Thinking about vBulletin

[wmfinck]

As I have stated in the past, my philosophy has always been to use nothing but Open Source (free) software to run everything at Christogenea. But this forum software is ageing, PhpBB has its limitations, and it will probably take me a couple of days to figure out the customizations I have done (which are probably noted somewhere in my files) so that I can code them into a new version.

The biggest limitation to PhpBB is that it has no plug-in interface, so customizations always have to be added to the code by hand, and I employ about a half dozen here, mostly for relatively menial tasks that do not come with the regular software (even for simple things such as adding a user).

Or I can break down and spend some money on vBulletin. That would have the added advantage of creating a more community-like atmosphere here. But would it be worth it? Would the features be taken advantage of? From what I have seen, I will be able to import all of the posts and most of the information from the user profiles that are here into vBulletin. The forum would probably be down for a full day.

In any event, the forum software will have to be updated within the coming months, whether it is changed or whether we decide to stay with PhpBB. So the time involved for me will not vary much either way.

I will not be bound by the poll results, but I shall appreciate your opinions!

[Gaius]

If I'm reading this right, the present system is both ageing and has restrictions compared to a proposed newer system; but the problem is the cost of the newer system ....

If this is roughly correct, I'd say without doubt go for the newer system --
a) Christogenea is expanding, and will need the new system.
b) God will provide the money, no question.

Both a) and b) are predicated on Christogenea being/remaining in YHWH's will, as Gamaliel noted in Acts 5 v 34 ff. The Christogenea message is manna for our people in the desert of judeo-bolshevism. Isaiah 44 v 3.

[wmfinck]

Thank you, Gaius. I did not mean to sound as if appealing for funds. Hoping that was not the impression. However I would not want to spend the money unless the members here saw an advantage in the expenditure.

[Staropramen]

If it's agreed upon that the move would be beneficial to the community I will donate some funds to accomplish it.

[wmfinck]

It was a slow weekend here. Nice weather, holiday. However two dozen people have been active on this forum since I posted this poll, and there are only two votes. Maybe apathy will keep me from spending the $250.

[Acrimonious]

I like vBulletin, as I have a lot more experience with it and I think it looks cleaner. The license is the only issue that would cause me to say no, however.

[wmfinck]

I like vBulletin, as I have a lot more experience with it and I think it looks cleaner. The license is the only issue that would cause me to say no, however.

Thanks, Acrimonious, but please cast a vote in the poll so we can see a tally!

[Staropramen]

I like vBulletin, as I have a lot more experience with it and I think it looks cleaner. The license is the only issue that would cause me to say no, however.

1.3 Illegal Activity. You may not use the Software to engage in or allow others to engage in any illegal activity where the Software is accessed and/or used. You may not use the Software to engage in any activity that will violate the rights of third parties, including, without limitation, through the use, public display, public performance, reproduction, distribution, or modification of communications or materials that infringe copyrights, trademarks, publicity rights, privacy rights, other proprietary rights, or rights against defamation of third parties*.

*this could be a problem. So, no.

[Acrimonious]

I like vBulletin, as I have a lot more experience with it and I think it looks cleaner. The license is the only issue that would cause me to say no, however.

1.3 Illegal Activity. You may not use the Software to engage in or allow others to engage in any illegal activity where the Software is accessed and/or used. You may not use the Software to engage in any activity that will violate the rights of third parties, including, without limitation, through the use, public display, public performance, reproduction, distribution, or modification of communications or materials that infringe copyrights, trademarks, publicity rights, privacy rights, other proprietary rights, or rights against defamation of third parties*.

*this could be a problem. So, no.

It would be wonderful if we could argue that the third parties that they speak of don't qualify as parties as they're mamzers and beasts, not people.

[Lang]

As Staro said, if its decided that vbulletin is the best for the community I can also help paying for it. "Rights against defamation of third parties" may be a problem though. Jews are always looking for something to damage us...