Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
I need to go ahead and get this out of the way. Your forum theme is spesctacular. Probably the freshest most unique themed template I have seen in a long time. And I mean that. The writer's notebook set as the Idex's background is utterly brilliant. You category and board's width is a perfect size, and fits so well against the notepad background.
The banner text is very attractive, only thing I would sugguest, is make the bold lettering around the text a blue that matches your skin. I think that may make it stand out even more. The board icons are magnificent, a perfect complimentry to the theme, and subject material of the forum.
Hands Down! This forum looks amazing, for what the material is themed about. The only thing that could make it look better, is maybe have the right side of the notepad, cut off. Maybe 20-30 pixels past the forum border. But, it's just a suggestion, and may not work, anyway.
The main thing that does not look good, is how large the topcs/posts count boxes are in the board listings. They really take up so much space, that could be used for your board descriptions, causing them to be a little more tighter. Though, not sure if you have any control over that, and I won't count it against you.
(19 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
Very impressed here, as well. Just a few minor suggestions to get things a little better organized. Support Forum should be placed directly under Forum News. They're both site realted content, and it's best to keep all related material close to one another. I also think Literature News should be placed along with the Literature section. It's not needed in your top category, your top category should be mainly used for site content, and new member introductions.
And, I honestly don't feel the need for sub-boards under the Essays section. And Essay is an essay; and, with only 5 topics so far, may want to start things off slow, so one section stays active, whether than 2 sub-boards sharing activity so soon.
Also, the Artists' Area. I think would work as one board, below Literature, and above Media. Then, make those 3 boards of creativity sub-boards of that section. Would really make the index page more organized, and less is usually better, when a forum is getting started.
(17 /20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
I understand your forum just got picked back up, but it's hard to believe all those post and members came from 10 days ago, as you mentioned. Plus, viewing the new members board, doesn't seem like the forum ever took a break.
😉 The numbers are still decent for over 4 months; and it's understandible there was down time with staff. Though, a start date is a start date. Now, it's time to focus on the rebirth.
Your forum does have a very good amount of active users in the past day, and seeing new members returning and signing up. Just keep doing what you're doing, you and staff should be keeping content fresh each day, providing new topics and replies for members to return to.
(16 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
You rmod titles are just too many. Admin, co-amdin, global mod, head mod, literature mod, and content staff? That's just taking things a little out of proprtion. You really only need Admin, global mod, literature mod. 7 staff members total??? You're way over doing it, bud. You realize 1/8 registered members is staff. And, judging by your active member list; staff outweigh the members.
I think you need to just trust staff with forum wide permissions, that way, you can take that "Moderated By:" text out of the board description, and do away with those extra mod titles that only pertain to those sections.
There is no need to slap a staff title on members just cause they will be active, and maybe help out. I really hope that EACH of these mods are doing what they need to keep the site prosper, welcoming every new member, which some of them don't bother from what I see.
(14 /20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
I would expect a forum based on writing to have the proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. And you do. I do feel maybe some of your board descriptions can be less detailed. Some actually seem to repeat phrases, or mention things that aren't needed; causing that description to become larger, and making that board in the index page stetch the length.
Like this for example ... "Talk about anything and everything that doesn't belong in any other section of the forum.
For more mature things to discuss go to the Mature Forum." <--- that's not necessary. Memebrs who can write, so they should be able to read, as well. And will find the Mature Forum. Though, I think would be better to properly name the mature section something like debate room or something. And, I reworded the description as well, just how i think it should read.
(18 /20)
84 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
What was most liked about the website/forums:
As i said, the entire theme of the forum. The skin is wonderful, and will defenitely draw intrigued writers in once they find the forum.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Over staffed, by a large margin. With only 55 registered members, many who are inactive A total of 7 staff members, with confusing ranks, is really over doing it.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I use to write so much when i was younger, but haven't had the time. I've posted a 24 chapter story on fanfiction a year ago; I might jloin and share it, just to get some kinda extra critiquing done. Though, as I said, once you can get the word out, and aspiring writers find the forum, they'll most likely be as intrigued as I was, and sign up, and get involved, almost immediately.
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