Basically why I'm here

[crash]

How much money will I need to setup a forum.

Whats the benefits really?

Thanks. Any other info would be a help.

[mikelbeck]

That depends on the type of forum you want to set up.

Some software you have to pay for, such as vBulletin (which we're using here). Others are free, such as phpBB.

You'll need hosting, so there's a monthly or yearly charge for that.

Then there's advertising, you can either post links to your forums in a whole lot of places, get people talking about it, or pay for advertising (such as AdWords).

So... it could either be cheap, or cost you a few bucks. It all depends on what you're looking to do!

[crash]

Don't want to get personal but does this site make money? Can you recommend some good forum software?

[slamdunk]

mikelbeck is right.

the basic fees would have to be for registering domain and hosting. If you don't know a bit about programming, you might have to spend some cash for a web developer (plus monthly payment for maintenance). Of course you might find somebody to do it for you for free.

[crash]

Ha....will anyone design my site/forum for free! That would be a bonus! How about free maintainance too!

[slamdunk]

Well, that depends actually. For example you know someone who is good in programming and loves Card Captor Sakura (anime). You should approach him telling him that you're thinking of creating a forum for Sakura.. :P ahihihi.. Of course, if he is really addicted to Sakura, he might even offer his services without you asking.. :P

[crash]

Originally Posted by slamdunk

Well, that depends actually. For example you know someone who is good in programming and loves Card Captor Sakura (anime). You should approach him telling him that you're thinking of creating a forum for Sakura.. :P ahihihi.. Of course, if he is really addicted to Sakura, he might even offer his services without you asking.. :P

Never thought about that. Great idea. So now i just have to decide a topic! Any ideas?

[slamdunk]

I suggest going for what you like so your time devoted to your site is not really a waste of time.

Creating a forum for something you're not really passionate about will just spoil it for you as you are just there for the profit..

[mikelbeck]

Originally Posted by slamdunk

I suggest going for what you like so your time devoted to your site is not really a waste of time.

Creating a forum for something you're not really passionate about will just spoil it for you as you are just there for the profit..

Exactly. And unless you've got people on staff who are willing to nurture the site and take a serious interest in it, it's going to fail.

[Trojanfan]

you don't need any money. It's free to start a forum with most software