I've been using vBulletin for a little now, but have been really put off by the price, and support staff. Hence it was my thought to write my own forums software. Now that I've started looking into and and started a little coding, it seems more and more achievable. Now I'm considering writing a software package to rival vBulletion Forums (not suite yet, one step at a time). I've got a name ready, I've got a few features selected which don't yet exist in any other forum packages, and I'm moving on with the coding. I'm starting simple, I'm realistic, I don't expect to compete with the big dogs over night, but in due time. What I really want to know is... What to you are the most important features of forum packages? What features are missing from most popular forum packages that you would like? What other ideas/comments do you have? I'm open to all constructive comment and criticism.
Some people would beg to differ Suggestions: SEO Friendly URLs by default. Quoting with mass quoting included. Quick reply by default. AJAX Edit system, with an 'advanced edit' feature. A good looking default style. A thread social bookmarking system (submission of forum topics to digg, twitter, stumbleupon etc.) Allow users to search through other user's posts. Sticky, Announcements and Global Announcements. Just some basic ones id use
If u are talking about forums i think its time to let a forum be a forum nowadays forums are becoming more like a social networking script..Simplicity matters too