# Suggestions on forum software

**URL:** https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/t/suggestions-on-forum-software/11555
**Category:** General
**Created:** [August 4, 2024, 2:40pm UTC](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/t/suggestions-on-forum-software/11555 "2024-08-04T14:40:45Z")
**Posts on this page:** 4
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![fred.c.johnston](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/user_avatar/forum.bootstrapstudio.io/fred.c.johnston/32/4516_2.png) [@fred.c.johnston](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/u/fred.c.johnston)
#### Post date: [August 4, 2024, 2:40pm UTC](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/t/suggestions-on-forum-software/11555/1 "2024-08-04T14:40:45Z")

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I noticed that this forum is based on Discourse, but I’m sure it’s a few years old now, and it’s always hard to change platforms after a period of time.

I’m looking to start a new forum for a new product that I would support and do q&A, and put tips and tricks on and that sort of thing.

I would also want it to be Google searchable.

What would your recommendations be if you were starting to need this type of functionality? I know there’s a hundred options out there, but I’m just wondering what your thoughts are…

I searched out discourse, and I kind of like what I see in some aspects, but there’s a lot haters out there too and so I’m not sure.

Thoughts or recommendations?

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### Author: ![martin](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/user_avatar/forum.bootstrapstudio.io/martin/32/3_2.png) [@martin](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/u/martin)
#### Post date: [August 7, 2024, 12:33pm UTC](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/t/suggestions-on-forum-software/11555/2 "2024-08-07T12:33:10Z")

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I think that Discourse is the most popular forum system currently, and it sees frequent updates even though the design can seem a bit dated (there are themes that can freshen it up though). Self hosting it can be difficult as you need to be comfortable with Linux, but they offer a hosted version as well. Overall I am happy with and don’t think we can switch to a better platform for Bootstrap Studio’s forum.

There has been a movement away from forums and towards Discord servers, Facebook groups and GitHub discussions, so a forum may not be the best approach for every community.

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### Author: ![printninja](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/user_avatar/forum.bootstrapstudio.io/printninja/32/481_2.png) [@printninja](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/u/printninja)
#### Post date: [August 7, 2024, 9:45pm UTC](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/t/suggestions-on-forum-software/11555/3 "2024-08-07T21:45:56Z")

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I love the BSS Discourse forum! It’s perfect.

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### Author: ![catkin](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/user_avatar/forum.bootstrapstudio.io/catkin/32/4993_2.png) [@catkin](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/u/catkin)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2024, 5:25pm UTC](https://forum.bootstrapstudio.io/t/suggestions-on-forum-software/11555/4 "2024-10-19T17:25:15Z")

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Hi Fred,

I recently bought some software called Simple Forum (What a name, huh?) its actually very sophisticated!

Its a one off purchase of $39, it is updated very regularly, comes with just the features you are looking for and looks spectacular!

You can [buy it on Code Canyon](https://codecanyon.net/item/simple-forum-responsive-bulletin-board/13289844), [or visit the developers website here](https://tecdiary.net/products/simple-forum-responsive-bulletin-board) to see all the features and read about it.

**The images on the store page and developers website are old** [you can see the latest version in this demo here](https://forum.tec.sh/).
