Question about Forum Runner

[Inspector G]

Ok I noticed when I finally wanted to see my site using my cell phone that I was asked to buy an app called forum runner...for 1.97
well,

Since I do not make any money from this sale, and I do not like passing a cost to me end users for something...they do not need I disabled the feature...

I have mobile skins installed and they can be selected by using the quick style changer selection...
I removed Forum runner from my site based software (vbulletin)
and now the dumb question...

What exactly is forum runner and what exactly is it for if you do not need it to see the site on a mobile device...?

Next why would it not tell me that this is a paid app that requires a download, when I see it in my members area, and exactly who is making money off of it?

Do I need any of this to keep my site up to par, since I deleted and removed all of it completely from my entire site including templates.
Did I do the wrong thing?

What is the point of installing mobile skins ? exspecially when a user can now use full site html as a feature on all smart phones and tablets?

So I guress in the end why have a moile add on to push a notification when the user can have e mails on their device?
why not install the app to send text message to user on new post?

All of this seems like ten ways to skin the same cat when the cat doesn't need to be skinned to begin with...
I guess I lack the understanding about this since my goal is to keep the forum and added templates to a min...since each time I do something I have to edit the skins each set one at a time...

Why play all of these games?
Please help me to understand these questions so I can make the best choice for my site and my members.
I did go and read the forum runner web site which to me at best is very Vague, and I would not be surprised to see IB owns it either...Vbulletin does not really go into detail about it either...that I have seen.

[BirdOPrey5]

ForumRunner is disabled by default when you install vBulletin- the pop-up is there to inform users the forum is ForumRunner compatible and only shows if you have enabled ForumRunner.

ForumRunner was purchased by Internet Brands, the same company that owns vBulletin last year, so they make the money from the purchase.

There is also an option where as an Admin you purchase a custom ForumRunner app and you can choose to give it for free to your member's if you wish. It will only work on your forum. For more info fill out a "Branding Request" on: http://www.forumrunner.net/

You would want it because some users prefer an app over a mobile style. Also the app allows picture uploads when most mobile browsers do not wok with attachments. It's just another option you have.

Sending text messages involves paying for them, you can't send those for free so I don't see them replacing push notification.

[Inspector G]

First Thanks as always Joe for responding and very quickly I may add...
Thats funny that I guessed IB owned the forum runner...just another way to make more money..tapping into us...
The text message feature I mentioned is an add on mod at .org and there is no mention of a charge that I am aware of...
I also know plenty of sites that allow free text to phones.

The upload feature you mention I just attempted using an I phone 5, a Motorola Zoom Pad and also a droid and they all worked great using full html feature on devices...

Joe again You have helped me understand a lot better I am now whacking it completely with all mobile style skins,
again I appreciate the insight with the advice. so THANKS...

My main reason is also, I have a large board and no matter what...
I can not seem to make the arcade mod installed work on the mobile devices. anyway, plus I like the fact my site is a web based service with the functions available on the mobile devices as full HTML and I can remove quite a few other templates as discussed since they do not seem to add any functions to my site that V Bulletin does not already have in My case...

Once again thanks for helping me understand all of this and for you continued support from V bulletin...
Wether I agree with you or not is not the point, the point is you seem to always give me the best answer you can and I respect that.

[Zachery]

Flash isn't support on mobile devices, so I doubt your "arcade mod" is ever going to work on them.

[BirdOPrey5]

Even if you did manage to get flash installed on a mobile device (on Android) most games won't work because no way to control them if they require anything more than a mouse click.

Attachment support for iphones was only added in iOS6. Before that you needed an app.

[Inspector G]

Ok thanks for the help I am looking into another option...I appreciate the answers again...