To Archive or not?

I have read lots both here and on vbulletin.org about the archive and if you should use it.

There seems to be varying ideas on the topic. After a bunch of reading I am unclear if there is a consensus on the topic.

Is there a definitive answer yes or no?

If it is "yes, but do it this way" can you point me to the thread with the definitive answer?

Thanks,
Dave

Without vBSEO, no. With vBSEO, it is possible to direct a bit more link value to each thread page because the archive pages contain more threads than the forum display pages. Once pagination occurs, there is a reduction in link value (PageRank) to be passed forward.

However, my preference is for removing the archive completely and allowing each page to optimize on its own in the user view (non-archive).

I am running vBSEO 3.3 with vb 3.8.3, it is a new setup. It sounds like I should just shut it off completely?

Hello David ,

I personally advise everyone to turn off archive as vBSEO achieves link consensus and i don't see keeping a counter part product that can create duplicate content. Thats why disabling the archive is the best option.