Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
Right off the bat. Your banner does do good in representing the UK, perfectly. But hardly does anything to show it's a gaming forum, except for the word "gaming". And, that could mean anything, like sports, events, and such. I'd try to get something, at least a console, controller, or something that has do with gaming.
The skin template is kinda bland. Doesn't seem to have much modified and nothing really personal to the theme added anywhere. I like the Forum title green bar, but i think that should be used at the Category title bar, instead, to help separate category sections.
Also, the forum width, seems to be to wide. And it cause so much empty space with the index page's body. I'd suggest slimming it down, to about 850 pixels width, and will help tighten up the forum, and look better organized.
(12/20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
Up in the first category, you have 3 unecessary redirecting boards. The UK website, just goes back to the portal, which already has a link up top of the forum. And the Team Fortress 2 Server board, just redirects back to the forum. Remove these two boards; and this category will be as good as gold. The support link, is not a good idea. Just make it a board, that members can post in. So they can reply to your help on the situation, and members can see how quick and supportive your staff team is.
I really don't understand the purpose of the UK Website category, seeing a there's hardly any activity at all being contributed. I've been on the site for one hour, and have posted almost more than anyone else, with 2 topics. Here's what I'd do ...
Combine Reviews / Walkthroughs / Cheats & Tips. all into one Board for submission. even on big gaming forums, they're always the least active. You could even make a sub-board for each title; and just be sure to include everything in th eboard description. Then, combine Challenges ( Arcade) / Tournaments; cause they're basically serving the same purpose, and not getting much response as it is. Doing this, will make those boards look more active, and slim down that category, as well.
Your last 2 categories look perfect, and well organized.
(17/20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
For being on your first month, things are looking good. But, it's the chat box that has probably made you miss out on alot, i guarantee. Boards seem to be spread out through the whole forum; all except for the website category. Combine those as i suggested; and it should at least look a little better.
You need to get onto your staff, or start demoting, soon. If they can't help contribute in discussions, and creat some; then there's no use for them, other than being a member. There's only 14 topics in general gaming discussion. I can think about 40 topics off the top of my head; that any gamer, any system can reply to. It's not really that hard. But, when you give too much power, to too many people, and they feel their place is set in stone; and feel all they have to do is play big boss on the forum.
(15 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Whoa! 3 admins, and 4 global moderators. That's 25% of your member base on staff. And to be quite honest, not a reliable staff team for the most. Some of them have less than 30 posts, and don't seem to contribute alot.
What's really going to hurt on this one, is your over staffed team, and the fact that when i view the new members board; there are only a couple of staff members welcoming any new members. And if they do, it's only because they already knew the member before they joined. Looks very bad when new members don't get that same treatment.
It is Vital that ALL staff are involved with this process. If they were dedicated, and care for the forum; they would be thrilled and welcome each and every new member who arrived, and introduced themself.
And, i really don't understand why the staff are advertising your forum in their sigs, kinda defeats the purpose when people are already on the forum.
😀
Also, why is there a specific Mod group for the Xbox section? The forum only has 56 posts, doesn't seem hard to manage, and not necessary to have a group targeting that one section. I'm sure one of the 7 staff team members can't help manage it.
(8/20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
Spelling and grammar seem fine. Your board descriptions could use a little variety, especially in the gaming sections. Just seems "Discuss (isnert console) here" is repeated alot.
The over sized chat box is an eyesore as well. And seems to make the board seem less serious. Would be better placed at the very bottom of the forum. If that's not possibler, then edit your chat box code, and reduce the height by half. There are are 6 replies made in the past week, and it doesn't need to be so large. And, all it's doing, to be honest, is taking activity away from the forum itself.
(16 /20)
68 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
What was most liked about the website/forums:
I liked the "medals" system you have. Those are a pretty neat addition; and I'm sure members love the fact they get to sport them around, showing their gaming preferences; and forum achievements.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
The chat box. I just really hate to see them on the home page of gaming forums. And it's way oversized, attracting activity away from the forum.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I signed up, and got a little activity going; but i probably won't be daily active. Too busy. But, I'll check in time to time to see how things are going. Just keep promoting, find target gamers; and yopu should be on your way to more success.
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