Interesting project I've just stumbled upon: http://www.nodebb.org
I guess it's a decent source for enhancement ideas... 8)
I personally don't like NodeBB. The index page is horrible and very hard to follow and you can't use it shared hosting.
I never use shared hosting anyway.
Yes, the default (desktop) design is somewhat horrible, but I'd assume changing it would not require much effort.
But not allowing the software on shared hosting is what is going to hurt them in long run, since most people are still using shared hosting.
Most shared hosters lose customers as even (managed) vServers are sometimes cheaper and more powerful.
For one that wants forum to work without javascript is a particular choice. :P
Actually I was already taking inspiration from their board index for a way present boards.
See? Their layout can look nice!
There can always be modifications later if one wants to customize according to their desire. It's no big deal anyway.
Yep, some of the idea are interesting, with some adaptation to a more "traditional" style.
Yep as well.
TBH, a while ago I was searching a topic where I said I don't like side bars to say that a side bar on the board index could replace pretty well the info center and make some informations more accessible.
The problem with sidebars is that they appear at strange places if your screen is too small.
I've used NodeBB a little as a member of some communities and although it has some nice ideas and interface, it felt really slow.