What do you guys think about choosing forum software to gain members and activity? So you think it really matters what software you use to gain members? Obviously to some it doesn't... at all. Because if you go to Big Boards you'll see all forum softwares have huge forums. But that's beside the point. Or beside this thread at least.

My newest forum is on MyBB. MyBB is the only free forum software I would use, or even join and become an active member of. Not that I think the rest are bad. I have my reasons but I could see how some of you would disagree. The thing is, I don't even like to join MyBB forums. I really can not become an active member of a forum or even register it if it's not vBulletin. I don't know why, I just need vB. Of course, this would also apply to my own forums. If I could (or if vB would just be free), I wouldn't use anything but it. I can't do that though so the next best in my opinion is MyBB.

Now, not even talking about MyBB, do you think that forum software matters? Do you think you'd have a better start and get an active forum faster if you used a more "professional?" software such as vB as apposed to... oh, I don't know? Invision?

For me, like I said, I'll definitely be more attracted to your forum if it uses my personal favorite, vB. I'm also under the impression that if my newest forum used vB it would grow bigger faster. Do you all agree with me or do you think it doesn't even matter? And keep in mind we're talking about the same forum on different software. Not "it all depends on the look, design, and how unique your forum is." Let's put that aside for now. Pretend we already sorted that out.

So, opinions?

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-Foxx
Major vBulletin Fan... Nothing Else.
I dream I will own a big-board one day. Yeah, one day...

me personally, i do not join any forums but vB forum..........some would call me a snob.

its not about paid software, its just what im used to. if invision came out with a update tomorrow that perfectly mirrored vB, i would join that forum.

ease of use, features, etc, keep me on vB. so yes it matters to me.

does it matter to a average surfer? yes and no, i suppose. most don't know the difference like we do. they check it out, if its easy to navigate and post, they join if the content interest them.

as far as mods, creature comforts, user features, vB i think has the most options (not sure on that)

IDK, im partial. if i was starting a forum with 0 money, i would start on the best free software, through ads up, do side jobs, save money, and upgrade ASAP.

my .02

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PA Forums
Philly Sports
Delaware Online
boomshockalacka

When it all comes down to it, any forum can be successful regardless of software - If you have the right idea, and you put lots of time and effort into it, you will succeed.

The way I see it is, forum software can make it easier to achieve this success. Do you have to have vB or IPB to create a big forum? No, of course not. Will it help (as compared to something like phpBB)? Yes, it will....BUT, you can take phpBB, modify it, and build it how you'd like and far outperform most vB forums.

It doesn't always boil down to who is using what software...what matters is what you do with that software.

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...some super-sweet signature

Yes, any forum software can be successful. I have more preference for softwares with more features like SMF, phpBB, vB, MyBB, and IP.BOARD. Software like Vanilla and punBB aren't for me. They're lightweight, but lack important features.

And forums that use software that I join I am more likely to use myself.

I think it does matter, to an extent.

I've found that certain software's will produce more active forums easier.

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Creative Writing|My Blog

In some ways yes, in some ways no, personally I can't stand forum software that still uses cookies to track read topics meaning keeping track of where you are upto is vertually impossible if leave the forum for 15 mins.

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Liverpool FC Forum with 3 million+ posts. Powered by SMF

I use MyBB becasue I... like it, lol. I don't think it matters a lot what you use, its just really what looks good and attracts members to join. I think its pretty ignorant (not sure if that's the word I'm looking for) to only join forums of a particular forum software, if you like the look of any forum or whatever reasons you have then you should join and be active. You shouldn't restrict it to one or two forum software's.

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I say it does, until last week I had phpbb and I had added a quick reply, rss feeds and few more mods to it and in some ways it was as easy to use as vb but it still wasn’t vb! This weekend I switched from phpbb to vb and just see the response the thread got Forum software updated - India Touring Forum | BCMTouring.com this is despite the fact that not much has changed from in terms of functionality and people weren’t facing any problems with phpbb!

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India Travel Forum | Men's Lifestyle Forum | Free Travel Directory

Yes it does matter!
I think when visitors come on to a forum and see it use's Vbulletin then they think its more pro so yes it does

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Dalmatian Owner and Lover Forum!

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Unless it's a tech forum, the vast majority of users haven't got a clue what you are using, some will suggest that vB is better but ask them in what way it is better and they can't come up with a reason other than "it just is".

The only thing that really makes a difference is the activity on the forum, people aren't going to waste time signing up to a dead forum.

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Liverpool FC Forum with 3 million+ posts. Powered by SMF