Let's review how to make a forum. There are basically two ways to create an online discussion forum; the easy way, and the hard way. First, let's look at the easy way, then we'll review the hard way. While this short discussion doesn't cover every imaginable way a discussion forum is created, it will illuminate the steps used in most all forum creation on the web.
The Easy Way
Below are the steps required to create a discussion forum the "easy" way:
- Choose a forum name and submit a short setup form
- Activate your new forum by clicking the activation link in the email sent to you
- Login to your forum and begin customizing
The Hard Way
Here are the steps typically required to create a discussion forum the "hard way":
- Register & pay for a domain name at a domain registrar
- Pay for a web hosting plan to host your forum
- Locate & download suitable forum software (forum software can cost hundreds of dollars)
- Locate & download an FTP client to upload the software to your web host
- Properly upload the forum software
- Install & configure the new forum software on the host server
- Create a MySQL database on the host server through the control panel they provide
- Login to your forum and begin customizing
Admittedly, steps 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 are relatively simple. The challenge for most of us comes from steps 5, 6, and 7. If all you want to do is start a forum and invite some friends, do you really want to be forced into creating a MySQL database? Or, have to configure a complex software application on a host server?
Remote Hosting
For those not interested in taking on the technical responsibilities mentioned above, remote forum hosting can offer a much simpler, more reliable and less demanding solution.... for free!
Enter ProBoards. As the most experienced and popular provider of free forums on the Internet, we offer a completely free forum-hosting solution that includes the most advanced discussion forum software available, unlimited freedom to grow your membership, and a support community ready to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Getting Started
After you've created your new ProBoards forum, refer to the Getting Started Guide for a simple explanation of forum features and setup tasks. Moreover, you can always refer to the detailed Forum Help Guide or post questions on our Support Board for additional guidance. Enjoy!