Twisty's asked me to handle this review for him. So, here goes ...
First Impressions - (Out of 20)
Great look. haven't even scrolled down the main page yet, and really like the look of the forum at first glance. I love the techno-ish banner up top, not too flashy, and, yet, not too basic. Very attractive look you got going on.
As i look further, you've got plenty going on, a wide assortment of services, more than i usually see from most ad forums. And, it;s got me even more interested on what's going on.
The only thing i don't like, is how empty it feels on the side of the forum. Beleieve ,me, the forum looks great at it's size, now ... i just feel somethimng left out, with all that extra empty space.
(18 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
Can't go no wrong here. You obviously know the do's and don't with forums, and it shows. Everything is precisely where i could expect them to be in the announcements section, along with suggestion/feedback, and introductions.
Though, going through the index page, i have some suggestions of my own ... First, i would suggest to move the exchange board. It's not really a service you provide, but one members provide for each other, and would go better at the top of the "even more extras" Category. and, while we're on that, i would rename that category, to something like "Admin Awareness" or something, letting admins know this is where to find other forum admins, who have the same goals and needs as they do.
And, i guess it's me, but i never really understood why Ad forums place the Forum/Admin Discussion Board in the off-topic section. It's always my favorite section to check and discuss, and deserves a spot with other similar Board section ( breaking news, etc ..). The forum is for forum admins to chat and promote ... and just feels out of place beside Sports, Media, etc ...
Actually, I honestly believe, that graphics should be placed in the off-topic sections. Especialy member showcasing and tutorial. But, every ad forum does it this way, so i guess it's there for a reason.
(17 /20)
Forum Statistics - (Out of 20)
For only going for about a week. you're off to a suprisingly good start. a nice member count, and average post per day count isn't bad either. When looking through different boards, though, seems not alot is being contributed across the entire forum. You should make some, or encourage staff, to get more topics going. Alot of members just advertising won;'t make topics, they usually just find one to reply in.
But, it is an up & coming Ad Forum, which should've created alot of buzz. I think , because of the previous closing, some may want to wait and make sure you're 100% dedicated this time around.
(19 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
This is where it might sting, a little. As i was going around, i noticed you have no active package/review team members. And when i checked the services, it seemed you were handling them all yourself. Which, shows your absolute dedication, but, you know this can't last for too long. You already know you need extra staff for these positions, so i won't go into a big lecture over that.
I see there are you, admin, and 2 global moderators. Well, it;'s time to put them in check. There's more to the start of a fourm than just telling members that they're being naughty. If they're serious about their position, then they'd be all over services with you. Even if you've asked them not to help, they should.
Plus, going through the new members board, you've done an excellent job welcoming each and every new member ... but you're staff is almost absent throughout the entire intros board??? Staff should be required to take the time to welcome new members. they're the foundation of what you're forum could become.
(13 /20)
Spelling and Grammar - (Out of 20)
It's very obvious your a busy man running this forum, which i can't but help feel you run it all by yourself. One thing that does set me back, is the very short, one word replies you make when accepting or completeing requests. Make it sound like you appreciate their business. courtesy can go along way. When i read those replies, no offesne, but it feels like you're glad to be done, rid of them ... just my outlook, don't take it literally.
As for spelling and such, everything seems fine as i look around.
And i really do like, and enjoyed reading all of your board descriptions.
(17 /20)
84 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
I'm usually more strict on Ad forums, not because we all work for one, but they come out a dime a dozen everyday. I really loved the atmosphere when i first arrived, and very interested in what your forum has to offer. In given time, and word of mouth spreads, others will find there way as well
What was most liked about the website/forums:
Defenitely the complimenting banner, and skin. And, even though i made a lot of suggestions, i liked the services, and how they were organized, just some i felt could've been in different sections.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Don't wanna make heads roll, but the staff team. It seems the admin is doing ALL the work, lately. I would stress to the staff how important the forum is to you, and also be on the lookout for those willing to be on staff, and contribute more than you expect.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I'm gonna be cautious on how active i will be. I lost all my activity from being a member on the previous forum. but i am interested, so you'll see me pop in sometime, soon.
(84 /100)
Very nice approach and start you got going so far. You already know what you had before, and you know how to get it back.
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