As a real 'newbie' to all things 'Forum' I have a couple of observations I would like to make...
As a non-techie potential 'user' I don't really mind what drives the programme, be it Perl or PHP. I would also ideally like it to work with the minimum of configuration, and look drop dead gorgeous 'Out of the Box' (Figuratively speaking of course)
W3T has some really neat and useful features, and from browsing this forum, some really good support and loyal and dedicated users. The licensing is also suitable for my needs.
In comparison vBulletin seems to lack some of the nice features present in W3T, and the Licensing isn't quite as friendly as I would like. I also *tend* to like the idea of PHP3, but where VBulletin REALLY blows me away is that it LOOKS so darn good when you play with the demo site! I just KNOW that my customers will love it, even though it may not have all the nice features of W3T.
I have checked as many sites as I can using each programme, and ALL the VBulletin sites LOOK GOOD.
I hate to say it, but the W3T sites look, well, not as 'sexy', - DOSy even. Why doesn't YOUR demo site, by default, look gorgeous? Even some of the 'customised' sites don't do your programme any favours. Others are quite interesting and lively, yet they still lack the 'finish and polish' of the vBulletin demo site.
Why do you do this? W3T has everything I want, except the gorgeous interface that I need to impress my clients.
You have put Rolls Royce quality and engineering, satnav, minibar, leather seats and CD quad surround sound into a Ford Prefect bodyshell!
My clients only see the bodyshell and a competent piece of engineering that they can use. I don't have the time or patience to build a Rolls Royce bodyshell around your chassis and engine. If my customer wants a pink RR, then I'll paint it pink, but that's all...
BUT, I still want the satnav and minibar, leather seats etc.
Having worked hard to hook my clients with the Bodyshell, I want to delight and suprise them with all the 'hidden' extras. That way they'll stay with me...
As you can guess, I like the features of W3T, but the front end lets you down. This is the major reason for my serious consideration of vBulletin.
If you could marry the quality look of vBulletin with your Rolls Royce engine, then you wouldn't have any real opposition...
Any plans in this direction?
