Torchbugs

Forum URL: Torch Bugs: A Forum for Lampwork Glass Beads and Jewelry - Powered by vBulletin

Forum Name: Torchbugs.com

Launch Date: January, 2009

Posts: 63,220/ Threads: 4,450/ Members: 2,065

Forum Software: VBulletin 3.8.2

Description: A Forum For Glass and Jewelry Artists

Other Info/Points of Interest: We are a forum of glass bead, sculpture, etc. artists, (lampworkers) and jewelry artists. Because so many of us are also into other arts we have a section for the discussion of other arts as well such as Photography, painting, etc.

 

1. Remove powered by vBulletin from title

2. (x)HTML Validation: [Invalid] Markup Validation of http://www.torchbugs.com/forums/ - W3C Markup Validator

3. CSS Validation: W3C CSS Validator results for http://www.torchbugs.com/forums/ (CSS level 2.1) (congrats)

4. Nice job with the custom status icons.

5. The colors really aren't working for me personally. Its decent mix, but to pastel (old internet) to it. Some brighter/fresher/crisp colors could go a long way with improving the overall look.

6. I didn't see a gallery of any type any where. If its visible only to members, perhaps open it up so they can show off their work. If you don't have one, think about adding one so members can put their collection of work all in one spot and are more inclined to link back to it.

7. Move the advertisement thats on the left, over to the right. content should always come first, not advertisments.

8. I couldn't find any actual list of resources for people. One thing people crave is more information and idea's for them to build off of, consider writing a few articles that are jam packed with information and links to help inspire your members

9. I only know what the forum is about because of the description you've given here. But it would serve you better to have that description on your forum as well so when people stumble across your site they say Oh cool thats what this place is about.

I really like your idea for a forum, I think glass artists are some of the coolest peices of art made. I only briefly over viewed everything, but did you have a section for those who like to Blow Glass, its a pretty big thing, and I've never came across a forum where they can show off their work also.

Best of luck with your forum.

 

Thank you David!

I'm completely new to vBulletin and I'm trying to learn. So, I don't know how to remove powered by vbulletin from the title, I'm sorry to say.

As for the HTML validation, how can I tell where the errors are coming from? Are they coming from the custom template? That is the only thing we've changed and I had one of my administrators do that since I'm still learning. I'll have to check with her if it's in the custom template. Or could it possibly be coming from one of the mods I've installed?

We do have a gallery area for glass and for jewelry. I didn't realize it was hidden to visitors. I'll have to check that. We do have areas closed to visitors but that shouldn't be one of them.

I will consider adding glassblowing to the forum since, although it is a in the lampworking field, there are aspects of it that are unique on their own. In starting the forum we initially wanted to start rather small in order not to overwhelm the members. We do have some members who blow glass and they post their work in the gallery as well.

We even added a gallery for all other art, since many glass artists also dabble in other arts such as photography, painting, drawing, felting etc.

We did try brighter colors in the template and got complaints, so we toned them down. The lighter pastels seem to work since the majority of our members are female. We tried to use colors that are easy and relaxing to the eyes.

As far as getting more information on the website, I intend to add VBAdvanced and expand the website so that there are areas for more permanent and fixed information, lists of suppliers with links, technical information, how to get started in lampwork, possibly an area for members to upload and maintain their own portfolios and many other ideas that are churning in this little old head of mine.

I also would be including more information about the website and forum as a whole, though I do see what yo mean and I think I'll go ahead and get one of the mods that basically introduces the forum and explains what we are there for.

Thank you so much for taking the time to look at it and offer suggestions and advice. I really appreciate it.