Why 4.0?

[tsptom]

Is there a list of 4.0 features posted somewhere? I want to determine if it is worth the trouble of upgrading.

I don't particularly enjoy installing and upgrading new software unless there is a benefit in making the change, and I know my members will freak out with the drastic changes they see.

I installed 4.0 on one of my less active sites as a test, and I immediately restored the old version because it was too much of a change. It's tough to teach us old dogs new tricks.

So, my question is, what are the benefits of 4.0? I see vbulletin.org is still running 3.6 so that tells me something.

Thanks!

[BSMedia]

If you got Forums only the biggest new feature is SEO friendly URL's for what thats worth.

After that though....

(If you want to call a completely CSS driven layout as a feature then I guess thats it)

[Charlie98902]

Here is the comparison list of features: http://www.vbulletin.com/index.php?do=features

[Prince]

I am trying to figure out the same thing, I am still running vB 3.6.12 PL2 (same as this forum) and I have vBSEO installed, not sure what I will gain by upgrading to 4.0 or if its worth it.

[tsptom]

Thanks. I appreciate that list.

I am also interested in users' feedback on the benefits / drawbacks. Were the changes worth the amount of work needed to get your forum in shape? Is your forum "better" now? Any feedback from members you can share?

I can see the CMS integration. That's something completely new. But I hate to mess with the forum.

[ctimes]

I posted this same question yesterday, only thing I could find was the file upload system and the SEO abilities.... So much for being totally re-written ....

Honestly it seems more like a way to bump up prices and push the suite which as I mentioned before is great but not something I need.

I have some major work I need to do to my board and stuck on if switching is worth it or not, If I knew 3.8 would be updated and supported for another 18 months I don't think there would be any question in my mind to stick with 3.x, unfortunately I have not used vB steady enough to have really noticed how long they usually support the older versions.

[Lynne]

You should go look at the vbulletin.com forum since that is where any information regarding vB4 would be posted.

[Prince]

You should go look at the vbulletin.com forum since that is where any information regarding vB4 would be posted.

The name of this forum is: vB4 General Discussions :confused:

[Lynne]

Sure, you may discuss it here, but he isn't going to find a list of features here or a list of the changes - that would be over on vb.com

[tsptom]

I guess I'm more interested in what the users / admins think of the changes. Is the upgrade worth it. Of course vb.com will say so.

[Lynne]

I guess I'm more interested in what the users / admins think of the changes. Is the upgrade worth it. Of course vb.com will say so.
You must not have been to vb.com recently. Not everyone is happy with vB4. :)

[Vaupell]

one reason, 4 comes after 3.. eventually we will proberly see 5.
its natural.. :d

New is not always better, but heck im a explorer, i like new.
therefor i recomend new. :D

[puertoblack2003]

I guess I'm more interested in what the users / admins think of the changes. Is the upgrade worth it. Of course vb.com will say so.


honestly, It's up to an admin preference. If your forum is just a hobby like mines is then i wouldn't spend the cash on it to upgrade.It'll serve the same purpose as the new version but with extra features, The only thing i can suggest is to go to vb.com and play around with the features, then you can make a decision from there.


good luck

[HybridIllusions]

(If you want to call a completely CSS driven layout as a feature then I guess thats it)

Even though the framework lacks, and the stylevars/style manager of 4.0 is crap, then sure. The functionality is pretty cool, but the presentation and management is what is crap.

[tsptom]

honestly, It's up to an admin preference. If your forum is just a hobby like mines is then i wouldn't spend the cash on it to upgrade.It'll serve the same purpose as the new version but with extra features, The only thing i can suggest is to go to vb.com and play around with the features, then you can make a decision from there.

good luck
Thanks. I actually already bought 2 licenses back when they 1st gave the discount offer, but after loading it on one forum, I quickly went back to the old version.

All of the mods had to be disabled to get it to work. All of the template changes are gone. Even your logo gets replaced.

Some people love to tinker with stuff like this. Not me. I am trying to run a business. Maybe I'll wait until the smoke clears before installing again.

Thanks everyone, for your input!

[Cableguy69]

My only experience of VB4.0 is on a friends forum that I am a Co Admin on.

My own forum is still running 3.8.4 and I can't see me upgrading anytime soon as my forum relies on too many of the modifications, which as yet are not available for VB4
I quite like the functionality of VB4 though I've had only good experiences, but his board only carries around 200 members and there were very few mods made to it so the transition from 3 to 4 was really smooth.

From a users point of view the new attachment system is too long winded, the VB3 attachment system was far more user friendly, we had to write a tutorial as loads of members couldn't work out, how to use the new VB4 system.

[tsptom]

Great feedback cableguy! Thanks

[mani0993]

One general Question..

I have a 3.8.4 Vb forum running, & if I want to upgrade to VB 4.0 is there any cost of it ? I mean were the upgrade is free..as written on the images @ vb.com ?

[tsptom]

It's free as long as your license hasn't expired... http://www.vbulletin.com/index.php?do=features

[Cableguy69]

You can download VB4.0 for free as part of your VB3.X.X but beware as this will change your license. Once your current license expires you will need to pay the full $195 dollars to keep your forum licensed, as once you accept the new T&C you accept changes to your existing license.

The above is partly why I havn't upgraded my own forum yet. I own my VB3.0 License and if I'm prepared to keep my forum on VB3, then I don't have to pay anymore money, BUT I'll loose access to mods and support from VB.com & VB.org Once I accept the new T&C, I'll no longer own my current license and once it expires I'll have to pay the $195 which then buys me an owned VB4.0 license.

You won't however, have to pay the annual renewal fee, infact you shouldn't have to pay anything untill VB5.0 is released.

From what I understand there will be no more releases of the VB3 series (Security Patches ect), so at some point you will have to pay, unless like VB.org you are prepared to operate an older version of VB.

I think that's correct, there are plenty of threads about it all on VB.com, you'd be aswell to read a few of them before downloading VB4.0

[mani0993]

Yea I juzz brought Lifetime licence of 3.0 like about 4-5 months back..So I can upgrade to 4.0 I think.But is it quite reliable as compared to the currrent 3.8.4 features except the SEO's functions.

[yamahapaul]

Yea I juzz brought Lifetime licence of 3.0 like about 4-5 months back..So I can upgrade to 4.0 I think
I would double check this as I was under the impression that if you had an owned license you had to pay for the 4.0, whereas if you had a leased license you could update to 4.0 until your license expired and to then continue running 4.0 you had to purchase the software using the new licensing structure

[daveaite]

Its worth upgrading. Just take the time to adjust.

[tsptom]

Its worth upgrading.
Because....

By the way, your Poe site looks great! Although you may want to change the white font on the yellow message box. It's very difficult to see.