my two cents on why smf is the best free forum software.

[bearstreet]

Hi everyone here
first of all, thanks to smf team and the people behind this great software and all the community members here.

The reason I am writing this because I have had it with Mybb forum software.
No, I am not saying that mybb is not a good software, but the community behind mybb is just not worth it for anyone to try their software.

Here at this forum, when ever I have posted any problem, some one has always pointed out some solution, even if not full solution, at least gave the resource where I could find the solution.
I was planning to use mybb because of its vbulletin like look and features, but smf community is the reason that I would recommend anyone who wants to build a forum using a free software, to go with smf.

there are lots of websites which let you know about pros and cons of each forum software, but let me tell you,

If you want to use a free forum software, go with smf, because of their fabulous community support and once again,
thanks to the team behind this software and the community that supports it

[TrickyRicky]

Iv got to agree with you there its by far the best

[NanoSector]

Thank you for the kind words, I'm glad you like our services and, most of all, our software!

[Irisado]

As a forum user, although I was a co-admin on a phpbb forum for a number of years, I would also like to pass on my thanks to the SMF team for the software that they produce.  It's easy to use, and the standard theme and layout is far superior to any other forum software I've experienced.

Keep up the good work .

[cicka]

I have to say, Smf, has a wonderful staff and very helpful community. The support being provided here far surpasses that of the other forums imho.

[Robert.]

Thanks for the kind words, glad you like using SMF

[lifeguard81]

Totaly agree with topicstarter.

It is fast, clean, wonderful mods and themes. A lot of developers, and great support.
Great job.

[kat]

Very kind words and they're appreciated!

Support isn't always quick.

We all have real lives, of course, which take precedence.

We're also in different timezones, which may make it seem like you're waiting ages for an answer.

Plus, of course, most of us are blind-drunk, which may affect some of our responses.

[/jk]

We ALWAYS try our very best, though. So, messages, such as these, kinda make it worth all the effort.

[bearstreet]

Very kind words and they're appreciated!

Support isn't always quick.

We all have real lives, of course, which take precedence.

We're also in different timezones, which may make it seem like you're waiting ages for an answer.

Plus, of course, most of us are blind-drunk, which may affect some of our responses.

[/jk]

We ALWAYS try our very best, though. So, messages, such as these, kinda make it worth all the effort.

Well, just post a question on some other free forum software support website, and in my experience, the replies that I got were like

I can do it for you if you are willing to pay for it

of course, we also appreciate the help that we get here

[cicka]

Well, just post a question on some other free forum software support website, and in my experience, the replies that I got were like

I can do it for you if you are willing to pay for it

I am curious, as to why is this a 'bad thing' or negative? Because it sounded like that. If you want other people to do things for you then you must be willing to pay for it. At least that is how it works where I live. If I want to have something done for me or want to buy something, I always assume that it will cost money.

[floridaflatlander]

Well, just post a question on some other free forum software support website, and in my experience, the replies that I got were like

I can do it for you if you are willing to pay for it

I am curious, as to why is this a 'bad thing' or negative? Because it sounded like that. If you want other people to do things for you then you must be willing to pay for it. At least that is how it works where I live. If I want to have something done for me or want to buy something, I always assume that it will cost money.

I agree but hopefully he meant "I'll tell if you are willing to pay for it"

Usually poor folks like me help by answering the easy questions, hopefully to help the big dogs spend time on more important stuff. I do hope in the future to donate to the cause, this is a great forum software.

[bearstreet]

Well, just post a question on some other free forum software support website, and in my experience, the replies that I got were like

I can do it for you if you are willing to pay for it

I am curious, as to why is this a 'bad thing' or negative? Because it sounded like that. If you want other people to do things for you then you must be willing to pay for it. At least that is how it works where I live. If I want to have something done for me or want to buy something, I always assume that it will cost money.

it is not a bad thing if I wasn't looking forward to learning how things work on my own.
I got two options then, either I get to pay the developer to make some thing for me or for a simple support question which I will be having no idea of how to do if I pay for it and get it done, because the person taking money for a custom job from me won't be revealing his trade secrets i.e. offer that mod to some one else for free or I would be in a position to do the same customization for some body if he wants to, because I was not aware of what modifications had been made to achieve the desired customization( maybe he does reveals)

or some one who has done it, reads the question  posted and answers it
http://www.simplemachines.org/community/index.php?topic=484509.0

so that even some one like me with no coding skills what so ever can learn and customize the forum as I want

Obviously, if I am looking for something that is not in smf mods site or I want a new mod, I know where to post and expect  that I need to pay for it.

and I read this too
http://www.simplemachines.org/about/whyfree.php

[metallica48423]

Just like with foods, even software is down to individual preferences, time and motivations.  Some people want to pay someone to just fix it, and others want to learn so that they can fix it.  This community I think has a bit of both, but they've mostly learned to coexist by now.

Some people just won't work for free.  That's not a bad trait (unless their work is subpar compared to the free option), it just means they feel their time is worth more.

Presentation and asking pay for basic type things is another ballgame though

[lifeguard81]

In my eyes, the biggest problem on the most supportforums is that they only put a link.

Here, they will explain every detail, and thats what i like.