Welcome
Welcome guest to Plushie Reviews, a review site run by Mckennarf. This site is completely dedicated to helping Neopians all over create the best sites possible. Here we review sites of all sorts; even applications!Got a suggestion? Got a complaint? My line is open all the time, so if you need any help before, during, or after a review feel free to
.4/20/12 Katie's review for her site Meow Buttons is now done! Read it?
+2 Listers I +1 Review
4/9/12 Hope everyone had a great easter full of chocolate and bunnies (: We've got a new button from 'Meow Buttons', and on top of that, DDC's review is now finished! Read it?
4/1/12 Happy Aprils Fools day! Hope it's full of pranks on this silly day^-^. Plushie Reviews is now listed at Serenpdity Directory and Scrapbook.
+1 Affiliate I +1 Directoy I +1 Button
3/3/12And I'm back! Since I've been gone for a few months; *merryChristmasHappyNewYearandHappyValentines* Phew. Now that that's done, I'm taking things slow, so only huggable reviews are open. Eventually, once I get back on my feet, all reviews will be back open again.
12/8/11 I apologize for the long wait. Quite recently, I've been having a lot of major things happening and I can't focus on reviews. Due to that, I have to cancel all current in-progress reviews (which I apologize for; I normally don't do that) and close up reviews. Plushie Reviews isn't shutting down, nor taking a hiatus, it's just minorly post-poned until I sort things out. Sorry):
-11/25/11 I hope you all had a great thanksgiving and gained 10 pounds! (I know I did ^^') Anywho, I finished up a review, and I'm half-way through Alexia's app for Vai. Read it?
+1 Review
-11/23/11 Working on two reviews; should be out soon!
-11/20/11 Now listed at Soroptmist Directory and Smiley Central. Thanks!
+1 Affiliate
-11/17/11 Back from hiatus. Like our new layout? All thanks to Jel at Inspirations. A great surprise; thank you again so very much!
+1 Affiliate
Ah, the rules. Hated, but necessary. Please, please read the rules before requesting.
Note: Private reviews are available.
I review all types of sites and applications; but they must be located on a petpage on neopets! No stolen content! Your site's content must be made by you. Don't be rude. I have a life, so your review could take a while.Please link back after I reviewed you. I work hard on your reviews and a link back would be appreciated.You can request a review again, but after a 30-day waiting period.Fill out all of the form please! It helps both you and me.I view all petpages with firefox. If you have another browser please tell me.
Roughness:
Description:In this review I will give you a few pointers. Anything I see that I like? Anything you should add? This review is very simple and is just to help you get pointed in the right direction.
Roughness:
Description:The Classic Review. In this one I will go through each section and tell you what I think. What did you do right? What did you do wrong? At the end I will give you a few pointers as well.
First Impression: Am I blinded? Or am I at ease? Is your layout just right or just wrong?
Layout: What do I like about your layout? Anything off place? If it's a premade did you do anything to it to make it unique?
Grammar: Proper english is essential to a good site. D0 7u0 sp34k l1k3 d1s? or like dis? Or like this? Is there any mistakes in your petpage?
Organization: Is everything where it should be? Or are things jumbled up?
Other:Any tips, suggestions, or comments will fall under the other category.
Content:Your content is most important in a site. Are your graphics well-done? Is your guide easy to understand yet helpful?
Overall: This will be a brief summary of my review.
Roughness:
Description: This one sounds pretty intimidating, right? It should. I don't mean to scare you away when I say that, but I will be brutal! I just want to help you and your site though, so don't take it badly. I will go through every section individually and explain it thoroughly, and hopefully end up helping you out.
First Impression:Does something catch my eye? Does something blind my eye? Is it clean and tidy or messy and jumbled?
Layout: Does your layout match your site? Is it eye-popping? Does everything flow properly? Do you have any easy to spot navigation bar? Your layout is your viewer's first impression so it should be a good one.
Organization: Is everything in it's place? Does the order flow?
Grammar and Spelling: Your grammar makes it easier for reading, and it also makes you look much more reliable.
Content:Your content is most important in a site. Are your graphics well-done? Is your guide easy to understand yet helpful?
Creativity: Is your site another cookie-cutter? Does anything stand out against the rest? Creativity makes your site more unique and interesting.
Reliability: Will people want to use your site? Are you there when the reader needs help? The reader is your audience so you should make sure they're held in high priority.
Sections: In this, I will thoroughly pick through your sections. Different sections require different responses, but I will focus on alot of the types I have explained above
Other:If there's anything else I will add to your review it will be told here.
