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Creating Forum Software will be a big mistake
Yes, but is it such a mistake to build on top of an existing one? No...
VBulletin 4. Its BULLETPROOF
Need proof else GTFO. I hate this attitude with a passion. It sounds stupid. Why do you think lots of vB users jumped ship after Internet Brands ttook the software over from Jelsoft? Just because a software costs a pretty penny does not mean it is better. I've already lost count of the numerous times me and my online buddies tell people this.
If paid software is "perfect", why do free alternatives even exist?
You will regret hand writing a forum when a proven one exists for years.
I did it once, than the particular programmer who did it, got very upset with me.
Even though it is a great learning experience, it usually is a total waste of time. And vastly overwhelming. I've tried it. Twice. And both times, I felt overwhelmed. Buried in a sea of code. Leads to burnout. Horrible feeling.