Buying a forum. Some questions

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by Slacker, Dec 16, 2007.

  1. #1
    Ok, since I am looking into working with sites again, I thought heck, i've always wanted to own a forum. Since I do not want to spend all the time starting a new one up, which is some time I could use to start some other sites up, I am going to look into buying an established forum.

    Looking into a computer or webmaster forum, preferably webmaster.

    What kind of stats could I get for say $1-300 for a budget? As in a members to post ratio, etc. I guess revenue would be a plus, but I could always work on that myself.

    Thanks,

    Eric
     
    Slacker, Dec 16, 2007 IP
  2. The Stealthy One

    The Stealthy One Well-Known Member Affiliate Manager

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    #2
    Hi Eric,

    A forum at that price would be rather small - maybe 30 active users, if that.
     
    The Stealthy One, Dec 16, 2007 IP
  3. Slacker

    Slacker Guest

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    #3
    Ok thanks. I'm only 17, have to pay bills etc., so im limited with my budget ;). Guess I will save up a bit more
     
    Slacker, Dec 16, 2007 IP
  4. The Stealthy One

    The Stealthy One Well-Known Member Affiliate Manager

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    #4
    Have you considered starting your own forum?
     
    The Stealthy One, Dec 16, 2007 IP
  5. F1RM

    F1RM Peon

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    #5
    Do keep in mind, however that stats can easily be faked. I'm sure you don't want to purchase a seemingly active forum only to realize that all "posters" will stop once ownership has been changed.

    Also, forums ar especially demanding when it comes to hosting (that may prove to be an issue once you develop the website) and not exactly easy to monetize (you shouldn't expect an excellent CTR, since regular members tend to become ad-blind, if they aren't already).

    Given your budget, I'd personally purchase a VB/IPB licence, hire a coder/designer to customize the script and start from scratch rather than trying to purchase one (the odds of finding something interesting for up to $300 are slim to none).

    Hope it helps,

    Alan Johnson
     
    F1RM, Dec 16, 2007 IP
  6. Slacker

    Slacker Guest

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    #6
    Yeah, I have considered it, but the time it would take to advertise is what bothers me. I know how much time it takes to get a new site started, have done it myself many times. I guess this may be the only way right now, and when I get going maybe buy one later and add to my network.

    Thanks, never looked at it that way. True I could put that money into starting a new forum and make it look really nice :)

    Thanks for replies from both of you :)
     
    Slacker, Dec 16, 2007 IP