Best time to get vBulletin?

[user-7256]

Hey,

I have enough money to buy vB but I want to know the best time to invest in it.


The best time, IMO, would be when they release their last update for about 2 years (cause you only get 1 year of free updates and support), and when I get traffic? Or would it be easier to incentivize members with vB instead of something free like SMF?

Does an empty SMF board look better than an empty vB board?

Thanks again,
_matt_

 

[webfreak]

The best time, IMO, would be when they release their last update for about 2 years (cause you only get 1 year of free updates and support), and when I get traffic? Or would it be easier to incentivize members with vB instead of something free like SMF?

That's not going to happen. vBulletin constantly releases updates, as they have the resources to do it and are expected to do it by their customers. Since you have the funds, buy it now. You can't go wrong.

 

[Brian]

I would say right now is the best time, 3.5 is still fairly new, new plug-ins/extentions getting coded for it all the time right now.

As well even after the year you will still have access to vb.org and all the mods there. And to renew access to members are is only $30 which you can pay when the next major release happens, thats what I did for 2 of my licences.

 

[maroulis]

3.5.3 was just released a couple of days ago.. i suggest you buy the "own" licence for $160 then you get free downloads for 1 year.. after that you can just extend your subscription by paying $30 for one more year which is ($2.50 a month)

 

[Vorty]

Does an empty SMF board look better than an empty vB board?

No, vBulletin is the best forum software. No doubt about it!

 

[Maverick]

The hacks are being pumped out now since vBulletin's 3.5.0 series has been out for a few months now. I'd invest in it now. You just can't go wrong with a vBulletin license.

 

[user-7256]

Hm, thanks everyone for the advice, I've left rep.

I'm just thinking, should I wait until the point - or the day - when I'm ready to develop a site (e.g. CodeBoards.com I think is where I'd put it) - so that I get the latest version and the most recent updates for that year?

Or do it now when I can afford it but it wouldn't be as new....

 

[webfreak]

If they keep up with their current "rate", you'll always see new vBulletin versions released. Even when you lose ability to download newer versions, you'll get the patches that you need to make your board secure.

 

[user-7256]

Alright, so I'll get it now then, I guess...

Thanks for all your input!

 

[webfreak]

Alright, so I'll get it now then, I guess...

Thanks for all your input!

Be sure to choose the owned license!!!

 

[jeter4982]

Well I think it depends on how much work you want to put into it right away. If you plan on promoting the site a lot, and have a lot of activity in the beginning I say buy it now, and customize it however you want. This way the members will see a nice looking, easy to use vBulletin forum, and post right away. However, if you think it might be a slower start then you could start with SMF, and as activity picks up, convert to vBulletin. There are always going to be new updates, but 3.5 is going to be the standard for awhile IMO, so you are safe to buy it now, if you think activity will be strong right away.

Tom

 

[Morph]

i have 2 vb licences. . the forum software might be a little more powerful than SMF/PHPbb etc. . but all in all it is a statement . .do you want to make the "professional" statement to your members or the "free forum" statement ?

 

[user-7256]

Well, professional I guess.

I'll be getting vB tomorrow or the next day then

 

[Morph]

I advise asking on the forum before. . might get it a little cheaper

 

[user-7256]

Wait, what do you mean?

 

[webfreak]

Wait, what do you mean?

He means that someone may have an extra vBulletin license that they don't need and are willing to offer someone a deal on it.

Be careful with purchasing licenses. Make sure vB approves the transfer.

 

[Morph]

I notice chris usually makes an appearance in those threads and gets them verified for you.

 

[user-7256]

Oooo.... thanks.

-Matt