[Web4lib] phpBB Alternative

[Cloutman, David]

Hi Everyone,

I have a need to set up a forum for my Library's summer reading. We are
hosting it internally on our Library's application server. I have
installed phpBB, which seems to be the most popular tool for this. My
problem is that I don't think phpBB is all that great. The more I use
it, the more I hate it. I find the interface confusing, and I think our
users may have problems with it as well. I'm particularly concerned
about the Librarians who will have to moderate the posts. I don't want
to have to do a formal training session on what really needs to be a
quick and dirty solution.

I am looking for a forum tool that:

1. Runs on PHP / MySQL OR JSP / MySQL / Tomcat and is easy to install.
2. Has a really simple interface.
3. Has a obvious mechanism for changing the branding of the masthead.
4. Has enough granularity in the security sytem to allow for registered
users / moderators / administrators.
5. Permits the administrator to require approval of posts.
6. Has a really simple interface. (Yes, I said that twice.)

Any recommendations or library success stories would be much
appreciated.

Thanks,

- David



---
David Cloutman <dcloutman at co.marin.ca.us>
Electronic Services Librarian
Marin County Free Library 

Email Disclaimer: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/nav/misc/EmailDisclaimer.cfm