrs, and almost 800 posts, that's an average of 10 posts per member, which still isn't good, but aklso not likely, cause you have over 35% of the total foru7m's post count yourself.
Try and get involved with select post exchanges. Like other admins who have gaming forums, so they at least have knowledge on your subject, and can provide more room for discussions across each gaming platform's board.
(16 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
From wht i've seen,you're an excellent admin, who tried new things, and test new angles to keep things interesting. But, it seems you're all alone. Trav29 hasn't logged on in almost 5 days. Don't give out a global mod title just to guarantee someone's gonna be active. Those never work out. You need to find someone who's their for the forum, and shows an interests all around. Then approach them, and see if they'd be interested in helping wioth the forum's growth and help moderate.
(17 /20)
Spelling and Grammar - (Out of 20)
I see some minor grammar mistakes in a few board titles. Especially puunctuation issues.
Seen something you never saw before? You think there is a Bigfoot out there? Or have a question you want answers too? Ask away here.
And, the Palace Hangout is going to be your forum's biggest Board. You need something more inviting in th Board description. It's too generic, and almost everyone makes that mistake of describing thge board as "All non-(forum theme) dicussions go here!"
(18 /20)
81 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
It's a nice forum i like venturing to every few days. But, I really think alot of the gaming boards need to be toned down a bit, until there's enough topics to warrant it's own board on the main page.
Remember, this is just my own opinion, and what "I" would do to make the forum more appealing to member activity and guests sign-ups. I really like your forum, i just feel there's things that do need improving. I hope for the best , bud.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
Honestly, Gaz is a good admin, and not afraid to try certain things. Just needs to know when those things don't work, and be done with them.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Way too many boards that don't really have a purpose. The console help board belong with general board discussions. And the online gaming boards can be used as sub-boards under the gaming chat boards ... if labeled correctly as sub-boards.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I'm a member, cause i see a lot of promise that can come from the forum. It's rare i join a general gaming forum, and stick around for too long. You've gotme til my interests fades. Just gotta find ways to keep members interested, and convince new members to join.
(81 /100)
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