Reviews
When we get a request for a review of a site there is a reasonably simple process that we follow.
We firstly take a 5-second look at the site and see what our initial thoughts are. If the site grabs our attention, then we will basically click on the top-level nav links and get a feel for what it is all about. If at this stage we do not know what a site is all about, or it is has lost our attention, then we will not review it further. A site needs to attract our attention, be very clear on what it is all about, be easy to use and hopefully a little bit unique in the design.
Once we accept a site and will do a review, we generally spend at least 20-30 minutes looking around and making a few notes of the usability, design/layout and exactly what the site is about. Then, we go and write our review which will be scheduled for inclusion on our site.
You need to consider that doing a review of a website is very subjective, and dependant on the reviewer as much as the site. If you request a review and we tell you that we cannot do it, we will usually try and say why we can’t. For example, if your home page is simply a Forum we would probably opt not to do a review - after all, a forum is a forum is a forum. A Website on the other hand can include a forum and will of course let us know about the sort of people who might want to participate within your forum.
Our policy is to only accept sites for review that the reviewer decides that they can write something about what the site has to offer. If your site uses a standard template from a CMS without any attempt at customisation, the content had better be great to attract the attention of the Reviewer. We would prefer to reject a site rather than write a negative review.
Before requesting a review, we always suggest that you take a few minutes to read some of our reviews (especially within your niche or category) and visit the sites. Then, take another look at your site and see if it offers something unique that sets it apart. If there is no similar sites to yours, by looking, you can probably gauge if your site would attract the attention of the reviewer.
All of our reviews try and cover a little bit about the design, what the site is about and the main features. Not only will you get to see some great sites here, but hopefully you will pick up a few good ideas as to how you could improve your own site as well.
