[Question] Creating a social forum site recommend any site?

I am looking at creating a social networking site similar in purpose to VAF but for a competely different industry.

I have looked at SocialGO/Ning

Can anyone recommend any they have used/heard of?

Has anyoneused BuddyPress? Is this difficult to build/maintain or is it as easy as WordPress?

Cheers

Fiona

I would have suggested Ning however they're changing their structure from 20 July so probably best you check to see what has changed and how it will operate. Haven't heard of SocialGO. I do know of BuddyPress but haven't used it personally. I do use SMF for a forum for mountain bikers and that seems to work well.

Thanks Kathie.

I am looking into BuddyPress at the moment as I am a fan of WordPress. I hadn't heard of SMF but will look into that too.

Thanks

Fiona

I've seen several forum sites that are powered by vBulletin. I kind of thought this forum was built on that too because it has a similar look and feel, but couldn't say for sure.

Deb

Yes I believe you are right Deb. I really like the look of vBulletin to but its licensing cost is a little over me at the moment.

Cheers

Fiona

Hi

I found a great article that described the different rate features for Ning. I loved Ning for how easy it was to work with. But if you have multiple sites that require video, ouch! But for just one without video, not too bad. Hopefully this is helpful!

http://techcrunch.com/2010/05/04/nin...8TechCrunch%29

Thanks!

Diana Ennen / VirtualWordPublishing.com

Hi Fiona,

I create phpBB forums and love it. It is free and hosted with a hosting provider just like any website is. You can add many "enhancements" (called 'mods' [like WP plugins]) to it (chat feature like here at VAF, etc.). Here's a sample/test forum that I have setup http://www.sunrisevirtualsolutions.com/forum/ Customization is like WP, too - you add themes.

HTH a bit,

Thanks Jules for the link. I have started playing offline with BuddyPress and really like it so far. I am going to my first networking opportunity within my target market next week, so I will be floating the forum idea and name with them then.

Wish me luck!

Cheers

Fiona