How do I set up a discussion forum?

[klingon]

My partner's family is planning a big reunion in 2012. They have family members scattered all over the world and the reunion event is going to be a biggie, spread over several days.

One of the obious ways for them to keep in touch, plan activities, etc is to have an online forum. I rashly told them I would set one up. But I have no idea how! (Oh the silly promises we make when we're on holiday and everything looks rosy!)

So I'm looking for advice like:

• What are the steps I need to take to set up a forum?
• Where can I get some free (and easy to use) software to run it?
• What are some pitfalls to look out for? (And systems to set up early on to avoid the pitfalls?)

All I have done so far is register the domain name.

Any advice will be gratefully received!

[banditrider]

Google groups is a really basic way but you could try http://www.ning.com/ which has a lot better features. All web based so no software needed.

I've been having a little play with it: http://motorcycletouring.ning.com/

[rainman]

Sheesh. Serious reunion, got it's own domain name and all.

I can give you some help if you like. But you'll have to take time out of your busy schedule - I only talk web stuff sensibly over coffee!

[Tank]

I only talk web stuff sensibly over coffee!

But at least if you discuss it on KB you will have all the people to tell you how you are doing it wrong.

[klingon]

Google groups is a really basic way but you could try http://www.ning.com/ which has a lot better features. All web based so no software needed.

I've been having a little play with it: http://motorcycletouring.ning.com/

Oooh thanks. I'll take a look at that.

Sheesh. Serious reunion, got it's own domain name and all.

I can give you some help if you like. But you'll have to take time out of your busy schedule - I only talk web stuff sensibly over coffee!

Mmmm... coffee! Sounds like an offer I can't refuse!

Yep, it's a serious reunion alright. The common ancestor has around 2000 descendants all over the world, and the curator of the family mansion (these days administered by the Historic Places Trust) has proposed three days of activities. Nothing major - just things like chartering a sailing vessel for a series of harbour cruises, recitals in the daytime, a feast in the evening followed by a ball... I'm sure we can whip it up in a jiffy!

[Squiggles]

Its pretty easy to set one up and admin it, phpbb's free and pretty popular, well supported etc... You'll need to find somewhere to host the site. Use it with a portal to get the mainpage + forum look. I dabble in this dark art and will be thar on wednesday unless i forget again XD

[CookMySock]

Its pretty easy to set one up and admin it, phpbb's free and pretty popular, well supported etc... You'll need to find somewhere to host the site. Use it with a portal to get the mainpage + forum look. I dabble in this dark art and will be thar on wednesday unless i forget again XD

@klingon, you will have fun doing this. If you have broadband at home (pretty sure you do) then host it yourself on your lounge room floor.

This means a baby Linux server and phpbb. Don't be afraid of it. It's dead easy and theres lots of people to help. A morning or an evening tops, and you should be up and running.

Steve

[p.dath]

You might find a blog suitable. Google run free Blogs.
http://www.blogspot.com

[sinfull]

Or Just set up his facebook with a reunion page perhaps !

[Tank]

@klingon, you will have fun doing this. If you have broadband at home (pretty sure you do) then host it yourself on your lounge room floor.

This means a baby Linux server and phpbb. Don't be afraid of it. It's dead easy and theres lots of people to help. A morning or an evening tops, and you should be up and running.

Steve

Just shows what I was saying - there are tons of very easy, very cheap options. OP obv is not a techie and looking for a solution that isnt going to be a headache. Yet here you are suggesting she builds a linux server and install php.

Again - IT Help FAIL.

[Tank]

Or Just set up his facebook with a reunion page perhaps !

+1 and I hate facebook - but it works!

[Slyer]

Just shows what I was saying - there are tons of very easy, very cheap options. OP obv is not a techie and looking for a solution that isnt going to be a headache. Yet here you are suggesting she builds a linux server and install php.

Again - IT Help FAIL.

Agree completely... he seems to think everything he can do is easy.
DB, If you told one of our clients that I'd have to shoot you. What are you proposing is neither a practical, easy or effective solution.
Hosting it yourself is just a plain bad idea when she could pay a hosting company $10 a month to look after everything, perform backups etc/everything.
Most people have never installed an operating system let alone set up a dedicated linux web server...

You get an F for good ideas.

[CookMySock]

Agree completely... he seems to think everything he can do is easy.
DB, If you told one of our clients that I'd have to shoot you. What are you proposing is neither a practical, easy or effective solution.
Hosting it yourself is just a plain bad idea when she could pay a hosting computer $10 a month to look after everything, perform backs etc/everything.
Most people have never installed an operating system let alone set up a dedicated linux web server...

You get an F for good ideas.

Bullshit. It sounds more like YOU haven't actually done it. The hardest part is getting used to the idea that its not hard.

It's abundantly trivial to boot an install CD and double click the "install me" button, then sudo apt-get install phpbb. If fact, theres fuck all more to it than what I just typed.

You also might give the OP a little more credit - she isn't a "client" she admins computers professionally and I expect she can think for herself.

@tank, always the put down and abusive remarks, mate. Figure yourself out so you can get ahead in your life and stop blaming others for your own feelings.

Steve

[PirateJafa]

I am a long-time IT geek, I disagree completely and categorically with dangerousbastard, no point in repeating what he said.

Follow Slyer/Tank's advice.

[Slyer]

Bullshit. It sounds more like YOU haven't actually done it. The hardest part is getting used to the idea that its not hard.

It's abundantly trivial to boot an install CD and double click the "install me" button, then sudo apt-get install phpbb. If fact, theres fuck all more to it than what I just typed.

I have done it, this is why I would not recommend it. Sure many would be able to get it going eventually but you would still end up with inferior service.
I've hosted my own website before, it's just too much of a waste of power/computer when you can use 1% of a server hosted in America for $10 a month. Downtime is nil, no worries.

Please learn to suppress your opinions, they are harmful to others. Thankfully most know never to listen to you.