bbPress.org

Hello all,

I run a small website called the Youth Bloggers Network (http://youthbloggers.net/) which is currently using WordPress and the Simple:Press forum plugin to run the forum. I’ve received some advice to switch to a “dedicated” forum software such as bbPress or phpBB to increase loading time and optimize the site structure (splitting up the forum and cms backend). If I were to switch, bbPress is the definite option for me seeing as I need my WordPress users to be members of the forum as well. I was able to install the latest bbPress version (1.0 alpha I believe) and integrate it perfectly with my WordPress install (cookies, users and everything). That was wonderful. The only two things holding me back from making the switch are:

1) Simple:Press is so easy to integrate into any page, just plug and play

2) I need a bbPress theme that matches my current WordPress theme

The problem is that I would like my forum to look and feel like just another page on the site. With Simple:Press this is easy (even when switching themes). With bbPress I need a new theme.

So here is what I would like to know:

Is it worth switching to bbPress even if it means a little extra work and designing?

And where can I find someone who could create a bbPress theme for me that fits my current design for a *low* price?

Please visit the site: http://youthbloggers.net/ and give me your advice and suggestions.

Thanks very much,

Patrick