I'm planning my first forum and have some questions.

Hi all,

I'd like to set up my first proper chat forum. I actually have quite a few forums I'd like to start. My aim will be to eventually make my forums popular and generate enough traffic to attract sponsors to add their banners.

Mostly all of the forums I frequent use VB and I like the look and layout. If I started with phpBB and gained a number of members and posts, could I change to VB at a later date and transfer all the posts over from phpBB?

 

We are in the same boat... I am embarking on the forum adventure as well - trying to get a few going.

It seems a lot of people on here do not like Vanilla, but that is what I am using on my first forum - theCulturePhile - and I like it. Very simple - puts discussions on front page. Content hits you right away.

Where are you located? looking for a partner?? hah

Let me know what you think and what you decide to do.

 

The great thing about phpbb3 is that you can change over to Vb at a later date if you so choose. Check out a comparrison review between vB and also phpbb which I wrote HERE.

 

Some good links to help you out:

http://hansupyoon.com/2008/05/part-1-tips-on-starting-a-successful-forum/
http://hansupyoon.com/2008/07/part-2-tips-on-starting-a-successful-forum/

 

What do you guys think about Vanilla?

 

First time I see this Vanilla, it looks really good.

 

If you back everything up from the phpBB and then transfer to vb then you should be fine.

 

Yes.. Phpbb is very good if you are a newbie and you can easily transfer all the data to VB at any time.

 

Waht about MyBB?

it's a free one and it looks like Vbulletin..

 

One more vote for MyBB.
I personally use it on one of my sites, and would definitely recommend it.
One thing I really like about MyBB, is that I do not need to edit files when I add plugins, it's like plug and play.
In phpbb, however, one constantly has to edit files in order to upgrade the board.

 

i use phpbb.it works great form me...

 

Thanks for the info guys, rep points all round

theCulturePhile,

I like your site. I think it has potential.

It's great to know I can use phpbb for free and transfer all my future members and posts to VB if I want to.

What about hosting? If I decided to change hosts and move to a faster server could I keep all my members and posts?

 

my vote is for mybb ...very user friendly

 

I checked out the mybb site and I like how it looks. I'll try that out too and see how it works for me

So can I change hosts and still keep my members and posts?

 

I've just thought of another question.

If I have a host can I have more than one site running with them for the same price per month or do they charge per website?

Sorry for all the dumb questions. I'm a complete n00b

 

Ok, I just emailed a webhost in Amsterdam for a quote.

I'm assuming I can have adult content if the webhost is off shore right?

I want my first 'free speech' site up and running this weekend

I don't want to get ripped off. What should be a good price for webhosting? I'm assuming that by having the unlimited service I won't have my site cut off because it reached it's max b/w for that month.

 

121 -

Free speech forum? Do you travel or have you - I'll do some post exchange stuff with you, if so.

-pk

 

I mean free speech as in my members can say wants really on their minds without too much censorship. I haven't done much travelling yet but I been to some nice restaurants. I'll sign up later and give you some posts

I don't realy get the bandwidth thing yet. If I choose the unlimited option I won't get cut off right? How does bandwidth exceed? Does posting on threads use up bandwidth or is it only when members post images and sig pics etc? Does bandwidth get used up if the site has alot of traffic without actual posts?

What web host do you use?

 

Good deal... thanks... well trade posts - no doubt.

I use FreeHostia.com - low key & cheap. very simple. Might upgrade as I learn more.

-pk

 

Thanks, I just checked out FreeHostia.com. I like the free hosting option. Is there a catch to that? It says that there are no forced ads.

If you don't mind me asking, what webhosting plan do you use with them?