First Impressions: (9 out of 15)
When I first entered your site, it became pretty easy to use and find articles that I wanted to read (I touch more on this later). It also became pretty apparent that the is something lacking when it comes to the design and the graphics on your blog (I touch more on this later as well). One thing that does bother me about the first time I viewed your blog is trying to figure out if this is a personal blog of yours or is it something else. It probably wouldn't hurt to have a little "About Me" section added to the blog. You could add it underneath the "Recent Posts" on the right hand side. It will help you tell your guests more about the blog and what it's main function is so they aren't left guessing.
Site Structure: (12 out of 15)
I like how you have the "Recent Posts" on the right hand side. I would definitely keep that for sure. I think that helps people to see what articles have been written lately, instead of having to go look for them. However, there is the option for guests to go look for what they want specifically by looking through the categories in the navigation bar at the top. I appreciate that you have your articles categorized, since that will make things easier to find. That is one of my biggest pet peeves...not being able to find what I'm looking for when I am browsing through a site, regardless if it's a blog, a forum or a website. Regardless of where you go in the future with the blog, always keep that in mind. Easy to use should be a key feature so that guests don't get frustrated and leave before they find what they're looking for.
Design Quality: (5 out of 15)
Even though you have the blog laid out pretty neatly, there really isn't much to discuss about the design quality on your blog. It's kind of bland and boring to me. I mean, it is easy to read the way it is but there really isn't anything going on there as far as the design goes. I don't know if this is something that you can make yourself or if you can spring for this, but I would consider having a custom "theme" made for your blog. Something that would go along with the niche` of your blog and help it to stand out.
Originality: (7 out of 15)
Having content on your blog is going to be the key feature for you from this point on. You need to have content that is different from everyone else in order to stand out from the crowd. Otherwise, it will be easy for people to look past your blog and move on to something else. You need to have something special to catch their eye. I would also recommend that you order a package from the Package Team here at Forum Promotion (unless you have some friends that wouldn't mind commenting on the articles for you). I think that would help you also if it looks like people are showing interest in the articles you're posting on your blog.
Overall Mark: (33 out of 60)
I think you are doing pretty good so far, however, I think you still have a ways to go to get your blog to where it needs to be in order to succeed. I wish you the best of luck in the future!
