Would You Ditch Your Current Software?

If you came up with a brilliant idea for a new forum, or feel that you want to shut down your current one, would you stick with the current forum software that you were using or would you go find a new one?

I really don't stick with a certain software, however, I have taken a liking to MyBB and phpBB. So if I were to start a new forum right now, I'd use one of these.

 

I usually try to stick with the stuff I know..Every once in a while. I change it up.

 

I wouldn't change for the world. Although I do like playing around with new scripts to see what they have to offer. I often just install the scripts on my localhost and test them out.

 

I also stick to the stuff I know, but I would certainly change software use if the offer came about e.g. PH started on phpBB3, but then we were offered a VB install, so we used that instead for a while, before going back to phpBB3. I'd switch to use Xenforo any day after all...

 

Ah yes, xenforo is a great piece of forum software. Im more than happy with it, I would never ditch it unless say they wouldn't keep up with updates or adding new features, which they constantly do.

 

I only stick with the forum software that I know, and know how to use, so thus, I wouldn't ditch my forum software for anything.

 

You never know, I said the same thing when I used vB, IPB, MyBB and the others, but now im on XenForo lol

 

If I really need to leave the current software, I'll look for something to pull me over. Other than that, I have converted very little forums as of late (other than Dashing).

 

It all depends honestly, but my opinions will always be the ones that I feel most comfortable with.

 

I agree, that's how it should be.. I wouldn't change to something just because someone recommends it, I have to like it and be comfortable with it..

 

True but you do have to have an open mind and give a recommendation a chance.

 

Ya, and well Xenforo is pretty nice, but I'll be sticking with vBulletin for the time being - unless something changes my mind, and the features are all there. Not sure.

 

It's a good idea. If you think of moving to wherever, you gotta see if you have the stuff you want or you have an adequate substitute.

 

Well, I do know because you have to take into consideration what your members are use to and things like that. Switching forum software could turn into a disaster if your members aren't for it.

 

I tend to stick with stuff I know (like vBulletin) but am planning on switching up to XenForo because I'm unhappy with vB.

If all my vB licenses are in use and I want to start another forum it's myBB because I'm familiar with it.

I don't see myself switching from XF unless XF starts acting like vB,

 

That's one of the reasons why I haven't switched from vBulletin to Xenforo. I'm just so used to using vBulletin. I remember IPB back in the day, I ended up switching to vBulletin and found things to be cleaner - like the admin panel and such.

 

I like to stick with the same forum software, but I am seriously considering migrating my forum from MyBB to xenforo.

 

I have worked with most forum platforms (free and paid) since 2004, when I took my forum admining seriously. If I am pleased with a script, I don't change it, but, if it proves its limitations, I'll look for something better. Still, it's not a good idea to change the script of your active forums, so, go with one and STICK to it. I have migrated forums from one platform to another and it was the most stupid thing I could do. Lost a ton of traffic and all the previous SEO work.

 

If you have good forum software that is easy to use and your members are happy with and your forums are developing well, then yes - stick with it.

However if you migrate from one platform to another and it is very obviously not a success and your members most definitely don't like it, then don't waste time waiting for your members/threads/posts to drop off - find a better alternative and move to that instead.

The key to all forum software moves, of course, is making sure you tell your membership what you are doing, why you are doing it, and how it will impact on their use of the site. Tell them about the new/better/easier-to-use features that will be coming; show them video previews of the test site you're working on; answer questions about the new software as fully as you can (accentuating the positives) and don't take it personally if a few people resist the idea (you will always get people who don't like change).

The one caveat is that you shouldn't just change for the hell of it and don't do it so regularly that there is no continuity - your members will get fed up and leave.

Cheers,
Shaun

 

I've never had any issues with vBulletin and, on making a new forum, would likely stick with what I'm using. I have used some of the open source stuff like MyBB and PHPBB3, and have no complaints but prefer VB.