"Threaded" View -- Revisited

[Bill Thebert]

I've seen this issue discussed a lot already. But I really don't wish to re-visit the debate on the *merits* of a threaded view.

I'd just like to hire someone to *do* it.

In my current (non-vB) forums, users get to choose their own display style -- whether "flat" or "threaded" in numerous variations. The vast majority of my users prefer what's called a "Mixed Threaded" presentation.

THREADS appear on the index page with the newest at the TOP.

RESPONSES appear in chronological order with the newer ones near the BOTTOM -- so that you may read in the natural "top to bottom" direction.

The chain of "who replied to whom" is clear and obvious.

Long threads that start out on ONE topic frequently evolve & change "Subject:" as they grow, and this is impossible to see/appreciate with a "flat" presentation.

I purchased a vBulletin license back in March of this year, and my users LOVE the speed, the calendar functions, the image upload functions, the private messaging, etc. But because of the absence of a "threaded" view, they prefer to stick with our current BBS & forego all the added niceties of vBulletin.

Bottom line: I'd like a user-selectable option (ala WWWThreads) between a "flat" and a "threaded" display style. I own my vBulletin license already, and I'm willing to hire the kind of hack I'm describing.

If you're interested in working with me (experienced in software design, development & testing at IBM Printing Systems Division), please introduce yourself and describe your experience and skills.

I'm willing to fund this development. And I believe that there are a LOT of folks who would want such a hack once completed and available. If we re-sell this hack to *others* after I've paid for its development, I'd like to make an agreement that lets me recover some of my development investment with each subsequent sale.

Any takers?

Regards,

Bill Thebert