So what advantage does VB have?

[mortalez]

I just ask because I have a few forums one using phpbb and the other using SMF.
phpbb is not that great but its easy to find hosts for and there seems to be an endless supply of skins for it out there.
SMF I like because it has many features that I need, I am very happy with it so far.

I was thinking about using VB for a third board because I see so many other sites using it but was discouraged after going to the main site and seeking a laundry list of rules and the fact that a lifetime contract only lasts a year ? :surprised: ? And in fairness I feel opensource is a much more grand path than comercial, so can anyone tell me what VB has that SMF does not in the way of features?
I only want to know because the 2 guys that will help me mod my 3rd forum are more familier with VB, and I want to have an educated guess as to if the learning curve is worth the price.

[Freesteyelz]

First, please read my reply to your other thread. The price: $160 USD.

The second question regarding the comparison between open source products vs vB, a commercial product, really depends on your needs. I can't answer that for you. I can tell you, however, that vB is very flexible, has tremendous official and non-official support, is web-server friendly and is user-friendly. I say "user-friendly" because the owner's side of it can be overwhelming. If you're willing to dab into vB's routines unrestricted then you'll find that vB is an awesome product.

[mortalez]

OK I figured I'd get an answer like that(not putting your answer down or anything) but from VB users/owners I get that alot.

Kinda the opposite of opensource answers, like I ask the same question on an SMF forum and I get a laundry list of things you cant do with VB(all of which is verified when viewing the restrictive owner/leasing contracts.
Kinda like saying if I buy a Korn CD and saying I can only play it on my car stereo and I have to buy another copy for my home stereo.
But I was kinda Wanting to know if there are any technical advantages, features and such that dont show up on any other piece of forum software.

The only thing I can think of is the "one neck to choke" arguement that microsoft made famous.

[Freesteyelz]

Well, that's an entirely different debate. Good luck on your quest.

[peterska2]

mortalez, I suggest trying out the vB demo found here which gives you access to admin functions as well as a private test site which is valid for 24 hours.

IMO, vB is the Daddy. I've used phpbb and IPB and have never looked back since I got vB. It is really easy to customize and with the plugin system which is standard in the 3.5.x series, you will probably never need to touch any of the php files (except the config file when you are installing).