MyBB/phpBB Multi Hosting

[Aerodynamic]

One of my dreams once were was to have a forum hosting company. I have a licensed VAT number, so that is all legally ok. I kinda gave up this project a few years ago because I couldn't find a decent developer at the time. I've tried that 3 times but every time the dev lost connection somehow. So I'm wiling to try it once more or burry the plans once and for all.

The idea was to have a multi forum host where clients can easily register a free forum using either phpBB or MyBB, one that is already a bit modified to todays standards. Or we could offer them both with time. I would need the developer to stay on my side as my tech guy. I know some stuff, but no php coding or whatever is involved for such project. I also don't know what it would cost.

If anyone has an idea, spark of interest or wants to have a more elaborated chat, hit me up through PM.

 

[BorkedSystem32]

Hello, @Aerodynamic!

As for some suggestions: I see no reason why you couldn't offer both choices, unless of course you don't wish to put up with maintenance of two different pieces of software(especially if you're going to be modifying them) alongside server and security maintenance. If you're going to be modifying either software too, knowledge of PHP would be required as both are written in PHP(unless you're going to be using add-ons made by other people, that's fine).

In regards to cost, well you're going to be letting people setup a forum for free and so you would need to find a way to offset the costs: this could be through advertisements/sponsorships(users could pay to remove these), lock certain features behind paywalls, or ask for donations. You could also offer a free tier whilst offering up a premium tier too(which would usually remove adverts and unlock any features you've put behind a paywall) - it'd be up to you whether the premium tier is a one-time payment or a subscription payment for continued use of the service.

I suppose too that if you wish to keep your developer, perhaps an incentive to keep them in? It's a bit manipulative but it would keep them working for you.

Best of luck with this project!

 

[Aerodynamic]

Hello, @Aerodynamic!

As for some suggestions: I see no reason why you couldn't offer both choices, unless of course you don't wish to put up with maintenance of two different pieces of software(especially if you're going to be modifying them) alongside server and security maintenance. If you're going to be modifying either software too, knowledge of PHP would be required as both are written in PHP(unless you're going to be using add-ons made by other people, that's fine).

In regards to cost, well you're going to be letting people setup a forum for free and so you would need to find a way to offset the costs: this could be through advertisements/sponsorships(users could pay to remove these), lock certain features behind paywalls, or ask for donations. You could also offer a free tier whilst offering up a premium tier too(which would usually remove adverts and unlock any features you've put behind a paywall) - it'd be up to you whether the premium tier is a one-time payment or a subscription payment for continued use of the service.

I suppose too that if you wish to keep your developer, perhaps an incentive to keep them in? It's a bit manipulative but it would keep them working for you.

Best of luck with this project!

Thanks. That would indeed be the idea. As for the developer, it would be a paid job. How much that is, is something I cannot disclose yet as we are too far from being an actual project. I would need a developer who believes in this project, and wants to assist me all the way through.

 

[BorkedSystem32]

Thanks. That would indeed be the idea. As for the developer, it would be a paid job. How much that is, is something I cannot disclose yet as we are too far from being an actual project. I would need a developer who believes in this project, and wants to assist me all the way through.

Well then you have another factor thrown into the costs of the project: the developer. This is where I think it would be reasonable to charge for the service rather than split it into two tiers where most will flock to the free tier or even just provide it fully free.

Of course, your developer is a human being: remember to let them have time off, don't overwork them, make sure they're in good health, and try not to create conflict and if any does arise, make sure it's settled. Pay is one thing for keeping a person in a job, the working conditions are another.

 

[Aerodynamic]

Well then you have another factor thrown into the costs of the project: the developer. This is where I think it would be reasonable to charge for the service rather than split it into two tiers where most will flock to the free tier or even just provide it fully free.

Of course, your developer is a human being: remember to let them have time off, don't overwork them, make sure they're in good health, and try not to create conflict and if any does arise, make sure it's settled. Pay is one thing for keeping a person in a job, the working conditions are another.

Of course, it would be more a laid back position, since a start up wouldn't require much additional work after the installment. As for the pre-made add ons and themes, I could take that under my control - developer would just need to make a bridge between our main website and forum registering service.

There are not many decent free forum companies out there anymore, which was always something I wanted to change.

 

[BorkedSystem32]

There are not many decent free forum companies out there anymore, which was always something I wanted to change.

That is commendable. ProBoards is still around, however, I think it's quite outdated now whilst still holding up well; Forumotion still exists too although I remember trying them and not being a big fan(I think it was them anyway).

I think it's reasonable to be concerned in regards to financing the service, especially with the rising cost of electricity and hardware which will in turn increase hosting costs. The cost of living rise too will force you to pay more to your developer that you hire(so be sure you pay them according to what they need to live off).

Of course, it would be more a laid back position, since a start up wouldn't require much additional work after the installment. As for the pre-made add ons and themes, I could take that under my control - developer would just need to make a bridge between our main website and forum registering service.

Ah, I was thinking that with a developer, you would be getting them to build features for the forum and designing themes, etc. That's alright. By the sound of it, it seems quite relaxed and not a lot of work, mostly maintenance.

 

[Aerodynamic]

That is commendable. ProBoards is still around, however, I think it's quite outdated now whilst still holding up well; Forumotion still exists too although I remember trying them and not being a big fan(I think it was them anyway).

I think it's reasonable to be concerned in regards to financing the service, especially with the rising cost of electricity and hardware which will in turn increase hosting costs. The cost of living rise too will force you to pay more to your developer that you hire(so be sure you pay them according to what they need to live off).


Ah, I was thinking that with a developer, you would be getting them to build features for the forum and designing themes, etc. That's alright. By the sound of it, it seems quite relaxed and not a lot of work, mostly maintenance.

Correct.

I have a decent rewarding daytime job, so funds are no problem, even if there's little in return.

 

[BorkedSystem32]

Correct.

I have a decent rewarding daytime job, so funds are no problem, even if there's little in return.

Well as long as you have a stable job to be able to fund the site, I think now that you shouldn't have any problems with funding, as long as you don't overspend on the project.

Best of luck again!