Originally Posted by PamWinterReturns

I'm planning a website but am stymied by which software to use. Figured I'd post here for advice and opinions

Site presents as a blog. Visitors who register can message other registered users. But, I want the ability to view all messages to make sure the rules aren't being bent.

Originally, I thought of Wordpress. I searched for message plugins and bookmarked a few. But I think all are private. So, I thought of adding PHPbb for messages. Each "thread" would be password-protected so only the two users would have access. Me, too.

My concerns are putting it all on Wordpress software and plugins, given how often exploits are found. My not being able to view messages raises flags.

PhPbb has vulnerability problems as well. But I could view messages, delete (archive) the threads and maintain the blog portion.

I can put PHPbb on a different domain and not worry about subdomain issues or losing it all on one domain.

I'm weighing it all as I type this out. I want user ease, protection and simplistic handling of it all. Free, too.

Please suggest, advise or give opinions. The idea may sound confusing but I feel with the right backend and careful planning, it can work.

Thanks in advance