Alternative Forum Software

[PhilT]

With the need to do a major upgrade looming (server and software), I'm toying with the idea of moving away from phpBB.

There's quite a few alternatives out there so what I thought might be good is to get your feedback on the forums you use and what you like/dislike about the ease of use (including RS246)? If any of you are administrators on other sites, then I'm keep to hear your feedback and comparison to RS246.

Here's a few to get started:
RS246 - Simple/Basic (Maybe limited). Doesn't have the functionality of modern usage expectations. It just works. Should we just leave it as is?
Pistonheads (Homegrown?) - I'm not keen on the forum software, it's just too bland.
Cliosport (Zenforo) - I do like the layout and the fact the gallery is integrated (Although, is that really a must?)
Tyresmoke (IPS Community Suite) - Looks nice and clean.
Audisport (Zenforo) - Clean layout but I'd want to have a less busy layout.
AudiSRS (phpBB) - Not as bland as Pistonheads but it's pretty basic.

Does anyone use a site with Discourse? No native gallery, but it does seem to have been written with the future in mind. It's more conversation based with what appear to be category tags and a powerful search engine.

What do you think?

[kmpowell]

As somebody who has owned and run PHPBB forums since 1999 (not sure if I should admit it here but I was one of the founders of the TT-Forum all those years ago), the PHPBB software hasn't evolved in the same fashion as other platforms, however, it is robust and if you do a clean install without many MODs, very manageable and bug free. It does exactly what it says on the tin. 3.1 is now robust enough to switch which will bring in responsive and negate the need for shitty tapatalk.

As an alternative, IPS has progressed hugely, and IMO is probably the best in the market right now. Little things like auto-detecting YouTube links and embedding them without the need for code, are what sets it apart.

Bottom line is, you need to do what's best for you. <beep> the masses, we don't pay for it. It's your time and energy spent keeping it running, and you're clearly a level-headed chap who knows that too much change will upset people, so you make the choice.

One thing's for sure, unless you've ever dabbled in running a forum, the work that goes on behind the scenes can never be explained or put into full context. It's a tireless process sometimes. Anybody who moans about 'change' should go somewhere else.

My opinion, Stick with PHPBB, but do a clean install of 3.1 and migrate the DB over sans any MODs. Or, Give IPS a bash.

If you do need a hand with anything, give me a shout.

[Shoppinit]

I hate clunky forums. phpbb just works and is clean and light. I don't want zippy pop-ups and annoying animated menus. Your call, but if it ain't broke...

Pistonheads forum is junk. Can't bear it.

I don't like discourse, it seems to be too oriented for mobile devices, although I suppose I'm a dinosaur for using a PC. The Infinite Flight forum is Discourse based and it irritates me the way it loads / scrolls on demand.

[PhilT]

Great feedback chaps. Very appreciated

[iduff]

KISS. I like it here, but perhaps unlike others, I do use Tapatalk on my mobiles, so would hope that functionality remains. And I echo other comments here, kudos to you @PhilT for all you do, some of us do indeed recognize the amount of work you do sight unseen.

[TomRS]

Personally i do like the offerings of IPS but as above what we have works...

But im a sucker for new things and i'd be half tempted to give IPS a bash!

[bam_bam]

My favourite forum http://www.forumophilia.com/

[PhilT]

My favourite forum http://www.forumophilia.com/

Note to self (and all)... Don't open Bam's links. Especially at work!!!

[kmpowell]

My favourite forum http://www.forumophilia.com/

#notifications

[Ian_C]

Tyresmoke (IPS Community Suite) - Looks nice and clean

The new Tyresmoke layout is doing my fucking head in!

A forum doesn't need to be that complex? Pleeeeeeeeease don't go to the same as theirs!

The beauty of this current layout is the simplicity - especially new posts and unread posts. New and unread posts remain new and unread however many times you flick between pages. And even if you flick between platforms. For example - if I view Audi SRS or S2 forum on my mobile, even if I just view one page, before moving to my PC, both forums will show zero new or unread posts. Its so annoying!

I fully appreciate not everyone views the forum using 'new / unread posts', but imo we don't want to lose these simple but extremely handy and easy to use features!

KISS.

This.

[PhilT]

Well said

[MikeFish]

My favourite forum http://www.forumophilia.com/

Note to self (and all)... Don't open Bam's links. Especially at work!!!

Stating the obvious again Phil!

[MikeFish]

I hate tapatalk and don't understand why people choose it over using their browser (maybe they have Crapple phones).
However I do occasionally use it when I want to post a photo in a thread from my mobile, but then switch straight back to browser afterwards.
Other than that I have no problem with the current software.

[W8PMC]

Unless a need to change (unsupported platforms etc.) then I like the forum as is.

[Ian_C]

SEOT