how does one go about selecting a good web host to create a discussion forum

Hi all, I'd like to get some advice on the following:

1. How does one go about selecting a web host, for setting up a discussion forum? Is the process a fairly simple one?

2. If I go the free route, are there any hidden charges that I should be aware of?

3. Do the moderators need any additional pc equipment other than what they may already be using to access the internet?

4. If many discussion forums are free, how do companies like Network54 make a profit?

Many thanks.

Eliz.

Hi Eliz,

I'll set one up for you for free. It will take me about 20 minutes, including your photo and forum logo. (I owe you one)

1. No hosting fees
2. No special software required.

Just let me know your forum name

"Ask Elizabeth - ONLINE" sounds good.

Your friend

Ricky

Hi Eliz,

They can make money from advertising-note the banners on many of the free message boards. Some also sell scripts and give away the message boards to pull in new customers. And then there is always the pay to upgrade so you can get all the bells and whistles. You may want to be able to control the advertising, customize your board, and even sell advertising when you start to get a lot of traffic. In this case you're probably best to go with WebBBS. I think it cost around fifty dollars to register it. Also if you don't have your own webhost, WWWboardpro will host it for a small fee. Just make sure you get the pro version. The regular version is from Matt's scripts but I don't think you have all the control as with the PRO version and they can't host it.
From my point of view though, WebBBS is the way to go.

Hope this helps,

Tom

Hi Ricky, thanks for the very generous offer. But hold a minute. The forum is not for me. I know you've been encouraging me to create my own. But not just yet.

If you read my other post, you'll see it's for the hubby. But as you and I have chatted before, this hubby of mine does not move fast on anything.

Let me chat with him and get back to you.

Thanks again. You're so eager and generous, sometimes I think we don't live on the same planet!!

Best regards,

Eliz.

> Hi Eliz,

> I'll set one up for you for free. It will
> take me about 20 minutes, including your
> photo and forum logo. (I owe you one)

> 1. No hosting fees
> 2. No special software required.

> Just let me know your forum name

> "Ask Elizabeth - ONLINE" sounds
> good.

> Your friend

> Ricky