Your Forum Review
First Impressions & Appearance - (Out of 20)
You have a very clever name. Very smart domain choice too! It goes well, flows nice too. It is also long enough that most would want to buy a domain, and short enough to use. I really like the theme, though it doesn't scream web hosting nor is 'support' looking if you will. The donate box looks really nice. It fits in well and is not in the way. I don't see the affiliates randomizing on each page load, and it is sort of in the way, considering it is first on the bar, some buttons will look good and some will stick out like a sore thumb, I would control what affiliates you add just to make sure you keep it looking good.
I like the nice welcome box, you never really see that anymore on forums, glad someone cares.
I like that you have a drop down box just to choose themes, some of them better than others, though the set default looks the best, always do anything you can the best way possible.
As for the home page, it is a pretty nice template and you update it reguraly with announcements and special information, however it totally looks nothing like the forums, in the future, or when you have spare time, try and work on a theme that looks like the homepage. If you get enough donations you may be able to pay someone to do it. Simple things like this will really improve how a client sees you professionally.
(Scored 17/20)
Site Layout - (Out of 20)
On the forum side of things, I would make a few alterations beginning with the side bar. I like it would be much more beneficial to have a box that has information on hosting packages and pricing, so when requesting support on your forums, they can be more specific in the request. I might also add a box for information on your hosting, or possibly your history of a web host company, seeing as many people enjoy your hosting.
I would move the affiliates box to the last box area on the side bar, affiliates don't matter much to the site except back linking, just try and move it so it is not the first thing someone sees. I like the Order a Package link forum, it really helps and is quick access, that was a really good idea. I like that you arn't a big off topic forum, your forums are laid out quiet nicely and correspond with what category it is in, such as the hosting category. You did a great job putting ban appeals in the last forum in that category.
I might make General Support the first in hosting because it would be probably the most used, and would start the chain, getting more specific as you scroll down. I am not sure about the Technical Area, it looks like more off topic and should be treated as such, it is software, hosting, and tutorials. I would make it a forum, with a sub forum that has a sub forum. The layout
Hosting (Forum)
------->Software (Sub forum inside hosting)
----------> Tutorials (Sub forum inside Software)
With that it will give your forum a cleaner layout and a smaller index, again yo can arrange it however you want, that is my opinion of how it should be done.
(Scored 15/20)
Statistics and Activity - (Out of 20)
Considering you are a hosting support forum, I can't grade you very hard in this aspect of the review. Not many people are active on a support forum because it is for support, they ask a question, get an answer and leave.
It looks like you have some pretty decent activity in your off topic areas, however for being open a couple of months now, the off topic area could be a wee bit larger than it is now. You have some decent stats going on but you really need some more activity.
There isn't a lot of support topics, which means your hosting should be good. It is always good having small support/ban appeal areas on these forums.
(Scored 15/20)
Staff Moderation - (Out of 20)
This looks like a pretty well moderated forum, I don't think you will need any moderators for a while considering your activity, but a support team of maybe 1 to 2 members couldn't hurt. It can only help. I think you are perfectly fine where you are now staff wise, unless you want a support team, which may be needed in the future, but as of right now it looks like you can handle it pretty well from here.
Posts look pretty well clean, no spam postings are in site, and the guidelines are well written. Specific areas are moderated very well, these being areas with requests or support questions.
Other than that, you are good moderation wise.
(Scored 20/20)
Spelling/Grammar & Professionalism - (Out of 20)
It seems all your forum descriptions are questions and then exclamations. Most of them say something like "Need Help? Post Here!". That is a weird way of doing it, I would describe the forum more, such as for Testimonials "Come and read testimonials on our service by current clients, you may leave your testimonial as well." Something like that makes more sense, basically rewrite all your forum descriptions. Not trying to be rude, it looks more professional when it is a written out thought not two statements. I can't tell you what to put on every forum, but work off this one and make them descriptive. Forums should really be described better.
I would add something to media, what do we post in media? The sub forums are TV, Music, Movies and News. I don't think there is any more media than that. Is it meant to be a game forum? Most of the media is already a sub forum on your forum. See how descriptions really help in cases like this? As said rewrite forums with the user and guest in mind.
The Tutorials forum does have a really bad description "Tutorials on how to do certain things. Very Helpful. " That isn't helpful and looks bad. Perhaps something like "Tutorials on software, computers, and other tutorials posted by members."
(Scored 16/20)
Total Score - 83
Final Remarks:
A great looking site indeed, however the site cannot make up for the forum. You are a support forum so I don't see your forum being active much, but I would hit those key points brought up in your review.
What was most liked about the website/forums: The Link to hosting
What was disliked most about the website/forums: Forum Descriptions.
How could I get you (The Reviewer) to join my website?
Add some more content and get people posting.
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