vBulletin Boards

[The_Grudge]

I've had this idea for a long time about setting up a web forum. I know there are tons of "board" software out there but I prefer vBulletin as I find the forums much easier to use than some of it's competitors.

So I've got a few questions about setting up a forum.

1) In terms of hosting a forum, can you use just a generic web server for a few bucks a month as if you had a regular website? Then, as traffic grows expand from there?

2) How does vBulletin work? I know you purchase it for $160 or so but how does one go about implementing it, creating forum categories etc?

3) Once a forum is created, how do you draw people to it? Most people won't know about it and those that do will show up to see 3 threads and leave....do these things take off on their own after a while or is it nearly impossible to get a user group setup?

4) How hard is it to moderate? Let's say I have 6 or 7 forums. Can that be done by one or two guys? I mean, there are a lot of idiots out there!

[penagate]

1. I am not sure what you mean by 'generic web server'. vBulletin will run on any machine that has PHP, MySQL, and a web server installed. In fact, you don't even need the web server, but it does make life rather easier.

2. Two questions here. A licence permits indefinite usage and limited duration support. You can extend the support period by renewing your licence for a discounted cost.

Configuration of the board is done via the Admin Control Panel, which you're pointed to once you've run the installer.

3. This is a massive topic: there are many articles on the web devoted to attracting, maintaining, and increasing traffic. My advice: start small, with just the absolute bare minimum of categories. Most people go nuts creating new categories, which serves mostly to make the site look dead. Stick with a few until they start to overflow, then branch them into more specific sections.

4. This depends entirely on your traffic and userbase. If your board is dedicated to debating aftermarket modifications to Honda Accords and the merits of pre-mixed rum and coke (perhaps simultaneously), then it is likely you will need to spend more time moderating than if, say, you ran a knitting site.

Appointing moderators is the second thing that new administrators tend to go nuts with. Unless by some miracle you already have a decent amount of traffic, you don't need moderators. Watch the activity on your board and only pick moderators once you have a sizeable pool of regulars and a definite need for moderation.

Observe that the 'newbie administrator', having created seventy-three empty categories, appointed twelve moderators, and generally run out of red tape, will twiddle his thumbs and wonder what to do next. Don't be that guy.

[Hack]

And when/if you arrive at the point of wanting moderators, I would look at people that have been frequent contributors and were in different global time zones so that you would have someone in a position of authority 24/7 without someone having to stay up half the night.

[The_Grudge]

4. This depends entirely on your traffic and userbase. If your board is dedicated to debating aftermarket modifications to Honda Accords and the merits of pre-mixed rum and coke (perhaps simultaneously), then it is likely you will need to spend more time moderating than if, say, you ran a knitting site.

LOL

So you run the software on the web server and login that way?

Oh, by generic web server I meant a regular old run of the mill web server. I thought that some hosts may require you to up your service to handle the potentially greater number of requests. Or perhaps they would have a rule saying "no forums".

[penagate]

Any web hosting package that provides PHP and MySQL is suitable for a startup forum. Look for those with version 5.x of both; amazingly, many are still stuck on version 4 of either.

I doubt you would outgrow basic shared hosting for at least a few months, unless your marketing was spectacular or you had some specific need for a more powerful service.


To install vBulletin, you need one spare database, the database server credentials, and FTP access to the server. Your typical web host will provide all of these. The documentation will tell you to upload the files and then run the installer script, which is quite straightforward.

The admin control panel by default is publicly accessible and only requires authentication via your forum password. You could give it additional protection, such as enabling HTTP authentication for that directory, or placing it above the web root directory (I also rename it so that its location is not immediately obvious). The latter option, however, requires VPN access to the server — unfortunately vBulletin supplies no non-HTML-based administrative tools such as for use over an SSH terminal session. Very few hosts provide VPN access.

[Shaggy Hiker]

4. This depends entirely on your traffic and userbase. If your board is dedicated to debating aftermarket modifications to Honda Accords and the merits of pre-mixed rum and coke (perhaps simultaneously), then it is likely you will need to spend more time moderating than if, say, you ran a knitting site.

I'd have to disagree with that point, those knitters know how to spin a yarn, but they are really good at needling people, too.

However, I am aware of a grammar site that can get pretty testy. If people can get in a huff over grammar, is there anything that doesn't send some people over the edge?

[CodedFire]

You should try SMF first its free and will give you a taste for forum building.

[RobDog888]

You can buy a Leased license for $80 for vBulletin but if you find you like it and want to avoid the renewal fee of $80 each year you can upgrade to the owned license within the first 2 months by paying an aditional $85 to upgrade you to pwned license

Whatever you do, do not use networksolutions for web hosting. They are 100% lame and crappy service(s).

[dclamp]

i have to agree with you and say that vBulletin is the best forum software.

to extend on RobDogs hate of networksolutions i have to add that i dislike GoDaddy. GoDaddy is too expensive and they have terrible support. they are very ethnocentric

[dclamp]

You should try SMF first its free and will give you a taste for forum building.

i think SMF is the best OPEN SOURCE forum software. Tons of features!

i would go with this if you do not want to buy/lease vB

[k1ll3rdr4g0n]

i have to agree with you and say that vBulletin is the best forum software.

to extend on RobDogs hate of networksolutions i have to add that i dislike GoDaddy. GoDaddy is too expensive and they have terrible support. they are very ethnocentric

I say its a tie between IPB and vbulletin.

[dclamp]

IPB looks like good software, but i have never used it

[The_Grudge]

For web hosting has anyone used "Startlogic"?

http://www.startlogic.com/startlogic/special_promo.bml

[dclamp]

they look flaky to me. Might want to find a more trusted site.

[RobDog888]

You have to use their servers if you go with IPB.

[RobDog888]

For web hosting has anyone used "Startlogic"?

http://www.startlogic.com/startlogic/special_promo.bml

Just do a google search for webhost ratings or such.[/color]

[dclamp]

HostGator is not bad. I know a few people who host with them and like them.

also i use HostDime and they are good for the most part

[k1ll3rdr4g0n]

You have to use their servers if you go with IPB.

Actually this is not the case see http://www.invisionpower.com/communi.../purchase.html

We offer two licenses to enable you to download and install IP.Board on your own web server.

Though you can let them host for you if you don't want to get a host/don't have a host.

[dclamp]

Do they offer a demo version of IP board? i think i might want to try it

[k1ll3rdr4g0n]

Do they offer a demo version of IP board? i think i might want to try it

Prehaps, clicky here.

[RobDog888]

Actually this is not the case see http://www.invisionpower.com/communi.../purchase.html



Though you can let them host for you if you don't want to get a host/don't have a host.

Yes, but its not free as most use IPB because its free as previously stated as it s main reason to use but not really the case.

[k1ll3rdr4g0n]

Yes, but its not free as most use IPB because its free as previously stated as it s main reason to use but not really the case.

I'm a little confused by what you said...
But, since we were talking about vbulletin I figured I would just point out an alternative. Unless you don't like choice

[RobDog888]

If you are going/willing to pay then IMO IPB is not worth it and you should better spend your money on vBulletin. vB is a top notch quality software. I have several and its great.

[penagate]

Guys this is going a bit off topic. The OP stated he was specifically looking at vBulletin.