[Senkusha]

I've been attempting to expand the site, searching for new members to replace the ones that have migrated away onto other hobbies.  Lately, I've been reviewing various tactics for attracting new members, and one thing I keep running into is using outdated software makes people less likely to become involved with your site.  I've noticed a number of web forums that I visit use XenForo as their forum software of choice.  I like it as well.  It's clean, modern, and customizable.  But, it's also expensive!

$195 for the base license.  Plus the other miscellaneous additional fees for the expansions.  Literally nothing is free with that software, but it must be outstanding, because so many people are using it.  The problem I have is that I can't justify spending money on something that doesn't have a foreseeable payoff.  In this case, meaning if I take the plunge and buy XenForo, I'm out at least $250 for the year.  If I only get one active member, I'll consider it worth it,  however, if nothing changes, and I'm still basically shouting in to the Void.  Although, I'll have a pretty forum to look at.  I haven't even included the cost of the skins that would go into making the site unique!

Beyond just having a fresh new interface, we would gain one major advantage over the current SMF software, and that is multiple account access.  Or should I say sub-accounts.  This would be a wonderful add-on because we are a role playing website, and this way, people could post more in-character.  But, that add on is like $35 per year.  I suppose I could try to make my own version of that with what I've got, but if I don't have any other active members, should I even bother?