Overall: A quick blurb of my overall review of your site.
Roughness:
Description: This review is designed specifically for applications. It's a very thorough review of your application. I will be rough, but please note I only want to help you succeed! Make sure you're ready for this review when you send in the form.
First Impression: When I look at it, can I immediately tell you're applying for the pet? Is it easy for the eyes?
Layout: Does the layout match the pet? Does it have a good color scheme? Is it eye-popping?
Grammar: Proper english makes you look reliable on an application. Corrections of grammar mistakes will be reviewed here.
Organization: Is everything where it should be? Organization on an application makes it easier to read. About You:Is it too long? Is it straight-forward? Did you add all you needed too?
Why? Why should the owner pick you? This is a very crucial part of the application, so it should be well-written.
Character: Anything towards the pet's personality should go here. Do you have a way with words? Can I picture your pet? Is it cookie-cutter personality or is it a unique design?
Plans: If I read this, I should get a sense of what you are going to do with the pet. Are you going to 'shower it with books' or submit them in a comic for the Neopian Times? Are they going to model? Are you going to keep them on your account?
Other Sections:Got any other sections I didn't list? They will be critiqued too! Note that other sections equal other responses.
Creativity: Will your application stand out amongst others? Or fall victim to the same old-same old? Anything that makes your application unique?
Other: Tips, suggestions, and other things will go here.
Overall: Am I left feeling like you'd be a good owner? A quick, brief overview of your review will be here.
Roughness:
Description:Got a unique site you'd like reviewed? This is your place! This review I will personally help set up for you with your site. This review is meant for a site, application, or petpage you'd like critiqued but in a different review type. I really don't have a layout review for you, but we'll set that up.
Reviews in Progress:
None.
Date:4/26/12
The Critiqued:Joshua
The Site:Oakley Orphans
Review Type: The Huggable Review
Likes:
-I like the background. I can tell that you're setting a sort of nursery theme.
-I like that you have a staff; it's unique, and adds bit more to your site.
-The organization is good, things are in a nice order.
-You've got a lot of nice pets which is good, because there's quite a variety and a lot.
Dislikes:
-The banner. It doesn't fit the background and blocks off text. It's really annoying because you can't see half-the text and the 'home button'. It also is a deep blue which totally does not match the baby blue background. It also doesn't look very professional; it's pixelly and the fade-in design doesn't fit. It's not bad; but doesn't really set the theme or anything. I'd change it.
-Going with the color theme; the background and text box do not match. Perhaps change the deep blue to a light purple or white or something, or change the background. Either way, it doesn't fit.
-You've got quite a few of spelling mistakes; perhaps check over the paragraph on a microsoft word before posting?
-Also, you never say that you have permission to advertise. That may seem a bit picky, but it's necessary to insure the reader that you're asking permission.
Overall: You're sites at a head start with the staff, but needs improvement. Good luck!
Looking for a review that's not here? Try checking the Archives.
None.
Date:4/26/12
The Critiqued:Joshua
The Site:Oakley Orphans
Review Type: The Huggable Review
-I like the background. I can tell that you're setting a sort of nursery theme.
-I like that you have a staff; it's unique, and adds bit more to your site.
-The organization is good, things are in a nice order.
-You've got a lot of nice pets which is good, because there's quite a variety and a lot.
Dislikes:
-The banner. It doesn't fit the background and blocks off text. It's really annoying because you can't see half-the text and the 'home button'. It also is a deep blue which totally does not match the baby blue background. It also doesn't look very professional; it's pixelly and the fade-in design doesn't fit. It's not bad; but doesn't really set the theme or anything. I'd change it.
-Going with the color theme; the background and text box do not match. Perhaps change the deep blue to a light purple or white or something, or change the background. Either way, it doesn't fit.
-You've got quite a few of spelling mistakes; perhaps check over the paragraph on a microsoft word before posting?
-Also, you never say that you have permission to advertise. That may seem a bit picky, but it's necessary to insure the reader that you're asking permission.
Overall: You're sites at a head start with the staff, but needs improvement. Good luck!
Looking for a review that's not here? Try checking the Archives.
Date:4/19/12
The Critiqued:Katie
The Site:Meow Buttons
Review Type: The Shredder Review
Organization: I think you put everything in a good, nice order. I really can't see anything that sticks out of place or should be moved somewhere else.
Grammar and Spelling: I barely noticed any grammar mistakes at all. In the rules 'button/ banner' there should be no space. Other then that, good job.
