After testing, since I am new to vb, and getting use to the acp and the mods getting use to their acp should you do this or that:

Option 1

fresh install
import forums
import threads
import users

let mods play with stuff to get use to the new environment

put skin on forums

make just like you want

empty forums/threads/users tables

import new forums/threads/users tables

and go LIVE


or Option 2

fresh install
import forums
import threads
import users

let mods play with stuff to get use to the new environment

fresh install again

do skins/styles

import forums/threads/users

GO LIVE!

I got no answer at vbulletin.com

I would first make a test setup of the 'default' vbulletin 3 so my staff could get familiarized with it.

In the mean time I would setup my 'real' forum and import all the data from third party forum software. After which I will setup all the permissions and usergroups properly.

When that is done, and my staff have all their questions answered, they can be setup on the live-site with the proper permissions and then I'd open the forums again.

ok so your saying have a test one and import all info in so the mod's can play around.

and

setup another one get it all ready and when your ready to go live then import all the data,


that just sounds more confusing. why couldn't I do it option 1 style?

better yet I could just flush the users/posts tables in the db since the forums will be the same then re-import them

No, let them play with the 'stock' installation first, so they get familiar with how it should operate by default.

They can get introduced later at the live forum before going live. That way they aren't overwhelmed with all the imported data.