For starters, let's me state that we've laid some groundwork in the following two threads:
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Improved import feature (from UBB)

Now let's begin - I'm opening this thread in the hope that all current UBB users who are thinking of moving up to a database driven (MySQL) solution will consider Threads as the product to choose to upgrade to. I'm specifically using the word consider because there are obviously other choices available that could be taken into account before making a final decision.

I myself am in this situation and I'm still considering if I should choose Threads or a competitive product. But even if I become swayed the other way, I'm not going to give up without a fight. If there are any aspects of other software that I feel are superior (to Threads), I will first do my best to make sure that Infopop and the people developing Threads address these issues and hopefully implement these improvements at good pace. If they cannot be convinced to do so then at least I'll know that I gave it my best shot.

Before I start with my list of improvements and suggestions, I would like to ask all UBB users to add whatever they can from themselves - anything that they would like to see moved over or added (even as an option) to Threads to make it a more complete package for the UBB user thinking of upgrading. If there's anything that is preventing or dissuading you from upgrading to Threads (or swaying you towards a different product), then please post here with whatever qualms and suggestions you might have.

Alright, let's begin. To make things easier I'm going to divide what I have to say into three sections:
- questions about Threads
- suggestions to Threads developers from the UBB user's point of view
- "sorrows" (complaints)

I Questions

1. How would you compare server load between Threads (the new version that is about to be released) to UBB 6.X? Let's assume we're speaking of the same size board (one that is fairly large since that is usually a sign that an upgrade to MySQL is inevitable). If numbers are needed then let's say 50,000 messages with that amount being added every 6 months, and an average of 150 simultaneous users - 250 record max.

How would you compare the server load? UBB is very strenuous on the server (when it grows) and an early symptom is that the search feature falls apart on the larger forums of the board. Would Threads lower the load in a significant way?

2. Bandwidth - would the same board save bandwidth on Threads, and roughly-speaking what estimate would you give for the fall in server transfer (if any)?

3. Safety - is Threads secure without adding any hacks? What is the 'firewall hack' that was mentioned in another thread and is it necessary to install it? Will it make the board safer in any way?

4. Languages - one of the most useful features of Threads is the ability to allow users to set the language that they want the board software to operate in. Are all texts listed in those separate files that can be modified, or are some still stuck in the code and unchangeable unless hacked? What I mean is can the entire board be translated, or are some texts or phrases exempt (as they unfortunately happen to be in UBB - such as Buddy List or Update Buddy List)?

II Suggestions

I have laid out my most pertinent suggestions in the two threads listed at the top of my post, but here is a short list:

1. Import Feature - the import feature and the pace at which it is updated must be changed. There are companies out there that work much harder on their import scripts so there's no excuse why Infopop shouldn't be able to do the same (at the very least). Anything less can only be deemed as a shortcoming and a disfavour to UBB users planning on upgrading.

First of all the script should be expanded. Those upgrading from UBB are almost certainly doing so for a technical reason, not because Threads looks better. Therefore, the import script for UBB users should be expanded to be able to carry over more than just posts and users. Right now only the bare minimum is being carried out. And the fact that moderators aren't carried over... well, I don't think I need to comment on that. This is a huge oversight and I'm surprised that this hasn't been dealt with instantly.

On top of this minor bug/oversight that omits moderators, the UBB import feature should bring over (optionally, to be selected when importing):
- style templates (and associations)
- UBB fonts
- custom send/reply (etc.) buttons
- smilies
- message icons

2. With the template changes in Threads 6 the import feature should also contain an option that would make the new Threads board look as close to the old UBB board as is possible in terms of layout/design.

Ted O'Neill hit the nail right on the head here:
Keep in mind that the upcoming Version 6 of UBBThreads has templates, which will allow for much easier customization of the display. This also means that we could develop a more UBB-like look as an option for Threads at some point, if people want it.

YES, we would most certainly appreciate such an option! Even if this vital option doesn't find its way into the import feature, it would still be wonderful news to all upgrading UBB users who would like to keep the previous look & feel of their UBB. The import feature could simply trigger it to be turned on.

You must keep in mind that many UBB users are almost forced to move because of their board size, so such a feature would instantly make Threads a certain choice for them. This feature is quite simply a necessity. When looking at the Infopop product line spanning from UBB to Threads to Open Topic, it's not exactly rocket science to spot the odd one out: UBB users would get used to Open Topic in no time; unfortunately the same cannot be said about Threads.

Thus, with the implementation of templates, work should begin on an option such as this that would make Threads look as closely as is technically possible to UBB in terms of layout/design. This would be an option of course (current Threads users needn't worry), and one ever-so-much awaited by us UBB folk. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

III "Sorrows"

Not too much to complain about at such an early stage (and this being the first post), but if there's any disappointment then it has to lie in the importer. If third-party bulletin board systems produce import programs (for UBB) that do more than Infopop's very own (moderators, smilies, message icons, fonts...) then something has clearly been overlooked and left on a shelf to collect dust so to speak. The importer should be up-to-date and expanded. I believe that if others can do it, then Infopop can do it better. And if I didn't believe that I wouldn't be writing this post...

Anyway, I think I've written enough in one go already, and I'll add things as we go along. Everyone feel free to add to this discussion so that we can get the ball rolling...