shellspeare
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Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 9:29 pm
Post subject: Community Flow Review |
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First Impressions
Wow - love the logo. It reflects the community theme on impact - very well done.
I also like the landing page. It is informative, well designed, original and has great navigation.
Ok, going into the forums...
Look
Glad to see the 'look' is continued throughout the site, although once i have passed the header the forums now look a bit bland in comparison. Perhaps customized boardmarkers would spice it up a bit.. they would be nice in that orange/red you've used in the logo...
I like the staffs user ranks but i find it odd that the members ones are so different, this, to me, makes it look mismatched. Perhaps if you made them the same size and colour this could help..
Styles:
Lots of variety of styles. Something for everyone. But i do feel the main default style should be more customized to add originality and personality to this forum.
Logo:
I love it! Its original, fresh and vibrant. An eye catcher!
The forums
Layout.
Cat: The community flow could be just two forums! Personally i would merge the 'ask a mod', 'feedback' and 'community flow home' into one forum. Imo 3 separate forums are unnessesary
The rest: Although i think the forum layout is well structured i do feel the forum titles are bland and boring, especially for a teen site. I'd like to see more personality and creativity used here. I could go to hundreds of general or teen forums and find the same titles, 'jokes', 'food', 'gaming' etc I suggest putting your mark on this site. Its becoming established now and needs more personality. Make it unique, do something nobody else is
Advertisements: None
Rules and FAQ: I think your rules and guidelines are good for a teen forum. I appriciate why you feel the need to outline your strike policy and imo its a good system.
Community "Feel"
Having spent some time in the general discussion forum its clear to see that your members are having a blast. There's no sign of flaming, txt spk or attention seeking, meaning good management - well done on this. I like how staff and members all have a good laugh together and nobody seems to be taking things seriously.
I then went into the support section, and its really good to see members supporting each other. I also love the support resources and how the staff offer good information when a member posts about a problem - great stuff! Leading by example!
If i was a teen *sigh* i would feel at ease if i just joined this site. I feel i would be made to feel welcome and that it would be easy to make friends and join in ongoing discussions. Seeing a teen forum like this is a breath of fresh air - well done.
Overall Impressions
A site with a great future. Well managed, well resourced and obviously well promoted.
Summary of Recommended Changes
* Forums merged together
* Add some personality to the forum titles and descriptions
* Customize the forum skin more
Regards
Shell
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