I'm thinking some changes need to be done to the forum feature. Some of the features I'm thinking of are:
 
1.) Poster can add/edit/delete postings
2.) Admin allowed capability to assign moderator from site users for the forums. (Moderator will autmatically have ability to remove other postings from that forum and block certain users by username - no personal information viewable to moderator)

3) Private Message function
4) Subscribe to thread - email updates when topic is replied to, for all users

PM Function would be nice.
 
What I've done is changed my 'Support Tickets' link in the user account to say "Message Center" because we send periodic messages to our customers via a cusomtization feature which sends out emails internally and records them into the support center.

so I would say that PM could work sorta like that where it sends the message to the user?

bump...
 
Any others use the forum feature on their site? I agree that viart wants to stay away from third part apps because we don't want sep logins for forum and user accounts and we want everything intertwined.
 
That being said, they should update the forum to have more realistic features such as users ability to edit/delete their own posts. Moderators no needing backend functionality to moderate the forum.

Dan, I have just set up a new site using the forum.
 
For my part I would just start with the standard features of a forum.
 
Like
"Notify Me" for ANYONE viewing a thread
Message editor - even if just the same that we have in admin
Locked/Sticky Topics
 
We will use support tickets for communicating with our clients on their concerns and questions so I don't feel I have a need for PM.
 
Perhaps there is a package of essential features that needs to be requested in the next release?
 
Chris

Hello
 
The most important features would be:
1. Ability to edit/detele one's post.
2. Sticky Threads.( For important issues)

 
Agree, it seems most important one which is missed now.
  
I think this one included in latest 3.4 release:
"New forum option to change the priority of topic to show them first or last"

Hello
 
It would be nice to see how many posts one has made and some ranking as well based on the total posts. Just general stuff

Yes - I am not keen for all singing - all dancing - forums.
 
My visitors just get confused by too much going on. They are ordinary folk, not enthusiasts like many of us.
 
A agree with your comment Ibn Saeed: Just general stuff.
And what is already posted her would make for a really useful improvement.
 
I hope Viart has the forum on the agenda for development

I think they do, they did tell me that they would update their site in the next release, and then thread sticky feature would become available.

How does this appeal to anyone?
 
Some sort of reputation / karma / points system could be introduced.
 
Therefore forum users can be awarded with points by other registered users for helping other users, paying for custom work for future releases, advising on Viart issues etc.
 
These points could be used for incentives such as reduced license fees, custom work, other functions et.c
 
So in essance, a karma system for contributing to Viart and the forum will mean future privilidges.

I second this idea.
 
Points/Reputation system should be added.