[nicbou]

On the other hand, these platforms are free and much easier to work with, especially for non-technical administrators.

As of today, there just doesn't seem to be any good simple forum software. They all seem to need quite a bit of upkeep.

[Meneth]

Gratis in terms of dollars, but not free. You pay by letting them take your community hostage.

[bigstrat2003]

> Gratis in terms of dollars, but not free.

That is what "free" means.

[schlauerfox]

"Free" in English has more than one meaning. this has led to an attempt to be more clear by using 'libre' or 'gratis' loanwords to differentiate (see libreoffice, liberachat), but this isn't universally accepted.