How to Start a Bulletin Board?

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 25 Sep 2003 7:57 pm

I'd like to start an internet bulletin board for the parents of kids at my son's school, to exchange ideas, etc, etc. Can anyone advise me on how to go about that, what the costs might be, etc?
Thanks!

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 26 Sep 2003 1:25 am

you can get some nice cork ones at Walmart, and they also sell the cute little push pins in multiple colors.

Don't know how the heck you upload something like that though. b0b will know.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 26 Sep 2003 5:02 am

Thank you for sharing, Donna. Now please take a seat.

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 26 Sep 2003 6:03 am

Jim,

First you will need a website to run it on. The website will need to have a scripting language...for example ASP, PHP, etc...

If you use ASP, which is the most common, you should check out this one: http://www.toastforums.com/

Toast Forums is really nice for the "school" situation because it has a "bad word" filter. Won't let you post them.

I hope that helps out. I really recommend Toast Forums.

Thanks!
Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 26 Sep 2003 6:33 am

Do I have to actually know anything in order to set this up and run it, or can a dummy like me just install it and (basically) press "GO"? (Please?)

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 26 Sep 2003 6:50 am

Jim,

Well...there really is no button to "install" it. You need to know something about the HTML language and ASP the scripting language. You will not have to be a guru in the language, but you should know the fundamentals so you can edit this bulletin board.

Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 26 Sep 2003 7:29 am

All right Donna!

That's what Jim would have posted if someone else asked!

Check out http://www.ezboard.com/
That's how Bobbe runs his SGN Forum.

I don't have any experience with EZ Board, but all the info is there.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 26 Sep 2003 7:41 am

Hey Joey, thanks for that link. It looks like it might be "Bulletin Boards for Dummies"! I can use that!

Joey Ace · Post by **Joey Ace** » 26 Sep 2003 7:47 am

It's an "Acceptable" BB.

Ron Page · Post by **Ron Page** » 26 Sep 2003 9:30 am

If the school already has a web site they might consider hosting a parents bulletin board.

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HagFan

Lou[NE] · Post by **Lou[NE]** » 27 Sep 2003 3:42 pm

Another good free bbs is Ikonboard. It also has a word filter, lets you set up multiple forums, and I found it very easy to set up. they also have good support forums. check them out at www.ikonboard.com

Hope this is helpful.

Lou

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 27 Sep 2003 4:39 pm

Thanks, guys. I'll look into these. Ron, the school does have a website, but I'd prefer to have this independent of their control and auspices.

Mark Ardito · Post by **Mark Ardito** » 1 Oct 2003 10:30 am

Jim,

I just put ToastForums on my website http://www.darkmagneto.com It was a pretty easy install and just a little modification. The FAQ supplied was awesome and really made the process easy...maybe check it out.

Mark

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Sho~Bud Pro I, Fender D-8 (C6&E13) http://www.darkmagneto.com

Larry Robbins · Post by **Larry Robbins** » 1 Oct 2003 12:04 pm

Donna,
You are one funny Lady.thanks for all the smiles!!......ha.ha....Walmart....ha ,ha

Donna Dodd · Post by **Donna Dodd** » 2 Oct 2003 3:20 pm

Thanks Larry!! One of the reasons I love the Forum so much -- it's GREAT for stress! Besides, where else would I even have the opportunity to say something a little twisted? Your comments are clever, as well!!!

donna

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 7 Oct 2003 1:24 pm

Jim,
I have the Christian Steel Message Board on Ezboard, and it's a snap to use. If you decide to go that route, and if I can help you any at all, please feel free to get in touch with me. I'll be happy to help.

Lem