So I just found out to go from vBulletin 3.8.4 to 3.8.7 I have to pay them $175, while I could switch to you for $140 it seems. I don't how labor intensive the switch would be. Basically I need to switch salsaforums.com, pick a free skin, add a logo, and run the importer. Could a good developer do this in 1-2 hours?
How likely would I be in the same situation with xenforo where I have to pay $175 just for a security/maintenance update?
Is the transition pretty easy where moderators, admin and users won't be too confused? Or do I need to plan on working a lot with the settings to get everything right?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Greetings,
First let's talk price. Don't worry, as you've noticed this is a good thing.... XenForo is much more affordable at $140 for a lifetime license. From there it is only $40 per year to continue to get update (1st year is already included). This helps support the project, but also encourages the developers to keep XenForo customers happy (unlike with vBulletin who once they had your money, that was about it). But you're not required to renew and can keep the software forever.
Free? Sound good. While we do have a collection of wide range and well-developed modification at cost, the bulk of all modification, skins, templates, add-ons, and other 3rd party products are free. You need only check out the Resources to confirm what I say is true.
Porting over is a fairly easy process. I would say though that the speed of it all does vary with what kind of server you have, how many post, members, attachments, ect.... This is true with any port over into any software.
Customer service here is very quick and friendly, but is is the community which is always eager to help out (myself included).
If you're worried about poring over yourself... XenForo does offer a service and as dp other members here. Some members, such as myself, will do it for free when time allows.
VERY user-friendly and your members will love it. My community has moved from phpBB, vBulletin, IPB, and XenForo. They seem to like the XenForo the best and honestly, so do I. We currently have almost 300 customizations on a shared host (Resell Account), with over 100,000 post, and the site is still fast (see for yourself, htp://
www.SociallyUncensored.eu/forums )
Which brings me to another good point... XenForo uses very little resources. Making it another affordable options as your hosting requirements should be less (typically) and thus saving you long-term. But more importantly, it makes for a fast and easy loading experince for your members.
If you have any other questions.... Please feel free to ask.