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plus their extensive hack and modifications database and flexibilityI've used VBulletin2 and GForum and as far as flexibility is concerned I'm not sure why you'd say VBulletin is more flexible. I find the GT template system far easier to use than VB's. The coolest part about VB's template system is the ability to search for text within templates so you can find things more easily but I think that's only available because the VB templates are stored in MySQL whereas GForum's aren't.
As for hacks and modifications, I'd also say that GForum competes well. New globals and modifications are posted almost on a daily basis. I think what GT should do is perhaps have a read/reply only forum for globals and hacks so they can be easily found and searched for.
Does VBulletin have a plugin system?
VBulletin feature list:
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Blisteringly fast MySQL based backend databaseGForum has.
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Completely database driven - everything comes from the database. No more fiddling around with file permissions or worrying about security of the files.GForum installer sets all permissions and the admin panel handles everything including template modifications. Being totally database driven can be a limitation as well as a feature.
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Scalable solution - database server and web servers can reside on separate machines. You can even run the database on a Unix machine and the web server of a Windows machine if you want.Same with GForum.
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Every aspect of the interface can be edited with the comprehensive templates systemDitto.
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Importation facility makes it easy to seamlessly upgrade from other bulletin board systems, including Infopop's Ultimate Bulletin Board, UBBThreads, OpenTopic, ezboard, and IkonboardGForum has import scripts as well as an upgrader for new versions of GForum (as well as a windows installer).
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Powerful database-driven search engineDitto, plus the search highlighting plugin :)
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Unlimited Forums / Messages / CategoriesDitto again.
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Powerful administrative functionality. Posts can be edited/deleted/moved/locked with one click!GForum's admin panel has features I've not seen with VBulletin such as action editing etc.
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Moderation queues on posting and registration - check new posts before they become publicly viewable and new registrants before they can post.This is perhaps something Jason will add in version 2 although I'm just guessing.
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User email notification of answered postsDitto, plus watched threads and archives.
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Support for smilies, vB Code or HTML in messages (admin configurable)Same but I consider GT's markup system to be more powerful.
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Templates - Administrators can edit the design of their board by using the comprehensive templates system.Same.
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User profiles (editable by user)Same.
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Unlimited number of moderators per forumSame.
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Confirm user's email address during registration.Same.
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Easy to back up - just download one text file and you have a complete image of your forum.GForum makes backups.
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User groups - give select moderators/users admin powersGForum has user groups.
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Private forumsSame.
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Word censor facilityMy swear filter plugin does this :)
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Ban users based on IP address or email addressGForum does this plus attachment filtering for post/message attachments.
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Integrated private messagingThis too and my pm filter plugin lets you ignore certain users :)
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Posts since last visit are marked so you can tell at a glance whether there have been new posts in a particular forumGForum does this obviously.
Then you also have tools such as Fileman and MySQLMan that you can access from your admin panel, plus the long awaited community :)
I just think GForum is a much more integrated solution. Who knows what goodies Jason has planned for V2.
Also remember that VBulletin has been around for much longer thn GForum.
