Would guests be more likely to join forums using vbulletin?
I am planning on starting a forum and want to use simple machines.

Would people turn away? Because the forum doesn't look as nice or as the same features as vbulletin.

My suggestion would be is to go with phpbb then switch to vbulletin. Since phpbb is simple to use and a very friendly user environment. One of many top boards uses phpbb, that would be www.gaiaonline.com -

I would also recommend you first trying with p[hpbb like this - www.hiifii.com/forums
Because vbulletin is a Paid one @ 160$ so better try 1st with a free board

Yes, I am using a free version than vbulletin, but I am plannig to use simple machines. I love how it looks. The thing about phpbb is I don't think it lets you put subforums.

But it is great. I agree with how easy it is to use.

I Heard somewhere that subforums can also be created in phpbb
Just ask in phpbb.com suport for the MOD