It's not the best web forum software around. I don't think any of them will deal with sub threads properly - you have to be disciplined about starting new threads when an existing thread bifurcates - but other forums have better layout, ability to edit, notification facilities if you only want to follow one thread, etc.

What I used to enjoy most about urg was the way in which it led into real-life relationships. But that's more a function of the group than the means by which it communicates.

If we did go to a forum, gardenbanter has the advantage of already being there, cost free. It could do with some moderators - good mods can make a big difference to a group. But we can't solve that problem.

Running our own forum would mean someone willing to maintain it, some way of raising the money to run it, and some more people willing to be moderators.