14 replies to this topic

[smith]

I'd like to go into the forum plugin business and I have a couple of questions:

1) Does this bring any money/profit?
2) What is the best forum to develop for, which has the most users? Vbulletin?
3) Where can I find some tutorials for this???

[Chrisms]

smith said:

I'd like to go into the forum plugin business and I have a couple of questions:

1) Does this bring any money/profit?
2) What is the best forum to develop for, which has the most users? Vbulletin?
3) Where can I find some tutorials for this???

1) Sure, it can. but that depends on what you code, what sort of market there is, if you're innovative and deisgn something new and different that isn't out there for free already.
2) that one is really a toss up. Generaly, you can make cross-forum plugins/mods, but, you need to really have an intamate relationship with the code.
3) tutorials? on PHP coding? or on mod'ing forums? The former you can find really easily, the latter, i dont think exsist... the most you might find would be like, where in the forum code to put information you wish to display.

[Lop]

I'd say you were a little biased. I know that VB has a fairly large market for plugins but most of the plugins are free (called hacks).

[falco85]

I'd say that VB has the largest user database. You might want to consider making plugins for multiple forum systems though.

[John]

id say phpBB has a more users, not only is it free, it comes configured with some popular CMS's (phpnuke)

[Nightracer]

true but users using phpBB are more likely not to pay as they haven't paid for their forum software. I'd say any paid forum like VB or IPB would be your best bet.

[Frantic]

phpBB would have the most users but I'm unsure how many people using phpBB would be willing to pay for an addon.

Maybe you should just make your addons for all popular forum software.

[xtraze]

Nightracer said:

true but users using phpBB are more likely not to pay as they haven't paid for their forum software. I'd say any paid forum like VB or IPB would be your best bet.

I agree with you guys and recommend to make plugins for different Forums and let phpBB and SMF users use it for free as to get visitors and let people know of this. And make it a paid version for IPB and vB as these users can buy plugins if it's really worth. Target people, Put surveys on your website, Know what is needed, And act according to it.

[Magnus]

Yeah, nightracer is right. Most of the people that installs something for free, which has a slight better paid equalent, wouldnt pay for a plugin. vB on the other hand, is aimed at people with money and which would pay a smaller sum to know that they're getting something that works.

[xtraze]

Just one more thing mate,
If you are really on to this business, don't make it cost much and try to increase the sales and try to save it from cracks and stuff.

Less Price = More Sales
More Sales = More Profit.

Integrate some login system so the script logs in to your server and your server recognizes it as a legal version and let it work. And make security measures.

Something like that may help you.