vBulletin version 4.01 - whats the verdict?

By : Administrator
Published 11th February 2010 |
Read latest comment - 25th February 2010

Having been chatting with Stavros regarding the merits of the new vBulletin Forum software release, 4.01. I know he's a big fan, but I'm still not sure.

We are currently using version 3.8, and it has a familiar look and feel. Version 4.01 is a redesign, making it look more like a website than a forum, introducing more features like a blog, member articles etc.

The only business forum I can find using the new version is the A1 Business Forum. To be fair to them, I think they are still in the process of sorting it out, as it looks like they have header probs, but you get an idea of the functionality.

Me personally, I can't make my mind up. I do like our current style, I think its clear, logical and is what it is, but as always, interested to know what anyone else thinks, or if you're indifferent

I wouldn't rush to upgrade, but if enough people said they preferred the new version, then I'd think about migrating the forum in the next 6 months or so.

Steve Richardson
Gaffer of My Local Services
My Local Services | Me on LinkedIn
Comments
forum avatarbiz-angel
11th February 2010 1:52 PM
too noisy, too much going on. Trying to be all things to all people. Some good features, but can prob get the mods to plug into 3.8.

There are no free mods for v3 you have to purchase vbadvanced.

I dont particular like vbadvanced it is too web 1.0 for me.

check out AVForums.com Home they use vba.

Stavros

There are no free mods for v3 you have to purchase vbadvanced.

I dont particular like vbadvanced it is too web 1.0 for me.

check out AVForums.com Home they use vba.

No I don't like the look of that. Have been chatting to different biz forum owners over last couple of days, other than A1, looks like most people are holding back.

MLF does what it says on the tin, I think the extra bells and whistles is just un-neccessary fluff IMHO

Steve Richardson
Gaffer of My Local Services
My Local Services | Me on LinkedIn

Are you paying for this software? If so it seems odd you can run a PHPbb3 forum for free in the same format as this for FREE

Thanks,
Kevin.Wiles

forum avatarKip FX Design
14th February 2010 5:05 PM
Yeah, I have to admit, as those in the know, know, I am all about phpbb, but Stavros & Steve also get to have easy updates add ons etc, instead of messing with mods like on phpbb.

If you are a full on geek and have the time, phpbb.
If you want functionality and future proofing, VB.

AS Kip implied I am not a big fan of PHPbb too much tinkering required to get it working flawlessly.

when I have problem with Vbul I just pick up the phone and the problem is dealt with.


In response to Steve I suppose it Vbul 4 is only applicable dependent on what you are trying to achieve with your forum.

When I finally get around to rebranding my site to www.JobSeekersadviceforum.com I will be posting articles on cv and interviewing techniques and VBul 3 does not really lend itself to that very well.

Stavros

I guess I just thought money saving etc

Thanks,
Kevin.Wiles

forum avatarKip FX Design
15th February 2010 5:59 PM
The thing is, when saving money, you generally get less support etc, so I can see why the lads went with VB, the phpBB I use is just a side thing, not a business, if I were to move into making money from them, I would defo go with VB, 3 minutes phonecall, all done! Sounds good to me!

Dont get me wrong boys I am as tight as they come and Steve will confess to that fact.

I did go for PHPbb first and I have a shed load of issues and kip and I discussed them at length.

3 days on I still could not get several features working as I would like.

Spoke to Steve and he brought me over to the dark side 4hrs and $120 later I have a fully functioning forum with non of the related issues I was seeing.

Stavros

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