I have set up an IPB forum (v. 2.3.4) and I am trying to figure out how to administer it best and build it up. How can I monetize it (like adding ad blocks, etc)?. I am new to IPB and have really only touched a little bit of PHPBB before. Also does anyone know if there is an easy way to integrate wordpress with ipb? Not necessarily so that the forum sits inside the main website but so that usernames/passwords/etc go from one to the other. Thanks
You can just go to 'Look & Feel' in your ACP screen (admin section) and insert the ad block code in respective template bits. You can go to IPB support forum (ipsbeyond.com) and post your questions to get quick help. I haven't seen any proper integration for that. So I suggest NOT to go for WordPress + IPB integration.
How about Joomla + IPB? How does this extension work: http://extensions.joomla.org/component/option,com_mtree/task,viewlink/link_id,3723/Itemid,35/ I guess what I'm trying to do is make a portal wbesite that has a blog and forum that run together.
This extension looks better. But in my personal opinion, the disadvantages of using a bridge (extension) are much higher than advantages of it. Most of these bridges are run by single person. So you will be in trouble when something happens to them or if they decide suddenly to withdraw development of bridge. If all that you need is a blog and a forum combination, I think you better use IPB Blog + IPB Forum, because they are officially supported by IPB and also they will definitely update both products for compatibility.