vBSEO's weaknesses - why we need an alternative.

[Caliber]

Hello all,

Although much of vBSEO looks good, we are looking for an alternative to vBSEO because of its weaknesses. Specifically, we would like to have all of the same functionality, but we need the following:

1. vBSEO is encrypted so that if it conflicts with the other hacks that we have installed, it is impossible to modify the code in order to resolve a conflict.

2. If and when a security problem is discovered with vBSEO's encrypted code, we cannot fix it and our forums could be open to exploit.

3. Because the vBSEO license requires that you link back to them on every single page of your site, it is easy for anyone to search for vBSEO installations and exploit them.

4. vBSEO's requirement that you have an outbound link to them on every single page of your site, dilutes your own brand and bleeds PageRank from you to them and thereby negatively impacts your search engine positioning - something that the software was designed to do just the opposite of.

We approached vBSEO about paying extra for an unencrypted version without the onerous license requirement, but they were unreceptive, so we don't think that this would be a good solution for a large, highly hacked forum. Any alternatives that you might suggest would be most appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

[Ntfu2]

1. vBSEO is known to work with all vBulletin modifications released to date, if you have a custom mod created, then it should be that programmer who should program around vBSEO.

2. Do you go and fix vBulletins security flaws by manually updating every file? Didnt think you did. Simply upload the new version they release, and problem solved.

3. The same can be true for searching for vBulletin, and any other peice of web software

4. Not really, especially that since that link as the rel="nofollow" atribute to it.

There are currently two known SEO hacks here, vRewrite which is limited in options, doesnt receive much support and has known bugs. Then there was just one released recently called Zoints SEO which i havent followed or tried so i can not comment.

Good luck on your search for a free modification with half the features of vBSEO, let alone all of them.

[ConqSoft]

4. The copyright has 8+ options for display, half of which are text only (no link).

[Code Monkey]

Originally Posted by Caliber

Hello all,

Although much of vBSEO looks good, we are looking for an alternative to vBSEO because of its weaknesses. Specifically, we would like to have all of the same functionality, but we need the following:

1. vBSEO is encrypted so that if it conflicts with the other hacks that we have installed, it is impossible to modify the code in order to resolve a conflict.

They have fixed every single conflict I have ever had with a clients mods.

Originally Posted by Caliber

2. If and when a security problem is discovered with vBSEO's encrypted code, we cannot fix it and our forums could be open to exploit.

That's why they and every single other company have a suport site to report bugs. Do you fix Microsofts bugs? uhuh

Originally Posted by Caliber

3. Because the vBSEO license requires that you link back to them on every single page of your site, it is easy for anyone to search for vBSEO installations and exploit them.

There are many diferent options available in the license.

Originally Posted by Caliber

4. vBSEO's requirement that you have an outbound link to them on every single page of your site, dilutes your own brand and bleeds PageRank from you to them and thereby negatively impacts your search engine positioning - something that the software was designed to do just the opposite of.

You repeate #3.

That whole malarky on page rank leakage is a myth, and an ilogical one at that. If it were indeed true, then every single directory listing, including DMOZ, Yahoo and joeAnt would all have a page rank of 0. They do not. Google does not punish you for making it easier for them to crawl the web. If you want to get into a debate on that then go over to digitalpoint or somewhere similar and throw your mud.

Originally Posted by Caliber

We approached vBSEO about paying extra for an unencrypted version without the onerous license requirement, but they were unreceptive, so we don't think that this would be a good solution for a large, highly hacked forum. Any alternatives that you might suggest would be most appreciated. Many thanks in advance!

This argument is tired. As with any company, they will change their business strategies when and how they see fit.

[Hornstar]

you wont find any better seo enhancement then vbseo, it has done wonders for my site. The encryption was a little concern for myself at first, but I have had no problems, and when I do the support staff will have a solution or a fix in no time at all.

as for the link, it can be text, and in the future they will have branding free licenses, but that wont be for a while, but it dont matter as you can have rel="nofollow" or a text link or an image for that matter.

the sooner you get vbseo installed the sooner your site will be reaping the benefits.

Hope that helps.

[eJM]

Let me preface my comments by saying I am a vBSEO user and very happy to be one. It was one of the best decisions I made concerning my vBulletin forums -- and my whole site.

I am so tired of the vBSEO fans making rancorous and snide remarks to people who have a difference of opinion about vBSEO or SEO in general. It's not necessary to add your verbal jabs in order to answer the questions at hand. You do a disservice to vBSEO and its developers and staff. Your sanctimonious attitude and sarcastic remarks are an embarrassment.

All of your facts concerning the issues Caliber has may be correct, but the manner in which you express them could turn a fence sitting potential customer away. Please consider your statements before typing them for all to see.

Caliber, I apologize for my fellow vBSEO users' ill manners. It is not how all of us react to those who have their objections to the script. If you have questions regarding the ability of vBSEO to address any conflicts with other hacks, security issues that may crop up or the options for honoring the license agreement, please do not hesitate to bring them up at the vBSEO forums. I am quite sure you will get answers and I think you will be treated like the important guest you are. At the very least, you may discover other options to your SEO needs.

R'gards,

Jim

[WritersBeat]

I think I know the answer to your needs... Zoints SEO!

(It's open source, which means guess what? It's FREE!) Also damn good IMO and I own several communities.

https://vborg.vbsupport.ru/showthread.php?t=127336

[Code Monkey]

Originally Posted by Grumpy ol' Jim

Let me preface my comments by saying I am a vBSEO user and very happy to be one. It was one of the best decisions I made concerning my vBulletin forums -- and my whole site.

I am so tired of the vBSEO fans making rancorous and snide remarks to people who have a difference of opinion about vBSEO or SEO in general. It's not necessary to add your verbal jabs in order to answer the questions at hand. You do a disservice to vBSEO and its developers and staff. Your sanctimonious attitude and sarcastic remarks are an embarrassment.

All of your facts concerning the issues Caliber has may be correct, but the manner in which you express them could turn a fence sitting potential customer away. Please consider your statements before typing them for all to see.

Caliber, I apologize for my fellow vBSEO users' ill manners. It is not how all of us react to those who have their objections to the script. If you have questions regarding the ability of vBSEO to address any conflicts with other hacks, security issues that may crop up or the options for honoring the license agreement, please do not hesitate to bring them up at the vBSEO forums. I am quite sure you will get answers and I think you will be treated like the important guest you are. At the very least, you may discover other options to your SEO needs.

R'gards,

Jim

No one here has done anything but answer this person using a second acounts jabs and proclamations regarding VBSEO. We have every right in the world to reply. Just like you have the right to make that same old post you made that you have made on other sites as well.

Get off your throne Grumpy.

[Caliber]

Hey guys,

I apologize if I upset some of you. My intention was not to ruffle any feathers.

As I said in my initial post, vBSEO looks really good and we would pay more (a whole lot more) for a non-branded and unencrypted version. We run a very large forum with 5000 consecutive users at peak times, and these two issues are deal breakers for the developers on our staff. Yes, we do have many custom hacks that we developed ourselves.

Thank you for the other suggestions, we will look into them. And again I apologize if I upset some of you.

[rogersnm]

Zoints SEO is your best bet. Seems to slow down loading time on a few of the sites I have seen using them though.