My site needs a forum, but I need advice...

[Gimmick]

Hi and thanks for reading....

A site that I have built with php sql databases is going well and I want to integrate a forum into it now. I have looked about and toyed with phpbb forums but I then decided to look on most the forums I use to see what they use, and the majority use vB. Hence why I am here.

I am not very techie as I have had a lot of help building my site, but if I tell you about what I want can someone help and point me in the direction and maybe give me guidance.

So.. I want a forum that is colour customisable to go in line with my site that has the usual forum things like PM and quick reply etc.

The one thing that has sold me on vB though is vbookie! I use a few forums that have this feature and it is great., keeps me coming back.

How much £ am I looking at to get this?

I have my own hosting server running Centos5 64bit for you to know compatibly.

[Jase2]

First, you will need to buy a vBulletin license. Either leased, or owned.

vBulletin (Owned License)
The owned vBulletin Forum license allows you to run the software on your site indefinitely. Along with this license, you will receive one year of free updates. Beyond the first year, you will have to pay a nominal fee, currently $30, to obtain updates for an additional year.

This license includes free support via email and on the community forum. Phone Support is not included in the license price but may be purchased for an additional cost either at the time of initial purchase, or afterwards through the Members'

vBulletin (Leased License)
The leased vBulletin Forum license allows you to use the software on your site for 1 year and gives you access to products updates for that year. After 1 year, you must renew your license or remove the software from your site.

This license includes free support via email and on the community forum. Phone Support is not included in the license price but may be purchased for an additional cost either at the time of initial purchase, or afterwards through the members' area.

vBookie is a free hack here, you can download and install it for free. All the hacks/mods here are free, just click the 'MODS' tab at the top and you will see them all.

For your design, you will need to hire a designer. Alternatively, you can post in the "Request for Paid Services" forum, as there are designers here.

Finally, you need to decide which version you want. The latest and supported version is 3.6.8 patch level 2 -- which is what this site is using. Or, you can install vB 3.7.0 Release Candidate 1. I would recommend 3.6.8 -- but you can install 3.7.0 if you wish -- as it is very stable.

Regards Jason

[Gimmick]

Thanks for the reply

Is there not styles that come with it that I can adjust or is it difficult?

If I buy a license and get the vbookie, is there any help available to get the forum up and online? I have a php guy I use but dont want to bog him down with too much etc.

Ive decided vB with vbookie is the way I am going, its just executing it now the best and cheapest way, as I am not making any money from this etc.

[bobster65]

Originally Posted by Gimmick

Thanks for the reply

Is there not styles that come with it that I can adjust or is it difficult?

If I buy a license and get the vbookie, is there any help available to get the forum up and online? I have a php guy I use but dont want to bog him down with too much etc.

Ive decided vB with vbookie is the way I am going, its just executing it now the best and cheapest way, as I am not making any money from this etc.

vbulletin comes with a default style and you can adjust the colors/images yourself fairly easy. There are also many FREE styles that are easy to upload/install which can also be changed up to match your site fairly easy.

There are options for paid services through both vbulletin.com (they can install the base software for you) and there is a paid services area here that you can also requests services for things to be installed/created for you.

[SEOvB]

Originally Posted by Gimmick

Thanks for the reply

Is there not styles that come with it that I can adjust or is it difficult?

One of the best things about vBulletin, all you need to know is color codes to do basic style editing to suit your needs.

If I buy a license and get the vbookie, is there any help available to get the forum up and online? I have a php guy I use but dont want to bog him down with too much etc.

The install process is fairly simple for even the newest web guy. Not much knowledge is needed for it, and if you have any problems with vBookie, you can ask for support in the authors thread and you'll usually get some support there as well for any problems.

[Gimmick]

Yeah I have jst got a tutorial ebook on setting up a vbulletin forum and im going to give that a read... but thanks for the replies everyone, I will be going this route, first is last for me, and this is what I need

[Jase2]

Good luck and welcome to the vB.org community -- home of the best hacks & mods!

Regards Jason

[Opserty]

Information regarding the installation of vBulletin can also be found in the online manual. Installing vBulletin. There is also sections on customising the styles, Styles & Templates, to give you an idea of what you might expect to see should you purchase vBulletin.

[Gimmick]

anyway guys I took the plunge and have purchased, I am going to have a go today and getting the basic shell of a forum online and the vbookie feature. Then I can work on skins etc to suit my needs.

Look forwad to getting to know some of you....

[Marco van Herwaarden]

Gimmick,

Congratulations on your new purchase. Please see the following on how to setup your account as licensed to get full access to our site:

To be able to download modifications and/or receive support here at vBulletin.org, we ask you to please click here (vB-Germany users click here, vB-Chinese users click here) and enter your email address. You will need to use your customer number and password (which will be in the email you got when you paid for your license) to access that page. Please note that your email is case sensitive.

To protect our customers privacy you will also need to Opt-In to license validation for all Support Sites. You must authorise vBulletin.org in order to validate your license status here. You can do this at the page linked above for your distributor. Make sure to set the permission to allow vBulletin.org to validate your status.

The update of your account can take up to one hour.

Thank you.