Is it wise to install a point system mod?

[dpatel304]

Yes, I know, there are hundreds of these topics already, but I haven't really seen this question answered, so I thought I would make a topic about it:

Well, I have noticed that quite a few major point system mods have come and gone. While searching the forums, it seems all of them were great, but were overcome by exploits and later discontinued. Currently, it seems the mod of choice is the iCash mod (which looks great).

My question is, has there ever been a point system that has been able to 'stay alive' for long periods of time? I have really wanted to implement a point system on my site, but am afraid of having to one day remove due to future problems. (This is not a knock against the developers of these mods, as all of them have done a great job with the cash mods, and I am sure they did put as much effort as they realistically could, but were just overwhelmed at some point.) I think it may be wiser to just not install the mod at all, rather than install it, and remove it later on. I'm not saying all cash mods will inevitably have this problem, but, from what I have seen, it seems there is a high chance, which is why I am a bit weary. I also plan to use the points system to let users exchange their points for real-world items, which is also why I am weary about the future of these mods.

Any of you longer vb users care to share your input, as I am sure you have seen your fair share of points' mods that have come and go. Is it likely that all points systems will eventually lose support?

[dpatel304]

anyone?

[VBUsers]

same here. whats left? and why doesn't the vbulletin team do something about it.

[Dismounted]

why doesn't the vbulletin team do something about it.
What do you want them to do? They don't have to do anything. Plus their tied up with Project Tools and Blogs.

[dpatel304]

I'm not asking anyone to do anything. I do appreciate every single mod that is put out. I personally have little code knowledge, so I am in all of the coders' debts.

I just was asking a harmless question as to whether or not it is wise to install a point system, seeing as how a lot of the previous ones did not hold up in the long run. I'm not implying that this will happen to all, but, judging by the history of all points mods, it doesn't seem like something that is worth the risk, in my humble opinion. Then again, I haven't been around long enough to know what has happened to the previous points systems. I just know that a lot of major ones are no longer supported due to exploits (I think).

[JD45]

I've heard (somewhere on this site) that there is another full featured point system in the making. I'll look around and see if I can find the post again.

[dpatel304]

But how 'safe' do you think another mod would be? Nothing against the coders of this new mod, but, from the past, I have yet to see a point system last long enough for what I need. I realize it is hard work, and I am not faulting the coders for anything, but I am not sure I want to install a point system only to possibly get rid of it in the future.

[subnet_rx]

I'll agree with the fact that we need something with longevity. I have went through uCash, then vbBux, and am now just not using anything because I'm afraid if I install something else, it'll fall by the wayside too. I really wish vBulletin would give their board a pluggable point system and then the addons be the actual stores or whatever you want to do with the points.

[dpatel304]

I'll agree with the fact that we need something with longevity. I have went through uCash, then vbBux, and am now just not using anything because I'm afraid if I install something else, it'll fall by the wayside too. I really wish vBulletin would give their board a pluggable point system and then the addons be the actual stores or whatever you want to do with the points.

Yea, I don't want to be in that situation. I know my members would not appreciate their points being taken away from them all of a sudden.

[Brandon Sheley]

if there is an exploit in the mod, then No, it isn't safe ;) at least not for my boards. You're welcome to add it to yours.

[dpatel304]

Would like to hear more thoughts on this.

The recently released vbcredits mod, or the longer running icash mod are extremely tempting, but I still am not sure how safe they are, given the history of points mods.