Is this wise?

[Commander]

If someone were to create an open source forum but not actually run open source forum software (e.g. XenForo) would that be frowned upon? Only asking because I am potentially interested but there is no way I will use anything other than XenForo. :lol: let me know your views on this. 😎

 

[R44]

create an open source forum

Good on you...

not actually run open source forum software (e.g. XenForo)

Would that be an interim measure, until you can run your own software? If so, I can't see an issue with it, but in the long run you'll want to run your own software. I certainly wouldn't take you seriously if you used XenForo and had a software.

 

[Commander]

I plan to always use XenForo. I hate all other forum software :lol:
And I think you misunderstand...I'm not looking to create software.

 

[R44]

open source forum

That's what I got out of that line - nevertheless I would generally expect someone talking about "Open Source", to be supporting that community.

 

[Shole]

Oh it took me a sec to get it
Well listen i would suggest to you that you can do that but it will be a downer for the potential users.
What i would think is "Why isnt he using the software he created whats wrong with it?"

 

[Ghost]

He wants to talk about open source software.
Yet he wants to use a private/costly piece of software to talk about it.

I don't think that it's bad. Though if you ever want to say "Open source software is better than paid software" you won't be taken very seriously.

Overall though, if XenForo creates a better experience than phpBB (just an example), then XF is the best choice for you. Go with what works. To be honest, a forum runs on members/content - The software doesn't matter as much (obviously this isn't true in ALL cases).