My new site!

I've just set up a new dolphin installation with the latest version.

Check it out - www.zoov.co

Tell me what you think :)!

great, and no errors!

Check this out and see what's left to be done to get your site ready for search engines.

http://www.freewebsubmission.com/web-page-analyzer.html

You need a description and some keywords :)

Looks good though, your off to a great start

Main question; what is your niche, how will you be found on google?

What does "zoov" mean? 

oh, BTW, welcome to the crazy life of a Dolphin..

Couple of suggestions, things I've always found helpful on new Dsite launches... first off, as Newton said, identify your niche audience, what makes you different or attractive outside other services already on offer.

As far as layout goes, I would suggest removing some of the functions for launch, then add them later. Better to have a site that has less options at first, as there will be fewer users at first. This way it focuses content into less areas, makes a busier site on the surface.

For example, you have just about every mod installed and on display at the mo. 

Narrow this down to a handfull at first, then add others when the site is getting busier...

Also, on the top menu, for each mod, remove a bunch of the 'optional' links such as in polls for example, you could remove - popular, calendar, search - and leave the rest as these will be less likely to serve much purpose at all until the site - or the polls module is busy. Same for other mods...

If you dont want to remove them, just set them not to show to anyone in admin! Then you can still set the pages up, but only you will know the URL links...

All the best with it.

Tim

I like it, the Zoov.

Modules are a big one.  Do what daihlo suggested and limit modules to what members will most use; add more as needed.  For example, the Boards module is almost completely useless, and Sites should also be tossed out.

You may also want to consider a personalized template, or check out some of the ones in the market.

Good luck with your site!

Nathan is so right on this one! Try to stay away from the useless modules until you need or feel the need for them.

When I first started sites, I would install every single module, confusing many users; from then on... make a good FAQ for your site. Adjust this as you need.

http://www.boonex.com/n/faq-for-your-site-2012-01-13-21-00

 Hey that was my one good idea ;-)

as a tip, there are a couple of free templates just released on market that are responsive - meaning they will resize your site for mobile browsing as well as desktop... 

not had time to fully check them out yet as I use a different template - also responsive by AndrewP :-)

Cant go wrong to start out though with a free template. 

You can also customise the banner in admin - basic settings. Make your own or turn it off alltogether...

Yup, I agree. Adding mods just to do it makes the site very hard to navigate and will drive users away. Identify specifically the ones they need, not the ones they might like to fool around with and only install those.

Some mods are almost a requirement, like the ibdw wall mod. If you are going to install mods, make sure they are well supported by the community and the developer. We've had a rash of hit and run developers lately. The Market is basically an open environment that can only be marginally managed. This leaves the door open to some unscrupulous activities. Research who you plan to use extensively before you send over the cash.  Using an unknown or unproven developers code may only lighten your wallet and leave you with a pile of script doodoo.

Thanks for the feedback/suggestions everyone. 

I am going to deactivate some modules until I can build a user base on the site then slowly introduce them. 

Thanks again :)

I've added a playbox design theme to the site & removed some features based on your feedback guys. Once again, thank you!

I noticed that videos in the outline don't have the proper size thumbnails.

Should it not do that? It does it with the standard template also?

No, when a video is uploaded, even if it is an embedded video, it is suppose to create a thumbnail and use that in the outline.  I don't know if I checked to see if the video page was the same; this might only be related to the outline.  Go to demo.boonex.com and see how the videos are in the outline there, yours should be the same.

 That is a problem with ffmpeg.exe, you need to replace it again.

[edit] http://www.boonex.com/forums/topic/Video-Thumbs-in-Outline-Are-Too-Large.htm

Quoting AlexT here...

Video is processed by ffmpeg, even if it is just youtube embed, so it looks like ffmpeg is not working on your server, it maybe different reasons:

- incorrect ffmpeg permissions (it should be executable)

- ffmpeg binary don't match OS you have (by default ffmpeg for linux is supplied)

- hosting restriction or php configuration

First place to look for this is to check admin panel > tools > host tools page.

Thanks:)!

The file was non-executable. I knew this file had to be executable but my host offered auto-installation of dolphin but I've noticed quite a few things weren't set up right.

Thanks again!

 That is the worst way to install Dolphin, but, if your not good with SSH or FTP, then it sometimes sets up correct and is the best for new members.

You can search here, you will find many have had problems with auto installs.

Go to your site /administration/host_tools.php and click on Permissions and see if any errors are reported there.  Also, the directory for data files must be writeable as well and will not be shown in that list.