Should I change the forum to VBullitin?

[incka]

It's a far better forum software, allows far more advanced things for everyone (mods, admin and normal users). The problem? It costs $150 while PHPBB, the one we are using at the moment, is free.

Anyone got any views?

[creme_ala_creme78]

makes no difference to me, i mean, itll be the same people, talking about the same things (plus hopefully more of both people and books), so i dont really care...

[mazarane]

I'd be inclined to stick with the free one (how long a period does the $150 get you?), because I haven't really felt like I've come up against any significant barriers using this forum.

any chance you could give a quick summary of how vbulletin is better?

[incka]

www.murmurs.com

I can't do any of those features in PHPBB.

[eflo]

It's a far better forum software, allows far more advanced things for everyone (mods, admin and normal users). The problem? It costs $150 while PHPBB, the one we are using at the moment, is free.

Anyone got any views?

I actually like the forums the way they are. I have been thinking about this for some time before posting. My big question is what kind of learning curve there will be if you decide to switch. Just because vBulletin costs money, and may have more advanced features, does that make it easier to use and better? If you decide to switch, I sure hope the site won't be unavailable?!!

Pro: You're going to get some more advanced features.

Con: Cost. Is the cost a one-time thing? Or annually?

Con: Is vBulletin so much different from PHPBB? Will it require everyone to learn the website all over again?

Pro: On the other hand, we don't have that many users, based on the assumption that switching will require a learning curve.

Just some thoughts I hope will help you out. Let's hear some more votes and thoughts/suggestions!!

[incka]

Well I'll tell you some of the more advanced features:

Custom user text
Points, from people saying your post is good or bad.
Sub-Forums.
SEO-Friendly forum - Users can find us by searching for the topic of threads.

[starrynights48]

I will say that I joined this board primarily because it was in phpBB format. I don't know what vBulletin is, though (the murmurs.com page is loading REALLY slowly for me).

[mazarane]

Custom user text. ok, yeah- I did ask about that one- cool, but probably not a deal-clincher

Points, from people saying your post is good or bad.. hmmm.....does that ever get used on murmurs? if so I've never seen it :oops:

Sub-Forums.. think we're ok....

SEO-Friendly forum - Users can find us by searching for the topic of threads.well, that could be useful for bringing people in- how does the cost compare with your $1/click google thing overall

I'd agree with starrynights48 that this site generally seems to load quicker than murmurs, but then that is generally a bigger site as well I guess...

[eflo]

I'd agree with starrynights48 that this site generally seems to load quicker than murmurs, but then that is generally a bigger site as well I guess...

Yes, and it could be the large amounts of traffic at murmurs as well.

[Furnie]

I don't mind either way. One of the other forums I visit has the point things that seem to work quite well.