Personally, I have tried out both vBulletin an IPB and I have to say that I like IPB much better now. Although there are one or two features I like in vBulletin.

Anyway, as Chris pointed out, it was Gregg’s personal opinion of whether the product will sell or not. This doesn’t mean to say that he was actively making a bad comment. If I were the CEO/President of IPS I would want to know exactly why Gregg thinks that in order to improve my software.

The coding of IPB and it’s siblings is not that nice. Whilst it may work, it doesn’t conform to the doctype. It is also poorly documented.

He has a responsibility to remain professional and to keep an open mind. Resorting to petty bickering is not something I’d want my company president to do.

I believe there are situations where people need to be put in their place; you can’t let people push you around. But this isn’t one of those situations. Charles’ acted in an unprofessional manner and that reflects directly on the company as a whole.

Well I can understand the position of the guy from IPS, I mean he must have worked hard on that IP.Dynamic product whatever it is, and that comment about how nobody would buy it, was bit of a smart a$$ remark, I mean if I were to say something like that to you, I dont think you would be too happy at the comment. And yes customer is always right, but that doesnt also give them the right to tell you off.

Like it or not, no matter what market your in, someone is always going to hate what you’re doing. Considering the amount of time that IPS has been in the online applications market, I would have thought they’d be used to it by now. Not to mention, I’ve seen comments far worse then that which was posted by Gregg. (And just to note, Matt Mecham (IPS CEO) is the developer, not Charles.)

I also think they do reserve the right to ban people from the forum. as long as they continue to offer service via email.

This is true, and I believe this as well. The point isn’t if it should be allowed, however, it is that Gregg didn’t deserve it at all. Even after the mistaken identity and the “apology” he wasn’t restored. He can’t even read announcements or security updates.

I could understand the nasty tone when he thought Gregg was using IPB on unlicensed sites. I will give him credit for that, because I would probably feel the same way (though I don’t think I would act like he did). But after the fact, a sincere, polite apology would create a better image for IPS.

The catch is that I was 15 at the time, which is about how old Charles is acting.