http://www.bmetforum.com/ I have never used this type of forum software before, Vanilla Forums, but I like it very much. I find forum scripts these days crowded, confusing, and too complex. I like how simple the design is, and how easy it is to find your way directly to the point of forums, the discussions. What do you guys think?
Well, I've never seen a "forum" that looks like blog posts with comments. Don't mean that critically! It's just so foreign that I don't even know how to comment. Totally different than any forum I've ever visited. It was a bit confusing to me to not have the discussions divided by sub-topic, but that may be a personal preference. Since all the discussion there is about biomedical topics, maybe that isn't necessary. I do like the paragraph at the top that explains exactly what the site is and who it's for. That's helpful to visitors and something I think is key to good site design.
I see what you mean. Vanilla by default is meant to look like that. I actually made some big changes so now it looks more like a traditional forum. For instance if you were in a certain forum, say Forum Information, there was no navigation links. Normally you have something like Forum > Forum Information at the top so you can get back to the main forum page. So I had to add that in. I also deleted the side menu category listing so it didn't feel so much like a blog. Let me know if it feels more like a forum now. And thanks for your opinions, they are greatly appreciated.
Yea, I like that a LOT better. Just feels more like a forum. I do like the clean design, too. Good job!
I like how the site is quite light weight. The pages load pretty fast and it's simple. I'd say try getting a favicon now and I'm a little concerned about the title. I don't like the "All Categories" part of the title. Try to keep it simple and straight to the point. Just change it to "BMET Forums." Good luck!
simple is good ... but for a web interface need something that looks interesting ... where the open web will be interested to open it ... sory just an opinion
I like your domain name and color scheme of the site you should have a nice header to make your site more attractive
Vanilla is not designed to be unique. As it's name suggests, it's purpose is to be basic and plain. Each owner can add their personal flavor and create a unique forum with the addition of mods and design changes.
Your forum is in its early days, and there's always scope for further improvement. Simplicity is fine, but eventually you will feel the need of adding further sub topics, since applicability of biomedical is a vast subject. As of now, try to insert a professional touch up on your logo.
Thanks for the feedback guys. Changed the logo. Thats probably as far as my graphical talents go lol. I'll probably hold a contest on here and see what other designers can come up with. I don't want anything flashy, just clean looking.