First Impressions - (Out of 20)
Very nice looking upon my arrival. The skin is very different from what i've seen, and i really like how it feels kinda "cyber-ishy". The banner is very appealing and fits the skin, but the text font is hard to read at first, and may not be recognizable upon new guests arriving.
(14/20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
The layout is pretty basic, with very minimal Boards for other, more open discussions. The one category, labeled "General" is the forum provider's default category title, it needs to be changed to something more personal to the forum.
I'm sure, as a networking expert as yourself, there's plenty more Boards for discussion on netwroking besides the one Board "Computer Talk." Make it more of a variety, so all Talk isn't jumbled in one board.
One suggestion on the appearance, with the Board descriptions being so small, would be to downsize the width of the forum by about 25%, so all the info under the board titles don't seem so distantly apart. There's alot of empty space on the main page that would make it look more professional if downsized, and more organized looking.
(10/20)
Forum Statistics - (Out of 20)
I'll be a littl e less strict here, as Your forum is just a couple of months in the making, so it's expected to not be booming with a surplus of users and discussions. The thing is to stay TRUE to your forum theme, but also have something else going on to keep members wanting to stay and get more involved in discussions.
(14/20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
2 Admins, and 2 Global mods is a good start; and about average moderation based on the member count. You may want to find a couple more, good/active members to bring to the team, cause maybe not all 4 can be around when needed at the time.
(12/20)
Spelling and Grammar - (Out of 20)
Not much to grade on, as the Board descriptions and titles are really vague and to the point. Try and be clever, and make descriptions that grabs the guests/members attention.
(13/20)
63 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
Just keep advertising, but you may want to first fix some of the problems i have mentioned, if you take them into consideration. You need more categories/Boards ... and pffer a wider variety for all members to be involved, not just the techies. You only get one chance at a first impression to guests, so be sure you're forum is ready when they arrive.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The skin, banner color. It really was refreshing and nice on th eyes.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Thing is, there's not really reason for a guests to register and get involved, unless they have some computer/tech problem. You gotta have more open/organized Boards to warrant members to want to join an dget post crazy.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
Offer more reasons to join, other than to talk about computers. Every forum has an off-topic board, and more involving; you need to find some kinda a catch, that grabs my attention, as well as any guests attention.
(63 /100)
Remember, the score is just a number i have to base on my own opinion, please take the time to read the advice i have offered, and find other ways to improved the quality and depth to your forum. I hope to see you return, once you're more active, and have made such improvements to your forum.
All the best!
hcf
