How to Start a Forum 101
 

I am looking at starting a forum (not automotive related) and would like some advice if you have a moment. I am in need of all sorts of information as I have no idea about how to start! Any time you might be able to take to advise me on the ins and outs of this would be great!

Thanks!
Bill

Well, how much money do you want to spend?

Nice!

It doesn't cost much to "start" a site, just finding a host server to rent, some software licenses, and plenty of spare time. A good grasp of Photoshop to create graphics also helps.

Check out info on www.vbulletin.com to get ideas on the message board software, it is the most widely used brand.

Tony

Don't be too hard on 'em Tony, he's been giving me a bunch of good info in PM form.

Thanks for your take, I have looked into the VBulletin stuff, and it looks like a good way to go. Now I am just waiting for a meeting with my "web guy" before I make any decisions.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill

I'll stand behind my statement - how much do you want to spend. There are open source solutions, such as phpBB, but you get what you pay for. vBulletin is without a doubt the way to go, but a startup website has to justify the licensing costs. So ultimately, do you want to do it as cheaply as possible, or as effective as possible.

I am using phpBB that Scott helped setup for me. Granted it is not the best system, but forums take a while to get going. If I recall, Scott used a different system when Lateral-g first got started? You may consider using the free forums to start and if they take off and get active then upgrade?

phpBB doesn't have alot of the tools and tricks that Vbulletin does, but it does the job.

You can see what my phpBB forum looks like www.college-investor.com

Good Luck.

Tim