Legally there is nothing stopping anyone from posting their own version of the Forum module on CodePlex.com as long as they keep the DNN copyright in the source code and not violate the DotNetNuke Trademark Policy.

I recently engaged in a conversation with a developer who wanted IWeb to do more (specifically he was having problems getting a WCF application he was working on to work). I tried to point out that the only helpful thing you can do for an Open Source project is to help it.

Ian did that with IWeb and it is popular mostly because of his contributions a year after the project kinda languished. If I had not accepted his contribution he had the legal right to "fork it" (IWeb is under the same license as DotNetNuke).

When you release Open Source code into the world you are giving up a lot, however what you may gain is immortality for the code.

There are a number of challenges in OS development, but among two of the largest are (1) communication and (2) volunteer management.  I'd first say that your frustration is well understood, nobody would slight you for wanting an updated version of forums.  As the person most responsible for management of these forums... I wholeheartedly agree!  However, what may not be apparent is how hard Chris (and a few dedicated volunteers) have been working.  There is a MAJOR forums upgrade just around the corner.  However, unless you read the right posts or know the right folks it's not always easy to know what's going on.  Second, of all of our teams... Chris is one of those guys who has worked the hardest to gather and utilize a larger team.  Although that may not be easy to see right now, I know this from working with him over this time period.  He has been through many, many alpha and beta releases with testing volunteers and skinning help.  But I also know how really hard it is to actually harness the bits of time & effort to coordinate real product development.  All this just to say that "there is no chance to get an updated version in the near future" is not quite accurate... and that "tons of volunteers out there" may be true, but is not easily managed.

In 2009 I am personally responsible to ensure that our projects teams / progress improve.  This means increased visibility, activity and participation.

In the meantime... I'm bugging Chris on a daily basis on everyone's behalf *grin*

Although this is "technically" true... we would really appreciate that folks work with DotNetNuke, rather than in "opposition" to it (which is what "fork" implies).  If someone wants to build a module that is substantially different (going in a different direction) that's one thing, but simply trying to push an existing project in this way would really hurt people rather than be helpful in any way.  And in that regard, associating it with the DotNetNuke trademark is not permitted ("creates confusion").

In February, I'll be publishing more information about how folk in the community can increase their involvement & contribution.  If you're volunteering to do some testing, please email me directly (my email is on my profile) and perhaps we include you on the next beta release.

Cheers

Scott Willhite, Co-Founder DNN