Hey YAWL - I have a just completed the major work on getting my forum back online... Had to start from scratch. Now I know the fine art of Database backup lol

Anyway - Review my forum - It's JPiC Forum For Writers http://JPiCForum.info

Let me know what you think

Jacquii.

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We will review your forum shortly.

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I went to Vegas, and all I got was this Blister. - true story!

Initial Impression: I wanted to click the little red "x". No joke. I don't say this to offend you, but because I'm an honest person. It was mainly because of the enormous welcome bar that you can hover over and changes colors. Instead of a subtle reminder, it is a foghorn to the eyes (haha). It also takes to much attention away from the rest of the site. The same goes for the scrolling bar.

Organization and Feel: Aside from the distracting welcome header, the forum was rather organized. It did have some features I thought unnecessary (the clock on the portal, for one) but all in all, it was good. I like the color scheme as it's fitting somehow. Organization is good. I don't think you need a forum for rules, announcements and news - combine them into one!

Skin and Modifications: Good skin. I like the color and I think it is effective. I think the graphics are good, though I'm not a fan of the logo. As for the forum posting icons, they're good, but I think what would make them even better is some sort of writing quill - that both looks good and is relevant to the theme of your website. Just an idea. I didn't like the modifications very much - firstly, there's the welcome top thing I already addressed. Also, the shoutbox is unnecessary I think - and it would be better at the footer if you must include it. Basically because it hides the relevant content - the forums - from the users. I did like the ledgend in the footer.

Guidelines and Staff: The rules were detailed and fairly easy to find. Consider adding them to the FAQ. There was no staff to speak of (that I could find) other than yourself.

Recommended Changes:

1) Firstly and foremostly, remove the welcome bar. At the very least, make it very small and barely noticeable - and don't have both that and the scrolling text.

2) Move/remove the shoutbox - just a recommendation.

3) Make the welcome header/message less bold and more friendly. Describe your site.

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Creative Writing|My Blog

Thanx - LPSPIDER - I've made the changes to the header... And added a more in-depth description of the forum in the Welcome message... Also the news/announcements forum has been merged...

I'm taking into consideration the QUILL idea - fabulous btw...

The shoutbox: Well my members seem to be excited about that so I'm keeping it...

The scrolling text is just a new WELCOME thing - Later when the forum is busy I'll have either announcements or some other "forum" related business there...

Thanx for the ideas - Great - Much appreciation!

See if you like the subtle changes - All tips are welcome - Again THANX!

Jacquii.

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Yes, it looks better. I still think the bar at the top should be smaller - perhaps less wide so it fits into the fixed width. But that's just my opinion. And if your members love the shoutbox, by all means, keep it.

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Creative Writing|My Blog

forum posting icons have been changed/redesigned...
I'm not quite happy with them - so they'll prolly change again
The infobar - has been reworked and just some subtle changes with the forum.
Thanx again for your input and suggestions LP.
ANYONE ELSE????


Jacquii.

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