I'm currently out-of-work and can't really afford to dole out money for a good host, and I really would like to set fourth and begin work on my forum. So, is this a good idea or will it be fatal:

Start off with a free host (haven't decided which one IF, phpbbforfree, whatever.), and then when I've got the cash, switch to vBulletin or SMF etc on a paid host. Let the members know that in time this will happen, and ask them to input ideas on what they would lke featured at the forums so they feel involved.

I won't start straight away telling any members that this will happen of course, I'll wait a while first. But will jumping from one thing to another cause members not to follow me to the new forum?

WTW, A forum *is* an investment. Why not save up some money before embarking on this journey?

If you plan on going pro eventually, consider going pro now. Nothing says you have dedication more than having a good domain name, your own (shared) hosting, and a paid forum software.

One of our owners, LEE, has a great podcast that addresses this issue. IT is called the WonLi DoSho. Episode 5 is the latest, and has what you need.

You can find it at forumtrends.com. You can read past show notes on my fan site, http://media.wonlildosho.com/

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I went to Vegas, and all I got was this Blister. - true story!

Thanks for that. Just listened to the shows, made notes too. I'll certainly re-think my plan. Thanks!

You can always do what I did - open up a PayPal account, and do some odd jobs. NamePros.com is a great place to pick up trade [that's where I started off from]. Also posting there earns points which you can exchange for domain names [.com,.net,.org,.us, and .info].

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Host your forum with a reliable, stable host from just $2 per month!
Are you running a bigger forum, or a network of sites? Get a VPS from just $6 per month!

You can do what i did. Find a generous person with a server to host you but allow them to put a banner or two on your site. All you have to do is pay for a $8 domain. Then when you have gathered enough money you can just say thanks for the hosting and get your own hosting.

While I agree with most of this, I don't think that buying forum software will make your members think you are more serious. Most people who sign up on forums don't know that much of a difference to tell that vB is not free, while SMF is. I have SMF, and love it more than when I had vB for 1 year.

But yes, a site and forum are an investment, so be prepared to spend some money. I'd say start brainstorming now. Like, think of what it will be about, what features it will have, domain names and everything else. Then once you get the cash, then start it up.

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Camaro Forums || Firebird Forums
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There is always someone faster, and in your case, that someone is Me

Acutally I think members can. Which is why you see a load more big vBulletin boards. http://www.big-boards.com/statistics/

It costs 160 dollars yet it kills the free competition. The increased features and ease of use is why imo.

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Ford Mustang Forums - F-Series Trucks

I see why some people Like it, and it is the most known forum software nowadays, since phpbb decided they don't care about theirs (haha). But... I can guarantee you that 80% (probably more) of my forum doesn't know that vB charges for their software.

Most poeple just care about posting, the overall design, and how fast it is as well as options/mods that influence them. And I dont see any major difference in vB and SMF there.

The only thing that I wish I really did have that I dont have with SMF is the vBgarage, and that is a add-on anyway, you dont get it with the 160.00 you have to pay for it.

SMF Does everything it needs to do for me and more, and thats all I am asking for

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Camaro Forums || Firebird Forums
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There is always someone faster, and in your case, that someone is Me

I admit it, I've never used SMF. But I detest phpBB. yuck!

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I went to Vegas, and all I got was this Blister. - true story!

I agree that they probably don't go "Dang, I bet they paid a good bit for this software." but the effect of it being a well put together forum software with lots of good features is there and that is because it costs what it does.

Because that is something that the majority would never use.

For me SMF is just too cluttered and it doesn't have VBSEO

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Ford Mustang Forums - F-Series Trucks