long descriptions?

[sandrodz]

Are long descriptions optimal? or should I try to come up with something shorter?

for example:


Standardized Exams
Standardized tests are widely used in education, placement and certification. In this category you can find information about most popular tests used by a variety of universities, all around the world.

what do u think? :armed:

[Scott]

Depends on what you're trying to achieve, if you want to get someones attention quickly, short sentences could work better. I don't think what you've got there is too long :)

[sandrodz]

thanks! so I should stick with it? it just looks long on my layout and 800*600, oh well, I should stop worrying that much about looks.

thanks!

[Scott]

Stick with it unless you see a good reason to change it. I don't see any problem looking at the forum, although I'm not on that low res. :think:

[SoftWareRevue]

I don't see nuthin wrong with longer descriptions.

It sure beats those that are so short you ain't got a clue what the category is for. :)

[adb22791]

That description didn't look too long to me. As long as the description clarifies the topic well and doesn't include extra information that isn't neccessary, then it should be fine :).


Alex

[sandrodz]

thanks! :)

[Brandon]

I think it looks fine, plus the more keywords you can get in your description, the better for SEO ;)

[writespeak]

I think detailed forum descriptions are useful. More details help people know what's in a forum and where they should post.

With the above description, though, the first sentence isn't about the forum. Also, it has information that your target audience already knows. My suggestion is to change the description to something like this:

Information about standardized tests used by a variety of universities worldwide.

You could also change "Information" to "Discussion." Students who need to take the tests listed probably already know the information you have at your site. They'll be looking for more detailed information and advice.

That's my perspective as a former teacher and as a standardized test examiner (Cambridge ESOL) (http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/index.htm). The students I've worked with already have basic information about the exams they're studying for but still have questions. I imagine that your forum will be for discussion as well. :)

Lois

[sandrodz]

yes, exactly thanks! one more... could you register on our forum? if you have time you could help us all. I'm a student myself, and I share my knowledge with others... I mean i got into best university of Europe all by myself, and helped couple of others to get into Harvard, I know some tips and tricks - may be you could join us too :)

[writespeak]

yes, exactly thanks! one more... could you register on our forum? if you have time you could help us all. I'm a student myself, and I share my knowledge with others... I mean i got into best university of Europe all by myself, and helped couple of others to get into Harvard, I know some tips and tricks - may be you could join us too :)

It sounds like you have a good background for your forum. :)

But I don't. I have experience with students and with a standardized exam, but it isn't a university entrance exam, which is what your site is about. Also, my time is rather limited these days.

Good luck with your forum. :spin:

Lois