Best BB/Forum Software?

[ctenidae]

What's the best/easiest to use/most veratile for someone who doesn't know much about setting such things up, but is willing (and able) to learn? Cost isn't a huge issue (vBulletin @ $160 is well within reason). Stability, lack of hassles, and ease of use (I don't need to be recompiling the thingamabob or reprogramming the doohicky to make the scrollamajig flash pretty colors) are important. Main use of the forum will be in support of an interactive mapping program (anyone know any good programmers?).

And no, I'm not starting a competing website. Additive, perhaps, but certainly not competitive.

You guys are the best. No, really. Top shelf.

 

[andyzee]

Try phpBB first, it doesn't cost anything and really is pretty easy to use. Up until recently this forum was running on that. http://www.phpbb.com/

 

[Greg]

I used phpBB for a long time. vBulletin blows it out of the water. Despite being so feature-rich, it can be overwhelming to learn the admin side at first, it's a far superior product. If this is a serious forum that you expect will be around for a while, go with vB. If you're just fooling around or experimenting, start with phpBB. There are others too that I have no experience with.

 

[ctenidae]

If things go well, I'd hope it'll be around a while (at least, long enough to sell!). The idea is for it to be the springboard to another idea that's not internet related.

Thanks for the info, too. Perhaps I'll play with phpBB first, since I'm not even sure exactly what I want, and then go from there.

 

[Paul]

This one's nice. I don't think Kristie comes with it, though...:sad: