Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I would like to introduce a new forum software package that I have been working on.

It's an open source forum that I have been developing for about a year now. I am getting very close to the final stages of development. A few features need to be finished in the admin section but the overall front end is finished.

The goal of this software is to offer a free and open source forum, but with the features of a commercial package.

I would like some critique on the features. I have done as much testing as I can but there is loads more testing that needs to be done, which includes the moderator features.

I will be adding a new template soon, so critique on the design is not needed although you can express your opinions on it if you wish.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing some of your thoughts.

http://www.asimpleforum.co.uk

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Hi Doddsey,

I really like the idea of an open source forum! I assume it will be free for all those that want to install it?  One thing I did notice is every time I clicked on a topic link it sent me to an error page.  What types of features / add-ons do you think people will be coding for your forum?  How hard will it be to install and what will it be compatible with?  How much interest have you seen in the project so far?  How do you expect to compete with places like vbullitien?  

Very cool idea but it seems like just the bare bones so far.  What took you a year to develop?  Also you should make it really easy to insert affiliate codes and custom HTML.

 

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Alot of time was spent in the first few months of the project. It was rewritten a few times and I have been improving the core code since then.

Alot of the more advanced features are only available to those who have moderator privilages.

 

It will be free for everyone to install, and the code is visible at the github repo.(https://github.com/doddsey65/A-Simple-Forum)

I have coded my own template system which is unique to A Simple Forum. This gives users who want to change the core code the ability to do so very easily. Users can use custom html tags and parameters to include anything from a sidebar to user information.

To be honest there hasnt been alot of interest with the project thus far, but Im hoping that will change soon. There has been no advertising and I have just started to spread the word via twitter and facebook within the last couple of months.

The main difference between A Simple Forum and something like vBullitin is that A Simple Forum is new. I know that isn't enough to compete but I offer alot more features than other forums and plan to add a load more.

 

If you wish to delve deaper into the workings of A Simple Forum then you can register for an account. New accounts are added to the BETA Tester group which has some moderator privilages which you can test out.

 

Thanks

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