Invisionfree

[Shane2005 0]

What do you guys think to InvisionFree's services? Do you think that they are any good or do you think that they could do better?Comments please...

[pyost 0]

Out there, on the internet, you can find numerous services offering free forums. However, InvisionFree is on of the few offering IPB (if not the only one). That's why they are better than the rest.On the other hand, since it's FREE, you don't get an up-to-date version of IPB, but rahter version 1.3 (which I believe is the last free version). As we all know, until 2.0, IPB had some major flaws, and that's the only reason why this service isn't perfect - but it's still better than the ones offering phpBB

[SP Rao 0]

Out there, on the internet, you can find numerous services offering free forums. However, InvisionFree is on of the few offering IPB (if not the only one). That's why they are better than the rest.
On the other hand, since it's FREE, you don't get an up-to-date version of IPB, but rahter version 1.3 (which I believe is the last free version). As we all know, until 2.0, IPB had some major flaws, and that's the only reason why this service isn't perfect - but it's still better than the ones offering phpBB

Well, I'd used invisionfree some time back for hosting a roleplaying game along with another member and my friend Vyoma here. I found their services pretty good. All your basic neds are covered. Neat interface, good enough admin controls. You have all the basic controls you wish for.

We had a good time there. If you tell me the need, I might be able to answer your question in a better way. Everything has its own flaw and advantages.

All in all I feel Invisionfree services are good and up to the mark one expects. (I really couldn't find better alternatives anyway!)

[Vyoma 0]

Actually SP, I did find out a few things about InvisionFree that should be noted. I know you do not know much of it, because you hardly were able to spend some time on the forums then.

 

InvisionFree has now changed its name to ZetaBoards. (Though, you can access their website using both domain names). They have been talking about upgrading to new software from IPB 1.3 but I do not see it happening. They have been saying it for almost more than an year now - and they refuse to answer the question of when the upgrade would happen. They are rather blunt about it, but you cannot blame them, because they have to tolerate a lot of immature members.

 

Another issue, that I have been reading around at their forums - but am not 100% sure about it is that they do not give a good service when you try to shift out of their servers. They charge you for it - which is ok, but it is said that their service in giving the database dump is not up to the mark. You should know that one day, your forum might be a hit (every forum has potential), and you may need to shift to dedicated servers. Think about it because being in a situation where you loose 1000s of posts and numerous members does not sound that good.

 

You can always get hosting here at Xisto (after earning the Hosting Credits, ofcourse) and then install phpBB or SMF. Later, when you shift to a paid server, you could probably affor the hefty licencing fee of vBulletin and not bother about loosing your posts/members, because there are converters for both of them in vBulletin.

[pyost 0]

They have been talking about upgrading to new software from IPB 1.3 but I do not see it happening.

And I don't see just how that could happen. All the newer versions cost somewhat less than 100 dollars, and as far as I know, you are not allowed to use it for multiple copies. If you think that way, they would have to spend 100 dollars for each member that registers! I don't see it coming any time soon...

[Vyoma 0]

I think I should have worded that properly. What they are in the process of doing is rewriting a new forum software that has all the features of IPB 1.3 and much more, and they would name the software as ZetaBoards. Yes, I am aware of the fact that, later versions of IPB requires licencing of each and every copy that runs.

[pyost 0]

I think I should have worded that properly. What they are in the process of doing is rewriting a new forum software that has all the features of IPB 1.3 and much more, and they would name the software as ZetaBoards.

Aah, that makes all the difference But do we really need another forum software? I mean, take a look at SMF. It is free, and has all the functions that IPB 1.3 does (or at least most of them). Furthermore, it is secure and updated constantly. OK, I understand if they want something unique - but the things I just mentioned might be the reason why there are no news on this ZetaBoards software.