Is there a thread here that gives you a breakdown on setting up a forum from the beginning to the end (domain to launch) Or even an advice thread on starting a forum. I've searched but can't find any; but I am assuming there are many who can search better than I.
I do not know any threads but I have written some articles about it. If you are interested I can Pm you the URL to my articles. //Andreas
Hell yes I am interested. Place a link or pm me, any you prefer. Though it might be better to link your site if anyone else comes searching as I did.
I can post it here, did not want to break any rules by posting a link to my own site (moderator please delete if not acceptable) I have some articles online now and will add more later. Hope they will help you out some. I suggest you start in the "Getting Started" category. www.getacommunity.com You are also welcome with any question to me and I can see what I can do to help you out. Good luck! //Andreas
Andreas - I don't think there's a problem in putting a link to your own site if you are also participating in the thread normally - as you are. The reason I actually started my blog was because I was repeating myself, and decided to say it once, say it well, and just point everyone to the resource. No reason why that doesn't follow. What's now allowed is just putting the link with no other content, no explanation etc. My thoughts on the topic Identify the niche you want to target and look at your competitors to work out what they're doing well, doing badly and not doing at all. Decide what your point of difference is going to be Select the forum software you want to run (free (check www.opensourcecms.com for options) or paid like vBulletin Register the domain and sign up for hosting Create a test subdomain and lock it down using .htaccess or similar Install your forum on the www domain Add a template or skin so that your forum looks different from the competitors identified above Add the subforums that you'll need (start with a few and add them as you go) Create the usergroups that you'll need - registered - mods - banned etc Add some test users and test the posting, that the joinup email gives the right information, that the "thread reply" emails give the right info - all should contain a link back to the site, you'd be surprised how many don't. Promote the forum at sites like this Build links Actively participate in the forum itself Take a copy of the forum onto the test subdomain and install hacks and upgrades to that before messing with the live version. Backup the forum daily
phpbb is the most used free forum. extremly easy to use also. btw, if your hosting have fantastico in your cpanel. installation is a breeeeeeeze...
I can also recommend you to pay a visit to: www.forumtrends.com and www.adminfusion.com great forum resources. //Andreas
Good advice. Thats why in DP you can learn alot of stuff from senior here. And that is why, i like DP.
I just found this thread which covers similar info: http://forums.digitalpoint.com/showthread.php?t=198689
Man, thanks alot. We are ready to proceed so I decided to check this out and voila. There is even more information. Thanks guys and girl. I appreciate it.