Your Forum Review
First Impressions - (Out of 10)
It doesn't exactly say, "Game developers,welcomed" when i first log on. It more reminds me of a satanic cult forum, if anything. I'm assuming your game developer company is called "Vodoo Gaming"; and sometimes is good to dress the forum to it your theme. But this isn't the case.
I would get a more professional banner, one that is less darker themed, as you have now. Try different stuff, don't laways go with the first idea that pops up in your head.
(6 /10)
Appearance - (Out of 20)
Ths overall look is nice looking. I'd just seriously change the banner. Gives off the wrong impression of what this forum is about, in which I'm still having trouble trying to figure out what your forum's goal is?
As dark as the theme is, and really has nothing to do with games, or game developing, i still like the look you put together.
Mahy need to dress it up a bit, with some new forum icons on the main page, and DEFENITELY work on a more professional banner. It looks more like a box up top. You need to make one that fits the forum's width, and not stacked up too high.
(16 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
Ok. I'm starting to wonder, is this a forum for anyone to join? Or just those who would be interested in whatever games your developing. There's nothing that "clearly" states any rules, showing new members where to start, or even what the forum is about?
Dark forces Series should not be the first category. It should be a section, that shows your forum's announcements, and other important on the site, that members need to now. Then, your game in development comes up second.
What really boggles me, is how you actually have a section for other game developers to post, and get involved, but it's ALL the way at the bottom of the forum, under "General" .... like their own stuff doesn't matter. You need to swap "General" & "Programming and Game Development" ; your off-topic category should almost always come at the bottom.
You need to group "like section" together, not separate them, as you have done.
(7 /20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 25)
This is going to be the big whammy of this review. Your forum is almost going on one year, and with a little over 1,000 posts, over 50% of them done by yourself ... wouldn't that clue you in, that something may not be right about the forum?
You have , yet, to make posts in some of the empty forums. And, to be honest, it's not gonna happen all on it's own. If you're into this stuff, shouldn't you have plenty to say on the matter. You made those boards to your forums for a reason, cause it's something you're interested in. So why not get the ball rolling with making topics?
(5 /25)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 15)
So far, I'm counting 3 adminstrators, and 3 moderators. This is way over doing it. Sure, you want certain members to be on staff, that are helping in this game development. But, that's the problem. There's really no community here, it's just those who are helping on whatever game you're making.
There's no need to make members an admin, they're NOT needed for this forum. I know it's nice to give active members mod powers, but what are they going to ever use them for. Maybe later, but, now, I'm sure all of you are dying for something to moderate.
(5 /15)
Spelling and Grammar - (Out of 5)
Of the 1,000 posts, I've scanned around some of the more active topics, and it's all just chatter. Text talk, and not a whole lot of depth in conversation. One topic, a guy pointed something out fro,m screenshots, and it took the both of you almost a whole page to get to the point. I knew what was going on from the guy's first reply.
Suprisingly, your Board doesn't have much on the main page, but some of your board descriptions are kinda mediocre. They're really bland, and really generic. Find clever ways to intice memb ers to post in different sections, rather than "Anything goes..." as a board description.
(2 /5)
41 - (Out of 95)
Final Remarks:
I am honestly confused why you would've wanted a review. Your forum isn't for a community, it's for a game in development, that doesn't warrant many outside guests to want to join.
What was most liked about the website/forums:
Maybe that you are trying, but really going all about it in the wrong direction. The skin looked really good, but just not what anyone would expect from a game forum.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
The banner. And the fact that it hasn't had much life in it's one year span. Plus, it's not really an open community. Nothing much that would draw anyone to want to join and be active
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I spent what time i was gonna spend on your forum. It has no appeal, or any interests for me. And, not to be too harsh, but i don't see you getting too many more members in the near future. It's just not what people are looking for in forums. This is more of an "Inside Project" for you, and your friends.
Reviewer's rating of the site - (Out of 5)
(2 /5)
(43 /100)
In whatever you do, I do wish you the best of luck. I honestly don't believe your forum will make it at all, if it stays the way it is. Unless, it's just for you and your friends, than you guys should have a good time, while developing and discussing the game you're making.
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