Content: Your buttons are very impressive; they aren't blurry and are cropped at the right parts. However, you banners are a bit common. I recommend to try blending; take a few images and blend them together (this is of course, if you have certain paint programs). For example on 'Sarah's Stuff' banner, you basically put a grey block in the middle and put the text there. The quality would be greatly improved if you blended the two flower together, had a black background, and placed the text in the middle. Understand what I mean? Also experiment with fonts and colors and pictures! It seems like you use the same fonts over; there are multiple fonts all over that could fit the theme better. Some of the pictures are a bit pixelly as well.
Creativity: You've definitely got creativity in the theme. I think it's the first button site with a cat as it's mascot. You're buttons maintain a well-amount of choice, and all are unique. I've never seen a few of them at a button site before. Your banners could use some work, as I mentioned before. But, you've managed creativity, so I applaud you on that.
Reliability: You seem to have an open-line which is good; you're there if the reader needs you to be. You've defiantly got a reliable feel; I feel as though I can trust this site. Sections: Your portfolio is a bit laggy and messy. I suggest looking for a more efficient way to show off all those buttons. Maybe sort them in folders? Something to make it a bit less crowded.
Overall: You've most definitely created a good, trust-worthy site. The reader is left with a good feel, and there is little to improve on. Nice!
Date:4/9/12
The Critiqued:Titus
The Site:Dear Dhiar Customs
Review Type: The Huggable Review
-I like your nice twist on a very common layout. Brings a nice feel and the tone of the site to it.
-I do like that you have the other things listed in 'Extra', so that the tabs don't get messy and long.
-Very nice that you have a quick synopsis of your poses and what you do. It's not necessary, but it really does help the requesters.
Suggestions:
-I would suggest putting all the rules in one place; they all seem a bit scattered around. Perhaps make another tab?
-Make it a bit easier to find past pictures. Possibly move your portfolio to the page (if you have too many images you can always do a "100"x"100" or just keep the most recent there.)
-I must say, the links are a bit...cluttered. You keep finding more and more on each page. My suggestion would be to leave a note or a little table of contents to say where what is. It would help the viewers alot.
Overall: You've got a nice site and nice art. You're organized, but at the same time a bit scattered with links. Just look into a few things here and there. Good luck!
Date:11/25/11
The Critiqued:Kayla
The Site:Posession
Review Type: The Classic Review
Layout: The layout is definitely applaud able. As I said, it's very professional and nice. The cool color scheme is stuck with and there's no blast of color that makes me want to shield my eyes. If I want to navigate my way through the page, the navigation is easy to spot and there. Nothing clogs, it's just this then this. I especially like the well-made banner. The layout, for a graphics site, is very influential, as they look to your layout to determine your graphics. So, well done.
Grammar: For the most part, grammar is very good. You barely had any mistakes at all. On occasion there might be an improper space or an un-capitalized I, but simple things that readers will not take special notice to.
Organization: If I want to get somewhere, like I said, I can automatically get there. The pages are well-put, and thus the organization is well.
Content: Ah, your content. Well, to start off, your graphics are nice. The banners look very well done, and the images blend instead of giving off a pixelly look. Your petpage layouts are fair. They're neat and clean looking, which I'm sure you were going for, but they're not very, well, different. They pretty much consist of the same style with a different picture. My suggestion would be to throw in more styles, and colors. Your petpages are good, but there isn't much of an option. I also suggest making your previews a bit bigger, since it's hard to see the main part of the petpage in a 200x100 pixel. Your signs have the same result as your banners; again not pixelly and it blends. For your templates, they're nice. You resized the pictures and cropped them properly, for they are not pixelly or too small. They manage to capture the jest of the image, which are what people look for. I will give you props with your requests; I can tell you put alot of effort into them and they look very nice. Overall, your content meets expectations and it's easy to see you put a lot of effort into it.
Other: None!
Overall: You're site is well-done and professional, with good content and a trust-worthy feel. In the end I'm left feeling satisfied and the fact that I will probably come back.
Date:10/4/11
The Critiqued:Elena
The Site: Useful Guild Directory
Review Type:Shredder Review
First Impression: Good. The layout is nice, easy to the eyes, and the navigation is completely in reach. I feel like I can trust this site, and want to stay.
Layout: It's definitely admirable that your layout isn't premade. It shows more that you are more dedicated to the site. The navigation bar is right there, and easy to spot. However, it's really, really annoying when you hover over the text and it changes. It's distracting and makes it hard to read. The background somewhat fits with the main header, but I would suggest changing it to something more fitting; perhaps a darker tone or a star pattern. Also; you add alot of pink things, but again, it doesn't match. Try a different color that you think suitable; gold, white, dark blue, green, etc. Somethings are off if you wince; the fonts, the colors. Try to stick to a certain theme.
