I'm interested to know why you've chosen to use phpBB, rather than something like MT ?

I must admit, I find the phpBB interface confusing, over-complicated and feature happy.

I'm sure it can be 'customised' to make it simpler to use, but we know that the ability to customise isn't the same as usable.

Posted by: Mac on December 18, 2002 04:39 AM

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Nice icons!

I didn’t really chose phpBB, it chose me. I’m only half joking here. When I set up the site my hosting provider made it very easy for me to use phpBB. In fact, it was already installed and ready to go. The only thing I needed to do was configure it (e.g., set up categories, change the header, alter the permissions). So, rather than suffering through a Movable Type (MT) installation and configuration, I used what was given to me. For those people that know me, this was the right choice. I do not enjoy programming, software installations, and other related activities. I took what was given to me and I ran with it. Of course, if I had unlimited resources, I might have done things differently.

I didn’t like the phpBB interface the first time I used it. So, I agree with your initial impression. However, after a short period of time, I realized that I kind of liked the interface and I actually found it reasonable to use. It isn’t nearly as simple as it should be and 90% of the features are not relevant. Still, in terms of forums, phpBB is solid. When I say “solid” I mean that a few ways. It is stable, it loads relatively quickly, and there is a good support community behind it. I like stability! Despite these comments, I am beating around the bush. We both know that the Trodo phpBB Community is not easy to use. My real answer can be found in my earlier comments in the paragraph above regarding MT versus phpBB. ;-)

Posted by: John S. Rhodes on December 18, 2002 09:01 AM

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Are you gonna give us news about the site? What's the rate of new users or items? Is it going has planned?

Don't stand there! Say something! Talk to me!!!

Posted by: Richard Lehoux on December 18, 2002 10:50 AM

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John, that's very interesting. I believe that one of the main things that holds back the use of *better* web server tools is the difficulty in setting them up and then keeping them running.

I would like to use a host where I could pay £50, and have them set up things like MT. I think they don't because of the hassle involved for them.

Posted by: Mac on December 19, 2002 02:53 PM

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Mac, http://www.vesana.com offer just such a hosting service. For peanuts, they'll pre-install your favourite blogging system for you (default is MT). Pretty good deal for as little as $3 per month. Tell them Madhu of evolt.org sent you. No, I don't get jack, except goodwill.

Posted by: MadMan on December 19, 2002 03:47 PM

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Mac, MT's license effectively prohibits a hosting company from setting the software up for you, lest they do it for free.

"You may not, without Licensor's prior written consent (a) charge for any service that uses the Software, (b) charge for copies or modified copies of the Software, or (c) charge for support services associated with the Software."

If you purchase a *commercial license* then this blurb applies: "This gives you license to (a) use one (1) installation of the Software for commercial purposes and (b) charge for support services associated with one (1) installation of the Software. "

Posted by: on December 19, 2002 06:49 PM

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Good point, anonymous. I had a friend who was selling design services with an offer to set it up under their favorite blog as sort of a promotional hook. However, because she also said she'd set up MT, she got several extremely nasty e-mails in quick succession "encouraging" her not to charge money for that. She was not aware of this requirement, but as it was irrelevant, she tried to explain that the fee was for the design and content rather than set up on a server. This was met with more carefully worded "suggestions" to cease and desist. The lesson: Don't even try.

Posted by: Lydia on December 19, 2002 09:30 PM

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Lyida, who sent these nasty emails? The MT people?

Sure, you can't charge for it, but if a hosting company does it for free to get your business, I don't see a problem with it.

Posted by: MadMan on December 20, 2002 11:50 PM

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