[Iforum]

I plan on starting a social networking site and I am looking into different social networking software. I am reluctant to use buddypress for such a project as it is really a plugin of wordpress and not a program on its own. Do you think I would be able to use it or not? The last question I have is if I ever needed to could I program away from buddypress and wordpress and eventually have my own software, but retain my members. Or will once I start using wordpress/w/buddypress I will not be able to move off and away from it (no matter how slowly)?

[modemlooper]

The good thing using BuddyPress is you OWN the site data and members and can do whatever you want. The bad thing is copying Facebook will most likely fail. Users do not need another Facebook.

[Iforum]

Not copying facebook, I have my own ideas, my question is should I use this software or a complete social networking software such as http://opensource.appleseedproject.org

[Micheal Kennedy]

l”Move away from BuddyPress,” “retain your members,” “program away from BuddyPress” – I don’t really understand what you mean. BuddyPress is extendable – you can add/subtract whatever you want.

Depends on what your needs are. If you need a social network for your particular niche/interest, then BuddyPress is your best bet. If you just need a little spot for group chatting about something, then create a Facebook Group.

BuddyPress isn’t “just a plugin,” though. It’s a whole suit of plugins built into one. And similarly to what @Modemlooper said, if you don’t need to own or control your data, then BuddyPress might be overkill. And if you intend on creating another Facebook, just give up now lol. Unless you have tens of millions of dollars, you won’t stand a chance. Niche is the way to go.

“… should I use this software or a complete social networking software”

That’s insulting to BP! lol. If you want 100% ownership of your data, 100% customization, 100% extendable, and 100% free, BuddyPress is your man – or woman.