Forum Software

Burnsy2023 · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:15

So this is a two part thread:

Firstly, if you have ever administered a forum what software is your favourite from the admin side?

Secondly, what is your favourite software to use as a regular member?

Just trying to gauge what software to use on a new non-computer based forum and seeing if a vBulletin licence is really worth it.

m4cc45 · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:17

I do quite like vBulletin for both sides.

I've used MyBB and IceBB in the past but none are as easy as vBulletin.

Just my 2p worth!

M.

knowledge123 · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:18

I've used Jforum a bit, set it up whenever I've needed to have a forum for a site. It's quick, easy and does everything I need it to. The admin levels are good and there's a fair bit of control you can apply to posts if you want to, for example, if you wanted to moderate/vet all replies so they are not shown automatically, it can do that.

Coldzero · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:25

phpbb for both imo. Although requires some work if its going to be a larger forum.

Trill · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:30

vBulletin in any case.

Talon · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:32

I like vbulletin but the price is prohibative. For large user board i would spend the cash for smaller to medium I would go with phpbb.

bledd · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:32

of the phpbb forums I use, I find them annoying to use in comparison with ocuk

I like the msfn forums, stickies stand out a bit more than on here

http://www.msfn.org/board/index.php?showforum=165

I don't like using steam or neowin forums

PinkFloyd · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:33

I admin and regularly post on an Invision board and its quite nice, does everything that I want from a forum.
I do like vBulletin from a user point of view though

Django x2 · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:33

vbulletin everytime for me. Admin side is so easy and their support is excellent too.

Van Hellseek · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:34

I've used at least a dozen different ones over the years (as an admin), and vBulletin has proved to be the best by far.

And vBulletin version 4 is just around the corner, so stick with it!

Casdawer · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:34

I've used http://www.invisionboard.com/ and it's a brilliant piece of forum software!

Are the OcUK forums going to get refurbished?

Van Hellseek · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:38

For the love of god, don't sell-out to invisionfail.

Red and White · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:43

vBulletin is light years ahead of anything else ive used. phbb and mybb are good alternatives but from both a user and admin point of view you just cannot beat vBulletin. by far the best option. only downside is that you have to pay for it obviously.

mattyprice4004 · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:45

CHANGE?! NOOOO!

Flukester · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:45

smf is pretty neat, not for a large forum though I guess

Wyrdo · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:46

Casdawer said:
Are the OcUK forums going to get refurbished?

No, re-read the OP

Daniel · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:46

I have tried a few over the past 6 years and Vbulletin always comes out top for support, quick release of bug fixes and ease of use.

The Vbulletin admin panel is a little overwhelming at first if you have been used to something like PHPBB but you soon get used to it.

Van Hellseek · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:46

Although, it largely depends on how busy/important the forum is. If it's relatively small, it's probably worth starting out on a free board (SMF) and then switching to vBulletin when things 'warm up' a bit. vBulletin is easily the best, but it's certainly not worth the money for small boards.

Van Hellseek · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:47

rover416i said:
CHANGE?! NOOOO!

Read the first post again. It's nothing to do with this forum.

daz · 28 Sep 2009 at 11:47

Vbulletin = £5 per month
Nothing in the grand scheme of things especially if you have a reasonable size community.