Do you guys use a front end for your boards?

[Avaya]

And if so, why? I'm struggling with trying to determine what content goes where. Do I post stuff to the front end (like if I'm using Joomla) or do I just say the heck with everything and have my users go straight to my message boards. Ideas?

[christhatsme]

depends what kind of site you want.. If its a community place, straight to forum probebly..

[Geisthund]

Hi

I use a simple portal page Removed>>Jim
IMHO It provides a more friendly intro to the Forum than the index.
Most portals can be config'ed to include announcements, news, recent posts etc so can provide live updates to the portal keeping it fresh.

I personally like to keep the portal simple rather than full of info blocks.
HTH
Gareth

[Avaya]

I'm aiming for more of a community area where people can exchange ideas and comments and reviews. I like the idea of having a portal of sorts as my main page, but as I stated before, I'm struggling with getting the two to intergrate without having duplicate information. A simple portal, one that displays recent topics, etc. might be the way to go.

Do you think that one way or the other (portal/front end vs. no front end) has any impact on how many users your board sees?

[codetiger]

actauuly what did you mean by front end for the board. You mean the templates?

[Dog Cow]

No he means does your site have any sort of static content, or is it just forums.

I have an entire site built around phpBB, so I do have a front-end.

[Avaya]

actauuly what did you mean by front end for the board. You mean the templates?

No. I'm talking about when someone types in http://www.yoursitehere, where does it take you. Does it take you straight to your message board, or does it take you to a front end (like here at phpbb.com) that greets the user before they click on 'message boards' and enter the message area.