02-16-2010, 08:47 AM
MyBB.
I wouldn't say I hate any of the most well known softwares. I may not be a big fan of vB because it's bloated for a forum system, but I don't hate it. I like the way IPB looks and I thought it was quite nice to use when I used the 24 hour trial, but, along with vB, I don't have any need to use paid software. SMF 1.1 has quite a bad default theme, and although you can change it, almost all the SMF forums I see use that theme, or one with some minor changes. The SMF theme looks better though. I found phpBB rather confusing to use, but it's by far the most use free forum software. I am quite fond of the really lightweight softwares like PunBB and bbPress. Not for running a large forum but if you want a relatively small one that's easy to use, they're very good. I think MyBB is a good balance though, doesn't look bad to begin with, easy to use, lots of features but not bloated, and it will always be free, even 2.0. Of course competition is always good but I think MyBB will become much more popular in time; lots of people have been converting from vB, even after just buying a 4.0 licence, so we must be doing something right.
I wouldn't say I hate any of the most well known softwares. I may not be a big fan of vB because it's bloated for a forum system, but I don't hate it. I like the way IPB looks and I thought it was quite nice to use when I used the 24 hour trial, but, along with vB, I don't have any need to use paid software. SMF 1.1 has quite a bad default theme, and although you can change it, almost all the SMF forums I see use that theme, or one with some minor changes. The SMF theme looks better though. I found phpBB rather confusing to use, but it's by far the most use free forum software. I am quite fond of the really lightweight softwares like PunBB and bbPress. Not for running a large forum but if you want a relatively small one that's easy to use, they're very good. I think MyBB is a good balance though, doesn't look bad to begin with, easy to use, lots of features but not bloated, and it will always be free, even 2.0. Of course competition is always good but I think MyBB will become much more popular in time; lots of people have been converting from vB, even after just buying a 4.0 licence, so we must be doing something right.
MyBB Support Team Lead