How to create an inexpensive forum?

HK · 05-30-2012, 10:00 AM

So.... I had an idea today, for a new project

it's for a forum, though in a very specific area, not something that could be considered similar to OTz, etc etc.

I have no idea where to go for that sort of thing. I don't want a myfreeforum or similar, they all look the same. But equally, not something as expensive as vBulletin.

Is there a nice middle ground? I've no particular rush on this since I can't afford the domain name I want for another couple of months anyway, but it can't hurt to start looking

**teh_fuzz** · 05-30-2012, 10:18 AM

most of the hosting services offer some sort of forum... meaning if you have some space for a website, you are likely going to have forum packages available for you.

these packages usually are from the popular forum format like vbulletin or phpboards and all can be some what modified to an extent.

inexpensive? well domain names are like 10-25 bucks depending on how long you want the name secured for, hosting space can go anywhere from 8.99 usd a month to 12.99 a month depending on the traffic youre expecting and what kind of plan you are looking for. an initial expense of 20 bucks with a recurring hosting bill of 9.99 a month isnt a bad deal to get started... you just have to do your research.

Now if youre looking to have a website built and built well, then youre looking at a little more, but with every snot nosed kid wanting to be a web designer, you can probably get something cheap (as in cheap quality and price LOL ) but most web forums dont use portals anymore... so you shouldnt have to worry about that.

(the prices listed are all in USD and may vary depending on where you are located)

**Dana** · 05-30-2012, 12:37 PM

http://www.fatcow.com/ this is my host

**Dodge_Sniper** · 06-30-2012, 11:31 AM

I use www.freeforums.org and I've been using them for years, love their service. They have phpBB3 forums completely free of charge(phpBB3 is like, the next best thing if you don't want to go with vBulletin), basically you just build it from pre-made forum(You add in your own titles and sections and all that), add your own custom template or choose from hundreds of their pre-made templates, then you're done. You can check out mine as an example if you want, it's at www.forums.horror-junkies.com What I did, which you could also try, is I set up this forum for free back when I was working majorly on my project, but had no funds for a domain. Once I got the money, I registered the domain, then I just set the forum up with the custom domain name.

Proboards is also a slightly decent choice. Not as good as freeforums.org but if you're really savvy with customizing forums or using hex codes for colors, it's a great place to use. It's extremely customizable if you search for pre-made skins from other people and apply it(Like a Myspace layout). I have a few examples you can check out, at www.amandayoung.proboards.com www.hillshaveeyes.proboards.com and www.horrorjunkies.proboards.com

A lot of people that want a vBulletin, but can't afford it or don't want to pay for it usually go with Invision Power Boards, they have a somewhat similar design. You can check out a pretty bad-ass example here- http://z14.invisionfree.com/Supernatural/index.php? I'm not too familiar with their features and options, as I only used them one time about 6 or 7 years ago, but they are a pretty good company. They've been in the forum game for years, and obviously, the customization as far as layouts goes is pretty good.

It really just depends on how much you want to be in control of customizing your own forum, what designs you are looking for, and a few other things. Personally, I highly suggest www.freeforums.org they're a great place and have a large amount of features and templates to customize your forum.

I've been setting up forums for people and myself for years, so if you are interested in any help, let me know. I'd be more than happy to help you find a place that suits you and help set up/customize the forum if needed.