Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
First time I got to your site was a little confused to start with, as your entire forum was in a little box, this was very annoying and I bet loads of people see that and think that’s your real forum page. As I first thought that, and yes I did find the real forum, but not before I though the one in that little box was your real deal first.
Other then that the site does look very good, nice colour with a big WOW expression. Also on a first glance not to impressed with the test on the site, a little basic and doesn’t really suite the theme.
(Scored 6/20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
As I said before the bit on the portal with the forum in a box, not a good idea as I would recommend you trash that idea completely. The banner up the top looks like a job I could whip up in paint with a word doc font pasted over it, as I recommend you should either upgrade it or start over. If your trying to make a colourful and out there feel to the site with the banner, try Photoshop or a GFX expert to help you make a really good out there banner.
The site layout if interesting and different, as I have not seen a site layout like yours yet with only main sections on the index page of the forum. It’s a nice touch as this style of layout can work when done right, but it comes down to the person viewing the site some wont like it and some will. Myself I prefer the normal style of layout, but what you have done here is a good job mate.
One last thing I will make a qui9ck mention of is the green and white main theme, it is really basic and simple. Simple does work for some things, but not with your effect as it’s like your banner is all our there and colourful, then we come to this plain green and white theme. Again With most of your sites theme, I would recommend a complete overhaul.
(Scored 4/20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
Your activity and stats are pretty good, as yes you have been open for about 8 to 9 months now. You have plenty of members and loads of stats on the site, also your site is active with all sections last posted in rather today or yesterday. And yes that’s 1 of the nice little sneaky effects of your layout style, but I wont tell anyone I promise (figures crossed). The only suggestion I could make is make some kind of display down the button of your stats, as I had to pull out the trusty pen and pencil to calculate your stats. The only down side I can really see if that most of the posts are from you and your staff and a few other members, you really could use some more active members. I like to also point out 1 last thing, yes your layout may mask your other sections but opening then up and looking, some of your sections are really lacking activity, as some don’t even make 10 topics with some having none at all, like the fantasy section.
(Scored 8/20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Quick check of your staff, and it’s good to see a site with only 170 members does not have heaps and heaps of staff members. You have a very good number of staff for a site your size, and it’s nice to see you not having loads of staff members that are not needed nice job.
As for there performance that could use a little work, for example try to answer with more then ok or a quick we will look into it. I’m not pointing you out directly but staff as a general, need to add some more depth when responding to your members, try explaining the reason your answer to a member’s question.
(Scored 12/20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
Your forum’s spelling and grammar is ok, I did spot several grammar mistakes around, in sections like your topic descriptions and in some of the posts around the board. Plus a big problem I notice is most of your sentences are really small, and could or should I say must be combined into 1 sentence. I would recommend you proof read your forum, and double check your site to fix up what you can.
I would also like to see more of an effort with your forum’s topic descriptions, as some of them don’t even have a description, I know some don’t need it but if for example the music section covers several areas of music might be nice to let everyone know what sections. Try spicing them up a little, and adding some depth to your descriptions, as a good label normally sells a good book, or in this case a good forum topic.
(Scored 11/20)
Total Score - (31 of 100)
Final Remarks:
In all honesty a very average effort at best, your forum could stand to have lots of upgrades to make it from an average site to a truly great site. Your site if off to a good start yes, but if you really want to make it a great site, it’s time to put the gloves on and start working.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The interesting layout style you have made up.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Where to start your site could stand to make a lot of improvements.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
You would have to make quite a few improvement before I would join, as a general site the best way for you to stand out is to make your site unique.
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