problems or solutions?
 

looking down this thread list, i see endless threads of complaints from "the sky is falling" to "where is the bathroom?". a very large percentage of the users here are license holders. some are just getting started, and some have been running forums for a very long time. the powers that be at vBulletin are doing one of two things here. they are either a) running their business into the ground, or b) raising the bar for forum software users by taking advantage of a valuable resource.... experienced forum owners and developers.

in its current state, vB5.0 is laying around in boxes. we can see where they want to go with it, but choose to gripe about how much it costs for the state its in, or all this stuff doesnt work...and that another software developer would never insult our hard work by selling a forum "kit" that is supposed to replace our years of hard work and dedication with that which would destroy it all. continuing to do so would add months of development time to the gold release...and people will still *****. bearing in mind that the competitors can and are likely reading all the comments posted here, the few programmers assigned to this project are busy running around telling people where the light switches are...instead of fixing the real problems that keep vB5.0 from becoming a viable product.

we have an opportunity here to help create cutting edge software for internet based communities. each of you have talents that have kept you in the forum game...not only as participant, but in many cases leaders in your genre's. whether you own one or twenty-one licenses, you have developed your interest/hobby/livelihood to a level few can match. why not put that knowledge to work? instead of using a product someone is shoving down our throats, why not assist in the final assembly? you look at something and see clearly its messed up...why not suggest a solution based on your experience, instead of railing on about how vB ruined your day because of this issue? the result would be a better, faster, more efficient software that contains a piece of your knowledge and experience other software developers cannot equal.

many of you have heard the adage "how do you eat an elephant?". of course the answer is "one bite at a time". lets fix this thing, and get it out there for all to see...and be envious about...shall we?

if you are experiencing a problem, by all means identify it. just spare us all the existential prose and claims of deceit and backstabbing. if you see something you may have a solution for...be forthcoming with that as well. likewise, cut to the chase and explain your resolution for the problem. by doing things in this manner, we'll save hours and hours of time between now and the time when vB5.0 can be released as a usable live product.