3 replies to this topic

[Bluesplinter]

I'm trying to make a final decision on forum software, and I wanted to see how you guys liked vBulletin since you made the switch from phpbb. I HAVE used it in the past, and I have a couple of licenses (due for renewal now), but my forums were tiny and didn't really give me much of a read on handling a more active forum. I know this isn't WHT size , but OTH the Cartika forums are closer in size to what I'd be facing.

Anyway, are you happy with vB? Any recommendations? Thanks :)

Steve

[CH-Jonathan]

Hi Steve -

Personally - I like vB, I won't speak for anyone else though.

However, absent that choice - I would take a look at MyBB (http://www.mybboard.net/). I've used it on a couple other sites before, and it seems to work quite well. Invision Power Board is also another option as well.

Regards,

Bluesplinter said:

I'm trying to make a final decision on forum software, and I wanted to see how you guys liked vBulletin since you made the switch from phpbb. I HAVE used it in the past, and I have a couple of licenses (due for renewal now), but my forums were tiny and didn't really give me much of a read on handling a more active forum. I know this isn't WHT size , but OTH the Cartika forums are closer in size to what I'd be facing.

Anyway, are you happy with vB? Any recommendations? Thanks :)

Steve

[CH-Andrew]

Hi Steve,

VB is great - but, its very involved. I wanted to use the word complicated, but, that is not the right word. Everything is easy, very easy.. but, absolutely everything is customizable - which is good obviously, but, sometimes can be bad with the amount of time required to go through every single setting and get things working exactly how you like. Most forums work in an expected manner, and then just give options for some further customization.. If you are not looking at a large forum, I would certainly look at phpbbv3 or higher..

We would have stuck with phpBB - we were on it since version1.. but, version2 was a total disaster, more patch releases then I can remember, loads of compromises, etc... v3 has been solid - very solid - but, after suffering through v2, we just had to move on.. I have been following phpbbv3 and would have absolutely zero issue running it - I always preferred phpbb for forums - and v3 has proven to be rock solid and stable..

[Bluesplinter]

Yeah, the "ultra-option-ability" of vB is what I remember not liking too well... I was never sure I had it set best for both security and performance. It always made me a little nervous.

I have also taken a look at bbpress, and there is much I like about it. The fact that it handles the wordpress.com and wordpress.org forums shows it can take a beating. I strongly considered using it (and still may), but it just recently went v1.0. It is the antithesis of vB -- almost no options to fiddle with -- aside from plugins.

As for phpbb, I hadn't even considered it, since I recall hearing about those earlier security problems you mentioned. If the new version is secure, I should install it to take a look. And I hadn't even heard of MyBB until Jonathan mentioned it. I reckon my first decision is going to be vb, or not vb. My renewal date is tomorrow. I just wish I knew what v4 is going to be like. If I don't renew vB, then there's plenty of time to try out the free forums.

Ain't nuthin' easy :)

Thanks, guys!