Anybody have time to spare for a Critique?

[Jason Longdon]

Hello all! My name is Jason and was hoping the Creators community out there would be able to lend a hand. I would say I am getting closer and closer to finishing the design aspect of my network (or so I think lol) I have obvious needs to add more content and improve in relative areas, but wanted to get some criticisms before I get to much further, so I can correct/head in new direction before it is too late. I am an extreme amateur. (Stay at home dad trying to keep family afloat) All of my "real world" friends and family either have no experience in the area, or simply turn up their noses. The only two people I really have on my team is my fiancee who works two jobs and is too tired to aide and her(ours now :) ) two year old, well she can tell me when things are pretty and make me smile lol. I just need to know from people who know. SO any and all information concerning design, driving interaction, about the concept in general, absolutely ANYTHING is GREATLY appreciated. Please be harsh.

Short description: (created just more than a month ago) A singles network that accommodates to all lifestyles, nationalities, and beliefs. Not the traditional concept to online dating. I am not trying to specialize in matchmaking. Just bringing singles together and giving them unlimited interaction for an affordable price. (First 99 members are free for life and then $1.99/ month NO upgrades, extras, gifts, credits, etc. NO gimmicks) I will offer dating advice of many sorts, many ways to interact (weekly mixer, smallworlds["virtual mixing"], chats, forums, polls , etc.)

TheOnlineSinglesMixer.com

Again, many many thanks to all of you who even take the time to read this post! May all of life's blessings find you not only today, but everyday that you are fortunate enough to open your eyes.

Will not require or ask for membership to critique. The only thing that will be off limits is my members profiles; I hope that will not hinder the process in any way.

-Jason

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

@Jason...

I didn't mean that you should remove the "Default Profile Photo" feature. (You can't do that.) I meant that you should remove those profiles from the main page members module, that have only a default pic, and feature members who have uploaded a real picture.  You can't get rid of the actual feature.  Go through your members and "Feature" the ones who are active and who have uploaded a picture. Even better if they've decorated their profile pages.  Then set the module on the main page to show only "Featured" members.  Use these as your "shining examples" of what you expect from members.  (Also, remember that you cannot feature members' profiles who have set them to private.)  Hey! You could call them "Featured Mixers"!!  LOL 

As to placing the activity feed so that it will appear on all pages.  When you go to your "Features Layout" part of your dashboard, you will see a green shaded area in the right column. Any module(s) that is dragged into that green area will appear on EVERY page on your site.  

[Jason Longdon]

Got ya! Doing that now lol. As for the whole thought of the Featured profiles, that is an absolutely amazing idea! Thank you, also headed to do this right now also! After I get more content added up, I am then turning my focus on everything I can learn about increasing member engagement throughout my network. I have yet to start running any paid advertising for a couple reasons...

1)was unhappy with my design (not anymore! :D 2)wanted more content 3) Wanted more engagement so that the network looked busier for the people the adverts brought in 4) I was hoping to knockout a few more of my free lifetime memberships before I did.

Not that, that all really pertains to the conversation, but yea! The network is definitely on it's way (or so I hope). I've really got a lot of respect for and tip my hat to all the successful NCs out there!

I really appreciate the time and effort spent in lending me these words of wisdom. If it can ever be returned in anyway, please let me know!

p.s. Glad you liked the background!

[Writer Chick {Diane}]

Oh yeah...I like that background MUCH better!!! The pink doesn't bother me so much now.  LOL