Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
The banner looks pretty good; but not really impresssed with GTA4 up there. I think the hype for GTA4 is pretty much over; and you should be concentrating on current fan favorites. Plus, it just fees like too much PS3/360.
Things are definitely look really good. This is a much better skin, for this theme. Dark, well balanced, and looks good through out the forum body.
But, something really bothers me down at the bottom. I think you're trying to show too many forum stats, when all they're doing, is showing the forum isn't very active. Showing the top Karma members, is not a good idea; since the forum is somewhat new; and it's only staff listed in there. Newest Posts/Active topics/newest members, is sopmething great, if the forum was at a constant pace of activity.
I strongly believe those should be removed. And, for some reason; you have a small part that lists active members in 24 hours, under Who Is Online; but, there's another one of these, at the bottom, that says zero.
(14 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
You have been paying attention. I'm very impressed, and seems you were prepared for my grading stick in this department. You Site Information category is top-notch. Very glad on the set up you have going.
The Games category has only one tweak i would suggest, and have mentioned this to you before. PC gaming just isn't making waves lately. Might be good just thrown in with general gaming, or as a sub-board under the section; with PC, noted as a sub-board in the description.
For the off-topic section, you really don't want the forum games to be the main attraction of any category, let alone it's own board on the main pahe; but, if it must remain; I'd swap places with it, and Off Topic; moving games to the bottom of that section.
(18 /20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
Well, with less than 30 members, in over 3 months, you're averaging 1 member every 3 days. That's not really good. Posts aren't very satisfactory either. Just to note, from "persoanl" experience ... post exchanges help boost activity, and add a little bit of confidence as well.
And, things seem to have really slowed down in the past week or so. Nothings hardly been posted in for 10 days. You did get 4 new users yesterday; but, seems there wasn't much activity, or fresh topics when they arrived.
(10 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Well, I'm seeing 3 admins, so far. but, since I'm aware of your forum;s history, I undertsnad this is a group project, so I'll let the big numbers slide. Though, while reading through posts, some still use text posting. It's ok, when you guys are talking amongst yourselves, maybe in a staff board; but these are public topics, and admins reflect the profressionalism of the forum. They really need to take 1.4 more seconds, it takes, and type "mate" instead of m8. And other text typing they use.
They really need to help produce more around the board, as well. There's no reason those gaming boards should be sitting there for 10 days, collecting dust. Just get something going, anything. Just so there's something fresh showing on the main page.
(14 /20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
2 Category titles, that came to mind, as soon as i first stepped on the scene, and read your titles, is for your Games, and Best of the Rest categories. Why not use "Gaming Now", for games, and "Gaming Later" for the off topic category.
There's still a big problem woith staff using text, and "L337" posting. It's not looking good on the forum. It's tolerable to an extent; but when plastered on alot of posts, consecutively, not good, bud.
And, take a little extra time, when writing up each Board description. No need to rush through them. Make each one unique, and stand out. It'sobvious the gaming section ones were made in a hurry.
(14 /20)
70 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The new skin, though, it'spremade, still fits nicely.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
I like the all the statistics listed at the bottom; but when a forum is kind of in the inactive phase, might be good to hide those for a bit.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I was a member on the last forum; and wanting to check out this forum; but , again, I'm just not wanting to hear admins saying "ttyl m8" to me. Try and get staff more active, and show a few more signs of preffesionalism, and leadership; and I might give it another shot.
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