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Dixie from Somewhere Over The Rainbow -

Hello. Just thought I'd post the question to people with forums to see what they're using. I think VBulletin is the most popular one out there, but probably the most expensive one too. So do you guys use vbulletin or phpbb or something else? Or do any of you just design your own forums? I'm thinking of starting a forum so I'm looking for lots of opinions.

Comment #1 Paul Roupinian from Redondo beach -

The expense of VBulletin and the script headaches I fear will follow is what has stopped me from using it. There is no denying it looks great and custom skins look incredible.

But scratch a VBulletin webmaster and you will find some out of pocket folks who still have the burden of fixing glitches (read: paying custom codes) when an error pops up.

Comment #2 Sweetness from Toronto, Ontario -

Personally, I feel that if you are just starting up a forum you should stick with a phpbb until you get it up and running and established.

At that time then you can look at the more expensive forums to start up because you will have had some experience in 1. running a forum, 2. solving some problems and 3. perhaps have made enough money in order to cover the cost of the more expensive site.

Just my humble opinion.

Comment #3 Dixie from Somewhere Over The Rainbow -

So starting out free is my best bet then? Thanks for the advice, thats probably what I'll end up doing. It's just that VBulletin really looks good. I guess I get all caught up in that and forget about the cost. How much does it cost anyway? Anybody know?

Comment #4 Nancy from Los Angeles -

What is your return on investment? A free program that doesn't do what you need might be worth what you paid (nothing). A $10, 000 program might be a bargain if you made a million in the first year with it.

I have no idea the cost of Vbulletin... but it comes down to what you need, your budget and how close any of the packages come to your needs.

I also think it's important that your site not look like the clone of a thousand others. You need to stand out and be unique.

Comment #5 jennifer from Detroit -

vBulletin is absolutely amazing but as many have pointed out it isn't cheap. phpBB is also a great choice and worth considering becuase it's free. It has been hacked to pieces though so make sure you get a recent version and/or install updates.

Another cool one that many haven't checked out yet is Community Server. There are free and paid versions and it offers a lot more than just a forum. You have a forum, blogs and a photo gallery. Very nice piece of software and the free version is good too.

Comment #6 Paul Roupinian from Redondo beach -

I like video blog feature of Community Server. But unless you get the whole kit and boodle as a utility (with all the coding headaches) the value application load isn't pretty.

If you can't even customize the banner, pass.

Comment #7 Kaabi from Maryland -

My favorite is vBulletin, then Invision Powerboard, then phpBB. Or maybe it's phpBB then Powerboard... I don't know, but the big vB is #1.

Comment #8 Dixie from Somewhere Over The Rainbow -

What about ease of use? How user friendly is the admin panel on vbulletin or any of the free ones. I would think vbulletin might be more complicated because of it's price. I guess my mind just associates expensive with complicated.

Comment #9 webmama from Somewhere in the south -

Just starting out I would prefer to use something a little cheaper. Until you build a bigger member base and keep the forum active what is the use of spending a lot of money? I have seen a few forums close because of lack of activity and I know wonder if they spent a lot of money getting started.

Comment #10 jennifer from Detroit -

How easy is it to actually transfer all the data over from a free board such as phpBB to vBulletin? Sounds like a lot of work and/or an expensive job to me.

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