Promotion Time

[iPhonefreak]

Name of Site: Promotiontime.net
Site Genre: Promotion
Site URL: http://promotiontime.net
Type of Review ( Full/Quick ): quick
Opening Date: Feb 2013
Additional Notes:

 

[Red Herring]

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[Red Herring]

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Promotion Time
Quick Review by Red Herring​

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Analysis:

Strengths:

1. Theme Design
   Upon first seeing Promotion Time's theme a few days ago, I was prepared to blast it into oblivion with my cannon of (respectful) criticism. However, this picture has since made a last minute change, and it's certainly one for the better. What was once a cluttered landscape of low-quality imagery, icons and hideous monotone color-blending has been transformed into a pleasant landscape of textured goodness and sleek design elements. While I still do not completely approve of the logo, as I feel it's still a bit rough around the edges, it's a massive improvement to its oversized and inelegant predecessor. Forum design now consists of mostly separator-less tables, charming forum icons and simple rectangular category headers; giving it an amiable modern feel, which I wholeheartedly approve of. The forum's header consists of a soft granite-like texture and charming CSS elements found in its navigation. Lastly, everything is well-complimented by a contrasting background outside of the index which uses a dark greyish blue texture to enchanting effects. I do have some minor complaints regarding this design. For instance, the UCP elements are huge and a bit sore to the eyes in an otherwise beautiful header. On the whole, however, I quite approve. Well done.

Weaknesses:

1. Barely Breathing
   Yeesh. Unfortunate as it may be, stepping into Promotion Time is like stepping into a terminal patient's ward. You're trying to avoid acknowledging the fact that someone is dying, but it's simply all you can think about. The vast majority of the forums within Promotion Time have not seen a single post since November or even October. There are even a couple that have been devoid of activity since September and August. Even the "Forum of the Month" event, something considered to be a staple in any promotion forum, has not been updated since September / October. This forum has all but taken its final breath amongst the living. If a massive effort is not made to provide this forum the miracle it needs to live, then I do not foresee it being "alive" for very much longer. By far, activity is the most serious concern at the present moment in time and needs to be addressed immediately.
   
2. Lack of Unique Content
   I've said it once, I've said it twice, I've said it thrice and countless other times, but I shall say it once more. A promotion forum is not a magic instant activity generator, as many seem to believe (and as evidenced by the current state of affairs in Promotion Time). If a promotion forum desires success, then it will either need to find a way to stand out from all the others to make it more enticing through new services and general content, or failing that, it will need to truly excel in available service and content quality. I cannot properly gauge as to whether or not Promotion Time fulfills the latter requirement, but I can say with certainty it does not achieve the former. Promotion Time makes little attempt to deviate from the standard promotion formula, with there being only one available service that could be called "unique"; that service being the "Forum Assist" service. The "Forum Assist" actually sounds like a rather admirable service, but I ultimately feel it's one that will be far too ambitious to complete for its requesters, and will very likely cause issues down the line.
   
   

   Benefits of using Forum Assist
   
   -You get a full detailed review of your forum
   -We help you make the changes on your forum
   -We help you find staff members
   -We can even help you create threads or replies
   -We give you the tools and help that you need in order to make your forum successful and active

   
   Quite an ardent list of promises. Sure, this is a service that's paid for with real money, but are those really goals that can easily be completed? Especially in regards to "finding staff members", which is a very inaccurate science...and may not end in favorable results. It's unfortunate, but I would really suggest in pulling back on this one and trying to find other innovative services to offer instead. It may difficult to offer a variety in the promotion genre, but a long brainstorming session can produce some very interesting ideas. Give it a shot. And good luck.
   
   
3. Lack of Staff
   If this were any other genre of forum, I would always suggest keeping the staff list contained to what is needed. However, this time around, I'll be suggesting the exact opposite for two reasons. Reason A: This is the promotion genre...a fairly large staff roster is required to properly maintain all services that are offered. Reason B: This forum is so close to its death, it's in desperate need of members that feel some sort of obligation to it in order to help get it breathing again. At the moment, Promotion Time has only two relatively inactive administrators (in terms of posting, at least). First, that "inactive" part really needs to be remedied...secondly, I do not believe that two individuals can successfully run a promotion forum all on their own. Not only will services be properly maintained with the addition of new staff members, but they will also assist in keeping the discussion flowing. There need not be a massive recruitment drive or such, but a few new faces certainly couldn't hurt.

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Final Remarks:
To be honest, I don't much to say for my concluding thoughts in regards to Promotion Time. My eyes do not perceive it to be much more than your average generic promotion forum, one that's almost completely and utterly dead in activity. Obviously, some effort really needs to be made on that latter point if there's any hope to be found in this promotion forum. The addition of some new staff members and a little more tender loving care from the administrators would assist in that regard. From there, if Promotion Time can pick itself back up onto its feet, then it should focus on providing either unique services or quality content within its current services...otherwise, it's little different from the countless clones out there. Nevertheless, best regards, Promotion Time. Whatever path you walk, whatever road you travel, I wish you the very best of luck.

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[Migi]

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