Hello, I'm new to the forum and wondering, if I wanted to start a wiki, would using wikia be best or setting up my own? What are the pros and cons of each?
I assume Wikia would be easier for you as there is also a community there and it's easier to setup the first time. But if you setup your own you'll need to do some more work on it. Also you'll be paying for your hosting service. But in return you'll have more control over it all. i.e. you can add a forum later on or if know how modify the mediawiki code to serve your purposes better and so on... Also I'm not sure about this and could be wrong but in Wikia the ad revenues go to Wikia people but on your own wiki you'll have full control on what ads to put up and the earnings are all yours!
Do you want to make money on it? If so, then use Dreamhost or Hostgator and host your own. YOU will make 0 dollars on Wikia, as I understand it. WIKIA will make money OFF of YOUR hard work. Good luck.