What features are a must in your eyes?

Hi Guys,

As we know there are many, many different software solutions available today, but in your eyes, what features are a must?

 

I think a workable Admin CP is key in choosing your software. That's not as front-end as you were probably asking about, but if you don't have a desk you feel comfortable working at, how great will your work be?

 

Agreed, 100%.

 

My biggest 'feature' is normally the community around the project. How easily can I get third party support? How many people already know the ins-and-outs of the system? Do the popular mods/hacks look like their continually updated for new releases or do they fizz out?

Other than that a nice default front end for end users and an intelligently designed Admin Panel with easy to use scripts and an easy to understand help feature.

 

When it comes to choosing the right forum software script, there are a variety of deciding factors that come into play. Some of these (presented as questions) are as follows:

• Is the default skin (and overall structure) aesthetically appealing?
• Is the User CP easy to use and organized in a manner that would allow users new to the forum world to navigate without confusion and/or trouble?
• Is the posting interface (including the message editor) flexible? Does it use a WYSIWYG interface or something different?
• Is the administrative control panel structured properly? Is it bloated with features or under-developed? Does the overall order "make sense"?

These aren't all features, per say, but they are some of the more obvious aspects of a forum script that are crucial when it comes to successfully running and maintaining a discussion forum.