bestbbs?

[Bigjohn]

Ok, sorry for dropping my 2cents...

but this BBS software is just about the HARDEST to use of any set of forums that I've ever visited. And I've been using forums / bbs since modems were 300baud...

John

[weblamer2]

People still use the word BBS?

I dont have any problems with this forum... Perhaps some ANSI graphics would help? <G>

I used to run WWIV bbs software long ago.. that was great stuff.

[BlobFisk]

I couldn't disagree with you more BigJohn. I find BestBBS to be one of the most comprehensively developed forum interfaces around, with very quick response rates and a high usability index.

I especially find the new post in thread flads and recent posts features invaluable, combined with the likes of Stickymail and flags that show which threads I'm posted in and I think that BestBBS is the most feature rich BBS system around.

[Timotheos]

I gotta disagree with you to Bigjohn.

What sort of problems are you having?

[Brett_Tabke]

BestBBS is the major reason for our outstanding success here. It is 100% custom written. It is based on CNet128/CNet64.

Compliments out weight complaints about the software by atleast 1k to 1.

What sort of problems are you referring too?

[phaze]

Funny, I found this thread when looking for the projected release date of the commercial version of BestBBS. Any hints Brett? What does it run on? We run mod_perl and mysql, so that would be ideal, but I'm sure we can adapt.

If you need any beta testers, definitelly let me know.

Mark M.

[Brett_Tabke]

funny thing happened during the members conference. We'd had several questions about 'when can I buy a copy of BestBBS' in a row. Then a guy suggested that the conference should have a bulletin board. I proceed to say a private forum would be no problem. It took a few seconds and it finally hit me that the gentleman was talking about an actual cork bulletin board that you put on the wall. Too funny.

[lawman]

We could tell when it hit you and it took more than a FEW seconds. Too funny. :)

[limbo]

LOL - Makes me laugh when the 'real world' comes down with a bump.

I would be one of many who would be very tempted with BestBBS software. I have ideas for a forum but I have found nothing like this out there.

Could you give any indication of BestBBs release date? 2005? 2010? ever?

[Bigjohn]

Hmmm... what are my 'problems'...

Difficult to 'quote' other posts without cut and paste. Much simpler on phpBB and vbulletin.

Style codes: must be input manually. Much easier done on phpBB and vbulletin.

Control panel: does not let you configure if you automatically want email notifications, so you have to click the checkbox.

Replying to topic: it only shows you the first message in thread... making it difficult to 'quote' or even ensure that you're comments are targeted properly...

Just a few 'peeves'... but to each his own, right? Not slamming the developer, I just think that there are other 'boards' out there that are much more user friendly.

[limbo]

Style codes: must be input manually. Much easier done on phpBB and vbulletin

I actually think lessening the amount of style codes makes this forum much more legible.

Presentation is everything - Good posts can look bad with too much formatting - this way the the overall style of pages does not conflict with users own ,sometimes gaudy, preferences.

Replying to topic: it only shows you the first message in thread... making it difficult to 'quote' or even ensure that you're comments are targeted properly...

I do agree with you here. I did prefer it when the page displayed all the previous messages so that I could re-read, and copy and paste text within posts without the need to have the another page open displaying the thread. Discussed at length here [webmasterworld.com]

I can't fault the control pannel. One of the things that WW does not contain is avtars and personal quotes below each post. This is a defininte positive. If you look a little closer you will find that the useability of this forum is superior in many ways to the two you quote. IMHO :)

Limbo

[Bigjohn]

Can't agree with you limbo.

I've been using AVS forum for years, and recently PHPFREAKS, DVarchive.org, and other forums. I was amazed at the 'retro' feel of this bbs, and the lack of usability features built into the interface.

not saying that I want avatars, or sigs, (although sigs are a nice feature) - but I do want to be able to control how MY message defaults are. IE - I want to be able to tell the control panel that all my posts are to email me replies.

I want easier ways to quote references, without having to open 3 browser windows to find the information and cut and paste it.

But thats just me.

John

[limbo]

I was amazed at the 'retro' feel of this bbs

That's a good thing right? ;)

[Bigjohn]

nope.

[lawman]

Nothing wrong with a little tweaking. However, I doubt people make a decision to leave or stay based on the board's proprietary software.

[Sinner_G]

I must say I also preferred the version when all messages (or at least the last 10 or so) were showed. It made a real discussion easier, while now it is more focused on answering a question. OTOH, having seen some threads go reeeeeally astray, I can understand where that came from.

And I find you get quite used to switch back and forth between the thread and your reply (easier with Opera and mouse gesture).

[Brett_Tabke]

>Could you give any indication of BestBBs release date? 2005? 2010? ever?

RSN: real soon now.

There have been so many requests for it, that it is obvious that we could do good sales the first year alone.

So, let me go out on a limb here and say, it will be released before the calendar flips 2005.

>Difficult to 'quote' other posts without cut and paste.

There are all the options you mention built in to the software, but are turned off for various reasons. I don't feel compelled to discuss that indepth, but suffice to say, they were all thourghly thought out choices.

This software is about community building - not simply posting messages, replying, or post beautification. We want the software to stay out of the members way.

Tedster says : Too many choices = no choices at all.

[limbo]

So, let me go out on a limb here and say, it will be released before the calendar flips 2005.

Can we hold you to that? :)

It must be a very exciting prospect for you.

Ta

Limbo