How difficult is it to get vBulletin 4 going for a first timer?

[Kevin2]

I took a spin in the demo & I wasn't impressed at all. The demo doesn't really function properly oR if it is functioning properly IT surely isn't very impressive. I am hoping that actually setting up an actual site has to be far more simple and intuitive, no?

I've got 3 other web sites, and they have been pretty easy WITH some help from the support team. Does vBulletin really help out OR am I just completely dependent on the forums for help?

Kevin

[Riasat]

setting up a new installation of vB is pretty easy.

if you get stuck anywhere, you can always open a support ticket and ask help directly from support team.

[Abomination]

30 days of ticket support come with the forums only, suite has ticket support forever. Phone support is available for a price.

[hitmancode47]

vBulletin will help out, but only on the core product, any mods are unsupported (Usually the developers of those mods provide support)

[chobo]

i've been dependent on the forums for help -btu have always found the answers on vb.com and vb.org

[is_it_me]

I guess the answer is that it depends what you want to do with it.

My only experience with websites was launching one April 2009 using a basic vb3 install with default style, I went live with vb4.02 on the 1st March this year and I am fairly happy with what I've done with it so far, keeping things fairly basic.

I've learnt stuff that I've not yet used on the live site and I continue to learn new stuff as I go along*, but I've found the learning curve fairly painless for a basic local what's on site that's expanding into the eating-out sector - see link in signature.

* Only found the 'Switch Editor Mode' function tonight! Facepalm @ self - lol.

[Kevin2]

I'm just about ready to dive...

[Abomination]

If you are still unsure if you should buy vb, do what I do. Use google to research things. Try googling vb4 and see what comes up. I do that with all my car purchases too, and not just rely on Toyota's company website for information.

[Zachery]

I took a spin in the demo & I wasn't impressed at all. The demo doesn't really function properly oR if it is functioning properly IT surely isn't very impressive. I am hoping that actually setting up an actual site has to be far more simple and intuitive, no?

I've got 3 other web sites, and they have been pretty easy WITH some help from the support team. Does vBulletin really help out OR am I just completely dependent on the forums for help?

Kevin

What was wrong with the demo, or at least what did you percieve as wrong? I can only help if I know more.

As far as Installing the software the hardest thing is likely editing the configuration file and uploading the files. After that its more or less point and click in the admincp + some planning.