First Impressions - (Out of 20)
My only problem, so far, with the overall theme, is that it's a general gaming community, but it feels like that the Xbox360 is the only system that gets recognition throughout the theme. The banner was obviously created by a 360/Halo fan ; which i feel would look great with other recognizabel gaming icons, from other systems.
The background, as well. Has XBox360 plastered all over on both sides of the forum's border. Now, if it were a 360 forum, I'd be giving major props, but I was to believe it was a forum for all gaming.
The skin, really does look good, as for the color choices used. I feel the colors do not just rep[resent one console, but a more general look from each console. The new/old icons, I really like. Reminds me of the "start" button on most gaming controllers.
(14 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
The forum layout, is almost spot on. Your news & information Board is perfectly set up, and organized. My one suggestion, no pun intended, would be to add the word "Suggestions" into the Help Board; and work it into the board description.
I'm actually very impressed to see that you place Nintendo at the top, most general gaming forums, they'll place them at the bottom of the list. There's really no wrong way to present the 3 big named consoles, just as long as they are close to one another, in a genral gaming forum. Even though, "General Gaming Discussion" is cliche'd as a board titles, I would recommend it, besides "Common Gaming", as you have it listed.
Computer Gaming doesn't seem to be so popular. I would just mergwe the two boards, renae it Computer Software, Coding, and Gaming. And, then place it in the Gaming Boards. Most likely at the borttom of the category.
Your General Discussion boards are perfectly set up. But, i would try and give the entertainment genre it's own board. Your Off-Topic board seems like it's really cluttered, and jampacked when clicking on it. You could add everything from tv, movies, music, anime, books, etc. into this new entertainment board
(17 /20)
Forum Statistics - (Out of 20)
For only being open for almost 8 months, your statistics seem above par. It seems there's something missing, that'll attract new members, and keeps others returning daily to see what's new. Make sure to keep things as interezting as possible. Any new features or additions, amke sure the members know, and can see for themself.
But, still, alot of geberal gaming forums don't make it far, so you've got something going good. I would just expect a forum for all gaming consoles, to have higher stats in members, and post counts.
One problem, i can see, with those numbers, since I've been on, there have been 4 members logged on, and no new posts almost all day long. It seems all their attention has been geared towards the chat box down below. Sometimes these are good for the community, but not always good for the forum's growth.
(16 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Whoa! 8 total staff members, including 4 admins, is kinda not the way to go. It's good to show recognition for help and long lasting commitment to the forum. But it seems that some members may have been put on staff by impulse. Not saying this, cause i have no idea, but, I see alot of admins making members staff, just for the guaranttee that they will be active.
And, sorry, but with 8 members currently on staff, for a general gaming forum, that's the way it looks, at least for some of added staff. Take your time, and decide wehter or not, some of these admins/mods have led up to expectations ... and start removing some who don't. An overstaffed forum can make the forum less unattractive.
Also, what really bugged me, was 2 of those 4 medmbers online at the time WAS staff. But found nothing to post in the forum body. It was all in the chat box, again.
I, too, leanred this myself, and was way overstaffed. It was hard making the decision, and cutting staff. But, those who are really there for the forum, and not a position, will completly understand.
(8 /20)
Spelling and Grammar - (Out of 20)
Spelling, and grammar seem to be nice, and proffessional. Although, there are some punctuation erros, but nothing most members will notice. Ex.
Talk all about all versions of Computer games; Windows, Mac, Unix, and Linux versions. <--- that semi-colon helps separate adjectives listed, from the direct noun their referring to.
As for the forum goes. I do see some quicky like spammish posts, which moderators should kindly enforce. It just makes for better posting, and discussion, when members are posting. "i LOL'd at that" , when, they could say WHY they laughed, and then add something, so the next posted would have something to comment on.
(18 /20)
73 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
It seems like a good gaming community, with everything in gaming covered. Keep promoting and, as suggested, find "hooks" that keep the forum spiced up, and gicving members reasons to keep coming back, and staying active ... in other places besides the chat box.
😉
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The "look" of the banner, but not the banner images itself. The wide variety of gaming console discussions the forum offered. And, The admin had a very well organized forum layout. I just offered what my best suggestions would be to help organize it just a tad more.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
The XBox360 Dominant theme. And, The chat box. I just can't stand them on any forum, and will never use them, even when visiting forums. there are ways around a chat box, like spam/chat topics. aAt least they'll contribute to the forum stats growth.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I have joined, and affiliated. Seems like a good forum. But, my activity, could be a different story. I'l be returning, and checking in, to what how much the folrum has improved, with lesser staff, and more activity in the forum, and outside the chat box.
(73 /100)
All the Best to your forum Logan18. A 73 is a great score for your first forum review here, trust me. My first here was around a 48
😀 The forum was enjoyable to look through and post on while i was there. And, please, feedback ia ALWAYS appreciated. Just follow the link below.
🙂
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