I currently run SMF boards, worth it to upgrade to VB?

[michaels]

?

 

[BoomerD]

One of the reef forums I belong to and moderate on uses SMF software. Personally, I like vBulletin MUCH better, but it does cost $$$ to use and maintain, where the SMF software is usually free...

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

You are the one who needs to determine if it's worth it. Personally, I think that SMF is a great forum however vBulletin is by far superior and looks a bit more professional and inviting.

 

[michaels]

What makes it far superior? And boomer what do you like about it better?

 

[BoomerD]

I like the look and "feel of vB better. The user features are better and more refined. Lots more options available for vB...

 

[RossMAN]

If you're running a non-commercial site then I would stick with SMF or switch to MyBB.

Personally I think vBulletin is worth every penny especially after seeing all the eye candy and the 300+ modifications available.

 

[BoomerD]

We used phpbb (another decent free forum software) for quite a while, then, for some reason, the administrators decided to make the switch to SMF...
http://www.phpbb.com/downloads.php

 

[George P Burdell]

bbPress, from the creators of WordPress.

 

[So]

Originally posted by: BoomerD
We used phpbb (another decent free forum software) for quite a while, then, for some reason, the administrators decided to make the switch to SMF...
http://www.phpbb.com/downloads.php

SMF is worlds better IMO.

 

[BoomerD]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: BoomerD
We used phpbb (another decent free forum software) for quite a while, then, for some reason, the administrators decided to make the switch to SMF...
http://www.phpbb.com/downloads.php

SMF is worlds better IMO.

COULD be. fortunately, all I do is moderate on the board, I don't have to deal with any of the misc. BS behind the scenes...I prefer the LOOK of phpbb to smf myself, but maybe it's because I've dealt with it for many years on different forums.

 

[Epoman]

I use SMF software and I absolutely LOVE it. Here are some links:

http://www.simplemachines.org/ - The Official Home Page.

http://mods.simplemachines.org/index.php - OFFICIAL Mods Page, with LOTS and LOTS of mods.

http://www.smfhacks.com/topten.html - Here is a SMF Hacks Page, Lots of good stuff.

http://www.smfarcade.net/index.php - If you want an ARCADE for your site.

http://www.forumflashgames.com/smf/index.php - Hundreds of Flash games for SMF Arcade.

SMF is FREE however they do offer tech support in their AWESOME forums:

http://www.simplemachines.org/community/ I always get my questions answered fast.

SMF also offers a PAID service or they call it "Charter Service":

http://www.simplemachines.org/charter/ They offer LOADs of support and will even install it for you and upgrade for you as you request. All for just $49.99 a year but it is totally optional and even I don't use there paid service.

I use SMF for the largest dialysis message board on the internet and we have been featured on CNN and a few industry magazines. I have thought about changing to a paid forum but I am really happy with SMF and all of it's features.

Rossman orignally gave me the heads up about SMF and I am sure glad he did. Rossman also turned me on to Liquidweb: http://www.liquidweb.com/ for my VPS and DAMN I am glad I listened, I have found it's best to just listen to Rossman for advice on ATOT.

To OP:
Just stick with SMF, you'll be glad you did. I thought about vB but I am very happy with SMF. I may give vB a try one day, but right now I'm happy.

- Epoman