Organization: This is a site that doesn't really need organization, but overall, everything is where it should be. I would suggest, however, making the sections alphabetized, so if a viewer is looking for a certain section, it's a bit easier to find it.
Grammar and Spelling: A thing I notice is you don't space much when you finish sentences. It's a separation, and needed. Yes, this is included in commas. Add a : when you want to list something. Punctuation is also important! Double !!, or putting a , when it's supposed to be . makes you look lazy. Look over your paragraphs, and keep that in mind. Space after punctuation such as commas and periods, and don't capitalize unless you're starting a new sentence. I'll do a paragraph as an example. How about the one in request?
Before:
There are no requirements,The only thing is ask for is to add "This guild is listed at Useful Directory" to either your webbie,portal or your guild homepage. To get listed just copy the text in the textarea and click on the envelope to neomail me(Elena)
After:
There are no requirements. The only thing is ask for is to add-'This guild is listed at Useful Directory' to either your webbie, portal or your guild homepage. To get listed just copy the text in the textarea and click on the envelope to neomail me(Elena)
You see the improvement? It makes the paragraph look a lot better. I would also suggest rewording things. Such as 'If you want to get listed, fill out the form below, and send it to (link)me(/link)' instead of the sentence above. It's a little thing but it makes your text sound better. If you need any help with this, I can help you with that.
Content: You seem to have a lot of guilds listed, at least a few in one section. That's good, so the viewer can have at least a little bit of an option in a section. Still, try to expand! Search for guilds and ask them if they want you to list them, advertise on the guild boards. Maybe add even more sections! Stretch your imagination; lurk the guild boards. There might be more sections that you're missing. The poll section is confusing; is it an interview with the guild owners? Or just a random section? You never clarify it, so it's confusing.
Creativity: Your site has a nice layout, and a good ring to it. However nothing stands out; it's got all the requirements of a directory, but really there's nothing unique to it. The polls section has potential, but you never clarified what it was. Think of something no one's but in a directory; a FAQ, a interview section, maybe feature a guild every month in each section and right a little paragraph about it. Right now, it's average. But it's got alot of potential! Think of something unique to add, and add it!
Reliability: Your site looks nice, but the grammar sort of throws it off. Still, you've got an open neomail, and alot of guilds, and for the most part, looks pretty reliable.
Other: Change 'Asian-themed' to 'Anime', since that's all that's in it.
Overall: Your site has a good chance; fix up your grammar, color scheme, and add something unique, and fix up everything I suggested, and you'll make it a lot better.
Date:10/2/11
The Critiqued:Poundfreeze
The Site: Ginger Glaze
Review Type:Huggable Review
Likes:
-I like your layout. Even though it's premade it's really nice. I applaud your choice.
-You've got a lot of sections listed! This is good. So if a reader wants something in specific its there.
-It's nice that you give reviews. I think it really adds a little something more to your site.
Suggestions:
-I would suggest adding less pixels, and when you do, try to make them fit. Try bullet points instead of pixels.
-Maybe get rid of that link eight, until you start to use it. There's no need for it if you're not using it.
-Be a little less strict on the affie side. It's okay to be picky, but sometimes it's hard to update 3 times a week!
Overall: I think your guild directory is very nice, but you might want to consider a few tiny things here and there. Anyway, I wish you good luck with your site!
Date:9/24/11
The Critiqued:Ashley
The Application:Hipster Pony Delly
Review Type: Special Review
First Impression: Everything looks really calm, but nothing sets the tone. I'm not really blinded, and my eyes are at ease.
Layout: Your layout, is good, it's not overdueing. I think you picked a good layout for your application. However, I would suggest making it a bit more unique. Maybe add a different background, editing the colors, to make it unique and set the tone.
Grammar: You add alot of CAPS and !! and ??, but I can tell your trying to act like her, to make the application more interesting. Overall, you have very little grammar and spelling mistakes that do not follow that.
Organization: I would suggest switching 'Plans' and 'Characters'. Otherwise, it's very easy to navigate and everything is where it should be.
Content: Your application definitely has unique content. You have her character in mind, and your effort is evident. I think your application is interesting, adding the pictures and your personality in it definitely made it stand out. Good job!
