Starting a forum... Questions

hello,

For my next online project I want to make a forum. I was wondering what I need to know / do to do this. I am currently using hostgator, so which hosting package would I need to support a sucessfull forum? (how much bandwith, space etc.) .

I would also like to use vbulletin for my forum. How hard is vbulletin to install for someone with no experience with forums. Also, does anyone know how much it costs for hostgator to install vbulletin for you.

thanks

 

Installing vbulletin is a straightforward process assuming you can read simple instructions and follow them.

 

installing vbulletin takes like just a couple of clicks the only thing is uploading -_-

now hostgator is a big.. no
Why? because they will kick you because you will end up reaching cpu usage.

Now what is your niche?

 

you can install v bulletin easily with set up files you will also get faq and help topics and still if you need any kind of help in installation of vb or in its set up ad me at yahoo and i will solve your all problems

 

Try moving to MediaTemple.

 

How much a forum needs bandwidth and cpu approx. and is vbulletin free or not?
And the last one, can I change forum design easily?
I am also new to start a forum and I'll setup in two days so thanks in advance

 

vbulletin costs money.

Changing a forum design is as easy as uploading it and specifying the new one in the Admin Panel.

 

The best option is vBulletin! HostGator works great, I do run a forum on HostGator and had 0 issues with them by now. If you plan to start with a free forum software then try phpBB or SMF, both are great and there are plenty plugins to use.

Good luck!

 

If you're serious about running a forum, you need to go with VBulletin. I think it's only around $140 now, and that's a lifetime license (with small annual fees if you want to have access to upgrades). It's so much more customizable than phpBB and SMF and it's very stable on the backend of things.

 

Start with the smallest or second smallest plan and upgrade as you go along.

 

These things, seo installation, optimization, hacks modification and optimization are necessary after setup vbulletin?
If so, easy or not for a starter?
thanks

 

No, VBulletin is already good out of the box. Things like vbSEO help your forum out, but they also cost money and aren't absolutely necessary to run a successful forum.

 

Go for dedicated server for best performance

 

thanks Ikaruga for reply

 

It is very hard to start a forum. Gaining members is a slow process.

 

Exactly. There are tons of forums online today and if you're going about to create one, choose a very very very specific niche otherwise you're toasted.

 

I would recommend vBseo. It helps me get into google within like 24 hours. Check my sig for a link to my forum and see how it works.

 

yep v bulletin is 160 for lifetime license but getting members is a slow process and often expensive. there is a lot of competition among forums now so pick a very specific niche that hasn't been reached yet.

 

I am using vBulletin with hostGator swamp plan. That gives unlimited bandwidth. So far I am happy. It would be tested when i get several thousand members.

Here are some marketing tips if you like http://www.webcosmoforums.com/showthread.php?t=768

 

vBulletin is the best, agreed. But phpBB is really really good for a free forum. It has tons of plugins, tons of templates and great support forums. I am talking about phpBB 2.x here though, phpBB 3.x is a pathetic vBulleting rip off.