What do you think about Vbulletin vs Xenforo?

[rhody401]

I am involved with several long term forums that run vbulletin 4.2.2 and we love the features and functionality. It would be very hard to find a product with as many well developed plug-ins/mods.

Because 4.2 development seems to be on hold/finished, and 5.0 isn't even close to being ready for prime time, and some in customer service lately are rather abrupt - it hasn't exactly set a level of confidence in the future of the product. I think the pricing model of only getting paid for new major version numbers, versus a small yearly fee, encourages a rushed development schedule. (and a desire to abandon old versions, so people will re-fill the kitty and float the company)

We did purchase Xenforo licenses last year - as a backup plan. (to be tested and ready if things don't work out here. We have done mock conversions, tested add-ons, etc.) But we have not pulled the plug on our VB installs.

I sincerely hope that things start to look better at VB, because this is a fine product that I would like to see have continued success. VB needs much stronger leadership, customer service, and goals, in my opinion. This is where it could win over new, and existing, customers.

These are my own personal impressions/opinion, and I hope this stays polite/friendly.

Rhody