Vbulletin vs PHPBB

[Johnn]

What is your take on these two: VBulletin vs PhPBB
I found this comparison chart but want to know your feedback if you use PhpBB
http://www.forummatrix.org/compare/phpBB+vBulletin

[amplify]

I've used PHPBB in the past and the human verification systems were too easy to crack with programs like XRumer adding profile links/spam posts/signature spam compared to using vBulletin. I don't know if PHPBB has changed since, but they say the new version of XRumer can crack even user questions as well as Captcha, however I see forums using vBulletin and they are targetted less for spam than PHPBB forums.

In my opinion, for moderation purposes and a professional forum-- vBulletin all the way.

[rngrdanny22]

I too have used phpBB with poor results. Tons of SPAM almost instantly (within an hour of creating the site).

vBulletin has FAR more options to get the site the way you want it.

[stock_post]

The only experience I have is running a PHPBB form.

I has to close the forum as I could not control the spam.

[Mark Talbot]

PHPBB isnt bad, if you dont mind new versions every three or four years.

But my flavor is in vB all the way.

[radioz]

While not exactly what was asked here, Simple Machines (SMF) forum is quite good. I built a few (generally unused) forums using their free software. If you integrate all of the SPAM prevention add ons, you won't get SPAM. Don't do that and you'll have a farm of putrid crap fast! Maybe that is the same for PHPBB too. For most forums, I would think that SMF is an excellent choice IF you finish the build and don't just use it as it comes out of the box (if you will).

Few forums are going to become what DNF is today. It is very, very hard to get a new forum going. Someone else is likely doing your niche now and they have become the main forum for that niche. Even if your site is arguably better and has a better domain name too, habits have already been developed. Their friends and kindred spirits go to the original forum; not yours. I have a truly unused forum page on a site with a great niche .com name that does get traffic. The forum that is actually used is on a somewhat lesser name and you have to go through a mostly non-functional front page to get to it but they win hands down and more! They actually do use an old version of PHPBB for a forum that is only a bit smaller than this one use wise, for what that is worth.

I'd think very hard about spending much to start a new forum. If yours does work, it doesn't seem to be too difficult to move to another software system such as vB from another platform although I have no knowledge of that other than reading posts and articles. I'd use free software till it does at least!

[Mark Talbot]

Lotta good code and add-ons for both.

My only bias is this, between them:

1 - vB gets an update every few weeks. vB is owned by a very large corporation. vB has excellent spam control.
2 - phpBB gets an update every three or so years. phpBB is open source community driven code. phpBB is known to be a spammer paradise.

So,.. whaddya want? A buggy barely supported spammy freebie?.... or something else that might cost you some benji's up front, but leave you well supported?

For me this is easy.

[AmazingWins]

Have you ever thought of using Invision Power? I've never had VB, but Invision Power Boards have lots of great features. I do like the way VB looks a little better, but I've heard IPB has more features/functions. After using IPB, I wouldn't doubt it. I have no opinion on the PHPBB at all.

[radioz]

The important things is to use every SPAM option that is available! I have two forums up at AntiqueRadio.NET and Transistorized.COM. Both are completely unused despite a fair bit of 'curiosity' traffic. Neither has any SPAM though to the best of my knowledge. I did put up a couple of other forums without the SPAM modules. Both became clogged with hundreds of junk (and much worse) posts. The good news is that the SPAM protection, at least for SMF, works well! I would also say that SMF seems to have more updates that phpBB must if 2-3 years is accurate. SMF seems to have a lot more graphic control and many more base 'skins' than phpBB seems to have.

Again, it is highly unlikely that people will flock to your forum. If you are rich, go ahead and buy vB. No one is arguing that it is a good system. If you aren't rich (or are and want to stay that way), go for one of these decent free forums at least until your forum is used significantly.

For reference, the phpBB forum that I mentioned previously is at AntiqueRadios.com. It is a high volume forum that seems to work quite well, to be fair. Like DNF, they have been up for many years. I doubt that any new forum will put a noticeable dent in either of these forums which are well established for their respective communities.

[draggar]

While not exactly what was asked here, Simple Machines (SMF) forum is quite good. I built a few (generally unused) forums using their free software. If you integrate all of the SPAM prevention add ons, you won't get SPAM. Don't do that and you'll have a farm of putrid crap fast! Maybe that is the same for PHPBB too. For most forums, I would think that SMF is an excellent choice IF you finish the build and don't just use it as it comes out of the box (if you will).

I can second SMF. I've been using it exclusively and it is great on all ends.

Also, what plugins do you use? I've installed a few but I'm still getting bot signups. I have notCaptcha (rotate pictures) up and running.

[dcristo]

It's like comparing apples with oranges, one is free and one is paid. If the forum is just an add on to your main site and not that important then phpBB will certainly get the job done. It's important to realize that you can migrate phpBB to vB if you ever needed to so you won't lose all the posts/members etc.

[radioz]

The SMF SPAM packages that I am using are these:

Stop Spammer 2.3.9

Project Honey Pot MOD - Identify spammers and the spambots

httpBL 2.5.1 (related to Project Honey Pot)

There are 20 more, it would seem checking the SimpleMachines.ORG website. These may not be absolutely upto date but they seem to work well. Installing the Project Honey Pot system takes a bit of work but it is worth it for ANY interactive site, not just forums or SMF!

[draggar]

TY - I'll look into them this weekend. Hopfully it'll stop spam signups.

[rngrdanny22]

I can second SMF. I've been using it exclusively and it is great on all ends.

Also, what plugins do you use? I've installed a few but I'm still getting bot signups. I have notCaptcha (rotate pictures) up and running.

Have you considered setting up a registration question? Make it something that fans of your niche will know, but difficult for a computer to figure out. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a couple different questions that rotate.

[radioz]

Have you considered setting up a registration question? Make it something that fans of your niche will know, but difficult for a computer to figure out. Also, it wouldn't hurt to have a couple different questions that rotate.

Probably a very good idea!