Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
Hate to start on a bad note; but first thing, right off the bat, I gotta complain about, is the banner. Nothing wrong with it; but it seems the navigating button up top, along with the banner, and welcome message, seem to stretch pass the main body of the forum. If you havenn't noticed how unaligned it is, just look at the legs on the people in your banner; notice how their legs don't match up with their bodies.
😉
Now, your forum design is gorgeous. The skin is very pleasing, and well done throughout the forum. Probably different, and unique from most vB forums I have seen. The category bars match well with the banner, and perfectly separate each section, nicely. The background shades of gray really work well withing the forum body.
One thing I really don't like, though, is under the "Last Post" portion, I don't like the icons, like the smilies, and topic icon images.
(15 /20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
Now, your first category, is intimidating. Especially for a new member/guest. It's really hard to figure out where to begin, while browsing the webmaster's section. I really think you should find a way to organize this section a little better, especially trying to split this into 2 different categories, and placing the appropriate boards where they belong in each.
One other crucial, very important thing to consider. I'm sure you want members to find the Webmaster's section right away, but believe me, they won't miss it, being that big of a section. What you need to do, is always consider "your forum's" relations first. I'm talking about the Main Forums section. This should be the very first section all members see. It's best to see what the site has announced lately, and gives new members a place to break the ice when joining, easily finding the Intros Board.
Other than those two things, you're set-up is quite well. I just still feel you over did it in the first category with so many boards.
(16 /20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
Can't argue, your stats are quite impressive. In 2 months, you've almost gained 100 members, and almost 8,000 posts. Almost every board seems succesful on the forum, with plnety of discussions divided amongst each other. Though, the security board seems very lonely. Seems if it stay inactive; might want to consider adding it as a sub-board somewhere esle. Which will cut down on one of those many in that section.
(20 /20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
Here's when the confusion comes in. Everything was looking so good. But, now, where do i find a moderator, or find out who they are. I clicked the "View Forum Leaders" button. But, only because I know where to look; and you shouldn't expect most others to know that. A Staff Member list, is always good to have, either stickied in the announcements , or feedback/suggestion section.
Now, I have found your staff team; and it's very troubling. You've got less than 100 members, but almost 10% of that member list, is staff. 2 admins, and 6 moderators. Seems like an awful lot. And, I'm sure a forum like yours needs extra help, when consulting members' question on web development; but can they help just as regular members? Just doesn't seem like a forum where much flaming, and moderating would take place on.
But, what I find most troubling, is with 8 staff member ... how come when i go down the Introductions Board; they only average 2-5 replies. Staff should be encouraged to be more welcoming to new members. They're what;'s going to be new activity; but if they feel unwlecomed, then they have no reason to stick around.
(10 /20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
Can't find too many spelling errors, and your board descriptions are well explained. Though some grammar errors, with a few examples below.
"This is a section to discuss methods, tips and more related to monetizing websites." Needs an extra comma, and would sound better like this ... "This is a section to discuss methods, tips, and other aspects of monetizing websites."
"Security is an important factor of your website, discuss everything related to security here." Would look better with a semi-colon ";" where the comma is.
Plus, the off-set banner makes the first thing most see on the forum, really unporfessional.
(17 /20)
78 - (Out of 100)
Final Remarks:
What was most liked about the website/forums:
The template, and skin design used. Was an attractive and unique skin.
What was disliked most about the website/forums:
Just the excessive boards in one section. Seems there should be someway to separate them into 2 categories.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
I don't understand anything of what I read, while on the forum. But, that's just me. I have no knowledge on web site bulding, tools, and such. But, you got a great looking site, that I'm sure is going to interests alot; who are actually looking for a community in that area.
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