Creating profitable forums - recommended resources? | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

gregorybaskin

9 years ago

This is a great question as I'd like to know as well.

Especially what's the best platform to use?

Thanks
1 reply

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Steve Foulds

9 years ago

Originally Posted by gregorybaskin

This is a great question as I'd like to know as well.

Especially what's the best platform to use?

Ive compared a few on paper, but am yet to install any. Based on my research:

1. Xenforo ($140)
2. VBulletin ($249 or $399 inc mobile version) (apparently Xenforo was started by disgruntled Vbulletin employees)
3. Mybb
4. Php BB

If I go ahead I'll start with Xenforo

Thanks
1 reply

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rahmat

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Foulds

Ive compared a few on paper, but am yet to install any. Based on my research:

1. Xenforo ($140)
2. VBulletin ($249 or $399 inc mobile version) (apparently Xenforo was started by disgruntled Vbulletin employees)
3. Mybb
4. Php BB

If I go ahead I'll start with Xenforo

What do you think about Vanilla ?
Community Forum Software - Vanilla Forums

Thanks
1 reply

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Steve Foulds 9 years ago

Originally Posted by rahmat

What do you think about Vanilla ?
Community Forum Software - Vanilla Forums

Doesnt look like it can be hosted by my domain
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MichaelNz

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Foulds

Ive got a couple of good domains Id like to leverage into passive income, preferably forums so the community creates the content and I can have minimal input - any recommended resources?

Though I've never really tried myself, I've heard its very very difficult to get a forum going. So even if a forum can produce a "passive" income, it takes a lot of energy to get it to that point.

Thanks
1 reply

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Steve Foulds

9 years ago

Originally Posted by MichaelNz

Though I've never really tried myself, I've heard its very very difficult to get a forum going. So even if a forum can produce a "passive" income, it takes a lot of energy to get it to that point.

No doubt - but I think it will be worthwhile once the balls rolling. Im trying to take some guesswork out of the startup phase. I think the biggest problem with IM - and especially frustration at its lack of success - is people trying to start something try do it for free. They arent willing to invest. IM is a business and all business cost money - especially at the start!!

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travlinguy

9 years ago

A successful forum is anything but passive. I realize you can outsource virtually everything but can you trust a hired gun to build a community the way you would? I tend to think not.

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Tom Addams

9 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Foulds

Ive got a couple of good domains Id like to leverage into passive income, preferably forums so the community creates the content and I can have minimal input - any recommended resources?

Trust me, forums - any type of interactive community - require massive input. The only way I could hope to run one these days is by outsourcing the entire operation. There are better ways to put those domains to good use.

GRM

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gregorybaskin

9 years ago

Ok, just curious if any of you know but what platform is AffiliateFix run on?

The layout is nice, simplistic and mobile optimized.

Thanks for the resources.

Thanks
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Steve Foulds

9 years ago

Originally Posted by gregorybaskin

Ok, just curious if any of you know but what platform is AffiliateFix run on?

The layout is nice, simplistic and mobile optimized.

Thanks for the resources.

Scroll right down and check the footer - sometimes it says something like "Powered by Vbulletin"

Thanks
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gregorybaskin 9 years ago

Originally Posted by Steve Foulds

Scroll right down and check the footer - sometimes it says something like "Powered by Vbulletin"

Thanks, LOL! Not sure how I overlooked that.
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mclauchlan

9 years ago

Steve,

I used this business model on a number of discussion forums. I used SMF software available free with my hosting company populated with ads.

It's a good business model, easy to set up and can be profitable if you have the right subject.

It is however very time consuming and there's a constant battle with spammers despite the security features.

Thanks
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Steve Foulds

9 years ago

Originally Posted by mclauchlan

Steve,

I used this business model on a number of discussion forums. I used SMF software available free with my hosting company populated with ads.

It's a good business model, easy to set up and can be profitable if you have the right subject.

It is however very time consuming and there's a constant battle with spammers despite the security features.

I'm considering a few options to help combat spammers and its one of my reasons im chasing resources. Success leaves clues! Im considering charging a small fee from the outset, with the mentality being spammers wont pay to join a forum (and offering first x amount of members free, to start the community)

Thanks

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itos

9 years ago

In my personal experience I have used Xenforo and has been great, it loads fast and there is a lot of support along plugins and in the community.

But to build a forum will take a lot of time, since you have to build a community from the ground up to start.