Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
For a Sonic fan forum, you've got a great look, which completely personifies the Blue Blazer! The banner up top is really good, and stands out nicely. The blue may be a little bright, especially when reading the white text. But doesn't bother me, I personally like bright skins It's Sonic in everyway, and your overall theme in the skin matches him perfectly.
The category bars are also a nice touch, the blue bar mtching the skin, and key characters from the series each have a nicely added spot.
One thing i don't like, myself, are the New/Old Forum icons. They loook misplaced, since they're boxed in, with a tiny hint of blue behind it's borders, showing the forum background. I'd try to get icons that matches the skins background, even try and get some transparent images. For Sonic, I'd actually recommned some sonic rings, or emeralds from the games as your icon. You've got plenty of Sonic around the forum, so using other reconizable items would go along way , especiually for the fans pf the games.
(17 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
I really like how you've got most of the forum layed out. But, some changes i think would look much better, it rearranging some boards in your top category. Fist thing, it's nice you showcase your affiliates, immediately, but, they really have no purpose up in your forum's top category. These go with advertsiing, and I think you should move the Affiliates directly under your advertising board at the bottom. With that out of the way, your top category will be more on a professional level, for your forum.
Your Forum updates is right where it should be, but I would place your feedback/suggestions board directly underneath, since both relate to the forum, then, have your introductions board, easilt accessible at the bottom of this category.
Looking over the rest of the forum, every thing looks real clean, and very organized how categories and boards are set up.
(16 /20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
I had to check, and make sure your forum did start just 6 weeks ago. Cause your current stats are very impressive. Good job on the success you gained so far. ALmost every board has shared plenty of activity, which a wide range of different members posting daily.
Only one board seems out of place, the Tutorials board. Which is a good gesture, but may not see much activity, at first, you may want to consider adding it as a sub-board to another board on the forum, until it gets more activity.
(18 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
I really can't tell who is on your staff. I see you, as sherriff, and one other member with FBI, and i can't even gurantee he's staff. But, I'm actually confident you are staffed just right. As i read through your Staff needed topic; i noticed you were alone, losing a co-admin, and only looking for 2 mods. That was a good call. Seems you're very selective, in who to look for, and who would be best for the forum.
Never mind, lol, just found your "moderating team" link at the bottom. And, i was right on target. 1 Admin and 2 mods is PERFECT for your forum. Maybe after about 25 or so new members, depending on activity, might be safe to bring an extra staff member on board.
But, you really need a Staff Team topic, listed somewhwere on the forum for members to see. I'd even post an extra one in the feedbacl/suggestion board, too.
(20 /20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
Two IMPORTANT Topics you're missing, is a Staff Rules, and Staff Team stickies that beling in your Updates board. I know you have a "His Rules" portal, and "moderating team" link, but about 90% of members will never even look there. At least when you have a topic posted, especially for the Rules, you can watch the view count, and make sure members are reading them.
And, I wasn't too hot on the Affiliates up in the top category, as i said, those really need to be placed outside your main forum's content.
And, when affiliating, it's really a partnered agreement. I notice you got upset, cause members request affiliation, then leave. Well, that's what affiliating is. And, your rule for must have 30 posts to affiliate, may not encourage many to affiliate. It's when they're "advertising" is when you should be more strict. But it's your forum, your call.
And, more on affiliates. I see you use an affiliate bar in the footer, but no affiliates. I see it's reserved just for your voting icons. And, it looks really messy. If you're not gonna add your affiliate's banners there, (even though most added you to theirs ) you should stop the button from moving. they all would fit in the banner. Moving affiliates are mainly for when you have alot. So, if you add your forum's afffiliate's button, then leave it moving, but, if just the Vote buttons, I'd get it set to nuetral.
As for spelling and grammar; I enjoyed reading your board description, and nothing really stood out that i could critique on. But, you may want to make your Board titles a little less vague, like "Jack's Workshop" for the feedback/suggestions board. That was really the only one that lost me, and in the description, it took a while for you to actually note that is was the feedback board. But, i still like how you're making them interesting, just need to get to the point of them, in the first sentence, then add any humor you'd like
(15 /20)
86 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
Your forum does have a great start, and very promising future. It's got a great, sleek desgin, and a Sonic fans dream come true. Plus, while looking around, and reading some randdom topics, I can tell you're a pretty good admin, and wants what's best for the forum, and community.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The overall theme and look. Really captures everything that personifies Sonic the Hedgehog.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
The overall way affiliates are, on the whole forum. From the affiliates board in the wrong section, to the moving vote buttons on the bottom.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
Actually, you may not have to work that hard. I really liked the forum, and may end up stopping by some time, soon. Now, for Sonic fans, I believe you just need to advertise, and be on the lookout for other Sonic forum, join, and post while wearing your Signature their, and once they get curious, and look, you should have no problem attracting new members to your forum.
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