[robert]

I am curious as it seems to be a hotly debated issue :)

What do you like about vBulletin, what don't you like?

What do you like about SMF, what don't you like?

What do you like about phpBB, what don't you like?

What about other forum software items, what do you or don't you like?

What made you decide to use and or prefer one software over another?

Be as vocal and constructive as possible but clean language, we are all adults here ;)

[lisah746]

I prefer SMF even though it's not as secure as VB. I like the admin control panel that SMF has and the newest release 1.1rc3 has a really good admin panel.

[m3talc0re]

vB)
Likes:
>It's overall layout is nice and clean.
>Most secure.
>Has alot of great features.

Dislikes:
>Not free?
-------------------------------------------

SMF)
Likes:
>Free and power software.
>Pretty customizable as far as theming goes.

Dislikes:
>Theme system is a little overly complicated.
>Dev team and support are too "snooty" and get on my damn nerves.
------------------------------------------

phpBB)
Likes:
>By far, has the best and easiest theming system.
>LOTS of mods for it.
>Easy to use.

Dislikes:
>The least secure out of the top 4 used forum softwares. (Still secure if you keep up to date.)
>Needs more features (which phpBB3 will have).
---------------------------------------------

IPB)
Likes:
>Same as vB

Dislikes:
>Not free.
>No quick reply? (I think).
-----------------------------------------------

That I don't get about phpBB3 and IPB, neither wants to do quick replies. They don't want to add them for some reason. There's a mod for phpbb2 and I'm sure there will be for phpbb3 to add quick replies... Just don't get it...

[robert]

- A couple of questions. Is it possible that the only real beef people have against vBulletin is it's not free? I am not defending it but it seems to be the case with the above post.

- SMF "snooty" - ROFL. Hmm, interesting point of view in a comparison ;) Ok, so support and easy to modify themes are important.

- What do you think it is about phpBB that makes it the least secure?

- No quick reply on IPB? I imagine that could be fixed with a mod.

So, let me see, if you had the security of vB, a free system, the theme system of phpBB, a non 'snooty' support staff and quick reply, you'd have the perfect board.

There is a very new one out and I hate to plug things but it's super sweet. Just installed it today and it's SOOO easy. Hate to plug things but it's hot. Lussumo - no relation to preCharge, promise ;) but I think it's great.

But all in all, seems all boards have their good and bad but as for the good, price seems to be a big factor but is $85 a year really that much for a major project?

[lisah746]

Yes, for people who run free boards on donations alone $85 a year could be a big bite out of their donations. You have to factor in hosting fees, registration fees, domain renewal fees etc...

[StarLab]

Originally Posted by robert

- A couple of questions. Is it possible that the only real beef people have against vBulletin is it's not free?

I do work for the little guys. Some are starting out with an idea and very little cash. In a web startup situtation like that, try something free, then if the need arises, go to something more professional if it's worth the resources.

But, I do have to tell you, I do like vBulletin now that I've worked with it a bit. I haven't worked on it from a coding/theme stand point, but it certainly couldn't be any tougher to mod than SMF (PITA)

No opinion on the others. Haven't used any to an extent.

[Flowermyface]

this place is neat i have some friends on this site and they said nobody will pick on me here im quiet and listen. i joined elsewhere and they told me i was a newbie and posted in the wrong area sorry guys i am learning. be nice to me and im sure i can help you somehow thank you

im slowing understanding i never had internet my whole life because my dad was against computers now that im out of the house HAH he cant stop me now

[BRobinsonHVV]

sorry new here just speculating with all the spam posts that keep coming in I think we should make a subforum that we can report the links to. i dont know if that will help its up to you

[Jerlene]

Just use the report button.

[herolo]

SMF is more secured than others 2,simple to set permissions - and i love it