Other:Maybe add a neomail button to contact you. That way if the owner has any questions, the link is right on the front of the page. I would also suggest adding a bit more headers to separate the blocks off text and perhaps add more in your about me section (I'm sure the owner would like to know a bit more about yourself!) Maybe add a button too, just to add a little something extra.
Overall: Your application is good; your personality and effort shines, giving you a fair chance for her. Good luck!
Date:9/14/11
The Critiqued:Taylor
The Site:Undead
Review Type: The Classic Review
Layout:You defiantly took the layout and made it your own, which is good, because your site looks unique. The navigation is easily noticeable and easy to access. The pieces of your layout really matches each other, and come together to set the tone.
Grammar: In the first section, I would turn italics off after ' it's a ghost!' since it seems the story ends there. I would also suggest using Italics a bit less, unless it's a story or your trying to emphasize the word or phrase. 'specilize' should be Specialize. Other then that, I can't catch any more mistakes.
Organization: Your site sections are in a good order; whatever the viewer wants is in an easy order. However, I would suggest letting requests have a section on its own, or combine it with the rules.
Content: The animations on your page are slow running, and makes the page very slow. Your banners have a good air to the, and so does everything else. Overall, your content is very good, and above average.
Other: I would suggest instead of having the sections on different petpages, have them in 'a-names'. Other than that, nothing else.
Overall: Your site is very professional and leaves me feeling like I would come back. Good job!
Date:9/12/11
The Critiqued:Feo
The Site:Tantha Fonts
Review Type: The Classic Review
Layout: Like I said, your layout is very smooth. The elegant colors match well, and the banner is very simple yet fits. The centered text sort of strains the eyes to read, though. I would suggest adding a text-align: right in your code. Other then that, you picked a good layout to toogle with, and it looks very nice.
Grammar: You have very little grammar mistakes. The ones I notice are very minor. ( username: feomarina) needs a space in the front. 1st September should be September 1st. Little things, that the reader will most likely not notice. So overall, very good grammar.
Organization:Everything is where it should be. I would, however, suggest switching the categories 'requests' and 'portfolio' so the reader can view your most recent fonts first.
Content: Your fonts are nice, and for the most part match the avatar pretty well. You use alot of the same basic fonts; Arial, Tahoma, etc. I would suggest breaking out of that and experimenting with a few different ones like Tom, or Pristina. Also at the end of portfolio the last 3 images are repeated.
Other: I would add a neomail link to your userlookup so that a person doesn't have to go on a scavenger hunt to find you. You might want to add a more open feel to your site. Overall I feel like I can't contact you if I have any questions. And just a suggestion, I would change the section 'Affies' to 'Sitely' since you hold your button and the places your listed at there.
Overall: Your font site is very good, very polished and elegant. You have very minor things to change that will make your site just a little bit better.
Can you do 'this' for me?
Sorry, but no. I don't do content for people, I just help them improve. And I'm not very good at HTML either, so you may have better luck with a guide.
Can you review my Screenies/About Me/Other page?
Of course! That's what the Special Review is all about. Send me a neomail and I'll set up a review specifically for your criteria of petpage.
Do I have to link to you?
Yes.
How long do you normally take to review?
As you can see, under every review type, I have an estimate of how long I think it's going to take. It all varies on how busy I am, but I do try and get it out as soon as I can.
Do you review other things besides petpages?
Nope, sorry.
Do you do points?
The main point of this site is to help people out, and so I don't think points are rather necessary. So, no I do not grade you with points.
I really don't want my review to be posted...
No worries! If you'd prefer to have a private review (the review goes straight from me to you and will not be put on the site), just say you'd like to.
Do you become affiliates with sites without reviews?
Of course!(:
Sorry, but no. I don't do content for people, I just help them improve. And I'm not very good at HTML either, so you may have better luck with a guide.
Of course! That's what the Special Review is all about. Send me a neomail and I'll set up a review specifically for your criteria of petpage.
Yes.
As you can see, under every review type, I have an estimate of how long I think it's going to take. It all varies on how busy I am, but I do try and get it out as soon as I can.
Nope, sorry.
The main point of this site is to help people out, and so I don't think points are rather necessary. So, no I do not grade you with points.
No worries! If you'd prefer to have a private review (the review goes straight from me to you and will not be put on the site), just say you'd like to.
Of course!(:
Credits
Layout from Inspirational. Thank you so much!Textures from Nienke's Resources All pixel resources by The Lunch Box
Buttons are by Bunny,Jenny, Robin , Lizzie and Katie.
Affiliates
Affiliate requests are open! Fill out this form and then send it to me..
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