Doug...

I am not sure what you mean by a non-web forum unless you are talking about the older bulletin board format.

To your other concern, I have come across quite a few sites offering free forums.  However, before investing in one, it would have to be researched as to the capability to support the requirements of the current Firebird forums.

Another concern is the consideration of moving the current forum's data into a new forum's format.

My intention was not to push anyone into rushing into some form of decision at this point.  I had just come across some information that other Yahoo Groups' users had similar concerns as was posted here earlier as well finding a possibility that would allow for the movement of the current forum data into a MongoDB database.

Such an endeavor will of course require some effort so I would suggest taking things slowly until the projects' leaders are ready to consider a move.